United States Department of the Navy June 2017

Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement / Overseas 

Environmental Impact Statement

Volume V
Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement / Overseas 

Environmental Impact Statement

Volume V

United States Department of the Navy

June 2017
Atlantic Fleet

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS    June 2017

Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

APPENDIX A

Navy Activity Descriptions
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Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement 

Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

A. NAVY ACTIVITY DESCRIPTIONS ................................................................................................ A-1

A.1 Description of Sonar, Munitions, Targets, and Other Systems Employed in 

Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing Events .................................................................. A-1

A.1.1 Sonar Systems and Other Acoustic Sources ......................................................... A-1

A.1.2 Munitions .............................................................................................................. A-7

A.1.3 Targets ................................................................................................................ A-11

A.1.4 Defensive Countermeasures ............................................................................... A-13

A.1.5 Mine Warfare Systems ........................................................................................ A-13

A.1.6 Military Expended Materials ............................................................................... A-16

A.2 Training Activities ................................................................................................... A-17

A.2.1 Major Training Exercises ..................................................................................... A-17

A.2.1.1 Composite Training Unit Exercise ....................................................... A-17

A.2.1.2 Fleet Exercise/Sustainment Exercise .................................................. A-20

A.2.2 Integrated/Coordinated Training ........................................................................ A-22

A.2.2.1 Navy Undersea Warfare Training and Assessment Course ................ A-22

A.2.2.2 Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training ...................................... A-24

A.2.2.3 Anti-Submarine Warfare Tactical Development Exercise................... A-26

A.2.2.4 Amphibious Ready Group Marine Expeditionary Unit 

Exercise ............................................................................................... A-28

A.2.2.5 Group Sail ............................................................................................ A-30

A.2.3 Air Warfare Training ............................................................................................ A-32

A.2.3.1 Air Combat Maneuver ........................................................................ A-32

A.2.3.2 Air Defense Exercise ........................................................................... A-34

A.2.3.3 Gunnery Exercise Air-to-Air Medium-Caliber ..................................... A-35

A.2.3.4 Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Air Large-Caliber .................................. A-37

A.2.3.5 Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Air Medium-Caliber .............................. A-39

A.2.3.6 Missile Exercise Air-to-Air ................................................................... A-41

A.2.3.7 Missile Exercise – Man-Portable Air Defense System ........................ A-43

A.2.3.8 Missile Exercise Surface-to-Air ........................................................... A-45

A.2.4 Amphibious Warfare Training ............................................................................. A-47

A.2.4.1 Amphibious Assault ............................................................................ A-47

A.2.4.2 Amphibious Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Exercise ............ A-49

A.2.4.3 Amphibious Raid ................................................................................. A-50
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A.2.4.4 Amphibious Vehicle Maneuvers ......................................................... A-52

A.2.4.5 Humanitarian Assistance Operations ................................................. A-53

A.2.4.6 Marine Expeditionary Unit Certification Exercise ............................... A-54

A.2.4.7 Naval Surface Fire Support Exercise – At Sea ..................................... A-56

A.2.4.8 Naval Surface Fire Support Exercise – Land-Based Target ................. A-58

A.2.5 Anti-Submarine Warfare Training ....................................................................... A-60

A.2.5.1 Torpedo Exercise – Helicopter ............................................................ A-61

A.2.5.2 Torpedo Exercise – Maritime Patrol Aircraft ...................................... A-63

A.2.5.3 Torpedo Exercise – Ship...................................................................... A-65

A.2.5.4 Torpedo Exercise – Submarine ........................................................... A-67

A.2.5.5 Tracking Exercise – Helicopter ............................................................ A-69

A.2.5.6 Tracking Exercise – Maritime Patrol Aircraft ...................................... A-71

A.2.5.7 Tracking Exercise – Submarine ........................................................... A-73

A.2.5.8 Tracking Exercise – Ship...................................................................... A-75

A.2.6 Electronic Warfare .............................................................................................. A-77

A.2.6.1 Counter Targeting Chaff Exercise – Aircraft ....................................... A-77

A.2.6.2 Counter Targeting Chaff Exercise – Ship............................................. A-79

A.2.6.3 Counter Targeting Flare Exercise ........................................................ A-81

A.2.6.4 Electronic Warfare Operations ........................................................... A-83

A.2.6.5 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile Exercise (Air-to-Surface) ............. A-85

A.2.7 Expeditionary Warfare ........................................................................................ A-87

A.2.7.1 Dive and Salvage Operations .............................................................. A-87

A.2.7.2 Maritime Security Operations – Anti-Swimmer Grenades ................. A-88

A.2.7.3 Personnel Insertion/Extraction – Air .................................................. A-90

A.2.7.4 Personnel Insertion/Extraction – Surface and Subsurface ................. A-92

A.2.7.5 Personnel Insertion/Extraction – Swimmer/Diver.............................. A-93

A.2.7.6 Underwater Construction Team Training ........................................... A-94

A.2.8 Mine Warfare ...................................................................................................... A-95

A.2.8.1 Airborne Mine Countermeasure – Mine Detection ............................ A-95

A.2.8.2 Airborne Mine Countermeasure – Towed Mine 

Neutralization ..................................................................................... A-97

A.2.8.3 Civilian Port Defense – Homeland Security AntiTerrorism/Force Protection Exercise .................................................. A-99

A.2.8.4 Coordinated Unit-Level Helicopter Airborne Mine 

Countermeasures Exercise ............................................................... A-101

A.2.8.5 Mine Countermeasures – Ship Sonar ............................................... A-103

A.2.8.6 Mine Countermeasures – Mine Neutralization – Remotely 

Operated Vehicle .............................................................................. A-105
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A.2.8.7 Mine Laying ....................................................................................... A-107

A.2.8.8 Mine Neutralization – Explosive Ordnance Disposal ........................ A-109

A.2.8.9 Underwater Mine Countermeasure Raise, Tow, Beach and 

Exploitation Operations .................................................................... A-111

A.2.9 Surface Warfare Training .................................................................................. A-113

A.2.9.1 Bombing Exercise Air-to-Surface ...................................................... A-113

A.2.9.2 Fast Attack Craft and Fast Inshore Attack Craft ................................ A-115

A.2.9.3 Gunnery Exercise Air-to-Surface Medium-Caliber ............................ A-116

A.2.9.4 Gunnery Exercise Air-to-Surface Small-Caliber ................................ A-118

A.2.9.5 Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Boat Medium-Caliber ............ A-120

A.2.9.6 Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Boat Small-Caliber ................. A-122

A.2.9.7 Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Large-Caliber ................. A-124

A.2.9.8 Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Medium-Caliber ............ A-126

A.2.9.9 Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Small-Caliber ................. A-128

A.2.9.10 Integrated Live Fire ........................................................................... A-131

A.2.9.11 Laser Targeting – Aircraft .................................................................. A-133

A.2.9.12 Laser Targeting – Ship....................................................................... A-135

A.2.9.13 Maritime Security Operations .......................................................... A-137

A.2.9.14 Missile Exercise Air-to-Surface ......................................................... A-139

A.2.9.15 Missile Exercise Air-to-Surface – Rocket ........................................... A-141

A.2.9.16 Missile Exercise Surface-to-Surface .................................................. A-143

A.2.9.17 Sinking Exercise ................................................................................. A-145

A.2.10 Other Training Exercises ................................................................................... A-147

A.2.10.1 Elevated Causeway System ............................................................... A-147

A.2.10.2 Precision Anchoring .......................................................................... A-149

A.2.10.3 Search and Rescue ............................................................................ A-150

A.2.10.4 Submarine Navigation ...................................................................... A-152

