NAS Jax to see $37 million training facility for new multi-mission aircraft

Image courtesy of NAVFAC Southeast An architect's rendering of the new P-8A Poseidon Integrated Training Facility soon to be constructed near Yorktown Avenue at NAS Jacksonville.

"I am honored that NAS Jacksonville was selected as the site for this very sophisticated anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training center," said VP-30 Commanding Officer Capt. Rich Fite. "This integrated training center (ITC) will facilitate the Navy Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Fleet's transition from the P-3C to the P-8A (a modified Boeing 737-800) with state-of-the-art technology."

Fite continued, "VP-30 is home to the Navy's finest instructors who train pilots, naval flight officers and aircrew to face a multitude of operational challenges in a demanding maritime environment. The future looks extremely bright for the Fleet and the new ITC will help cement our foundation as a center of ASW excellence"

Commenting on the new construction project, NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. stated, "I am delighted that this sophisticated training facility is going to be built aboard NAS Jacksonville. This project consists of design and construction of a two-story, 165,475-sq.-ft. structure for training pilots, naval flight officers and aircrew on the P-8A Poseidon multi-mission aircraft."

"This will be unlike any other training facility ever built by the Navy and includes space for 10 operational flight trainers, eight weapons tactics trainers, four part task trainers, support equipment, computer-based training stations, maintenance support shops, administrative offices, student study rooms, and many other amenities. We will have the Navy's best and the brightest training at this facility," Scorby added.

The project is expected to be completed by June 2011.