Environmental Support Equipment

The LI 8126 - Environmental Support Equipment program within the Navy's Other Procurement budget is designed to ensure the operational readiness and technological modernization of environmental support systems critical to naval operations. This line item encompasses a diverse array of equipment, software, and infrastructure that supports oceanographic, hydrographic, meteorological, and precise timing missions. The goal is to maintain, replace, and upgrade systems that enable the Navy to collect, analyze, and disseminate environmental data necessary for safe navigation, effective mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and strategic deterrence.

Funding for high-speed, high-resolution side scan sonar systems supports Mine Warfare operations. These systems are installed aboard T-AGS 60 class ships to replicate capabilities found on other vessels, enabling simultaneous collection of high-resolution imagery for mine detection, hazard identification, and sea floor characterization. This capability supports change-detection doctrine and is crucial for hydrographic and oceanographic requirements.

Funds support the acquisition and lifecycle replacement of Master Clock, Earth Orientation Software Correlator, and Celestial Reference Frame network assets. The United States Naval Observatory distributes precise time, Earth Orientation Parameters, and celestial reference data to the Department of Defense, supporting assured Position, Navigation, and Time for national strategic priorities. The network consists of multiple mission enclave subsystems across several sites, with annual modernization to maintain security and reliability.

Funding provides for the replacement of end-of-life system components with high-performance computing technology, expanded data storage, and upgraded network connections. These systems facilitate acquisition, processing, and dissemination of meteorological and oceanographic data, optimizing weapons and sensor performance for warfighter support. Lifecycle replacement ensures continued compliance with operational requirements and cybersecurity standards, with a portion of system components replaced annually.

Funding is directed towards the procurement of man-portable and medium-depth autonomous undersea vehicle systems. These vehicles enhance battlespace awareness by interrogating the seafloor for mine detection and environmental characterization. The program also supports the acquisition of advanced sonar sensors to improve seabed mapping and environmental database accuracy.

Support for lifecycle replacement of shipboard conductivity, temperature, and depth optics systems on T-AGS 60 class vessels enables collection of physical oceanographic data across all water depths. These systems support hydrographic, bathymetric, acoustic, and environmental products for navigation safety and warfare missions. Procurement includes underwater units, deck units, optics sensors, deployment cages, and acoustic transponders for precise tracking and data acquisition.

Funding for lifecycle replacement and upgrades maintains survey accuracy and data transfer capabilities. Moving vessel profiler systems provide underway sound velocity measurements essential for hydrographic and bathymetric surveys. Communication systems enable secure, remote data transfer and IT support for T-AGS vessels, ensuring continued operational effectiveness and compliance with cybersecurity and information assurance requirements.