A.2.10.5 Submarine Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks ....................... A-154

A.2.10.6 Submarine Under Ice Certification ................................................... A-155

A.2.10.7 Surface Ship Object Detection .......................................................... A-156

A.2.10.8 Surface Ship Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks .................... A-158

A.2.10.9 Waterborne Training ........................................................................ A-160

A.3 Testing Activities................................................................................................... A-162

A.3.1 Naval Air Systems Command Testing Activities ................................................ A-162

A.3.1.1 Air Warfare ....................................................................................... A-162

A.3.1.2 Anti-Submarine Warfare ................................................................... A-176

A.3.1.3 Electronic Warfare ............................................................................ A-187

A.3.1.4 Mine Warfare .................................................................................... A-193
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A.3.1.5 Surface Warfare ................................................................................ A-203

A.3.1.6 Other Testing Activities ..................................................................... A-215

A.3.2 Naval Sea Systems Command Testing Activities ............................................... A-225

A.3.2.1 Anti-Submarine Warfare ................................................................... A-225

A.3.2.2 Electronic Warfare ............................................................................ A-241

A.3.2.3 Mine Warfare .................................................................................... A-243

A.3.2.4 Surface Warfare ................................................................................ A-249

A.3.2.4 Unmanned Systems ......................................................................... A-259

A.3.2.5 Vessel Evaluation .............................................................................. A-267

A.3.2.6 Submarine Sea Trials – Weapons System Testing ............................ A-287

A.3.2.7 Other Testing .................................................................................... A-293

A.3.3 Office of Naval Research Testing Activities ....................................................... A-309

A.3.3.1 Acoustic and Oceanographic Science and Technology ..................... A-309

List of Figures 

Figure A.1-1: Principle of an Active Sonar .................................................................................................. A-2

Figure A.1-2: Guided Missile Destroyer with an AN/SQS-53 Sonar ........................................................... A-4

Figure A.1-3: Submarine AN/BQQ-10 Active Sonar Array ......................................................................... A-4

Figure A.1-4: Sonobuoy (e.g., AN/SSQ-62) ................................................................................................. A-4

Figure A.1-5: Helicopter Deploys Dipping Sonar ........................................................................................ A-5

Figure A.1-6: Current United States Navy Torpedoes ................................................................................ A-5

Figure A.1-7: Anti-Submarine Warfare Targets ......................................................................................... A-6

Figure A.1-8: Mine Warfare Systems ......................................................................................................... A-6

Figure A.1-9: Shipboard Small Arms Training ............................................................................................ A-7

Figure A.1-10: Shipboard Medium-Caliber Guns ....................................................................................... A-8

Figure A.1-11: Shipboard Large-Caliber Gun and Projectiles ..................................................................... A-8

Figure A.1-12: Rolling Airframe Missile and Air-to-Air Missile .................................................................. A-9

Figure A.1-13: Anti-Surface Missile Fired from MH-60 Helicopter ............................................................ A-9

Figure A.1-14: F/A-18 Bomb Release and Loading General Purpose Bombs ........................................... A-10

Figure A.1-15: Subscale Bombs for Training ............................................................................................ A-10

Figure A.1-16: Deployment and Recovery of Air Warfare Targets .......................................................... A-11

Figure A.1-17: Deploying a “Killer TomatoTM” Floating Target................................................................. A-12

Figure A.1-18: Ship Deployable Surface Target and High-Speed Maneuverable 

Seaborne Target .................................................................................................................. A-12

Figure A.1-19: Acoustic Countermeasures............................................................................................... A-13

Figure A.1-20: Towed Mine Detection System ........................................................................................ A-14

Figure A.1-21: AN/AES-1 Airborne Laser Mine Detection System ........................................................... A-14
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Figure A.1-22: Organic and Surface Influence Sweep .............................................................................. A-15

Figure A.1-23: Airborne Mine Neutralization System .............................................................................. A-15

Figure A.2-1: BQM-74 (Aerial Target) ...................................................................................................... A-42

Figure A.2-2: LUU-2B/B Illuminating Flare (Aerial Target) ....................................................................... A-42

Figure A.2-3: Tactical Air-Launched Decoy (Aerial Target) ...................................................................... A-42

Figure A.2-4: “Killer Tomato” Stationary Floating Target ...................................................................... A-129

Figure A.2-5: QST-35 Seaborne Powered Target (on Left) and High-Speed Maneuvering 

Surface Target (on Right) .................................................................................................. A-130
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A. NAVY ACTIVITY DESCRIPTIONS 

The Navy has been conducting military readiness activities throughout the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, 

Gulf of Mexico, and inshore waters for decades. The tempo and types of training and testing activities 

have fluctuated within the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing (AFTT) Study Area (Study Area) due to 

changing requirements, the introduction of new technologies, the dynamic nature of international 

events, advances in warfighting doctrine and procedures, and force structure changes. Such 

developments have influenced the frequency, duration, intensity, and location of required training and 

testing.

A.1 DESCRIPTION OF SONAR, MUNITIONS, TARGETS, AND OTHER SYSTEMS 

EMPLOYED IN ATLANTIC FLEET TRAINING AND TESTING EVENTS

The Navy uses a variety of sensors, platforms, weapons, and other devices, including ones used to 

ensure the safety of Sailors and Marines, to meet its mission. Training and testing with these systems 

may have the potential to introduce acoustic (sound) energy and expended materials into the 

environment. The environmental impact of these activities was analyzed in Chapter 3 (Affected 

Environment and Environmental Consequences) of this Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)/Overseas 

Environmental Impact Statement (OEIS). This appendix presents and organizes sonar systems, 

munitions, targets, and other systems in a manner intended to facilitate understanding of both the 

activities that use them and the analysis of their environmental effects, described in Chapter 3 (Affected 

Environment and Environmental Consequences) of this EIS/OEIS. 

A.1.1 SONAR SYSTEMS AND OTHER ACOUSTIC SOURCES

Sonar. Sonar, originally an acronym for “Sound Navigation And Ranging,” is a technique that uses

underwater sound to navigate, communicate, or detect underwater objects (the term sonar is also used 

for the equipment used to generate and receive sound). There are two basic types of sonar: active and 

passive. 

Active sonar emits sound waves that travel through the water, reflect off objects, and return to a 

receiver. Sonar is used to determine the distance to an underwater object by calculating the speed of 

sound in water and the time for the sound wave to travel to the object and back. For example, active 

sonar systems are used to track targets or to aid in vessel navigation by identifying known ocean floor 

features. Some whales, dolphins, and bats use echolocation, a similar technique, to identify their 

surroundings and to locate prey. 

Passive sonar uses listening equipment, such as underwater microphones (hydrophones) and receiving 

sensors on ships, submarines, aircraft, or autonomous vehicles, to pick up underwater sounds. The 

advantage of passive sonar is that it places no sound in the water and, thus, does not reveal the location 

of the listening vessel. Passive sonar can indicate the presence, character, and direction of noise 

producing objects such as ships and submarines; however, passive sonar is increasingly ineffective as 

modern submarines become quieter. Passive sonar has no potential acoustic impact on the environment 

and, therefore, is not discussed further or analyzed within this EIS/OEIS. 
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All sounds, including sonar, are categorized by frequency. For this EIS/OEIS, active sonar is categorized 

into four frequency ranges: low-frequency,1 mid-frequency, high-frequency, and very high-frequency. 

 Low-frequency active sonar emits sounds at frequencies less than 1 kilohertz (kHz). Lowfrequency active sonar is useful for detecting objects at great distances because low-frequency 

sounds do not dissipate as rapidly as higher-frequency sounds. 

