Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Military Readiness Activities in the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing Study Area

Federal RegisterMay 9, 2025

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 218

[Docket No. 250430-0074]

RIN 0648-BN17

Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Military Readiness Activities in the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing Study Area

AGENCY:

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION:

Proposed rule; proposed letters of authorization; request for comments.

SUMMARY:

NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Department of the Navy (including the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps (Navy)) and on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard (Coast Guard; hereafter, Navy and Coast Guard are collectively referred to as Action Proponents) for Incidental Take Regulations (ITR) and three associated Letters of Authorization (LOAs) pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The requested regulations would govern the authorization of take of marine mammals incidental to training and testing activities conducted in the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing (AFTT) Study Area over the course of seven years from November 2025 through November 2032. NMFS requests comments on this proposed rule. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the promulgation of the requested ITR and issuance of the LOAs; agency responses to public comments will be summarized in the final rule, if issued. The Action Proponents' activities are considered military readiness activities pursuant to the MMPA, as amended by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (2004 NDAA).

DATES:

Comments and information must be received no later than June 9, 2025.

ADDRESSES:

A plain language summary of this proposed rule is available at

https://www.regulations.gov/docket/NOAA-NMFS-2024-0115.

You may submit comments on this document, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2024-0115, by any of the following methods:

•

Electronic Submission:

Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Visit

https://www.regulations.gov

and type NOAA-NMFS-2024-0115 in the Search box. Click on the “Comment” icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.

•

Mail:

Submit written comments to Jolie Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3225.

•

Fax:

(301) 713-0376; Attn: Jolie Harrison.

Instructions:

Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on

https://www.regulations.gov

without change. All personal identifying information (

e.g.,

name, address,

etc.

), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter “N/A” in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only.

A copy of the Action Proponents' Incidental Take Authorization (ITA) application and supporting documents, as well as a list of the references cited in this document, may be obtained online at

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/incidental-take-authorizations-military-readiness-activities.

In case of problems accessing these documents, please call the contact listed below (see

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Alyssa Clevenstine, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, (301) 427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Purpose and Need for Regulatory Action

This proposed rule, if promulgated, would provide a framework under the authority of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361

et seq.

) to allow for the authorization of take of marine mammals incidental to the Action Proponents' training and testing activities (which qualify as military readiness activities) involving the use of active sonar and other transducers, air guns, and explosives (also referred to as “in-water detonations”); pile driving and vibratory extraction; and vessel movement in the AFTT Study Area. The AFTT Study Area includes air and water space of the western Atlantic Ocean along the east coast of North America, the Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico), and portions of the Caribbean Sea, covering approximately 2.6 million square nautical miles (nmi

; 8.9 million square kilometers (km

)) of ocean area (see figure 1.1-1 of the rulemaking and LOA application (hereafter referred to as the application)). Please see the Legal Authority for the Proposed Action section for relevant definitions.

Legal Authority for the Proposed Action

The MMPA prohibits the “take” of marine mammals, with certain exceptions. Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361

et seq.

) direct the Secretary of Commerce (as delegated to NMFS) to allow, upon request, the incidental, but not intentional, taking of small numbers of marine mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region if certain findings are made and either regulations are proposed or, if the taking is limited to harassment, a notice of a proposed authorization is provided to the public for review and the opportunity to submit comment.

Authorization for incidental takings shall be granted if NMFS finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or stock(s) and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or stock(s) for taking for subsistence uses (where relevant). Further, NMFS must prescribe the permissible methods of taking; other “means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact” on the affected species or stocks and their habitat, paying particular attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar significance, and on the availability of the species or stocks for taking for certain subsistence uses (referred to in shorthand as “mitigation”); and requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of the takings. The MMPA defines “take” to mean to harass, hunt, capture, or kill, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal. The Preliminary Analysis and Negligible Impact Determination section discusses the definition of “negligible impact.”

The 2004 NDAA (Pub. L. 108-136) amended section 101(a)(5) of the MMPA to remove the “small numbers” and “specified geographical region” provisions and amended the definition of “harassment” as applied to a “military readiness activity” to read as follows (section 3(18)(B) of the MMPA): (i) Any act that injures or has the significant potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the

wild (Level A Harassment); or (ii) Any act that disturbs or is likely to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of natural behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, surfacing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering, to a point where such behavioral patterns are abandoned or significantly altered (Level B Harassment). The 2004 NDAA also amended the MMPA establishing that “[f]or military readiness activity . . . , a determination of `least practicable adverse impact' . . . shall include consideration of personnel safety, practicality of implementation, and impact on the effectiveness of the military readiness activity.” On August 13, 2018, the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2019 (2019 NDAA) (Pub. L. 115-232) amended the MMPA to allow incidental take regulations for military readiness activities to be issued for up to 7 years.

Summary of Major Provisions Within the Proposed Rule

The major provisions of this proposed rule are:

(i) The proposed take of marine mammals by Level A harassment and/or Level B harassment;

(ii) The proposed take of marine mammals by mortality or serious injury (M/SI);

(iii) The proposed use of defined powerdown and shutdown zones (based on activity);

(iv) Proposed measures to reduce the likelihood of vessel strikes;

(v) Proposed activity limitations in certain areas and times that are biologically important (

i.e.,

for foraging, migration, reproduction) for marine mammals;

(vi) The proposed implementation of a Notification and Reporting Plan (for dead, live stranded, or marine mammals struck by any vessel engaged in military readiness activities); and

(vii) The proposed implementation of a robust monitoring plan to improve our understanding of the environmental effects resulting from the Action Proponents' training and testing activities.

This proposed rule includes an adaptive management component that allows for timely modification of mitigation, monitoring, and/or reporting measures based on new information, when appropriate.

Summary of Request

On May 28, 2024, NMFS received an application from the Action Proponents requesting authorization to take marine mammals, by Level A and Level B harassment, incidental to training and testing (characterized as military readiness activities) including the use of sonar and other transducers, in-water detonations, air guns, and impact and vibratory pile driving and extraction conducted within the AFTT Study Area. In addition, the Action Proponents are requesting authorization to take, by serious injury or mortality, a limited number of several marine mammal species from explosives during training exercises, ship shock trials, and vessel movement during military readiness activities conducted within the AFTT Study Area over the 7-year period of the LOAs. In response to our comments and following information exchange, the Action Proponents submitted a final revised application on August 16, 2024, that we determined was adequate and complete on August 19, 2024. On October 8, 2024, the Action Proponents submitted an updated application to revise take estimates on a subset of Navy activities. On September 20, 2024, we published a notice of receipt (NOR) of application in the

Federal Register

(89 FR 77106), requesting comments and information related to the Action Proponents' request for 30 days. During the 30-day public comment period on the NOR, we did not receive any public comments. On January 21, 2025, the Action Proponents submitted an updated application that removed ship shock trials and estimated take associated with that activity in Key West and within the Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Range Complex and, on February 13, 2025, the Action Proponents submitted an updated application containing minor revisions.

NMFS has previously promulgated incidental take regulations pursuant to the MMPA relating to similar military readiness activities in AFTT. NMFS published the first rule effective from January 22, 2009 through January 22, 2014 (74 FR 4844, January 27, 2009), the second rule effective from November 14, 2013 through November 13, 2018 (78 FR 73009, December 4, 2013), and the third rule effective from November 14, 2018 through November 13, 2023 (83 FR 57076, November 14, 2018), which was subsequently amended, extending the effective date until November 13, 2025 (84 FR 70712, December 23, 2019) pursuant to the 2019 NDAA. For this proposed rulemaking, the Action Proponents propose to conduct substantially similar training and testing activities within the AFTT Study Area that were conducted under previous rules.

The Action Proponents' application reflects the most up-to-date compilation of training and testing activities deemed necessary to accomplish military readiness requirements. The types and numbers of activities included in the proposed rule account for fluctuations in training and testing to meet evolving or emergent military readiness requirements. These proposed regulations would cover military readiness activities in the AFTT Study Area that would occur for a 7-year period following the expiration of the existing MMPA authorization on November 13, 2025.

Description of Proposed Activity

Overview

The Action Proponents request authorization to take marine mammals incidental to conducting military readiness activities. The Action Proponents have determined that acoustic and explosives stressors are most likely to result in take of marine mammals that could rise to the level of harassment, and take by serious injury or mortality may result from vessel movement, explosive use, and ship shock trials. Detailed descriptions of these activities are provided in chapter 2 of the 2024 AFTT Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)/Overseas EIS (OEIS) (2024 AFTT Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS) (

https://www.nepa.navy.mil/aftteis/

) and in the Action Proponents' application (

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/incidental-take-authorizations-military-readiness-activities

) and are summarized here.

The Navy's statutory mission is to organize, train, equip, and maintain combat-ready naval forces for the peacetime promotion of the national security interests and prosperity of the United States, and for prompt and sustained combat incident to operations essential to the prosecution of a naval campaign. These missions are mandated by Federal law (10 U.S.C. 8062 and 10 U.S.C. 8063), which requires the readiness of the naval forces of the United States. The Navy executes this responsibility by establishing and executing at-sea training and testing, often in designated operating areas (OPAREA) and testing and training ranges. The Navy must be able to access and utilize these areas and associated sea and air space to develop and maintain skills for conducting naval operations. The Navy's testing activities ensure naval forces are equipped with well-maintained systems that take advantage of the latest technological advances. The Navy's research and acquisition community conducts military readiness activities that involve testing. The Navy tests vessels, aircraft, weapons, combat systems, sensors, and

related equipment, and conducts scientific research activities to achieve and maintain military readiness.

The mission of the Coast Guard is to ensure the maritime safety, security, and stewardship of the United States. To advance this mission, the Coast Guard must ensure its personnel can qualify and train jointly with, and independently of, the Navy and other services in the effective and safe operational use of Coast Guard vessels, aircraft, and weapons under realistic conditions. These activities help ensure the Coast Guard can safely assist in the defense of the United States by protecting the United States' maritime safety, security, and natural resources in accordance with its national defense mission (14 U.S.C. 102). Coast Guard training activities are described in more detail in appendix C of the 2024 AFTT Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS and in the Action Proponents' application, and are summarized below.

Dates and Duration

The specified activities would occur at any time during the 7-year period of validity of the regulations. The proposed number of military readiness activities are described in the Detailed Description of the Specified Activity section (table 4 through table 9).

Specified Geographical Region

The AFTT Study Area includes areas of the western Atlantic Ocean along the east coast of North America, the Gulf of America, and portions of the Caribbean Sea, covering approximately 2.6 million nmi

(8.9 million km

) of ocean area, oriented from the mean high tide line along the U.S. coast and extending east to 45-degree west longitude line, north to 65-degree north latitude line, and south to approximately the 20-degree north latitude line (figure 1). It also includes Navy and Coast Guard pierside locations and port transit channels, bays, harbors, inshore waterways (

e.g.,

channels, rivers), and civilian ports where military readiness activities occur as well as vessel and aircraft transit routes between homeports and OPAREAs. New to the Study Area are inshore waters adjacent to the Gulf of America and changes to ship shock trial areas. The VACAPES and Key West ship shock trial areas were removed from the Study Area, the Gulf of America ship shock trial area was moved south, and the Jacksonville ship shock trial area expanded. The vast majority of military readiness activities occur within appropriately designated range complexes and testing ranges that fall within the confines of the Study Area. Please refer to figure 1.1-1 of the application for a color map of the AFTT Study Area and figure 2.1-1 through figure 2.1-5 for additional maps of the range complexes and testing ranges. A summary of the AFTT Range Complexes and Testing Ranges are provided in table 1, Inshore Areas are provided in table 2, and Ports and Piers are provided in table 3.

BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

EP09MY25.000

BILLING CODE 3510-22-C

Table 1—AFTT Study Area Training and Testing Ranges

Name

Basic location

Sea and undersea space

Air space

Northeast Range Complexes

750 miles along the coast from Maine to New Jersey

46,000 nmi

of sea and undersea space. Includes three OPAREAs: Boston, Narragansett Bay, and Atlantic City

29,000 nmi

of special use airspace.

Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport Testing Range

Includes the waters of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island Sound, Block Island Sound, Buzzards Bay, Vineyard Sound, and Long Island Sound

11,000 nmi

of sea and undersea space. Includes three Restricted Areas: Coddington Cove, Narragansett Bay, and Rhode Island Sound

Minimal testing occurs in airspace within the test area.

Virginia Capes Range Complex (VACAPES RC)

250 miles along the coast from Delaware to North Carolina, from the shoreline to 150 nmi seaward

30,000 nmi

of sea and undersea space. Includes one OPAREA: Virginia Capes

30,000 nmi

of special use airspace.

