Firefighting Equipment

The LI 0910 - Firefighting Equipment program is a Navy procurement initiative under the Other Procurement, Navy appropriation, specifically focused on shipboard firefighting and damage control equipment. The primary goal is to ensure that all Navy vessels are equipped with modern, reliable, and service-ready firefighting systems and safety apparatus. This supports operational safety, compliance with validated requirements, and the implementation of lessons learned from recent shipboard fire incidents, notably the USS Bonhomme Richard fire. The program encompasses hardware procurement, installation, and related engineering support, with funding allocated based on ship installation schedules and the lifecycle status of existing equipment.

HB003 - Emergency Escape Breathing Device (EEBD) Replacement targets the replacement of EEBDs that have reached the end of their 15-year service life. EEBDs are critical for emergency escape during shipboard fires, and their replacement is a high-priority Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) effort. The procurement covers the breathing apparatus hardware, shipping, and distribution to ships, with unit costs varying by ship class and port location. Funding in FY 2026 decreased due to a reduction in the number of installations, reflecting the completion of most replacements in prior years. This ensures ships deploy with operational safety equipment, directly addressing validated requirements from casualty experiences.

HB010 - Damage Control Upgrades provides rapid assessments and initial outfitting for new capabilities or to address obsolescence in shipboard damage control systems. The objective is to enable the Navy to quickly field improvements or replacements in response to evolving threats or technology changes, typically within a year. FY 2026 funding reflects a decrease due to a change in requirements, indicating a shift in the scope or urgency of upgrades needed. These upgrades are essential for maintaining the effectiveness of shipboard damage control and firefighting operations.

HB011 - L2AB Firefighting Programs funds efforts arising from the Major Fires Review and recommendations from the USS Bonhomme Richard fire investigation, as validated by the Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) through the Learning to Action Board (L2AB). This program supports the development and installation of advanced fire detection and suppression systems, fire prevention features, and new firefighting equipment. The objective is to track and implement solutions that address identified vulnerabilities and improve shipboard fire response. FY 2026 funding is increasing to support expanded program requirements.

HB830 - Production Engineering (PE) covers the development of technical manuals, planned maintenance systems, provisioning documentation, program support data, and allowance parts lists. The goal is to provide the necessary engineering and program management support for the procurement and material sustainment of firefighting equipment. FY 2026 funding shows a slight increase, reflecting variability in installation efforts and ship class distribution. This ensures that all procured equipment is properly supported throughout its lifecycle and that maintenance and operational documentation remains current.

HB002 - Magazine Sprinkling Improvement addresses the replacement of legacy fire detection and actuation systems (FDAS) and solenoid operated pilot valves (SOPV) with modern motor-operated pilot valves (MOPV). The new systems provide improved fire performance, reliability, and reduced lifecycle costs. Procurement and installation costs vary by ship class and port location, with FY 2026 supporting installations on seven DDG 51 ships. The objective is to enhance magazine fire protection and reduce downtime and maintenance costs associated with older systems.

HB007 - SOPV Replacement focuses on replacing unreliable and costly SOPVs in the Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and Countermeasure Wash Down (CMWD) systems with MOPVs, which have a 50-year service life. This initiative is driven by top management attention and inspection board (INSURV) interest due to the impact on emergency system readiness. FY 2026 funding supports procurement and installation for seven DDG 51 ships, with the goal of ensuring these critical firefighting systems remain operational and cost-effective.

HB008 - SCBA Replacement involves the procurement and installation of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) with new 30-year cylinders, replacing units that have reached the end of their 15-year service life. SCBAs are essential for providing breathable air to firefighters during shipboard fire response. The FY 2026 request supports installations on LPD 26 and LPD 27, with funding reflecting increased procurement and installation activity. This ensures that Navy ships continue to deploy with up-to-date, reliable firefighting safety equipment.