 Mid-frequency active sonar emits sounds at frequencies from 1 to 10 kHz. Mid-frequency active 

sonar is the Navy’s primary tool for detecting and identifying submarines. Active sonar in this 

frequency range provides a valuable combination of range and target accuracy. 

 High-frequency active sonar emits sounds at frequencies greater than 10 kHz, up to 100 kHz. 

High-frequency sounds dissipate rapidly and have a small effective range; however, highfrequency sounds provide higher resolution of objects and are useful at detecting and 

identifying smaller objects such as sea mines. 

 Very high-frequency sources are those that operate above 100 kHz but below 200 kHz. Very 

high-frequency sounds provide even higher resolution of objects and are sometimes used for 

underwater communication. 

Modern sonar technology includes a variety of sonar sensor and processing systems. In concept, the 

simplest active sonar emits sound waves, or “pings,” sent out in multiple directions, and the sound 

waves then reflect off of the target object in multiple directions (Figure A.1-1). 

Figure A.1-1: Principle of an Active Sonar 

 

1

 Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS) Low-Frequency Active sonar, which may be used in the Study Area, is not 

among the sources analyzed in this document. The potential environmental impacts from use of SURTASS Low-Frequency 

Active sonar are analyzed in separate analyses under the National Environmental Policy Act. 
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The sonar source calculates the time it takes for reflected sound waves to return; this calculation 

determines the distance to the target object. More sophisticated active sonars emit a ping and then 

rapidly scan or listen to the sound waves in a specific area. This provides both distance to the target and 

directional information. Even more advanced sonars use multiple receivers to listen to echoes from 

several directions simultaneously and provide efficient detection of both direction and distance. It 

should be noted that active sonar is rarely used continuously throughout the listed activities. In addition, 

when sonar is in use, the sonar ”pings” occur at intervals, referred to as a duty cycle, and the signals 

themselves are very short in duration. For example, a sonar that emits a 1-second ping every 10 seconds 

has a 10 percent duty cycle. 

The Navy utilizes sonar systems and other acoustic sensors in support of a variety of mission 

requirements. Primary uses include detection of and defense against submarines (anti-submarine 

warfare) and mines (mine warfare), safe navigation and effective communications, and oceanographic 

surveys. Specific examples of how sonar systems are used for Navy activities are discussed in the 

following sections. 

Anti-Submarine Warfare. Systems used in anti-submarine warfare include sonars, torpedoes, and 

acoustic countermeasure devices. These systems are employed from a variety of platforms (surface 

ships, submarines, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft). Surface ships conducting anti-submarine 

warfare are typically equipped with hull-mounted sonar (passive and active) for the detection of 

submarines (or submarine targets during training and testing events). Helicopters use dipping sonar or 

sonobuoys (passive and active) to locate submarines (or targets). Fixed-wing aircraft deploy both active 

and passive expendable sonobuoys to assist in detecting and tracking submarines (or targets). 

Submarines are equipped with hull-mounted sonars to detect, localize, and track other submarines and 

surface ships. Submarines primarily use passive sonar; active sonar is used mostly for navigation. There 

are also unmanned vehicles currently being developed to deploy anti-submarine warfare systems. 

Anti-submarine warfare activities often use mid-frequency (1 to 10 kHz) active sonar, though lowfrequency and high-frequency active sonar systems are also used for specialized purposes. The Navy is 

currently developing and testing sonar systems that may utilize lower frequencies and longer duty 

cycles—albeit at lower source levels—than current systems. However, these new systems would only be 

operational if they significantly increase the Navy’s ability to detect and identify quiet submarine 

threats. 

Typical active sonar systems and acoustic sensors used during anti-submarine warfare sonar training and 

testing exercises include the following: 

 Surface Ship Sonar Systems: A variety of surface ships operate hull-mounted or tethered midfrequency active sonar during training exercises and testing activities (Figure A.1-2). Only 

cruisers and destroyers have surface ship sonar systems. The littoral combat ship and new 

frigate will have a tethered variable depth sonar system. Unmanned surface vessels can also 

include sonar systems, such as the variable depth sonar and mine hunting sonar. 
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Figure A.1-2: Guided Missile Destroyer with an AN/SQS-53 Sonar 

 Submarine Sonar Systems: Submarines are equipped with hull-mounted mid-frequency and 

high-frequency active sonar (Figure A.1-3) used to detect and target enemy submarines and 

surface ships. A submarine’s mission relies on its stealth; therefore, a submarine uses its active 

sonar sparingly because each sound emission gives away the submarine’s location. 

Figure A.1-3: Submarine AN/BQQ-10 Active Sonar Array 

 Aircraft Sonar Systems: Aircraft sonar systems include sonobuoys and dipping sonars. 

o Sonobuoys: Active sonobuoys are expendable devices that contain a data transmitter 

and a hydrophone. The sounds collected by the sonobuoy are transmitted back to the 

operator (aboard ship or aircraft) for analysis. Sonobuoys are either active or passive 

and allow for short- and long-range detection of surface ships and submarines. These 

systems are deployed by ship, helicopter, and fixed-wing patrol aircraft (Figure A.1-4).

Figure A.1-4: Sonobuoy (e.g., AN/SSQ-62)
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o Dipping Sonars: Dipping sonars are recoverable devices lowered into the water via cable 

from manned and unmanned helicopters (Figure A.1-5). The sonar detects underwater 

targets and determines the distance and movement of the target relative to the position 

of the helicopter. 

Figure A.1-5: Helicopter Deploys Dipping Sonar 

 Exercise Torpedoes: Some torpedoes used in training and testing activities may transmit active 

sonar signals. Surface ships, aircraft, and submarines primarily use torpedoes in anti-submarine 

warfare (Figure A.1-6). Recoverable, non-explosive torpedoes, categorized as either lightweight 

or heavyweight, are used during training and testing. Torpedoes operate autonomously, or in 

the case of heavyweight torpedoes, use a guidance system to operate the torpedo remotely 

through an attached wire (guidance wire). The autonomous guidance systems operate either 

passively (listening for sounds generated by the target) or actively (pinging to search for the 

target). Torpedo training in the Study Area is mostly simulated—solid masses that approximate 

the weight and shape of a torpedo are fired rather than fully functional torpedoes. Testing in the 

Study Area mostly uses fully functional exercise torpedoes. 

Figure A.1-6: Current United States Navy Torpedoes 

 Anti-Submarine Warfare Targets: Anti-submarine warfare targets are autonomous undersea 

vehicles used to simulate target submarines (Figure A.1-7). The targets are equipped with one or 
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more of the following devices: (1) acoustic projectors emitting sounds to simulate submarine 

acoustic signatures, (2) echo repeaters to simulate the characteristics of the echo of a sonar 

signal reflected from a submarine, or (3) magnetic sources that mimic those of a submarine.

Figure A.1-7: Anti-Submarine Warfare Targets 

Mine Warfare. Mine warfare training and testing activities use a variety of different sonar systems that 

are typically high-frequency (greater than 10 kHz) and very high-frequency (greater than 100 kHz). These 

sonar systems are used to detect, locate, and characterize moored and bottom mines (Figure A.1-8). The 

majority of mine warfare sonar sensors can be deployed by more than one platform (e.g., helicopter, 

unmanned underwater vehicle, or surface ship) and may be interchangeable among platforms. Surface 

ships and submarines use sonar to detect mines and objects, while minesweeping ships use a specialized 

variable-depth mine detection and classification high-frequency active sonar system to detect mines. 