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex

Off the coast of North and South Carolina, from the shoreline to 120 nmi seaward

19,000 nmi

of sea and undersea space. Includes one OPAREA: Navy Cherry Point

19,000 nmi

of special use airspace.

Jacksonville Range Complex (JAX RC)

520 miles along the coast from North Carolina to Florida, from the shoreline to roughly 250 nmi seaward

50,000 nmi

of sea and undersea space. Includes three OPAREAs: Charleston, Jacksonville and Cape Canaveral. Includes the Undersea Warfare Training Range

64,000 nmi

of special use airspace.

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility Testing Range (SFOMF)

Located adjacent to the Port Everglades entrance channel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; out to roughly 25 nmi from shore

500 nmi

of sea and undersea space

No associated special use airspace.

Key West Range Complex

Off the southwestern coast of mainland Florida and along the southern Florida Keys, extending into the Gulf of America and the Straits of Florida

8,000 nmi

of sea and undersea space south of Key West. Includes one OPAREA: Key West

23,000 nmi

of special use airspace.

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division Testing Area

Off the panhandle of Florida and Alabama, extending from the shoreline 120 nmi seaward and includes St. Andrew Bay

23,000 nmi

of sea and undersea space. Includes two OPAREAs: Panama City and Pensacola

23,000 nmi

of special use airspace.

Gulf Range Complex (Gulf RC)

Includes geographically separated areas throughout the Gulf of America

20,000 nmi

of sea and undersea space. Includes four OPAREAs: Panama City, Pensacola, New Orleans, and Corpus Christi

43,000 nmi

of special use airspace.

Note:

nmi = nautical mile, nmi

= square nautical mile, areas and distances of locations, sea and undersea space, and airspace are approximations.

Table 2—AFTT Study Area Inshore Locations

Name

Associated inshore waters

Northeast Range Complexes Inshore

Thames River, Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island Sound, Block Island Sound.

Virginia Capes Range Complex (VACAPES RC) Inshore

Lower Chesapeake Bay, James River and tributaries, Broad Bay, York River.

Jacksonville Range Complex (JAX RC) Inshore

Blount Island, Southeast Kings Bay, Cooper River, St. Johns River, Port Canaveral.

Key West Range Complex Inshore

Truman Harbor, Demolition Key.

Gulf Range Complex (Gulf RC) Inshore

St. Andrew Bay, Atchafalaya Bay, Atchafalaya River, Lake Borgne, Pascagoula River, Mobile Bay.

Note:

The Gulf Range Complex Inshore includes geographically separated areas throughout the Gulf of America.

Table 3—AFTT Study Area Ports and Piers

Pierside locations

Civilian ports

Coast Guard locations

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Bath, ME

Southwest Harbor, ME

Naval Submarine Base New London

Boston, MA

Naval Station Newport

Earle, NJ

Cape Cod, MA

Naval Station Norfolk

Delaware Bay, DE

New London, CT *

Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Fort Story

Hampton Roads, VA

New Haven CT *

Norfolk Naval Shipyard

Morehead City, NC

Newport, RI *

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay

Wilmington, NC

Montauk, NY

Naval Station Mayport

Kings Bay, GA

Staten Island, NY *

Port Canaveral

Savannah, GA

Atlantic City, NJ

Mayport, FL

Chesapeake, VA

Port Canaveral, FL

Virginia Beach, VA *

Tampa, FL

Portsmouth, VA*

Pascagoula, MS

Elizabeth City, NC

Gulfport, MS

Charleston, SC *

Beaumont, TX

Mayport, FL *

Corpus Christi, TX

Cape Canaveral, FL *

Fort Pierce, FL *

Dania, FL *

Miami, FL *

Key West, FL *

St. Petersburg, FL *

Pensacola, FL *

Opa Locka, FL

New Orleans, LA

Houston, TX

Corpus Christi, TX

Note:

CT: Connecticut; FL: Florida; GA: Georgia; LA: Louisiana; MA: Massachusetts; ME: Maine; MS: Mississippi; NC: North Carolina; NJ: New Jersey; NY: New York; RI: Rhode Island; SC: South Carolina; TX: Texas; VA: Virginia.

* Indicates Coast Guard cutter stations.

Detailed Description of the Specified Activity

The Action Proponents propose to conduct military readiness activities within the AFTT Study Area and have been conducting military readiness activities in the Study Area for well over a century and with active sonar for over 70 years. The tempo and types of military readiness activities have fluctuated due to the introduction of new technologies, the evolving nature of international events, advances in warfighting doctrine and procedures, and changes in force structure (organization of vessels, weapons, and personnel). Such developments influenced the frequency, duration, intensity, and location of required military readiness activities.

Primary Mission Areas

The Navy categorizes their activities into functional warfare areas called primary mission areas, while the Coast Guard categorizes their activities as operational mission programs. For the Navy, these activities generally fall into the following five primary mission areas (Coast Guard mission areas are discussed below). The Navy mission areas with activities that may result in incidental take of marine mammals (and stressors associated with training and testing activities within those mission areas) include the following:

(i) Amphibious warfare (in-water detonations);

(ii) Anti-submarine warfare (sonar and other transducers, in-water detonations);

(iii) Expeditionary warfare (in-water detonations, pile driving and extraction);

(iv) Mine warfare (sonar and other transducers, in-water detonations);

(v) Surface warfare (in-water detonations); and

(vi) Other (sonar and other transducers, air guns, vessel movement).

Most Navy activities conducted in AFTT are categorized under one of these primary mission areas; activities that do not fall within one of these areas are listed as “other activities.” In addition, ship shock (in-water detonations) trials, a specific Navy testing activity related to vessel evaluation, would be conducted. The testing community also categorizes most, but not all, of its testing activities under these primary mission areas. The testing community has three additional categories of activities: vessel evaluation (inclusive of ship shock trials), unmanned systems (

i.e.,

unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs)), and acoustic and oceanographic science and technology.

The Action Proponents describe and analyze the effects of their activities within the application (see the 2024 AFTT Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS for additional details). In their assessment, the Action Proponents concluded that sonar and other transducers, underwater detonations, air guns, and pile driving/extraction were the stressors most likely to result in impacts on marine mammals that could rise to the level of harassment (and serious injury or mortality by explosives or by vessel movement) as defined under the MMPA. Therefore, the Action Proponents' application provides their assessment of potential effects from these stressors in terms of the primary warfare mission areas in which they would be conducted.

The Coast Guard has four major national defense missions:

(i) Maritime intercept operations;

(ii) Deployed port operations/security and defense;

(iii) Peacetime engagement; and

(iv) Environmental defense operations (which includes oil and hazardous substance response).

The Coast Guard manages 6 major operational mission programs with 11 statutory missions, which includes defense readiness. As part of the Coast Guard's defense mission, Title 14 U.S.C. 1 states the Coast Guard is “at all times an armed force of the United States.” As part of the Joint Forces, the Coast Guard maintains its readiness to carry out military operations in support of the policies and objectives of the U.S. government. As an armed force, the Coast Guard trains and operates in the joint military arena at any time and functions as a specialized service under the Navy in time of war or when directed by the President. Coast Guard service members are trained to respond immediately to support military operations and national security. Federal law created the framework for the relationship between the Navy and the Coast Guard (10 U.S.C. 101; 14 U.S.C. 2(7); 22 U.S.C.; 50 U.S.C.). To meet these statutory requirements and effectively carry out these missions, the Coast Guard's air and surface units train using realistic scenarios, including training with the Navy in their primary mission areas. Every Coast Guard unit is trained to support all statutory missions and, thus, trained to meet all mission requirements, which includes their defense mission requirements. Since all Coast Guard's missions entail the deployment of cutters or boats and either fixed-wing or rotary aircraft, the Coast Guard training requirements for one mission generally overlaps with the training requirements of other missions. Thus, when the Coast Guard is training for its defense mission, the same skill sets are utilized for its other statutory missions.

The Coast Guard's defense mission does not involve low- or mid-frequency active sonar (LFAS or MFAS), missiles, in-water detonations, pile driving and extraction, or air guns that would result in harassment of marine mammals. For additional information on all activities in the Coast Guard's mission programs see appendix C of the 2024 AFTT Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS.

Below, we provide additional detail for each of the applicable primary mission areas.

Amphibious Warfare—

The mission of amphibious warfare is to project military power from the sea to the shore (

i.e.,

attack a threat on land by a military force embarked on ships) through the use of naval firepower and expeditionary landing forces. Amphibious warfare operations include Navy and Marine Corps small unit reconnaissance or raid missions to large-scale amphibious exercises involving multiple ships and aircraft combined into a strike group.

Amphibious warfare training ranges from individual, crew, and small unit events to large task force exercises. Individual and crew training include amphibious vehicles and naval gunfire support training. Such training includes shore assaults, boat raids, airfield or port seizures, reconnaissance, and disaster relief. Large-scale amphibious exercises involve ship-to-shore maneuvers, naval fire support such as shore bombardment, air strikes, and attacks on targets that are near friendly forces.

Testing of guns, munitions, aircraft, ships, and amphibious vessels and vehicles used in amphibious warfare are often integrated into training activities and, in most cases, the systems are used in the same manner in which they are used for training activities. Amphibious warfare tests, when integrated with training activities or conducted separately as full operational evaluations on existing amphibious vessels and vehicles following maintenance, repair, or modernization, may be conducted independently or in conjunction with other amphibious ship and aircraft activities. Testing is performed to ensure effective ship-to-

shore coordination and transport of personnel, equipment, and supplies. Tests may also be conducted periodically on other systems, vessels, and aircraft intended for amphibious operations to assess operability and to investigate efficacy of new technologies.

Anti-Submarine Warfare—

The mission of anti-submarine warfare is to locate, neutralize, and defeat hostile submarine forces that threaten Navy forces. Anti-submarine warfare is based on the principle that surveillance and attack aircraft, ships, and submarines all search for hostile submarines. These forces operate together or independently to gain early warning and detection and to localize, track, target, and attack submarine threats.

Anti-submarine warfare training addresses basic skills such as detecting and classifying submarines, as well as evaluating sounds to distinguish between enemy submarines and friendly submarines, ships, and marine life. More advanced training integrates the full spectrum of anti-submarine warfare from detecting and tracking a submarine to attacking a target using either exercise torpedoes (

i.e.,

torpedoes that do not contain a warhead) or simulated weapons. These integrated anti-submarine warfare training exercises are conducted in coordinated, at-sea training events involving submarines, ships, and aircraft.

Testing of anti-submarine warfare systems is conducted to develop new technologies and assess weapon performance and operability with new systems and platforms, such as unmanned systems. Testing uses ships, submarines, and aircraft to demonstrate capabilities of torpedoes, missiles, countermeasure systems, and underwater surveillance and communications systems. Tests may be conducted as part of a large-scale fleet training event involving submarines, ships, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters. These integrated training events offer opportunities to conduct research and acquisition activities and to train aircrew in the use of new or newly enhanced systems during a large-scale, complex exercise.

Expeditionary Warfare—

The mission of expeditionary warfare is to provide security and surveillance in the littoral (at the shoreline), riparian (along a river), or coastal environments. Expeditionary warfare is wide ranging and includes defense of harbors, operation of remotely operated vehicles, defense against swimmers, and boarding/seizure operations.

Expeditionary warfare training activities include Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard underwater construction team training, dive and salvage operations, and insertion/extraction via air, surface, and subsurface platforms.

Mine Warfare—

The mission of mine warfare is to detect, classify, and avoid or neutralize (disable) mines to protect U.S. ships and submarines, and to maintain free access to ports and shipping lanes. Mine warfare training for the Navy and Coast Guard falls into two primary categories: mine detection and classification, and mine countermeasure and neutralization. Mine warfare also includes offensive mine laying to gain control of or deny the enemy access to sea space. Naval mines can be laid by ships, submarines, UUVs, or aircraft.

Mine warfare neutralization training includes exercises in which aircraft, ships, submarines, underwater vehicles, unmanned vehicles, or marine mammal detection systems search for mine shapes. Personnel train to destroy or disable mines by attaching underwater explosives to or near the mine or using remotely operated vehicles to destroy the mine.

Mine warfare testing is similar to training but focuses on the development of mine warfare systems to improve sonar, laser, and magnetic detectors intended to hunt, locate, and record the positions of mines for avoidance or subsequent neutralization. Mine detection and classification testing involves the use of air, surface, and subsurface platforms using a variety of systems to locate and identify objects underwater. Mine countermeasure and neutralization testing includes the use of air, surface, and subsurface platforms to evaluate the effectiveness of tracking devices, countermeasure and neutralization systems, and explosive munitions to neutralize mine threats. Most neutralization tests use mine shapes, or non-explosive practice mines, to evaluate a new or enhanced capability; however, a small percentage require the use of high-explosive mines to evaluate and confirm effectiveness of various systems.

