Operating Forces Support Equipment

The Operating Forces Support Equipment program, identified as Line Item 8118 in the Navy's FY 2026 budget, is a procurement-focused initiative under the Other Procurement, Navy appropriation. This program is designed to provide essential equipment and support systems to operating forces at Naval Stations and related facilities. Its primary objective is to ensure that both personnel and infrastructure are equipped to meet operational, safety, and maintenance requirements, particularly in areas such as firefighting, ship and submarine mooring, and port operations.

Live firefighting trainer procurement is a key component of this line item. The goal is to fund the construction, shipping, setup, and operator training for mobile live fire training devices. These trainers simulate structural and shipboard fire scenarios, as well as confined space rescues, providing hands-on training for both civilian and military firefighting crews. The program supports the Commander, Navy Installations Command Fire and Emergency Services, addressing increased staffing and training requirements following recommendations from the USS Bonhomme Richard incident. The acquisition of these trainers is justified by the need to maintain certification and proficiency for response crews, with inflation costs factored into procurement planning.

Mobile aircraft training devices are also funded under this line item. These devices are designed to safely simulate aircraft fires using propane fuel, enabling realistic, hands-on training for Navy fire response teams. Procurement includes construction, shipping, and training for operators, supporting the Navy's live fire training requirements for a variety of aircraft types, including large frame, fighter, and helicopter platforms. This capability is essential to ensure readiness for both civilian and military responders in the event of aviation-related emergencies.

Shipboard firefighting responders, equipment, and Joint Region Marianas services are another major focus. This program provides all-hazards response capabilities at shore locations, with an emphasis on specialized response at Navy ports. Funding supports the procurement of specialty equipment, suppression apparatus, and the expansion of Joint Region Marianas Fire and Emergency Services. The initiative implements corrective actions from major fire reviews and addresses deficiencies in large capacity water supply and personnel resources for shipboard firefighting at Navy piers. It also includes new technologies such as SCBA air-delivery fire hoses, tablets, thermal imagers, and unmanned agent application systems, with equipment allocated based on shipboard firefighting requirements.

Port operations waterfront support equipment includes the procurement of floating assets such as paint floats, utility floats, and platforms to facilitate external ship maintenance and docking operations. These assets are essential for hull maintenance, safe mooring of small craft and tugs, and deployment support for large deck ships. The program also funds port operations fendering systems, including fenders, camels, and ship separators designed to protect ships and submarines from damage while moored at piers or alongside other vessels. The use of composite materials in camels and fenders is emphasized to reduce maintenance and extend service life.

Collateral equipment support is another element of the line item, providing funds for equipment and minor property necessary to outfit new construction projects financed by Military Construction, Navy appropriations, or Host Nation funds. This ensures that new or renovated facilities are fully equipped to support operational requirements from the outset, as outlined in Navy facilities project guidance.