(Source: Graphic on right courtesy of Lockheed Martin) 

Figure A.1-8: Mine Warfare Systems 
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Safety, Navigation, Communications, and Oceanographic Systems. Naval ships, submarines, and 

unmanned surface and subsurface vehicles rely on equipment and instrumentation that use active sonar 

during both routine operations and training and testing events. Sonar systems are used to gauge water 

depth; detect and map objects, navigational hazards, and the ocean floor; and transmit communication 

signals. 

Other Acoustic Systems. The Navy uses a variety of other acoustic sensors to protect ships anchored or 

at the pier, as well as shore facilities. These systems, both active and passive, detect potentially hostile 

swimmers, broadcast warnings to alert Navy divers of potential hazards, and gather information 

regarding ocean characteristics (ocean currents and wave measurements). They are generally stationary 

systems in Navy harbors and piers. Navy marine mammals (Atlantic bottlenose dolphins [Tursiops 

truncatus] and California sea lions [Zalophus californianus]) are also used to detect hostile swimmers 

around Navy facilities. A trained animal is deployed under behavioral control of a handler to find an 

intruding swimmer. Upon finding the “target” of the search, the animal returns to the boat and alerts 

the animal handlers, and the animals are given a localization marker or leg cuff that they attach to the 

intruder. Swimmers that have been marked with a leg cuff are reeled in by security support boat 

personnel via a line attached to the cuff. In addition, the Navy’s research and acquisition community 

uses various sensors for tracking during testing activities and to collect data for test analysis. 

A.1.2 MUNITIONS

Most munitions used during training and testing events fall into three basic categories: projectiles, 

missiles, and bombs. Munitions can be further defined by their net explosive weight, which is the actual 

weight in pounds of the explosive substance without the packaging, casings, bullets, etc. Net explosive 

weight is also the trinitrotoluene (TNT) equivalent of energetic material, which is the standard measure 

of strength of bombs and other explosives. For example, a 2,000-pound (lb.) bomb may have anywhere 

from 600 to 1,000 lb. of net explosive weight. 

Projectiles. Projectiles are fired during gunnery exercises and testing events from a variety of weapons, 

ranging from pistols and rifles to large-caliber, turret-mounted guns on the decks of Navy ships. 

Projectiles can be either high-explosive munitions (e.g., certain cannon shells), or non-explosive practice 

munitions (e.g., rifle/pistol bullets). Explosive rounds can be fused to either explode on impact or in the 

air (i.e., just prior to impact). Projectiles are broken down into three basic categories in this EIS/OEIS: 

 Small-Caliber Projectiles: These projectiles are up to and including 0.50 caliber. Small-caliber 

projectiles (e.g., bullets) are primarily fired from pistols, rifles, and machine guns (i.e., small 

arms) and mostly during training events for an individual Sailor to become and remain proficient 

(Figure A.1-9).

Figure A.1-9: Shipboard Small Arms Training 
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 Medium-Caliber Projectiles: These projectiles are larger than 0.50 caliber but smaller than 

57 millimeter (mm) (approximately 2- to 1⁄4-inch (in.) diameter). The most common size mediumcaliber projectiles are 20 mm, 25 mm, and 40 mm. Medium-caliber projectiles are fired from 

machine guns operated by one to two crewman and mounted on the deck of a ship, wingmounted guns on aircraft, and fully automated guns mounted on ships for defense against 

missile attack (Figure A.1-10). Medium-caliber projectiles also include 40 mm grenades, which 

can be fired from hand-held grenade launchers or crew-served deck-mounted guns. Mediumcaliber projectiles can be non-explosive practice munitions or high-explosive projectiles. Highexplosive projectiles are usually fused to detonate on impact; however, advanced high-explosive 

projectiles can detonate based on time, distance, or proximity to a target.

 

Figure A.1-10: Shipboard Medium-Caliber Guns 

 Large-Caliber Projectiles: These includes projectiles 57 mm and larger. The largest projectile 

currently in service has a 5-in. (12.7-centimeter) diameter, but larger weapons are under 

development. The most widely used large-caliber projectiles are 57 mm and 5 in. (Figure 

A.1-11). The most common 5-in. projectile is approximately 26 in. long and weighs 70 lb. Largecaliber projectiles are fired exclusively from turret-mounted guns located on ship decks and can 

be used to fire on surface ships and boats, in defense against missiles and aircraft, and against 

land-based targets. Large-caliber projectiles can be non-explosive practice munitions or 

explosive munitions. High-explosive projectiles can detonate on impact or in the air. 

Figure A.1-11: Shipboard Large-Caliber Gun and Projectiles 
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Missiles. Missiles are rocket or jet-propelled munitions used to attack ships, aircraft, and land-based 

targets, as well as defend ships against other missiles. Guidance systems and advanced fusing 

technology ensure that missiles reliably impact on or detonate near their intended target. Missiles are 

categorized according to their intended target, as described below, and can be further classified 

according to net explosive weight. Rockets are included within the category of missiles. 

 Air Missiles: Air missiles are fired from ships and aircraft against enemy aircraft and incoming 

missiles (Figure A.1-12). Air missiles are configured to explode in the air near, or on impact with, 

their intended target. Missiles are the primary ship-based defense against incoming missiles. 

 

Figure A.1-12: Rolling Airframe Missile and Air-to-Air Missile 

 Surface Missiles: Surface missiles are fired from aircraft, ships, and submarines against surface 

ships (Figure A.1-13). Surface missiles are typically configured to detonate on impact or just 

above the intended target. 

Figure A.1-13: Anti-Surface Missile Fired from MH-60 Helicopter 

 Anti-Radiation Missiles: The AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile, used to destroy enemy 

radar sites, is fired at a floating sea-borne target that replicates a land-based radar site. 

 Rockets: Rockets are fired from helicopters against water and land-based targets. Rockets can 

either be laser guided or unguided, and while most contain inert warheads there are highexplosive variants that detonate on impact or flechette warheads that open at the conclusion of 

rocket motor burnout and contain approximately 1,180 60-grain flechettes. 
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Bombs. Bombs are unpowered munitions dropped from aircraft on land and water targets. The majority 

of bombs used during training and testing in the Study Area are non-explosive. However, explosive 

munitions are occasionally used for proficiency inspections and testing requirements. Bombs fall into

two categories: general-purpose bombs and subscale practice bombs. Similar to missiles, bombs are 

further classified according to their net explosive weight. 

 General-Purpose Bombs: General-purpose bombs consist of precision-guided and unguided fullscale bombs, ranging in size from 250 to 2,000 lb. (Figure A.1-14). Common bomb nomenclature 

used includes: MK 80 series, which is the Navy’s standard model; Guided Bomb Units and Joint 

Direct Attack Munitions, which are precision-guided (including laser guided) bombs; and the 

Joint Standoff Weapon, which is a long-range “glider” precision weapon. General-purpose 

bombs can be either non-explosive practice munitions or high explosive. 

 

Figure A.1-14: F/A-18 Bomb Release and Loading General Purpose Bombs 

 Subscale Bombs: Subscale bombs (Figure A.1-15) are non-explosive practice munitions 

containing a spotting (smoke) charge to aid in scoring the accuracy of hitting the target during 

training and testing activities. Common subscale bombs are 25 lb. and less and are steelconstructed. Laser guided training rounds are another variation of a subscale practice bomb. 

They weigh approximately 100 lb. and are cost-effective non-explosive weapons used in training 

aircrew in laser-guided weapons employment. 