Surface Warfare—

The mission of surface warfare is to obtain control of sea space from which naval forces may operate and entails offensive action against other surface and subsurface targets while also defending against enemy forces. In surface warfare, aircraft use cannons, air-to-surface missiles, and other precision-guided munitions; ships employ torpedoes, naval guns, and surface-to-surface missiles; and submarines attack surface ships using torpedoes.

Surface warfare training includes Navy and Coast Guard surface-to-surface gunnery and missile exercises, air-to-surface gunnery, bombing, and missile exercises, submarine torpedo launch events, other munitions against surface targets, and amphibious operations in a contested environment.

Testing of weapons used in surface warfare is conducted to develop new technologies and to assess weapon performance and operability with new systems and platforms, such as unmanned systems. Tests include various air-to-surface guns and missiles, surface-to-surface guns and missiles, and bombing tests. Testing events may be integrated into training activities to test aircraft or aircraft systems in the delivery of ordnance on a surface target. In most cases the tested systems are used in the same manner in which they are used for training activities.

Overview of Training Activities Within the Study Area

The Action Proponents routinely train in the AFTT Study Area in preparation for national defense missions. Training activities and exercises covered in this proposed rule are briefly described below and in more detail within appendix A (Activity Descriptions) of the 2024 AFTT Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS. The description, annual number of activities, and location of each training activity are provided by stressor category in table 4, table 5, and table 6. Each training activity described meets a requirement that can be traced ultimately to requirements set forth by the National Command Authority.

Within the Navy, a major training exercise (MTE) is comprised of multiple “unit-level” exercises conducted by several units operating together while commanded and controlled by a single commander (these units are collectively referred to as carrier and expeditionary strike groups). These exercises typically employ an exercise scenario developed to train and evaluate the strike group in tactical naval tasks. In a MTE, most of the operations and activities being directed and coordinated by the strike group commander are identical in nature to the operations conducted during individual, crew, and smaller unit-level training events. However, in MTEs, these disparate training tasks are conducted in concert rather than in isolation. Some integrated or coordinated anti-submarine warfare exercises are similar in that they are composed of several unit-level exercises

but are generally on a smaller scale than a MTE, are shorter in duration, use fewer assets, and use fewer hours of hull-mounted sonar per exercise. Coordinated training exercises involve multiple units working together to meet unit-level training requirements, whereas integrated training exercises involve multiple units working together for deployment. Coordinated exercises involving the use of sonar are presented under the category of anti-submarine warfare. The anti-submarine warfare portions of these exercises are considered together in coordinated activities for the sake of acoustic modeling. When other training objectives are being met, those activities are described via unit-level training in each of the relevant primary mission areas.

With a smaller fleet of approximately 250 cutters, Coast Guard activities are not as extensive as Navy activities due to differing mission requirements. However, the Coast Guard does train with the Navy and conducts some of the same training as the Navy. The Coast Guard does not conduct any exercises similar in scale to Navy MTEs/integrated exercises, and the use of mid- or low-frequency sonar, missiles, and underwater detonations are examples of actions that are not a part of the Coast Guard's mission requirements. Coast Guard training generally occurs close to the vessel homeport or close to shore, on established Navy testing and training ranges, or in transit to a scheduled patrol/mission. There are approximately 1,600 Coast Guard vessels (cutters up to 418 feet (ft; 127.4 meters (m)) and boats less than 65 ft (19.8 m)), and the largest cutters would be underway for 3 to 4 months, whereas the smaller cutters would be underway from a few days to 4 weeks. The busiest regions for the Coast Guard are the Gulf of America due to the number of busy commercial ports, and Hampton Roads due to many of the cutters being based at facilities in that area.

The MTEs and integrated/coordinated training activities analyzed for this request are Navy-led exercises in which the Coast Guard may participate and described in table 4. For additional information on these activities, see table 1.3-1 of the application and appendix A (Activity Descriptions) of the 2024 AFTT Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS. Table 5 describes the proposed Navy training activities analyzed within the AFTT Study Area while table 6 describes the proposed Coast Guard training activities analyzed within the AFTT Study Area. In addition to participating in Navy-led exercises, Coast Guard training activities include unit-level activities conducted independently of, and not in coordination with, the Navy.

Table 4—Major Training Exercises and Integrated/Coordinated Training Activities Analyzed Within the AFTT Study Area

Training type

Exercise group

Description

Scale

Duration

Location

(range complex)

Exercise

examples

Typical

hull-mounted

sonar per event

Major Training Exercise

Large Integrated ASW

Larger-scale, longer duration integrated ASW exercises

Greater than 6 surface ASW units (up to 30 with the largest exercises), 2 or more submarines, multiple ASW aircraft

Generally greater than 10 days

Jacksonville Range Complex, Navy Cherry Point Range Complex, Virginia Capes Range Complex

COMPTUEX

<500 hours.

Major Training Exercise

Medium Integrated ASW

Medium-scale, medium duration integrated ASW exercises

Approximately 3-8 surface ASW units, at least 1 submarine, multiple ASW aircraft

Generally 4-10 days

Jacksonville Range Complex, Navy Cherry Point Range Complex, Virginia Capes Range Complex

Sustainment/Task Force Exercise

100-300 hours.

Integrated/Coordinated Training

Small Integrated ASW

Small-scale, short duration integrated ASW exercises

Approximately 3-6 surface ASW units, 2 dedicated submarines, 2-6 ASW aircraft

Generally less than 5 days

Jacksonville Range Complex, Navy Cherry Point Range Complex, Virginia Capes Range Complex

SWATT, NUWTAC

50-100 hours.

Integrated/Coordinated Training

Medium Coordinated ASW

Medium-scale, medium duration, coordinated ASW exercises

Approximately 2-4 surface ASW units, possibly a submarine, 2-5 ASW aircraft

Generally 3-10 days

Jacksonville Range Complex, Navy Cherry Point Range Complex, Virginia Capes Range Complex

ASW Tactical Development Exercise

<100 hours.

Integrated/Coordinated Training

Small Coordinated ASW

Small-scale, short duration, coordinated ASW exercises

Approximately 2-4 surface ASW units, possibly a submarine, 1-2 ASW aircraft

Generally 2-4 days

Jacksonville Range Complex, Navy Cherry Point Range Complex, Virginia Capes Range Complex

ARG/MEU COMPTUEX

<50 hours.

Note:

ASW: anti-submarine warfare; COMPTUEX: Composite Training Unit Exercise; SWATT: Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training Exercise; NUWTAC: Navy Undersea Warfare Training Assessment Course; ARG/MEU: Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Table 5—Proposed Navy Training Activities Analyzed Within the AFTT Study Area

Stressor category

Activity type

Activity name

Description

Source bin

Number of activities

1-year

Number of activities

7-year

Location

Acoustic

Major Training Exercise—Large Integrated ASW

Composite Training Unit Exercise

Aircraft carrier and carrier air wing integrate with surface and submarine and Coast Guard units in a challenging multi-threat operational environment that certifies them ready to deploy.

LFH, MFM, MFH, MF1, MF1C, Broadband (MF to HF)

2-3

Jacksonville Range Complex, Navy Cherry Point Range Complex, Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Major Training Exercise—Medium Integrated ASW

Sustainment/Task Force Exercise

Aircraft carrier and carrier air wing integrates with surface and submarine units in a challenging multi-threat operational environment to maintain ability to deploy.

LFH, MFM, MFH, MF1, MF1C, Broadband (MF to HF)

Jacksonville Range Complex, Navy Cherry Point Range Complex, Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Small Integrated ASW Training

Navy Undersea Warfare Training Assessment Course

Multiple ships, aircraft, and submarines integrate the use of their sensors, including sonobuoys, to search for, detect, classify, localize, and track a threat submarine.

LFH, MFM, MFH, MF1, MF1C, Broadband (MF to HF)

Jacksonville Range Complex, Navy Cherry Point Range Complex, Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Small Integrated ASW Training

Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training

Multiple ships and aircraft coordinate the use of sensors, including sonobuoys, to search, detect, and track a threat submarine. Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) exercises are not dedicated anti-submarine warfare exercises and involve multiple warfare areas.

LFH, MFM, MFH, MF1, MF1C, Broadband (MF to HF)

Jacksonville Range Complex, Navy Cherry Point Range Complex, Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Medium Coordinated ASW Training

Tactical Development Exercise

Multiple ships, aircraft, and submarines coordinate their efforts to search for, detect, and track submarines with the use of all sensors. Anti-Submarine Warfare Tactical Development Exercise is a dedicated anti-submarine warfare exercise.

MFM, MFH, MF1, MF1C, Broadband (MF to HF)

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Medium Coordinated ASW Training

Tactical Development Exercise

MFM, MFH, MF1, MF1C, Broadband (MF to HF)

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Small Coordinated ASW Training

Group Sail

Surface ships, Coast Guard Cutters, and helicopters integrate to search for, detect, and track threat submarines. Group Sails are not dedicated anti-submarine warfare exercises and involve multiple warfare areas.

MFM, MFH, MF1, MF1C, Broadband (MF to HF)

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Small Coordinated ASW Training

Group Sail

MFM, MFH, MF1, MF1C, Broadband (MF to HF)

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Acoustic

Small Coordinated ASW Training

Group Sail

MFM, MFH, MF1, MF1C, Broadband (MF to HF)

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Small Coordinated ASW Training

Amphibious Ready Group Marine Expeditionary Unit Composite Training Unit Exercise

Amphibious Ready Group exercises are conducted to validate the Marine Expeditionary Unit's readiness for deployment and include small boat raids; visit, board, search, and seizure training; helicopter and mechanized amphibious raids; and non-combatant evacuation operations.

LFH, MFM, MFH, MF1, Broadband (MF to HF)

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Explosive

Amphibious Warfare

Amphibious Operations in a Contested Environment

Navy and Marine Corps forces conduct operations in coastal and offshore waterways against air, surface, and subsurface threats.

E1, E2, E3, E6, E9, E10

315

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Explosive

Amphibious Warfare

Amphibious Operations in a Contested Environment

Navy and Marine Corps forces conduct operations in coastal and offshore waterways against air, surface, and subsurface threats.

E1, E2, E3, E6, E9, E10

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Exercise—Helicopter

Helicopter crews search for, track, and detect submarines. Recoverable air launched torpedoes are employed against submarine targets.

MFM, MFH, HFH, Broadband (MF to HF)

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Exercise—Helicopter

Helicopter crews search for, track, and detect submarines. Recoverable air launched torpedoes are employed against submarine targets.

MFM, MFH, HFH, Broadband (MF to HF)

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Exercise—Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Maritime patrol aircraft crews search for, track, and detect submarines. Recoverable air launched torpedoes are employed against submarine targets.

MFM, HFH, Broadband (MF to HF)

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Exercise—Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Maritime patrol aircraft crews search for, track, and detect submarines. Recoverable air launched torpedoes are employed against submarine targets.

MFM, HFH, Broadband (MF to HF)

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Exercise—Ship

Surface ship crews search for, track, and detect submarines. Exercise torpedoes are used during this exercise.

MF1, HFH, Broadband (MF to HF)

112

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Exercise—Ship

Surface ship crews search for, track, and detect submarines. Exercise torpedoes are used during this exercise.

MF1, HFH, Broadband (MF to HF)

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Exercise—Submarine

Submarine crews search for, track, and detect submarines. Exercise torpedoes are used during this exercise.

HFH, Broadband (MF to HF)

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Exercise—Submarine

Submarine crews search for, track, and detect submarines. Exercise torpedoes are used during this exercise.

HFH, Broadband (MF to HF)

Northeast Range Complexes.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Exercise—Submarine

Submarine crews search for, track, and detect submarines. Exercise torpedoes are used during this exercise.

HFH, Broadband (MF to HF)

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Helicopter

Helicopter crews search for, track, and detect submarines.

MFM, MFH

Gulf Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Helicopter

Helicopter crews search for, track, and detect submarines.

MFM, MFH

370

2,590

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Helicopter

Helicopter crews search for, track, and detect submarines.

MFM, MFH

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Helicopter

Helicopter crews search for, track, and detect submarines.

MFM, MFH

168

Other AFTT Areas.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Helicopter

Helicopter crews search for, track, and detect submarines.

MFM, MFH

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Maritime patrol aircraft crews search for, track, and detect submarines.

LFM, LFH, MFM

475

3,325

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Maritime patrol aircraft crews search for, track, and detect submarines.

LFM, LFH, MFM

245

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Maritime patrol aircraft crews search for, track, and detect submarines.

LFM, LFH, MFM

560

Northeast Range Complexes.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Maritime patrol aircraft crews search for, track, and detect submarines.

