Firefighting Equipment

The Firefighting Equipment program within the Navy focuses on enhancing ship survivability by upgrading essential firefighting systems and equipment. This initiative addresses vulnerabilities highlighted by past shipboard fires, such as the USS Bonhomme Richard incident. The program's primary objectives include improving magazine sprinkling systems, replacing outdated emergency escape breathing devices (EEBDs), and upgrading damage control capabilities. These efforts are crucial for ensuring that naval vessels are equipped with modern, reliable firefighting tools to protect personnel and assets during emergencies.

A key component of this program is the Magazine Sprinkling Improvement project. This involves replacing outdated fire detection systems from the 1960s with modern Fire Detection and Actuation Systems (FDAS) and Motor-Operated Pilot Valves (MOPV). The upgrade aims to enhance fire performance while reducing lifecycle and logistics costs. The FDAS includes heat and smoke detectors, particularly for amphibious ships, ensuring rapid response to fire incidents. The MOPV allows for remote control of firefighting systems, significantly improving operational readiness.

Another critical aspect is the replacement of Solenoid Operated Pilot Valves (SOPVs) with MOPVs in Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and Countermeasure Wash Down (CMWD) systems. The existing SOPVs have been identified as unreliable and costly to maintain, leading to extended downtimes. By transitioning to MOPVs, which have a long service life, the Navy expects a substantial reduction in maintenance costs and improved system reliability during emergencies.

Additionally, the program addresses the replacement of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units that are nearing the end of their service life. The new SCBAs feature cylinders with extended operational capability for firefighters aboard ships. This replacement ensures that naval vessels deploy with up-to-date safety equipment necessary for effective firefighting operations. These upgrades reflect a comprehensive approach to enhancing shipboard firefighting capabilities across various vessel classes within the Navy fleet.