 

Figure A.1-15: Subscale Bombs for Training 

Other Munitions. There are other munitions used in naval at-sea training and testing events that do not 

fit into one of the above categories and are discussed below: 
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 Demolition Charges: Divers place explosive charges in the marine environment during some 

training and testing activities. These activities may include the use of timed charges, in which 

the charge is placed, a timer is started, and the charge detonates at the set time. Munitions of 

up to 60-lb. blocks of composition 4 (C-4) plastic explosive, with the necessary detonators and 

cords, are used to support mine neutralization, demolition, and other warfare activities. The 

vast majority of underwater detonations involve explosive charges of 20 lb. or less in size. All 

demolition charges are further classified according to the net explosive weight of the charge. 

 Anti-Swimmer Grenades: Maritime security forces use hand grenades to defend against enemy 

scuba divers. 

 Torpedoes: Explosive torpedoes are required in some training and testing events. Torpedoes are 

described as either lightweight or heavyweight and are further categorized according to the net 

explosive weight. 

 Extended Echo Ranging Sonobuoys: Extended Echo Ranging sonobuoys include mini soundsource seeker sonobuoys that use small explosive charges as the active sound source instead of 

electrically produced sounds. Extended Echo Ranging sonobuoys are only used in testing 

activities. 

A.1.3 TARGETS

Training and testing require an assortment of realistic and challenging targets. Targets vary from items 

as simple and ordinary as an empty steel drum used for small-caliber weapons training from the deck of 

a ship, to sophisticated, unmanned aerial drones used in air defense training. For this EIS/OEIS, targets 

are organized by warfare area. 

Air Warfare Targets: Air warfare targets, tow target systems, and aerial targets are used in training and 

testing events that involve detection, tracking, defending against, and attacking enemy missiles and 

aircraft. Aerial tow target systems include textile (nylon banner) and rigid (fiberglass shapes) towed 

targets used for gunnery events. Aerial targets include expendable ballistic targets and recoverable 

radio-controlled drones used for gunnery and missile exercises (Figure A.1-16). Parachute flares are used 

as air-to-air missile targets. Manned high-performance aircraft may be used as targets—to test ship and 

aircraft defensive systems and procedures—without the actual firing of munitions. 

 

Figure A.1-16: Deployment and Recovery of Air Warfare Targets 
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Surface Warfare Targets: Floating, towed, and mobile targets are used as surface warfare targets during 

gunnery events. Targets include floating steel drums, inflatable shapes or target balloons (e.g., Killer 

TomatoTM) (Figure A.1-17), and towed sleds. High-speed targets, such as jet skis and motorboats, are also 

used (Figure A.1-18).

Figure A.1-17: Deploying a “Killer TomatoTM” Floating Target

 

Figure A.1-18: Ship Deployable Surface Target and High-Speed Maneuverable 

Seaborne Target 

Anti-Submarine Warfare Targets: Anti-submarine warfare uses multiple types of targets, including the 

following: 

 Submarines: Submarines may act as tracking and detection targets during training and testing 

events. 

 Motorized Autonomous Targets: Motorized autonomous targets simulate the acoustic and 

magnetic characteristics of a submarine, providing realism for exercises when a submarine is not 

available. There are two types of mobile targets, one is designed for recovery and reuse, while 

the other is expendable. 

 Stationary Artificial Targets: Stationary targets either resemble submarine hulls or are 

simulated systems with acoustic properties of enemy submarines. These targets either rest on 

the seafloor or are suspended at varying depths in the water column. 

Mine Warfare Targets: Mine targets are used in training activities that involve the detection, location, 

and neutralization of mines in the water. There are a wide variety of mine targets that mimic floating, 

bottom, and moored mines. All mine targets are made out of inert material.
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A.1.4 DEFENSIVE COUNTERMEASURES

Naval forces depend on effective defensive countermeasures to protect against missile and torpedo 

attack. Defensive countermeasures are devices designed to confuse, distract, and confound precisionguided munitions. Defensive countermeasures fall into five basic categories: 

 Chaff: Chaff consists of reflective, aluminum-coated glass fibers used to obscure ships and 

aircraft from radar-guided systems. Chaff, which is stored in canisters, is either dispensed from 

aircraft or fired into the air from the decks of surface ships when an attack is imminent. The 

glass fibers create a radar cloud that masks the position of the ship or aircraft. 

 Flares: Flares are pyrotechnic devices used to defend against heat-seeking missiles, where the 

missile seeks out the heat signature from the flare rather than the aircraft's engines. Similar to 

chaff, flares are also dispensed from aircraft and fired from ships. 

 Acoustic Countermeasures: Acoustic countermeasures are used by surface ships and 

submarines to defend against torpedo attack (Figure A.1-19). Acoustic countermeasures are 

either released from ships and submarines or towed at a distance behind the ship. 

 Electromagnetic Countermeasures: Electromagnetic countermeasures are used by surface ships 

and aircraft to defend against missile attacks. Electromagnetic countermeasures are also used in 

anti-submarine warfare activities. 

 Biodegradable Polymer: Biodegradable polymer is a biodegradable vessel entanglement 

technology used to slow or stop specific maritime targets by entangling the propulsion 

mechanism. 

Figure A.1-19: Acoustic Countermeasures 

A.1.5 MINE WARFARE SYSTEMS

Mine warfare systems fall into two broad categories: mine detection and mine neutralization. 

Mine Detection Systems. Mine detection systems are used to locate, classify, and map suspected mines. 

Once located, the mines can either be neutralized or avoided. These systems are specialized to either 

locate mines on the surface, in the water column, or on the sea floor. 

 Towed or Hull-Mounted Mine Detection Systems: These detection systems use acoustic and 

laser or video sensors to locate and classify suspect mines. Helicopters, ships, and unmanned 

vehicles are used for towed systems, which can rapidly assess large areas (Figure A.1-20).
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Figure A.1-20: Towed Mine Detection System 

 Airborne Laser Mine Detection Systems: Airborne laser detection systems work in concert with 

neutralization systems. The detection system initially locates mines, and a neutralization system 

is then used to relocate and neutralize the mine (Figure A.1-21).

Figure A.1-21: AN/AES-1 Airborne Laser Mine Detection System 

 Unmanned/Remotely Operated Vehicles: These vehicles use acoustic, video, or lasers, or 

combinations thereof, to locate and classify mines. Unmanned/remotely operated vehicles 

provide unique mine warfare capabilities in nearshore littoral areas, surf zones, ports, and 

channels. 

 Marine Mammal System: Navy personnel and Navy marine mammals work together to detect 

specified underwater objects. The Navy deploys trained bottlenose dolphins and California sea 

lions as part of the marine mammal minehunting and object recovery system. 
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Mine Neutralization Systems. These systems disrupt, disable, or detonate mines to clear ports and 

shipping lanes, as well as littoral, surf, and beach areas in support of naval amphibious operations. Mine 

neutralization systems can clear individual mines or a large number of mines quickly. 

 Towed Influence Mine Sweep Systems: These systems use towed equipment that mimics a 

particular ship’s magnetic and acoustic signature, triggering the mine and causing it to explode 

(Figure A.1-22).

Figure A.1-22: Organic and Surface Influence Sweep 

 Towed Mechanical Mine Sweeping Systems: These systems tow a sweep wire to snag the line 

that attaches a moored mine to its anchor and then uses a series of cables and cutters to sever 

those lines. Once these lines are cut, the mines float to the surface where explosive ordnance 

personnel can neutralize the mines. 

 Unmanned/Remotely Operated Mine Neutralization Systems: Surface ship and helicopters 

operate these systems, which place explosive charges near or directly against mines to destroy 

the mine (Figure A.1-23). 

Figure A.1-23: Airborne Mine Neutralization System 
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 Projectiles: Small- and medium-caliber projectiles fired from surface ships or hovering 

helicopters are used to neutralize floating and near-surface mines. 