LFM, LFH, MFM

155

1,085

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Ship

Surface ship crews search for, track, and detect submarines. Exercise torpedoes may be used during this event.

MFH, MF1, MF1C, Broadband (MF to HF)

Gulf Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Ship

Surface ship crews search for, track, and detect submarines. Exercise torpedoes may be used during this event.

MFH, MF1, MF1C, Broadband (MF to HF)

290

2,030

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Ship

Surface ship crews search for, track, and detect submarines. Exercise torpedoes may be used during this event.

MFH, MF1, MF1C, Broadband (MF to HF)

231

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Ship

Surface ship crews search for, track, and detect submarines. Exercise torpedoes may be used during this event.

MFH, MF1, MF1C, Broadband (MF to HF)

Northeast Range Complexes.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Ship

Surface ship crews search for, track, and detect submarines. Exercise torpedoes may be used during this event.

MFH, MF1, MF1C, Broadband (MF to HF)

385

Other AFTT Areas.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Ship

Surface ship crews search for, track, and detect submarines. Exercise torpedoes may be used during this event.

MFH, MF1, MF1C, Broadband (MF to HF)

120

840

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Submarine

Submarine crews search for, track, and detect submarines.

LFH, MFH, HFH

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Submarine

Submarine crews search for, track, and detect submarines.

LFH, MFH, HFH

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Submarine

Submarine crews search for, track, and detect submarines.

LFH, MFH, HFH

126

Northeast Range Complexes.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Submarine

Submarine crews search for, track, and detect submarines.

LFH, MFH, HFH

308

Other AFTT Areas.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise—Submarine

Submarine crews search for, track, and detect submarines.

LFH, MFH, HFH

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Expeditionary Warfare

Port Damage Repair

Navy and Coast Guard Expeditionary forces train to repair critical port facilities.

Pile driving

Gulfport, MS.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Airborne Mine Countermeasures—Mine Detection

Helicopter aircrew detect mines using towed or laser mine detection systems.

HFH

290

2,030

Gulf Range Complex.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Airborne Mine Countermeasures—Mine Detection

Helicopter aircrew detect mines using towed or laser mine detection systems.

HFH

275

1,925

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Airborne Mine Countermeasures—Mine Detection

Helicopter aircrew detect mines using towed or laser mine detection systems.

HFH

187

1,309

Key West Range Complex.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Airborne Mine Countermeasures—Mine Detection

Helicopter aircrew detect mines using towed or laser mine detection systems.

HFH

321

2,247

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Airborne Mine Countermeasures—Mine Detection

Helicopter aircrew detect mines using towed or laser mine detection systems.

HFH

1,420

9,940

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Civilian Port Defense—Homeland Security Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Exercises

Coast Guard and Navy Maritime security personnel train to protect civilian ports and harbors against enemy efforts to interfere with access to those ports.

MFH, HFM, HFH

0-1

Boston, MA; Beaumont, TX; Corpus Christi, TX; Delaware Bay, DE; Earle, NJ; Hampton Roads, VA; Kings Bay, GA; Mayport, FL; Morehead City, NC; Port Canaveral, FL; Savannah, GA; Tampa, FL; Wilmington, NC.

Acoustic and Explosive

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasures—Mine Neutralization—Remotely Operated Vehicles

Ship, small boat, and helicopter crews locate and disable mines using remotely operated underwater vehicles. All events include acoustic sources, only a fraction involve explosives.

HFM, E4

* 66

* 462

Gulf Range Complex.

Acoustic and Explosive

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasures—Mine Neutralization—Remotely Operated Vehicles

Ship, small boat, and helicopter crews locate and disable mines using remotely operated underwater vehicles. All events include acoustic sources, only a fraction involve explosives.

HFM, E4

252

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic and Explosive

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasures—Mine Neutralization—Remotely Operated Vehicles

Ship, small boat, and helicopter crews locate and disable mines using remotely operated underwater vehicles. All events include acoustic sources, only a fraction involve explosives.

HFM, E4

Key West Range Complex.

Acoustic and Explosive

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasures—Mine Neutralization—Remotely Operated Vehicles

Ship, small boat, and helicopter crews locate and disable mines using remotely operated underwater vehicles. All events include acoustic sources, only a fraction involve explosives.

HFM, E4

* 36

* 252

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Acoustic and Explosive

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasures—Mine Neutralization—Remotely Operated Vehicles

Ship, small boat, and helicopter crews locate and disable mines using remotely operated underwater vehicles. All events include acoustic sources, only a fraction involve explosives.

HFM, E4

* 315

* 2,205

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasures—Ship Sonar

Ship crews detect and avoid mines while navigating restricted areas or channels using active sonar.

HFH

* 462

Gulf Range Complex.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasures—Ship Sonar

Ship crews detect and avoid mines while navigating restricted areas or channels using active sonar.

HFH

252

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasures—Ship Sonar

Ship crews detect and avoid mines while navigating restricted areas or channels using active sonar.

HFH

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Explosive

Mine Warfare

Mine Neutralization Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Personnel disable threat mines using explosive charges.

* 96

* 672

Gulf Range Complex.

Explosive

Mine Warfare

Mine Neutralization Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Personnel disable threat mines using explosive charges.

E5, E6

* 100

* 700

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Explosive

Mine Warfare

Mine Neutralization Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Personnel disable threat mines using explosive charges.

E5, E6, E7

* 30

* 210

Key West Range Complex.

Explosive

Mine Warfare

Mine Neutralization Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Personnel disable threat mines using explosive charges.

* 176

* 1,232

Key West Range Complex Inshore.

Explosive

Mine Warfare

Mine Neutralization Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Personnel disable threat mines using explosive charges.

* 86

* 602

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Explosive

Mine Warfare

Mine Neutralization Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Personnel disable threat mines using explosive charges.

E5, E6, E7

* 325

* 2,275

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Submarine Mine Laying

Submarine crews or UUVs deploy exercise mobile mines or mines.

MFM, HFL, HFM, VHFL

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Surface Ship Object Detection

Ship crews detect and avoid mines while navigating restricted areas or channels using active sonar.

MF1K

532

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Surface Ship Object Detection

Ship crews detect and avoid mines while navigating restricted areas or channels using active sonar.

MF1K

162

1,134

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Bombing Exercise Air-to-Surface

Fixed-wing aircrew deliver bombs against surface targets.

E9, E10

* 47

* 329

Gulf Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Bombing Exercise Air-to-Surface

Fixed-wing aircrew deliver bombs against surface targets.

E9, E10

* 260

1,820*

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Bombing Exercise Air-to-Surface

Fixed-wing aircrew deliver bombs against surface targets.

E9, E10, E12

* 272

* 1,904

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Boat Medium-Caliber

Small boat crews fire medium-caliber guns at surface targets.

* 404

* 2,828

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Large-Caliber

Surface ship crews fire large-caliber guns at surface targets.

E3, E5

* 8

* 56

Gulf Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Large-Caliber

Surface ship crews fire large-caliber guns at surface targets.

E3, E5

* 46

* 322

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Large-Caliber

Surface ship crews fire large-caliber guns at surface targets.

E3, E5

* 34

* 238

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Large-Caliber

Surface ship crews fire large-caliber guns at surface targets.

E3, E5

* 9

* 63

Other AFTT Areas.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Large-Caliber

Surface ship crews fire large-caliber guns at surface targets.

E3, E5

* 63

*441

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Integrated Live Fire Exercise

Naval forces defend against a swarm of surface threats (ships or small boats) with bombs, missiles, rockets, and small-, medium- and large-caliber guns.

E10

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Integrated Live Fire Exercise

Naval forces defend against a swarm of surface threats (ships or small boats) with bombs, missiles, rockets, and small-, medium- and large-caliber guns.

E10

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Missile Exercise Air-to-Surface—Rocket

Helicopter aircrew fire both precision-guided and unguided rockets at surface targets.

Gulf Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Missile Exercise Air-to-Surface—Rocket

Helicopter aircrew fire both precision-guided and unguided rockets at surface targets.

115

805

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Missile Exercise Air-to-Surface—Rocket

Helicopter aircrew fire both precision-guided and unguided rockets at surface targets.

105

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Missile Exercise Air-to-Surface—Rocket

Helicopter aircrew fire both precision-guided and unguided rockets at surface targets.

100

700

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Missile Exercise Air-to-Surface

Fixed-wing and helicopter aircrew fire air-to-surface missiles at surface targets.

E6, E8, E9

567

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Missile Exercise Air-to-Surface

Fixed-wing and helicopter aircrew fire air-to-surface missiles at surface targets.

Key West Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Missile Exercise Air-to-Surface

Fixed-wing and helicopter aircrew fire air-to-surface missiles at surface targets.

504

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Missile Exercise Air-to-Surface

Fixed-wing and helicopter aircrew fire air-to-surface missiles at surface targets.

E6, E8, E9

581

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Missile Exercise Surface-to-Surface

Surface ship crews defend against surface threats (ships or small boats) and engage them with missiles.

E6, E9

133

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Missile Exercise Surface-to-Surface

Surface ship crews defend against surface threats (ships or small boats) and engage them with missiles.

E6, E9

105

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic and Explosive

Surface Warfare

Sinking Exercise

Aircraft, ship, cutter, and submarine crews deliberately sink a seaborne target, usually a decommissioned ship made environmentally safe for sinking according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards, with a variety of ordnance.

HFH, E5, E8, E9, E11

SINKEX Box.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Submarine Navigation

Submarine crews operate sonar for navigation and detection while transiting into and out of port during reduced visibility.

MFH

203

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Submarine Navigation

Submarine crews operate sonar for navigation and detection while transiting into and out of port during reduced visibility.

MFH

169

1,183

Northeast Range Complexes.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Submarine Navigation

Submarine crews operate sonar for navigation and detection while transiting into and out of port during reduced visibility.

MFH

588

Virginia Capes Range Complex, Virginia Capes Range Complex Inshore.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Submarine Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks

Maintenance of submarine sonar and other system checks are conducted pierside or at sea.

MFH

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Submarine Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks

Maintenance of submarine sonar and other system checks are conducted pierside or at sea.

MFH

Port Canaveral, FL.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Submarine Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks

Maintenance of submarine sonar and other system checks are conducted pierside or at sea.

MFH

NSB Kings Bay.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Submarine Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks

Maintenance of submarine sonar and other system checks are conducted pierside or at sea.

MFH

462

Northeast Range Complexes.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Submarine Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks

Maintenance of submarine sonar and other system checks are conducted pierside or at sea.

MFH

462

NSB New London.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Submarine Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks

Maintenance of submarine sonar and other system checks are conducted pierside or at sea.

MFH

Other AFTT Areas.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Submarine Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks

Maintenance of submarine sonar and other system checks are conducted pierside or at sea.

MFH

238

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Submarine Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks

Maintenance of submarine sonar and other system checks are conducted pierside or at sea.

MFH

238

NS Norfolk.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Submarine Under Ice Certification

Submarine crews operate sonar while transiting under ice. Ice conditions are simulated during training and certification events.

HFH

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Submarine Under Ice Certification

Submarine crews operate sonar while transiting under ice. Ice conditions are simulated during training and certification events.

HFH

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Submarine Under Ice Certification

Submarine crews operate sonar while transiting under ice. Ice conditions are simulated during training and certification events.

HFH

Northeast Range Complexes.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Submarine Under Ice Certification

Submarine crews operate sonar while transiting under ice. Ice conditions are simulated during training and certification events.

HFH

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Surface Ship Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks

Maintenance of surface ship sonar and other system checks are conducted pierside or at sea.

MF1, MF1K

350

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Surface Ship Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks

Maintenance of surface ship sonar and other system checks are conducted pierside or at sea.

MF1, MF1K

350

NS Mayport.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Surface Ship Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks

Maintenance of surface ship sonar and other system checks are conducted pierside or at sea.

MF1, MF1K

120

840

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Surface Ship Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks

Maintenance of surface ship sonar and other system checks are conducted pierside or at sea.

MF1, MF1K

175

1,225

NS Norfolk.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Surface Ship Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks

Maintenance of surface ship sonar and other system checks are conducted pierside or at sea.

MF1, MF1K

126

Other AFTT Areas.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Surface Ship Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks

Maintenance of surface ship sonar and other system checks are conducted pierside or at sea.

MF1, MF1K

175

1,225

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Training—Certification and Development

Unmanned underwater vehicle certification involves training with unmanned platforms to ensure submarine crew proficiency. Tactical development involves training with various payloads, for multiple purposes to ensure that the systems can be employed effectively in an operational environment.

