Basic Enlisted Submarine School

Basic Enlisted Submarine School
Basic Enlisted Submarine School
Established	1982
Type	United States Army Training Command
Location	Groton, New London County, Connecticut, USA
Campus	Naval Submarine Base New London
Website	Basic Enlisted Submarine School

A student at Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS), repairs a simulated engine room leak in the school's damage control wet trainer at Naval Submarine Base New London.

Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS) is the U.S. Navy's submarine training school for enlisted sailors. Located on Naval Submarine Base New London (NAVSUBASE NLON) in Groton, New London County, Connecticut, the school is a six-week introduction to the basic theory, construction and operation of nuclear-powered submarines. The course includes instruction on shipboard organization, submarine safety and escape procedures.^[1] This program is limited to male candidates only, and requires passing a physical and mental screening.

[edit] High Risk Trainers

The Navy operates four high risk trainers at New London that sub school classes attend in random order. They are:

Fire Fighting - Students are instructed in the differences between submarine and surface ship fire fighting and the special equipment used in sub-surface fire fighting.
Damage Control - Sailors are required to patch leaks and seal ruptured pipes before their compartment completely floods.
Submarine Escape - Personnel learn how to successfully escape from a disabled submarine.
Ship Control - i.e. "Dive And Drive." Students learn how to steer and dive/rise the submarine.