 Diver-Placed Explosive Charges: Operating from small craft, divers place explosive charges, 

which may use time-delay fusing, near or on mines to destroy the mine or disrupt its ability to 

function. 

A.1.6 MILITARY EXPENDED MATERIALS

Navy training and testing events may introduce or expend various items, such as non-explosive 

munitions and targets, into the marine environment as a direct result of using these items for their 

intended purpose. In addition to the items described below, some accessory materials—related to the 

carriage or release of these items—may be released. These materials, referred to as military expended 

materials, are not recovered and potentially result in environmental impacts. These impacts are 

analyzed in detail in Chapter 3 (Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences) of this 

EIS/OEIS. This section includes descriptions of a representative sample of military expended materials. 

A more comprehensive discussion can be found in Chapter 3 (Affected Environment and Environmental 

Consequences). 

Military expended materials analyzed in this document include the following: 

 Sonobuoys: Sonobuoys consist of decelerators/parachutes, wires, and the sonobuoys 

themselves. 

 Bathythermographs: Bathythermographs as used by the Navy are similar to sonobuoys in that 

they consist of decelerators/parachutes, wires, and the buoy themselves. In the case of 

bathythermographs, the buoys are used to measure temperature information of the water 

column and transmit that information to the platform (usually a ship or aircraft) that deployed 

the bathythermograph. 

 Torpedo Launch Accessories: Torpedoes are usually recovered; however, materials such as 

decelerators/parachutes used with air-dropped torpedoes, guidance wire used with submarinelaunched torpedoes, and ballast weights are expended. Explosive-filled torpedoes expend 

torpedo fragments. 

 Projectiles and Bombs: Non-explosive projectiles, non-explosive bombs, or fragments from 

explosive projectiles and bombs are expended during training and testing events. These items 

are primarily constructed of lead (most small-caliber projectiles) or steel (medium- and largecaliber projectiles and all bombs). Casings are expended as a result of firing either non-explosive 

or explosive projectiles. 

 Blank Ammunition: Blank ammunition is used in some training activities when the sound or 

flash of gunfire adds to the realism of the training activity but safety of personnel or nearby 

civilians is critical. Blank ammunition contains gunpowder, but no projectile is sent downrange 

upon firing the weapon. Casings are expended as a result of firing blank ammunition. 

 Missiles and Rockets: Non-explosive missiles and missile fragments from explosive missiles are 

expended during training and testing events. Propellant, and any explosive material involved, is 

consumed during firing/detonation. Rockets are similar to missiles and both non-explosive and 

fragments may be expended. 
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 Countermeasures: Countermeasures (acoustic, chaff, flares, and biodegradable polymer) are 

expended as a result of training or testing events, with the exception of towed acoustic 

countermeasures. Chaff activities also include an expended canister, end caps, and pistons. 

Flares expend only end caps and pistons. 

 Targets: Some targets are designed to be expended; other targets, such as aerial drones and 

remote-controlled boats, are recovered for re-use. Targets struck with munitions will result in 

target fragments. 

A.2 TRAINING ACTIVITIES

The Navy’s training activities are organized generally into seven primary mission areas and a 

miscellaneous category (“Other Training”) that includes those activities that do not fall within a primary 

mission area but are an essential part of Navy training. In addition, because the Navy conducts a number 

of activities within larger training exercises, descriptions of those larger exercises are also included here. 

It is important to note that these larger exercises are composed entirely of individual activities described 

in the primary mission areas.

A.2.1 MAJOR TRAINING EXERCISES

A major anti-submarine warfare training exercise comprises several "unit-level" range exercises 

conducted by several units operating together while commanded and controlled by a single 

commander. These exercises typically employ an exercise scenario developed to train and evaluate the 

strike group in naval tactical tasks. In a major training exercise, 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 training events. In a major training exercise, 

however, these disparate training tasks are conducted in concert, rather than in isolation. 

Major training exercises are listed below. 

A.2.1.1 Composite Training Unit Exercise 

Major Training Exercises – Large Integrated Anti-Submarine Warfare

Composite Training Unit Exercise

Short 

Description

Aircraft carrier and carrier air wing integrate with 

surface and submarine units in a challenging multithreat operational environment that certifies them 

ready to deploy.

Typical Duration

21 days

Long 

Description

Intermediate level carrier strike exercise designed to create a cohesive strike group prior to 

deployment or Joint Task Force Exercise. Typically employs seven surface ships, fixed-wing aircraft 

and helicopters, two submarines, and various unmanned vehicles.

Each strike group performs a rehearsal called Composite Training Unit Exercise before deployment. 

Prior to the Composite Training Unit Exercise, each ship and aircraft in the strike group trains in 

their specialty. The Composite Training Unit Exercise is an intermediate-level strike group exercise 

designed to forge the group into a cohesive fighting team. Composite Training Unit Exercise 

normally consists of an 18-day schedule of event-driven exercise, and a 3-day Final Battle Problem. 

The Composite Training Unit Exercise is an integration phase, at-sea, major training exercise. For 

the Carrier Strike Group, this exercise integrates the aircraft carrier and carrier air wing with 

surface and submarine units in a challenging operational environment. Special operations training 

may also be integrated with the exercise scenario. 
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Major Training Exercises – Large Integrated Anti-Submarine Warfare

Composite Training Unit Exercise

For Composite Training Unit Exercise only, the anti-submarine warfare activities were analyzed as a 

Composite Training Unit Exercise. Other warfare area training conducted during the Composite 

Training Unit Exercise is analyzed elsewhere as unit-level training (gunnery exercises, missile 

exercises, etc.).

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Aircraft carriers, fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, submarines, surface 

combatants

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety 

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville 

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

In-water electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats: 

Physical disturbance and strike – military

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Chemicals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes

Non-Ingestible Material:

Acoustic countermeasures, expendable 

bathythermographs, expendable 

bathythermograph wires, sonobuoys

(non-explosive), sonobuoy wires

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Sub-surface targets
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Major Training Exercises – Large Integrated Anti-Submarine Warfare

Composite Training Unit Exercise

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer

Bins

Low-Frequency: 

LF6

Mid-Frequency: 

MF1 MF5

MF3 MF11

MF4 MF12

High-Frequency: 

HF1

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW1 ASW4

ASW2 ASW5

ASW3

In-Water 

Explosive

Bins

Analyzed in individual unit-level training events.

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

For Composite Training Unit Exercise, only the anti-submarine warfare activities were analyzed as a 

Composite Training Unit Exercise. Other warfare area training conducted during the Composite 

Training Unit Exercise was analyzed as unit-level training (gunnery exercise, missile exercise, etc.).

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM

from shore.
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A.2.1.2 Fleet Exercise/Sustainment Exercise 

Included in the Fleet Response Training Plan is a requirement to conduct post-deployment training, and 

maintenance. This ensures that the components of a strike group maintain an acceptable level of 

readiness after returning from deployment. A sustainment exercise is an exercise designed to challenge 

the strike group in all warfare areas. Marine mammal systems may be used during the exercise. This 

exercise is similar to a Composite Training Unit Exercise but is of shorter duration. 

Major Training Exercises – Medium Integrated Anti-Submarine Warfare

Fleet Exercise/Sustainment Exercise

Short 

Description

Aircraft carrier and carrier air wing integrates with 

surface and submarine units in a challenging multithreat operational environment to maintain ability 

to deploy.

Typical Duration

Up to 10 days

Long 

Description

Fleet Exercises and Sustainment Exercises are similar in scope to Composite Training Unit Exercises 

but shorter in duration and use fewer active sonar hours. Fleet Exercises are integrated joint and 

coalition training exercises designed to maintain proficiency across maritime warfare disciplines.