MFH, HFL, HFM, VHFL, VHFM, VHFH, Broadband (MF to HF), Broadband (HF to VHF)

Gulf Range Complex.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Training—Certification and Development

MFH, HFL, HFM, VHFL, VHFM, VHFH, Broadband (MF to HF), Broadband (HF to VHF)

154

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Training—Certification and Development

MFH, HFL, HFM, VHFL, VHFM, VHFH, Broadband (MF to HF), Broadband (HF to VHF)

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Training—Certification and Development

MFH, HFL, HFM, VHFL, VHFM, VHFH, Broadband (MF to HF), Broadband (HF to VHF)

Northeast Range Complexes.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Training—Certification and Development

MFH, HFL, HFM, VHFL, VHFM, VHFH, Broadband (MF to HF), Broadband (HF to VHF)

224

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Other Training Activities

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Training—Certification and Development

MFH, HFL, HFM, VHFL, VHFM, VHFH, Broadband (MF to HF), Broadband (HF to VHF)

147

Virginia Capes Range Complex Inshore.

Note:

AFTT: Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing; DE: Delaware; FL: Florida; GA: Georgia; JEB: Joint Expeditionary Base; MA: Massachusetts; MS: Mississippi; NC: North Carolina; NJ: New Jersey; NS: Naval Station; NSB: Naval Submarine Base; SINKEX: Sinking Exercise; TX: Texas; VA: Virginia. The Gulf Range Complex includes geographically separated areas throughout the Gulf of America.

* Only a small subset of these activities include explosive ordnance.

Table 6—Proposed Coast Guard Training Activities Analyzed Within the AFTT Study Area

Stressor category

Activity type

Activity name

Description

Source bin

Number of activities

1-year

Number of activities

7-year

Location

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Large-Caliber

Surface ship crews fire large-caliber guns at surface targets.

* 29

203

Gulf Range complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Large-Caliber

Surface ship crews fire large-caliber guns at surface targets.

105

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Large-Caliber

Surface ship crews fire large-caliber guns at surface targets.

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Large-Caliber

Surface ship crews fire large-caliber guns at surface targets.

* 15

105

Northeast Range Complexes.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Large-Caliber

Surface ship crews fire large-caliber guns at surface targets.

* 20

140

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Surface Warfare

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Training—Certification and Development

MFH, HFL, HFM, VHFL, VHFM, VHFH, Broadband (MF to HF), Broadband (HF to VHF)

Gulf Range Complex.

Acoustic

Surface Warfare

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Training—Certification and Development

MFH, HFL, HFM, VHFL, VHFM, VHFH, Broadband (MF to HF), Broadband (HF to VHF)

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Surface Warfare

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Training—Certification and Development

MFH, HFL, HFM, VHFL, VHFM, VHFH, Broadband (MF to HF), Broadband (HF to VHF)

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Acoustic

Surface Warfare

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Training—Certification and Development

MFH, HFL, HFM, VHFL, VHFM, VHFH, Broadband (MF to HF), Broadband (HF to VHF)

140

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Surface Warfare

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Training—Certification and Development

MFH, HFL, HFM, VHFL, VHFM, VHFH, Broadband (MF to HF), Broadband (HF to VHF)

140

Virginia Capes Range Complex Inshore.

Note:

The Gulf Range Complex includes geographically separated areas throughout the Gulf of America.

* Only a small subset of these activities include explosive ordnance.

Overview of Testing Activities Within the Study Area

While this proposed rule includes an evaluation of proposed training activities by both the Navy and Coast Guard, all testing activities evaluated in this proposed rule would only be conducted by the Navy. The Navy's research and acquisition community engages in a broad spectrum of testing activities, some of which ultimately support both Action Proponents. These activities include, but are not limited to, basic and applied scientific research and technology development; testing, evaluation, and maintenance of systems (

e.g.,

missiles, radar, and sonar) and platforms (

e.g.,

surface ships, submarines, and aircraft); and acquisition of systems and platforms to support Navy missions and give a technological edge over adversaries. The individual commands within the research and acquisition community included in the application are Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), and the Office of Naval Research (ONR).

The Action Proponents operate in an ever-changing strategic, tactical, financially-constrained, and time-constrained environment. Testing activities occur in response to emerging science or fleet operational needs. For example, future Navy studies to develop a better understanding of ocean currents may be designed based on advancements made by non-government researchers not yet published in the scientific literature. Similarly, future but yet unknown Navy and Coast Guard operations within a specific geographic area may require development of modified Navy assets to address local conditions. Such modifications must be tested in the field to ensure they meet fleet needs and requirements. Accordingly, generic descriptions of some of these activities are the best that can be articulated in a long-term, comprehensive document.

Some testing activities are similar to training activities conducted by the fleet (

e.g.,

both the fleet and the research and acquisition community fire torpedoes). While the firing of a torpedo might look identical to an observer, the difference is in the purpose of the firing. The fleet might fire the torpedo to practice the procedures for such a firing, whereas the research and acquisition community might be assessing a new torpedo guidance technology or testing it to ensure the torpedo meets performance specifications and operational requirements.

NAVAIR testing activities support its mission to provide full life cycle support of naval aviation aircraft, weapons, and systems to be operated by the Navy and Coast Guard. NAVAIR activities closely follow Navy primary mission areas, such as the testing of airborne mine warfare and anti-submarine warfare weapons and systems. NAVAIR activities include, but are not limited to, the testing of new aircraft platforms, weapons, and systems that have not yet been integrated into the Navy fleet and Coast Guard. In addition to testing new platforms and weapon systems, most aircraft and weapon systems that have been integrated into the fleet also require follow-on testing throughout their lifecycle in conjunction with maintenance and upgrades, such as software revisions, to ensure that they function as designed. While these types of activities do not fall within one of the fleet primary mission areas, most NAVAIR testing activities can be easily correlated to fleet training activities. Some testing activities may be conducted in different locations and in a different manner than similar fleet training activities and, therefore, the analysis for those events and the potential environmental effects may differ. Table 7 summarizes the proposed testing activities for NAVAIR analyzed within the AFTT Study Area.

Table 7—Proposed NAVAIR Testing Activities Analyzed Within the AFTT Study Area

Stressor category

Activity type

Activity name

Description

Source bin

Number of activities

1-year

Number of activities

7-year

Location

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Test (Fixed-Wing)

The test evaluates the sensors and systems used by fixed-wing aircraft to detect and track submarines and to ensure that aircraft systems used to deploy the tracking systems perform to specifications and meet operational requirements.

LFM, LFH, MFM, HFM

105

Gulf Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Test (Fixed-Wing)

LFM, LFH, MFM, HFM

133

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Test (Fixed-Wing)

LFM, LFH, MFM, HFM

Key West Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Test (Fixed-Wing)

LFM, LFH, MFM, HFM

105

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Test (Fixed-Wing)

LFM, LFH, MFM, HFM

315

Northeast Range Complexes.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Test (Fixed-Wing)

LFM, LFH, MFM, HFM

175

SINKEX Box.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Test (Fixed-Wing)

LFM, LFH, MFM, HFM

175

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Test

This event is similar to the training event torpedo exercise. Test evaluates anti-submarine warfare systems onboard rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft and the ability to search for, detect, classify, localize, track, and attack a submarine or similar target.

HFH

20-43

209

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Test

HFH

40-121

523

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Test (Rotary-Wing)

This event is similar to the training event anti-submarine tracking exercise-helicopter. The test evaluates the sensors and systems used to detect and track submarines and to ensure that helicopter systems used to deploy the tracking systems perform to specifications.

MFM, MFH

Gulf Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Test (Rotary-Wing)

MFM, MFH

161

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Test (Rotary-Wing)

MFM, MFH

189

Key West Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Test (Rotary-Wing)

MFM, MFH

110

770

Northeast Range Complexes.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Test (Rotary-Wing)

MFM, MFH

280

1,960

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Kilo Dip Test

Functional check of a helicopter deployed dipping sonar system prior to conducting a testing or training event using the dipping sonar system.

MFH

Gulf Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Kilo Dip Test

Functional check of a helicopter deployed dipping sonar system prior to conducting a testing or training event using the dipping sonar system.

MFH

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Kilo Dip Test

Functional check of a helicopter deployed dipping sonar system prior to conducting a testing or training event using the dipping sonar system.

MFH

Key West Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Kilo Dip Test

Functional check of a helicopter deployed dipping sonar system prior to conducting a testing or training event using the dipping sonar system.

MFH

Northeast Range Complexes.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Kilo Dip Test

Functional check of a helicopter deployed dipping sonar system prior to conducting a testing or training event using the dipping sonar system.

MFH

280

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic and Explosive

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Sonobuoy Lot Acceptance Test

Sonobuoys are deployed from surface vessels and aircraft to verify the integrity and performance of a lot or group of sonobuoys in advance of delivery to the fleet for operational use.

LFM, LFH, MFM, HFM E1, E3

* 186

* 1,302

Key West Range Complex.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Airborne Dipping Sonar Minehunting Test

A mine-hunting dipping sonar system that is deployed from a helicopter and uses high-frequency sonar for the detection and classification of bottom and moored mines.

HFH

224

NSWC Panama City Testing Range.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Airborne Dipping Sonar Minehunting Test

A mine-hunting dipping sonar system that is deployed from a helicopter and uses high-frequency sonar for the detection and classification of bottom and moored mines.

HFH

280

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Explosive

Mine Warfare

Airborne Mine Neutralization System Test

A test of the airborne mine neutralization system evaluates the system's ability to detect and destroy mines from an airborne mine countermeasures capable helicopter. The airborne mine neutralization system uses up to four unmanned underwater vehicles equipped with high-frequency sonar, video cameras, and explosive and non-explosive neutralizers.

* 27

* 189

NSWC Panama City Testing Range.

Explosive

Mine Warfare

Airborne Mine Neutralization System Test

* 25

* 175

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Airborne Minehunting Test—Sonobuoy

A mine-hunting system made up of sonobuoys is deployed from a helicopter. A field of sonobuoys, using high-frequency sonar, is used for detection and classification of bottom and moored mines.

MFM

182

NSWC Panama City Testing Range.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Airborne Minehunting Test—Sonobuoy

A mine-hunting system made up of sonobuoys is deployed from a helicopter. A field of sonobuoys, using high-frequency sonar, is used for detection and classification of bottom and moored mines.

MFM

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Air-to-Surface Gunnery Test

This event is similar to the training event gunnery exercise air-to-surface. Fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircrew evaluate new or enhanced aircraft guns against surface maritime targets to test that the gun, gun ammunition, or associated systems meet required specifications or to train aircrew in the operation of a new or enhanced weapons system.

385

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Air-to-Surface Gunnery Test

140

980

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Air-to-Surface Missile Test

This event is similar to the training event missile exercise air-to-surface. Test may involve both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft launching missiles at surface maritime targets to evaluate the weapons system or as part of another systems integration test.

Gulf Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Air-to-Surface Missile Test

* 29

* 203

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Air-to-Surface Missile Test

* 117

* 819

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Rocket Test

Rocket tests are conducted to evaluate the integration, accuracy, performance, and safe separation of guided and unguided 2.75-inch rockets fired from a hovering or forward flying helicopter or tilt rotor aircraft.

133

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Rocket Test

* 35

* 245

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Other Testing Activities

Undersea Range System Test

Following installation of a Navy underwater warfare training and testing range, tests of the nodes (components of the range) will be conducted to include node surveys and testing of node transmission functionality.

MFM, HFM

4-20

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Note:

NAVAIR: Naval Air Systems Command; NSWC: Naval Surface Warfare Center. The Gulf Range Complex includes geographically separated areas throughout the Gulf of America.

* Only a small subset of these activities include explosive ordnance.

NAVSEA activities are aligned with its mission of new ship construction, life cycle management, and weapon systems development. NAVSEA activities include pierside and at-sea testing of vessel systems, including sonar, acoustic countermeasures, radars, launch systems, weapons, unmanned systems, and radio equipment; tests to determine how the vessel or Coast Guard Cutter performs at sea (sea trials); developmental and operational test and evaluation programs for new technologies and systems; and testing on all vessels and systems that have undergone overhaul or maintenance. In the application, pierside testing at Navy contractor shipyards would consist only of system testing. At-sea test firing of shipboard weapon systems, including guns, torpedoes, and missiles, is also conducted. Testing activities are conducted throughout the life of a vessel, from construction to verification of performance and mission capabilities, and further to deactivation from the fleet. Table 8 summarizes the proposed testing activities for the NAVSEA analyzed within the AFTT Study Area.

One ship of each new class (or major upgrade) of combat ships constructed for the Navy typically undergoes an at-sea ship shock trial. A ship shock trial consists of a series of underwater detonations that send shock waves through the ship's hull to simulate near misses during combat. A shock trial allows the Navy to assess the survivability of the hull and ship's systems in a combat environment as well as the capability of the ship to protect the crew.

Table 8—Proposed NAVSEA Testing Activities Analyzed Within the AFTT Study Area

Stressor category

Activity type

Activity name

Description

Source bin

Number of

activities

1-year

Number of

activities

7-year

Location

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Mission Package Testing

Ships and their supporting platforms (

e.g.,

rotary-wing aircraft and unmanned aerial systems) detect, localize, and prosecute submarines.

MFH, MF1

1-2

Gulf Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Mission Package Testing

Ships and their supporting platforms (

e.g.,

rotary-wing aircraft and unmanned aerial systems) detect, localize, and prosecute submarines.

MFH, MF1

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Mission Package Testing

Ships and their supporting platforms (

e.g.,

rotary-wing aircraft and unmanned aerial systems) detect, localize, and prosecute submarines.

MFH, MF1

1-2

Northeast Range Complexes.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

At-Sea Sonar Testing

At-sea testing to ensure systems are fully functional in an open ocean environment.

MFL, MFM, MFH, MF1, MF1K, HFL, HFM, HFH, Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (LF to MF), Broadband (MF to HF)

7-9

Gulf Range Complex; Jacksonville Range Complex; Navy Cherry Point Range Complex; Northeast Range Complexes; SFOMF; Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

At-Sea Sonar Testing

At-sea testing to ensure systems are fully functional in an open ocean environment.

MFL, MFM, MFH, MF1, MF1K, HFL, HFM, HFH, Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (LF to MF), Broadband (MF to HF)

7-14

Gulf Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

At-Sea Sonar Testing

At-sea testing to ensure systems are fully functional in an open ocean environment.

MFL, MFM, MFH, MF1, MF1K, HFL, HFM, HFH, Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (LF to MF), Broadband (MF to HF)

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

At-Sea Sonar Testing

At-sea testing to ensure systems are fully functional in an open ocean environment.

MFL, MFM, MFH, MF1, MF1K, HFL, HFM, HFH, Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (LF to MF), Broadband (MF to HF)

Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

At-Sea Sonar Testing

At-sea testing to ensure systems are fully functional in an open ocean environment.

MFL, MFM, MFH, MF1, MF1K, HFL, HFM, HFH, Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (LF to MF), Broadband (MF to HF)

8-15

Northeast Range Complexes.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

At-Sea Sonar Testing

At-sea testing to ensure systems are fully functional in an open ocean environment.

MFL, MFM, MFH, MF1, MF1K, HFL, HFM, HFH, Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (LF to MF), Broadband (MF to HF)

16-22

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

At-Sea Sonar Testing

At-sea testing to ensure systems are fully functional in an open ocean environment.

MFL, MFM, MFH, MF1, MF1K, HFL, HFM, HFH, Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (LF to MF), Broadband (MF to HF)

SFOMF.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Pierside Sonar Testing

Pierside testing to ensure systems are fully functional in a controlled pierside environment prior to at-sea test activities and complete any required troubleshooting.

MFM, MFH, HFM, HFH, Broadband (MF to HF)

5-10

NSB New London; Gulf Range Complex Inshore; Jacksonville Range Complex; NSB Kings Bay; Newport, RI; NS Norfolk; Northeast Range Complexes; Port Canaveral, FL; Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Pierside Sonar Testing

Pierside testing to ensure systems are fully functional in a controlled pierside environment prior to at-sea test activities and complete any required troubleshooting.

MFM, MFH, HFM, HFH, Broadband (MF to HF)

10-20

110

Bath, ME.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Pierside Sonar Testing

Pierside testing to ensure systems are fully functional in a controlled pierside environment prior to at-sea test activities and complete any required troubleshooting.

MFM, MFH, HFM, HFH, Broadband (MF to HF)

10-18

NS Mayport.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Pierside Sonar Testing

Pierside testing to ensure systems are fully functional in a controlled pierside environment prior to at-sea test activities and complete any required troubleshooting.

MFM, MFH, HFM, HFH, Broadband (MF to HF)

63-84

455

NS Norfolk.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Pierside Sonar Testing

Pierside testing to ensure systems are fully functional in a controlled pierside environment prior to at-sea test activities and complete any required troubleshooting.

MFM, MFH, HFM, HFH, Broadband (MF to HF)

10-20

110

Pascagoula, MS.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Pierside Sonar Testing

Pierside testing to ensure systems are fully functional in a controlled pierside environment prior to at-sea test activities and complete any required troubleshooting.

MFM, MFH, HFM, HFH, Broadband (MF to HF)

16-24

152

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Surface Ship Sonar Testing/Maintenance

Pierside and at-sea testing of ship systems occurs periodically following major maintenance periods and for routine maintenance.

LFL, MFM, MF1, MF1K, Broadband (MF to HF)

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Surface Ship Sonar Testing/Maintenance

Pierside and at-sea testing of ship systems occurs periodically following major maintenance periods and for routine maintenance.

LFL, MFM, MF1, MF1K, Broadband (MF to HF)

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic and Explosive

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Torpedo (Explosive) Testing

Air, surface, or submarine crews employ explosive and non-explosive torpedoes against artificial targets.

MFM, MFH, MF1, HFH, Broadband (MF to HF), E8, E11

1-5

Gulf Range Complex; Jacksonville Range Complex; Key West Range Complex; Navy Cherry Point Range Complex; Northeast Range Complexes; Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Torpedo (Non-Explosive) Testing

Air, surface, or submarine crews employ non-explosive torpedoes against targets, submarines, or surface vessels.

MFL, MFM, MFH, MF1, HFM, HFH, VHFH, Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (MF to HF)

13-17

Gulf Range Complex; Jacksonville Range Complex; Key West Range Complex; Navy Cherry Point Range Complex; Northeast Range Complexes; SFOMF; Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Torpedo (Non-Explosive) Testing

Air, surface, or submarine crews employ non-explosive torpedoes against targets, submarines, or surface vessels.

MFL, MFM, MFH, MF1, HFM, HFH, VHFH, Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (MF to HF)

210

NUWC Newport Testing Range.

Explosive

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasure and Neutralization Testing

Air, surface, and subsurface vessels neutralize threat mines and mine-like objects.

18-45

315

Gulf Range Complex.

Explosive

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasure and Neutralization Testing

Air, surface, and subsurface vessels neutralize threat mines and mine-like objects.

* 24-48

* 288

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasure Mission Package Testing

Vessels and associated aircraft conduct mine countermeasure operations.

MFH, HFM, HFH

105

Gulf Range Complex.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasure Mission Package Testing

Vessels and associated aircraft conduct mine countermeasure operations.

MFH, HFM, HFH

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasure Mission Package Testing

Vessels and associated aircraft conduct mine countermeasure operations.

MFH, HFM, HFH

NSWC Panama City Testing Range.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasure Mission Package Testing

Vessels and associated aircraft conduct mine countermeasure operations.

MFH, HFM, HFH

SFOMF.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasure Mission Package Testing

Vessels and associated aircraft conduct mine countermeasure operations.

MFH, HFM, HFH

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Mine Detection and Classification Testing

Air, surface, and subsurface vessels and systems detect and classify mines and mine-like objects. Vessels also assess their potential susceptibility to mines and mine-like objects.

HFH

0-1

Jacksonville Range Complex, NSWC Panama City Testing Range, Port Canaveral, FL.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Mine Detection and Classification Testing

Air, surface, and subsurface vessels and systems detect and classify mines and mine-like objects. Vessels also assess their potential susceptibility to mines and mine-like objects.

HFH

0-1

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Mine Warfare

Mine Detection and Classification Testing

Air, surface, and subsurface vessels and systems detect and classify mines and mine-like objects. Vessels also assess their potential susceptibility to mines and mine-like objects.

HFH

286-287

2,005

NSWC Panama City Testing Range.

Acoustic and Explosive

Acoustic and Oceanographic Science and Technology

Acoustic and Oceanographic Research

Research using active transmissions from sources deployed from ships, aircraft, and unmanned underwater vehicles. Research sources can be used as proxies for current and future Navy systems.

LFM, Broadband (LF to HF), E7

0-1

Gulf Range Complex; Jacksonville Range Complex; Key West Range Complex.

Acoustic

Other Testing Activities

Acoustic and Oceanographic Research

Research using active transmissions from sources deployed from ships, aircraft, and unmanned underwater vehicles. Research sources can be used as proxies for current and future Navy systems.

LFM, Broadband (LF to HF)

Northeast Range Complexes.

Acoustic and Explosive

Other Testing Activities

Acoustic and Oceanographic Research

Research using active transmissions from sources deployed from ships, aircraft, and unmanned underwater vehicles. Research sources can be used as proxies for current and future Navy systems.

LFM, Broadband (LF to HF), E7

* 0-1

* 3

Key West Range Complex.

Acoustic

Other Testing Activities

Acoustic and Oceanographic Research

Research using active transmissions from sources deployed from ships, aircraft, and unmanned underwater vehicles. Research sources can be used as proxies for current and future Navy systems.

LFM, Broadband (LF to HF)

0-1

Other AFTT Areas.

Acoustic

Other Testing Activities

Acoustic Component Testing

Various surface vessels, moored equipment, and materials are tested to evaluate performance in the marine environment.

LFL, MFL, MFH, HFM, HFH, VHFH, Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (MF to HF)

231

SFOMF.

Acoustic

Other Testing Activities

Acoustic Component Testing

Various surface vessels, moored equipment, and materials are tested to evaluate performance in the marine environment.

LFL, MFL, MFH, HFM, HFH, VHFH, Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (MF to HF)

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Other Testing Activities

Countermeasure Testing

Countermeasure testing involves the testing of systems that will detect, localize, track, and engage incoming weapons, including marine vessel targets and airborne missiles. Testing includes surface ship torpedo defense systems, marine vessel stopping payloads, and airborne decoys against air targets.

MFM, MFH, HFH, VHFH, Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (MF to HF)

16-20

116

Gulf Range Complex; Jacksonville Range Complex; Key West Range Complex; Navy Cherry Point Range Complex; Northeast Range Complexes; Virginia Capes Range Complex; JEB Little Creek Fort Story.

Acoustic

Other Testing Activities

Countermeasure Testing

MFM, MFH, HFH, VHFH, Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (MF to HF)

8-10

Gulf Range Complex.

Acoustic

Other Testing Activities

Countermeasure Testing

MFM, MFH, HFH, VHFH, Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (MF to HF)

NUWC Newport Testing Range.

Acoustic

Other Testing Activities

Countermeasure Testing

MFM, MFH, HFH, VHFH, Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (MF to HF)

6-10

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Other Testing Activities

Insertion/Extraction

Testing of submersibles capable of inserting and extracting personnel and payloads into denied areas from strategic distances.

LFH, HFM, Broadband (LF to MF)

501-502

3,514

Key West Range Complex; NSWC Panama City Testing Range.

Explosive

Other Testing Activities

Line Charge Testing

Surface vessels deploy line charges to test the capability to safely clear an area for expeditionary forces.

NSWC Panama City Testing Range.

Acoustic and Explosive

Other Testing Activities

Semi-Stationary Equipment Testing

Semi-stationary equipment (

e.g.,

hydrophones) is deployed to determine functionality.

AG230, HFH, HFM, Broadband (LF), Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (MF to HF), MFM, VHFH, VHFM, E4

* 8-14

* 74

NSB New London;NS Mayport; NS Norfolk; Port Canaveral, FL; Virginia Capes Range Complex Inshore; Key West Range Complex Inshore.

Acoustic and Explosive

Other Testing Activities

Semi-Stationary Equipment Testing

Semi-stationary equipment (

e.g.,

hydrophones) is deployed to determine functionality.

AG230, HFH, HFM, Broadband (LF), Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (MF to HF), MFM, VHFH, VHFM, E4

Newport, RI.

Acoustic and Explosive

Other Testing Activities

Semi-Stationary Equipment Testing

Semi-stationary equipment (

e.g.,

hydrophones) is deployed to determine functionality.

AG230, HFH, HFM, Broadband (LF), Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (MF to HF), MFM, VHFH, VHFM, E4

210

NSWC Panama City Testing Range.

Acoustic and Explosive

Other Testing Activities

Semi-Stationary Equipment Testing

Semi-stationary equipment (

e.g.,

hydrophones) is deployed to determine functionality.

AG230, HFH, HFM, Broadband (LF), Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (MF to HF), MFM, VHFH, VHFM, E4

* 155-173

* 1,139

NUWC Newport Testing Range.

Acoustic

Other Testing Activities

Towed Equipment Testing

Surface vessels or unmanned surface vehicles deploy and tow equipment to determine functionality of towed systems.

MFM, Broadband (LF)

43-49

319

NUWC Newport Testing Range.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Gun Testing—Large-Caliber

Surface crews test large-caliber guns to defend against surface targets. Demonstration of large-caliber guns including the MK 45 5-inch gun and MK 41 Vertical Launch Systems using surface to air missiles.