Sustainment Exercises are conducted to ensure that Carrier Strike Group maintains an acceptable 

level of readiness after returning from deployment in order to maintain a surge capability. Marine 

mammal systems may be used during the exercise.

Use of other munitions and explosives in the Fleet Exercises and Sustainment Exercises is included in 

unit-level events.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Aircraft carriers, fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, submarines, surface combatants

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

In-water electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Chemicals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None
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Major Training Exercises – Medium Integrated Anti-Submarine Warfare

Fleet Exercise/Sustainment Exercise

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes

Non-Ingestible Material:

Acoustic countermeasures, sonobuoys

(non-explosive), sonobuoy wires

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Sub-surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Low-Frequency: 

LF6

Mid-Frequency: 

MF1 MF5

MF3 MF11

MF4 MF12

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW1 ASW4

ASW2

ASW3

High-Frequency: 

HF1

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

Analyzed in individual unit-level training events.

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Only the anti-submarine warfare activities were analyzed as a Fleet Exercise/Sustainment Exercise. 

Other warfare area training conducted during the Fleet Exercise/Sustainment Exercise was 

analyzed as unit-level training (gunnery exercise, missile exercise, etc.).

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM

from shore.
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A.2.2 INTEGRATED/COORDINATED TRAINING

Integrated or coordinated anti-submarine warfare training exercises are similar to major training 

exercises in that they are composed of several basic, unit-level exercises, training conducted by an 

individual unit, but are generally on a smaller scale, are of shorter duration, and use fewer hours of 

active sonar than a major training exercise. 

A.2.2.1 Navy Undersea Warfare Training and Assessment Course 

Small Integrated Anti-Submarine Warfare Training

Navy Undersea Warfare Training and Assessment Course

Short 

Description

Multiple ships, aircraft, and submarines integrate 

the use of their sensors, including sonobuoys, to 

search for, detect, classify, localize, and track a 

threat submarine.

Typical Duration

2-5 days

Long 

Description

The Navy Undersea Warfare Training and Assessment Course is a tailored course of instruction 

designed to improve Sea Combat Commander and strike group integrated anti-submarine warfare 

warfighting skill sets. Navy Undersea Warfare Training and Assessment Course is a coordinated 

training scenario that typically involves five surface ships, two to three embarked helicopters, a 

submarine, and one maritime patrol aircraft searching for, locating, and attacking one submarine. 

The scenario consists of two 12-hour exercises that occur five times per year. The submarine may 

practice simulated attacks against the ships while being tracked. Hull-mounted, towed array, and 

dipping sonar is employed by ships and helicopters. The submarine also periodically operates its 

sonar.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, submarines, surface combatants

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point 

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

In-water electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Chemicals 

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None
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Small Integrated Anti-Submarine Warfare Training

Navy Undersea Warfare Training and Assessment Course

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes

Non-Ingestible Material:

Sub-surface targets, surface targets, 

sonobuoys (non-explosive), 

sonobuoy wires

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Some sub-surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF1 MF5

MF3 MF12

MF4

High-Frequency: 

HF1

Low-Frequency: 

LF6

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW1

ASW3

ASW4

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

Analyzed in individual unit-level training events.

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Two MK-39 Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Targets may be used in place 

of an actual submarine target.

Air deployed sonobuoys will have a decelerator/parachute.

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 

NM from shore.
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A.2.2.2 Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training 

Small Integrated Anti-Submarine Warfare Training

Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training

Short 

Description

Multiple ships and aircraft coordinate the use of 

sensors, including sonobuoys, to search, detect, 

and track a threat submarine. Surface Warfare 

Advanced Tactical Training exercises are not 

dedicated anti-submarine warfare exercises and 

involve multiple warfare areas.

Typical Duration

Up to 15 days

Long 

Description

Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) is an intermediate training exercise designed 

primarily to increase operator proficiency and exercise combined force responses to surface 

warfare, anti-submarine warfare, air warfare and electromagnetic spectrum operations. 

Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training is conducted after a carrier strike group’s first Group 

Sail, and before Composite Training Unit Exercise, and consists of multiple surface warfare, antisubmarine and air warfare live fire events. Multiple ships and aircraft search for, locate, and track 

one submarine. Occurs once per carrier strike group training cycle.

Use of other munitions and explosives in SWATT are included in unit-level events.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Surface combatants, fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned vehicles, 

submarines

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives: 

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

In-water electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Chemicals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Small Integrated Anti-Submarine Warfare Training

Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Target fragments, small 

decelerators/parachutes

Non-Ingestible Material:

Sonobuoys (non-explosive), sonobuoy 

wires, acoustic countermeasures, 

sub-surface targets

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Anti-submarine warfare targets

Some sub-surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF1 MF5MF1K MF6

MF3 MF12

MF4

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW2 ASW4

ASW3

High-Frequency: 

HF1

Acoustic Modems: 

M3

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

Analyzed in individual unit-level training events.

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Only the anti-submarine warfare activities were analyzed as a SWATT. Other warfare area training 

conducted during SWATT was analyzed as unit-level training (gunnery exercises, missile exercises, 

etc.).

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM

from shore.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.2.3 Anti-Submarine Warfare Tactical Development Exercise 

Medium Coordinated Anti-Submarine Warfare Training

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tactical Development Exercise

Short 

Description

Multiple ships, aircraft, and submarines coordinate 

their efforts to search for, detect, and track 

submarines with the use of all sensors. AntiSubmarine Warfare Tactical Development Exercise 

is a dedicated anti-submarine warfare exercise.

Typical Duration

5-7 days

Long 

Description

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 

fleet training exercise involving surface ships, submarines, and aircraft. Active and passive sonar and 

sonobuoys are used to conduct anti-submarine warfare training exercises. The purpose of the 

exercise is to assess fleet anti-submarine warfare performance and capability among various units 

operating together in a specific threat environment.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, surface combatants, submarines

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems, sonobuoys, acoustic countermeasures

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

In-water electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Chemicals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Target fragments, small 

decelerators/parachutes

Non-Ingestible Material:

Sonobuoys (non-explosive), sonobuoy 

wires, acoustic countermeasures

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Anti-submarine warfare targets
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Medium Coordinated Anti-Submarine Warfare Training

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tactical Development Exercise

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Low-Frequency:

LF6

Mid-Frequency: 

MF1 MF5

MF3 MF11

MF4 MF12

High-Frequency: 

HF1

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW1 ASW4

ASW3

Acoustic Modems: 

M3

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

Analyzed in individual unit-level training events.

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Only the anti-submarine warfare activities were analyzed as an Anti-Submarine Warfare Tactical 

Development Exercise. Other warfare area training conducted during the exercise was analyzed as 

unit-level training.

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM

from shore.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.2.4 Amphibious Ready Group Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise 

Small Coordinated Anti-Submarine Warfare Training

Amphibious Ready Group Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise

Short 

Description

Navy and Marine Corps forces conduct advanced 

training at sea in preparation for deployment.

Typical Duration

5-7 days

Long 

Description

Amphibious ships and embarked Marine Expeditionary Units train to a multitude of scenarios to 

test the capabilities of the amphibious force. Operations include ship to shore movement with 

tiltrotor aircraft and Landing Craft Air Cushion vessels. Marine Corps forces conduct more advanced 

amphibious operations to include small boat raids; visit, board, search, and seizure training; 

helicopter and mechanized amphibious raids; and non-combatant evacuation operations.