E3, E5

* 1-15

* 20

Jacksonville Range Complex; Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Gun Testing—Large-Caliber

E3, E5

1-2

Gulf Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Gun Testing—Large-Caliber

E3, E5

* 2-4

* 23

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Gun Testing—Large-Caliber

E3, E5

1-2

Northeast Range Complexes.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Gun Testing—Large-Caliber

E3, E5

* 15

* 105

NSWC Panama City Testing Range.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Missile and Rocket Testing

Missile and rocket testing includes various missiles or rockets fired from submarines and surface combatants. Testing of the launching system and ship defense is performed.

E6, E7, E8, E10

* 6-18

* 49

Gulf Range Complex; Jacksonville Range Complex; Navy Cherry Point Range Complex; Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Explosive

Surface Warfare

Missile and Rocket Testing

Missile and rocket testing includes various missiles or rockets fired from submarines and surface combatants. Testing of the launching system and ship defense is performed.

E6, E7, E8, E10

* 20-30

* 78

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Unmanned Systems

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Testing

Testing involves the production or upgrade of unmanned underwater vehicles. This may include testing of mine detection capabilities, evaluating the basic functions of individual platforms, or complex events with multiple vehicles.

LFL, MFL, MFM, MFH, HFM, HFH, VHFH, Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (MF to HF)

208-209

1,459

NSWC Panama City Testing Range.

Acoustic

Unmanned Systems

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Testing

LFL, MFL, MFM, MFH, HFM, HFH, VHFH, Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (MF to HF)

138

966

NUWC Newport Testing Range.

Acoustic

Unmanned Systems

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Testing

LFL, MFL, MFM, MFH, HFM, HFH, VHFH, Broadband (LF to HF), Broadband (MF to HF)

SFOMF.

Acoustic

Vessel Evaluation

In-Port Maintenance Testing

Each combat system is tested to ensure they are functioning in a technically acceptable manner and are operationally ready to support at-sea testing.

MF1

NS Mayport; NS Norfolk.

Acoustic

Vessel Evaluation

In-Port Maintenance Testing

Each combat system is tested to ensure they are functioning in a technically acceptable manner and are operationally ready to support at-sea testing.

MF1

NS Mayport.

Acoustic

Vessel Evaluation

In-Port Maintenance Testing

Each combat system is tested to ensure they are functioning in a technically acceptable manner and are operationally ready to support at-sea testing.

MF1

NS Norfolk.

Acoustic

Vessel Evaluation

Signature Analysis Operations

Surface ship and submarine testing of electromagnetic, acoustic, optical, and radar signature measurements.

LFM, LFH, MFM, HFM, Broadband (LF)

0-1

Hampton Roads, VA.

Acoustic

Vessel Evaluation

Signature Analysis Operations

Surface ship and submarine testing of electromagnetic, acoustic, optical, and radar signature measurements.

LFM, LFH, MFM, HFM, Broadband (LF)

79-94

579

SFOMF.

Explosive

Vessel Evaluation

Small Ship Shock Trial

Underwater detonations are used to test new ships or major upgrades.

E16

0-2

Jacksonville Range Complex; Gulf Range Complex.

Acoustic

Vessel Evaluation

Submarine Sea Trials—Weapons System Testing

Submarine weapons and sonar systems are tested at-sea to meet the integrated combat system certification requirements.

MFL, MFH, HFM, HFH, Broadband (LF to HF)

3-7

Gulf Range Complex; Jacksonville Range Complex; NSB Kings Bay; Northeast Range Complexes; Port Canaveral, FL; Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Vessel Evaluation

Submarine Sea Trials—Weapons System Testing

Submarine weapons and sonar systems are tested at-sea to meet the integrated combat system certification requirements.

MFL, MFH, HFM, HFH, Broadband (LF to HF)

2-4

Northeast Range Complexes.

Acoustic

Vessel Evaluation

Submarine Sea Trials—Weapons System Testing

Submarine weapons and sonar systems are tested at-sea to meet the integrated combat system certification requirements.

MFL, MFH, HFM, HFH, Broadband (LF to HF)

Northeast Range Complexes Inshore.

Acoustic

Vessel Evaluation

Submarine Sea Trials—Weapons System Testing

Submarine weapons and sonar systems are tested at-sea to meet the integrated combat system certification requirements.

MFL, MFH, HFM, HFH, Broadband (LF to HF)

2-4

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic and Explosive

Vessel Evaluation

Surface Warfare Testing

Tests the capabilities of shipboard sensors to detect, track, and engage surface targets. Testing may include ships defending against surface targets using explosive and non-explosive rounds, gun system structural test firing and demonstration of the response to Call for Fire against land-based targets (simulated by sea-based locations).

HFH, E3, E5, E6, E7, E8

* 17-76

* 206

Jacksonville Range Complex; Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Vessel Evaluation

Surface Warfare Testing

Tests the capabilities of shipboard sensors to detect, track, and engage surface targets. Testing may include ships defending against surface targets using non-explosive rounds, gun system structural test firing and demonstration of the response to Call for Fire against land-based targets (simulated by sea-based locations).

HFH

0-2

Gulf Range Complex.

Acoustic and Explosive

Vessel Evaluation

Surface Warfare Testing

HFH, E3, E5, E6, E7, E8

* 4-6

* 37

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic and Explosive

Vessel Evaluation

Surface Warfare Testing

HFH, E3, E5, E6, E7, E8

* 5-7

* 42

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic and Explosive

Vessel Evaluation

Undersea Warfare Testing

Ships demonstrate capability of countermeasure systems and underwater surveillance, weapons engagement and communications systems. This tests ships ability to detect, track, and engage undersea targets.

MFM, MFH, MF1, HFM, HFH, Broadband (LF to HF), E4

6-24

105

Jacksonville Range Complex; Navy Cherry Point Range Complex; Northeast Range Complexes; SFOMF; Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic and Explosive

Vessel Evaluation

Undersea Warfare Testing

MFM, MFH, MF1, HFM, HFH, Broadband (LF to HF), E4

* 4-6

* 30

Jacksonville Range Complex.

Acoustic

Vessel Evaluation

Vessel Signature Evaluation

Surface ship, submarine, and auxiliary system signature assessments. This may include electronic, radar, acoustic, infrared and magnetic signatures.

MFM, HFM, HFH

1-4

Jacksonville Range Complex; Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Vessel Evaluation

Vessel Signature Evaluation

Surface ship, submarine, and auxiliary system signature assessments. This may include electronic, radar, acoustic, infrared and magnetic signatures.

MFM, HFM, HFH

0-1

Gulf Range Complex.

Acoustic

Vessel Evaluation

Vessel Signature Evaluation

Surface ship, submarine, and auxiliary system signature assessments. This may include electronic, radar, acoustic, infrared and magnetic signatures.

MFM, HFM, HFH

1-3

Hampton Roads, VA.

Acoustic

Vessel Evaluation

Vessel Signature Evaluation

Surface ship, submarine, and auxiliary system signature assessments. This may include electronic, radar, acoustic, infrared and magnetic signatures.

MFM, HFM, HFH

0-1

NUWC Newport Testing Range.

Acoustic

Vessel Evaluation

Vessel Signature Evaluation

Surface ship, submarine, and auxiliary system signature assessments. This may include electronic, radar, acoustic, infrared and magnetic signatures.

MFM, HFM, HFH

0-1

SFOMF.

Acoustic

Vessel Evaluation

Vessel Signature Evaluation

Surface ship, submarine, and auxiliary system signature assessments. This may include electronic, radar, acoustic, infrared and magnetic signatures.

MFM, HFM, HFH

0-1

Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Note:

FL: Florida; GA: Georgia; JEB: Joint Expeditionary Base; LA: Louisiana; MS: Mississippi; NS: Naval Station; NSB: Naval Submarine Base; NSWC: Naval Surface Warfare Center; NUWC: Naval Undersea Warfare Center; RI: Rhode Island; SFOMF: South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility; VA: Virginia. The Gulf Range Complex and Gulf Range Complex Inshore includes geographically separated areas throughout the Gulf of America.

* Only a small subset of these activities include explosive ordnance.

The ONR, as the Department of the Navy's science and technology provider, provides technology solutions for Navy and Marine Corps needs. The ONR's mission, defined by law, is to plan, foster, and encourage scientific research in recognition of its paramount importance as related to the maintenance of future naval power and the preservation of national security. The ONR manages the Navy's basic, applied, and advanced research to foster transition from science and technology to higher levels of research, development, test, and evaluation. The ONR is also a parent organization for the Naval Research Laboratory, which operates as the Navy's corporate research laboratory and conducts a broad multidisciplinary program of scientific research and advanced technological development. Testing activities conducted by the ONR and the Naval Research Laboratory include activities such as acoustic and oceanographic research, UUV research, and next generation mine countermeasures research. Table 9 summarizes the proposed testing activities for the ONR analyzed within the AFTT Study Area.

Table 9—Proposed ONR Testing Activities Analyzed Within the AFTT Study Area

Stressor category

Activity type

Activity name

Description

Source bin

Number of

activities

1-year

Number of

activities

7-year

Location

Acoustic and Explosive

Acoustic and Oceanographic Science and Technology

Acoustic and Oceanographic Research

Research using active transmissions from sources deployed from ships, aircraft, and unmanned vehicles. Research sources can be used as proxies for current and future Navy systems.

LFM, LFH, MFM, MFH, HFM, HFH, E1, E3, 3S3, AG232

* 12-15

* 93

Gulf Range Complex; Jacksonville Range Complex; Northeast Range Complexes; Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Acoustic

Acoustic and Oceanographic Science and Technology

Mine Countermeasure Technology Research

Test involves the use of broadband acoustic sources on unmanned underwater vehicles.

MFH

4-5

Gulf Range Complex; Jacksonville Range Complex; Northeast Range Complexes; Virginia Capes Range Complex.

Note:

The Gulf Range Complex includes geographically separated areas throughout the Gulf of America.

* Only a small subset of these activities include explosive ordnance.

Vessel Movement

Vessels used as part of the proposed activities include both surface and sub-surface operations of both manned and unmanned vessels (USVs, UUVs). Navy vessels include ships, submarines, and boats ranging in size from small, 22 ft (7 m) rigid hull inflatable boats to aircraft carriers with lengths up to 1,092 ft (333 m). Unmanned systems may include vehicles ranging from 4-16 ft (1.2-4.9 m) but typical size of USVs is 36-328 ft (11-100 m), while UUVs are 33-98 ft (10-30 m) in length. The Marine Corps operates small boats from 10-50 ft (3-15.2 m) in length and include small unit riverine craft, rigid hull inflatable boats and amphibious combat vehicles. Coast Guard vessels range in size from small boats between 13 and 65 ft (3.9 to 19.8 m) to large cutters with lengths up to 418 ft (127.4 m).

Large ships greater than 65 ft (19.8 m) generally operate at speeds in the range of 10 to 15 knots (kn; 18.5 to 27.8 km per hour (km/hr)) for fuel conservation. Submarines generally operate at lower speeds in transit and even lower speeds for certain tactical maneuvers. Small craft (considered in this proposed rule to be less than 60 ft (18 m) in length) have much more variable speeds (dependent on the mission). While these speeds are representative of most events, some vessels need to temporarily operate outside of these parameters. For example, to produce the required relative wind speed over the flight deck, an aircraft carrier vessel group engaged in flight operations must adjust its speed through the water accordingly. Conversely, there are other instances such as launch and recovery of a small rigid hull inflatable boat, vessel boarding, search and seizure training events, or retrieval of a target when vessels will be stopped or moving slowly ahead to maintain steerage. Additionally, there are specific events including high speed tests of newly constructed vessels. High speed ferries may also be used to support Navy testing in Narragansett Bay.

The number of vessels used in the Study Area varies based on military readiness requirements, deployment schedules, annual budgets, and other unpredictable factors. Most military readiness activities involve the use of vessels. These activities could be widely dispersed throughout the Study Area, but would typically be conducted near naval ports, piers, and range areas. Activities involving vessel movements occur intermittently and are variable in duration, ranging from a few hours to multiple weeks.

Action Proponent vessel traffic would be concentrated near Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia and Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida. There is no seasonal differentiation in vessel use. Large vessel movement primarily occurs with the majority of the traffic flowing between the installations and the OPAREAs and/or testing and training ranges. Support craft would be more concentrated in the coastal waters in the areas of naval installations, ports, and ranges.

The number of testing activities that include the use of vessels is around 12 percent lower than the number of training activities, but testing activities are more likely to include the use of larger unmanned vessels. In addition, testing often occurs jointly with a training event so it is likely that the testing activity would be conducted from a vessel that was also conducting a training activity. Vessel movement in conjunction with testing activities could occur throughout the Study Area, but would typically be conducted near naval ports, piers, and within range complexes.

Additionally, a variety of smaller craft will be operated within the Study Area. Small craft types, sizes, and speeds vary. During military readiness activities, speeds generally range from 10 to 14 kn (18.5 to 25.9 km/hr); however, vessels can and will, on occasion, operate within the entire spectrum of their specific operational capabilities. In all cases, the vessels/craft will be operated in a safe manner consistent with the local conditions.

Foreign Navies

Foreign militaries may participate in U.S. Navy training or testing activities in the AFTT Study Area. The Navy does not consider these foreign military activities as part of the “specified activity” under the MMPA, and NMFS defers to the applicant to describe the scope of its request for an authorization.

The participation of foreign navies varies from year to year but overall is infrequent compared with Navy's total training and testing activities. When foreign militaries are participating in a U.S. Navy-led exercise or event, foreign military use of sonar and explosives, when combined with the U.S. Navy's use of sonar and explosives, would not result in exceedance of the analyzed levels (within each Navy Acoustic Effects Model (NAEMO) modeled sonar and explosive bin) used for estimating predicted impacts, which formed the basis of our acoustic impacts effects analysis that was used to estimate take in this proposed rule. Please see the

Proposed Mitigation Measures

section and

Proposed Reporting

section of this proposed rule for information about mitigation and reporting related to foreign navy activities in the AFTT Study Area.

Standard Operating Procedures

For training and testing to be effective, Action Proponent personnel must be able to safely use their sensors, platforms, weapons, and other devices to their optimum capabilities and as intended for use in missions and combat operations. The Action Proponents have developed standard operating procedures through decades of experience to provide for safety and mission success. Because they are essential to safety and mission success, standard operating procedures are part of the Proposed Action and are considered in the environmental analysis for applicable resources (see chapter 3 (Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences) of the 2024 AFTT Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS). Standard operating procedures recognized as providing a benefit to public safety or environmental resources are described in appendix A (Activity Descriptions) of the 2024 AFTT Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS. While standard operating procedures are designed for the safety of personnel and equipment and to ensure the success of training and testing activities, their implementation often yields additional benefits on environmental, socioeconomic, public health and safety, and cultural resources.

Because standard operating procedures are essential to safety and mission success, the Action Proponents consider them to be part of the proposed activities and have included them in the environmental analysis. Standard operating procedures that are recognized as providing a potential secondary benefit on marine mammals during training and testing activities are noted below.

(i) Vessel safety;

(ii) Weapons firing safety;

(iii) Target deployment safety;

(iv) Towed in-water device safety;

(v) Pile driving safety; and

(vi) Coastal zones.

Standard operating procedures (which are implemented regardless of their secondary benefits) are different from mitigation measures (which are designed entirely for the purpose of avoiding or reducing impacts). Information on mitigation measures is provided in the Proposed Mitigation Measures section below. Additional information on standard operating procedures is discussed in more detail in appendix A (Activity Descriptions) of

the 2024 AFTT Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS.

Description of Stressors

The Action Proponents use a variety of sensors, platforms, weapons, and other devices, and military readiness activities using these systems may introduce sound and energy into the environment. The proposed military readiness activities were evaluated to identify specific components that would act as stressors by having direct or indirect impacts on marine mammals and their habitat. This analysis included identification of the spatial variation of the identified stressors. The following subsections describe the acoustic and explosive stressors for marine mammals and their habitat within the AFTT Study Area. Each description contains a list of activities that may generate the stressor. Stressor/resource interactions that were determined to have negligible (as defined for the purposes of the NEPA analyses) or impacts that do not rise to the level of take under the MMPA (

i.e.,

vessel, aircraft, or weapons noise) were not carried forward for analysis in the application. NMFS reviewed the Action Proponents' analysis and conclusions on

de minimis

sources (

i.e.,

those that are not likely to result in the take of marine mammals) and finds them complete and supportable (see section 3.7.4 of the technical report “Quantifying Acoustic Impacts on Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles: Methods and Analytical Approach for Phase IV Training and Testing” (U.S. Department of the Navy, 2024)).

Acoustic Stressors

Acoustic stressors include acoustic signals emitted into the water for a specific purpose, such as sonar, other transducers (devices that convert energy from one form to another—in this case, into sound waves), and air guns, as well as incidental sources of broadband sound produced as a byproduct of vessel movement, aircraft transits, use of weapons or other deployed objects, vibratory pile extraction, and vibratory and impact pile driving. Explosives also produce broadband sound but are characterized separately from other acoustic sources due to their unique hazardous characteristics. Characteristics of each of these sound sources are described in the following sections.

To better organize and facilitate the analysis of approximately 300 sources of underwater sound used for training and testing by the Action Proponents, including sonars and other transducers, air guns, and explosives, a series of source classifications, or source bins, were used. The acoustic source classification bins do not include the broadband noise produced incidental to pile driving, vessel and aircraft transits, and weapons firing. Noise produced from vessel, aircraft, and weapons firing activities are not carried forward because those activities were found to have

de minimis

or no acoustic impacts, as stated above. Of note, the source bins used in this analysis have been revised from previous (Phase III) acoustic modeling to more efficiently group similar sources and use the parameters of the bin for propagation, making a comparison to previous bins impossible in most cases as some sources are modeled at different propagation parameters. For example, in previous analyses, non-impulsive narrowband sound sources were grouped into bins that were defined by their acoustic properties (

i.e.,

frequency, source level, beam pattern, duty cycle) or, in some cases, their purpose or application. In the current analysis, these sources are binned based only on their acoustic properties and not on their purpose or application. As such, sources that previously fell into a single “purpose-based” bin now, in many cases, fall into multiple bins while sources with similar acoustic parameters that were previously sorted into separate bins due to different purposes now share a bin. Therefore, the acoustic source bins used in the current analysis do not represent a one-for-one replacement with previous bins, making direct comparison not possible in most cases.

The use of source classification bins provides the following benefits:

(i) Allows new sensors or munitions to be used under existing authorizations as long as those sources fall within the parameters of a “bin”;

(ii) Improves efficiency of source utilization data collection and reporting requirements anticipated under the MMPA authorizations;

(iii) Ensures that impacts are not underestimated, as all sources within a given class are modeled as the most impactful source (highest source level, longest duty cycle, or largest net explosive weight) within that bin;

(iv) Allows analyses to be conducted in a more efficient manner, without any compromise of analytical results; and

(v) Provides a framework to support the reallocation of source usage (hours/explosives) between different source bins, as long as the total numbers of takes remain within the overall analyzed and authorized limits. This flexibility is required to support evolving training and testing requirements, which are linked to real world events.

Sonar and Other Transducers—

Active sonar and other transducers emit non-impulsive sound waves into the water to detect objects, navigate safely, and communicate. Passive sonars differ from active sound sources in that they do not emit acoustic signals; rather, they only receive acoustic information about the environment, or listen. In this proposed rule, the terms sonar and other transducers will be used to indicate active sound sources unless otherwise specified.

The Action Proponents employ a variety of sonars and other transducers to obtain and transmit information about the undersea environment. Some examples are mid-frequency hull-mounted sonars used to find and track enemy submarines; high-frequency small object detection sonars used to detect mines; high-frequency underwater modems used to transfer data over short ranges; and extremely high-frequency (greater than 200 kilohertz (kHz)) Doppler sonars used for navigation, like those used on commercial and private vessels. The characteristics of these sonars and other transducers, such as source level (SL), beam width, directivity, and frequency, depend on the purpose of the source. Higher frequencies can carry more information or provide more information about objects off which they reflect, but attenuate more rapidly. Lower frequencies attenuate less rapidly, so they may detect objects over a longer distance, but with less detail.

Propagation of sound produced underwater is highly dependent on environmental characteristics such as bathymetry, seafloor type, water depth, temperature, and salinity. The sound received at a particular location will be different than near the source due to the interaction of many factors, including propagation loss; how the sound is reflected, refracted, or scattered; the potential for reverberation; and interference due to multi-path propagation. In addition, absorption greatly affects the distance over which higher-frequency sounds propagate. The effects of these factors are explained in appendix D (Acoustic and Explosive Impacts Supporting Information) of the 2024 AFTT Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS. Because of the complexity of analyzing sound propagation in the ocean environment, the Action Proponents rely on acoustic models in their environmental analyses that consider sound source characteristics and varying ocean conditions across the AFTT Study Area. For additional information on how propagation is accounted for, see the technical report

“Quantifying Acoustic Impacts on Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles: Methods and Analytical Approach for Phase IV Training and Testing” (U.S. Navy, 2024).

The sound sources and platforms typically used in military readiness activities analyzed in the application are described in appendix A (Activity Descriptions) of the 2024 AFTT Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS. Sonars and other transducers used to obtain and transmit information underwater during military readiness activities generally fall into several categories of use described below.

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Sonar used during anti-submarine warfare training and testing would impart the greatest amount of acoustic energy of any category of sonar and other transducers analyzed in this proposed rule. Types of sonars used to detect potential enemy vessels include hull-mounted, towed, line array, sonobuoy, helicopter dipping, and torpedo sonars. In addition, acoustic targets and decoys (countermeasures) may be deployed to emulate the sound signatures of vessels or repeat received signals.

Most anti-submarine warfare sonars are mid-frequency (1-10 kHz) because mid-frequency sound balances sufficient resolution to identify targets with distance over which threats can be identified. However, some sources may use higher or lower frequencies. Duty cycles can vary widely, from rarely used to continuously active. Anti-submarine warfare sonars can be wide-ranging in a search mode or highly directional in a track mode.

Most anti-submarine warfare activities involving submarines or submarine targets would occur in waters greater than 600 ft (182.9 m) deep due to safety concerns about running aground at shallower depths. Sonars used for anti-submarine warfare activities would typically be used beyond 12 nmi (22.2 km) from shore. Exceptions include use of dipping sonar by helicopters, pierside testing and maintenance of systems while in port, and system checks while transiting to or from port.

Mine Warfare, Object Detection, and Imaging

Sonars used to locate mines and other small objects, as well as those used in imaging (

e.g.,

for hull inspections or imaging of the seafloor), are typically high-frequency or very high-frequency. Higher frequencies allow for greater resolution and, due to their greater attenuation, are most effective over shorter distances. Mine detection sonar can be deployed (towed or vessel hull-mounted) at variable depths on moving platforms (ships, helicopters, or unmanned vehicles) to sweep a suspected mined area. Hull-mounted anti-submarine sonars can also be used in an object detection mode known as “Kingfisher” mode. Sonars used for imaging are usually used in close proximity to the area of interest, such as pointing downward near the seafloor.

Mine detection sonar use would be concentrated in areas where practice mines are deployed, typically in water depths less than 200 ft (60.9 m), and at established training or testing minefields or temporary minefields close to strategic ports and harbors. Kingfisher mode on vessels is most likely to be used when transiting to and from port. Sound sources used for imaging would be used throughout the AFTT Study Area.

Navigation and Safety

Similar to commercial and private vessels, the Action Proponents' vessels employ navigational acoustic devices, including speed logs, Doppler sonars for ship positioning, and fathometers. These may be in use at any time for safe vessel operation. These sources are typically highly directional to obtain specific navigational data.

Communication

Sound sources used to transmit data (such as underwater modems), provide location (pingers), or send a single brief release signal to seafloor-mounted devices (acoustic release) may be used throughout the AFTT Study Area. These sources typically have low duty cycles and are usually only used when it is necessary to send a detectable acoustic message.

Classification of Sonar and Other Transducers

Sonars and other transducers are grouped into bins based on their acoustic properties. Sonars and other transducers are now grouped into bins based on the frequency or bandwidth, source level, duty-cycle, and three-dimensional beam coverage. Unless stated otherwise, a reference distance of decibel (dB) microPascal (μPa) at 1 m (3.3 ft) is used for sonar and other transducers.

(i) Frequency of the non-impulsive acoustic source:

a. Low-frequency sources operate below 1 kHz;

b. Mid-frequency sources operate at or above 1 kHz, up to and including 10 kHz;

c. High-frequency sources operate above 10 kHz, up to and including 100 kHz; and

d. Very high-frequency sources operate above 100 kHz but below 200 kHz.

(ii) Sound pressure level (SPL):

a. Greater than 160 dB referenced to 1 microPascal (re 1 μPa), but less than 185 dB re 1 μPa;

b. Equal to 185 dB re 1 μPa and up to 205 dB re 1 μPa; and

c. Greater than 205 dB re 1 μPa.

Active sonar and other transducer use that was quantitatively analyzed in the Study Area are shown in table 10.

Table 10—Sonar and Other Transducers Quantitatively Analyzed in the AFTT Study Area

Source type

Source