This exercise generally occurs during an Expeditionary Strike Group Composite Training Unit 

Exercise. All military expended materials, explosives, and use of other munitions in Amphibious 

Ready Group Marine Expeditionary Unite Exercise are included in unit-level events.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Amphibious warfare ships, fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, small boats, surface 

combatants, tiltrotor aircraft

Targets: None

Systems Being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel

Aircraft safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Navy Cherry Point

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

In-water electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike –

military expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Chemicals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes

Non-Ingestible Material:

Sonobuoys, acoustic countermeasures

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Anti-submarine warfare targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Low-Frequency:

LF6

Mid-Frequency: 

MF1 MF11

MF3 MF12

High-Frequency: 

HF1

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW1
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Small Coordinated Anti-Submarine Warfare Training

Amphibious Ready Group Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

Analyzed in individual unit-level training events.

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Only the anti-submarine warfare activities were analyzed as Amphibious Ready Group Marine 

Expeditionary Unit training. Other warfare area training conducted during the exercise was 

analyzed as unit-level training.

Sonar is not used during every exercise.

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM

from shore.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.2.5 Group Sail 

Small Coordinated Anti-Submarine Warfare

Group Sail

Short 

Description

Surface ships 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.

Typical Duration

2-3 days 

Long 

Description

Multiple ships and helicopters integrate the use of their sensors, including sonobuoys, to search for, 

detect, classify, localize, and track threat submarines.

While Group Sail is not a dedicated anti-submarine warfare exercise and involves multiple warfare 

areas, only the anti-submarine warfare activities were analyzed as a Group Sail. Other warfare area 

training conducted during a Group Sail is analyzed elsewhere as unit-level training.

Group Sail is an intermediate training exercise primarily intended to introduce coordinated 

operations after unit-level training and prior to integrated training. This exercise stresses planning, 

coordination, and communications during multiple warfare training scenarios.

Two or more ships and up to two helicopters search for, locate, and attack one submarine. Typically, 

one ship and helicopter are actively prosecuting while the other ship and helicopter are 

repositioning. Simultaneously, the submarine may practice simulated attacks against the ships. 

Multiple acoustic sources may be active at one time.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, surface combatants, submarines

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems, sonobuoys, acoustic countermeasures

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables 

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants 

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Chemicals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Small Coordinated Anti-Submarine Warfare

Group Sail

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes

Non-Ingestible Material:

Acoustic countermeasures, sonobuoys 

(non-explosive), sonobuoy wires, 

expendable bathythermographs, 

expendable bathythermograph wires, 

sub-surface targets

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Some sub-surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF1 MF5

MF3 MF11

MF4 MF12

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW2 ASW4

ASW3

High-Frequency: 

HF1

In-Water 

Explosive

Bins

Analyzed in individual unit-level training events.

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

While the preference will be to train against an actual submarine or MK 30 recoverable target, 

assume only MK 39 expendable targets will be used.

One MK 39 Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Target may be used in place of an 

actual submarine target.

Only the anti-submarine warfare activities were analyzed as Group Sail training. Other warfare area 

training conducted during the exercise was analyzed as unit-level training.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.3 AIR WARFARE TRAINING

Air warfare is the primary mission area that addresses combat operations by air and surface forces 

against hostile aircraft. Navy ships contain an array of modern anti-aircraft weapon systems, including 

naval guns linked to radar-directed fire-control systems, surface-to-air missile systems, and radarcontrolled cannon for close-in point defense. Strike/fighter aircraft carry anti-aircraft weapons, including 

air-to-air missiles and aircraft cannon. Air warfare training encompasses events and exercises to train 

ship and aircraft crews in employment of these weapons systems against simulated threat aircraft or 

targets. Air warfare training includes surface-to-air gunnery, surface-to-air and air-to-air missile 

exercises, and aircraft force-on-force combat maneuvers. 

A.2.3.1 Air Combat Maneuver 

Air Warfare

Air Combat Maneuver

Short 

Description

Fixed-wing aircrews aggressively maneuver against 

threat aircraft to gain tactical advantage.

Typical Duration

1-2 hours

Long 

Description

Basic flight maneuvers in which fixed-wing aircrew engage in offensive and defensive maneuvering 

against each other. During air combat maneuver engagements, no munitions are fired, however 

countermeasures such as chaff and flares may be used. These maneuvers typically involve two 

aircraft; however, based upon the training requirement, air combat maneuver exercises may involve 

over a dozen aircraft.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft

Targets: Air targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Key West

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Air Warfare

Air Combat Maneuver

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

No munitions are fired. Flares and chaff may be used. All flares and chaff are accounted for in flare 

exercise and chaff exercise.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.3.2 Air Defense Exercise 

Air Warfare

Air Defense Exercise 

Short Description Aircrew and ship crews conduct defensive measures 

against threat aircraft or simulated missiles.

Typical Duration

1-4 hours

Long Description Fixed-wing aircrew and ship personnel perform measures designed to defend against attacking 

threat aircraft or missiles or reduce the effectiveness of such attack. This exercise involves full 

detection through engagement sequence. Aircraft operate at varying altitudes and speeds.

This exercise may include air intercept control exercises where aircraft controllers on ships, in 

fixed-wing aircraft or at land based locations use search radars to track and direct friendly aircraft 

to intercept the threat aircraft, and detect to engage exercises where personnel on ships use 

search radars to detect, classify, and track enemy aircraft or missiles up to the point of 

engagement.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, surface combatants

Targets: Air targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville 

Navy Cherry Point 

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessel and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and Other 

Transducer Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for Analysis

No munitions are fired.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.3.3 Gunnery Exercise Air-to-Air Medium-Caliber 

Air Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Air-to-Air Medium-Caliber

Short 

Description

Fixed-wing aircrews fire medium-caliber guns at air 

targets.

Typical Duration

1-2 hours

Long 

Description

Fixed-wing aircrews maneuver aircraft in a gunnery pattern to achieve a weapons firing solution 

with integrated medium-caliber guns. Typically involves two or more fixed-wing aircraft and a 

target banner towed by a contract aircraft (e.g., Lear jet). The target banner is recovered after the 

exercise.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft

Targets: Air targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Medium-caliber gun systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Key West

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Medium-caliber projectiles, mediumcaliber casings

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Towed air targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Air Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Air-to-Air Medium-Caliber

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

This activity is conducted at an altitude of 15,000 ft. and above, during the daytime, and 

approximately 40 NM from shore. A towed air target is a banner target and will be recovered. Only 

non-explosive munitions used.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.3.4 Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Air Large-Caliber 

Air Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Air Large-Caliber

Short 

Description

Surface ship crews fire large-caliber guns at air 

targets.

Typical Duration

1-2 hours

Long 

Description

Surface ship crews defend against threat aircraft or missiles with large-caliber guns to disable or 

destroy the threat.

An exercise involves one ship and a simulated threat aircraft or missile that is detected by the ship’s 

radar. Large-caliber guns fire non-explosive projectiles at the threat before it reaches the ship. The 

target is towed by a contract air services jet.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Aircraft carriers, amphibious warfare ships, fixed-wing aircraft, surface combatants

Targets: Air targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Large-caliber gun systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended material – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Target fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Large-caliber projectiles, large-caliber 

casings

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Air Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Air Large-Caliber

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Weapons firing noise

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

The target is a fiberglass finned target that is towed approximately 3 NM behind the towing aircraft.

All projectiles are assumed to be non-explosive. 

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.3.5 Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Air Medium-Caliber 

Air Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Air Medium-Caliber

Short 

Description

Surface ship crews fire medium-caliber guns at air 

targets.

Typical Duration

1-2 hours

Long 

Description

Surface ship crews defend against threat aircraft or missiles with medium-caliber guns to disable or 

destroy the threat.

An exercise involves one ship and a simulated threat aircraft or anti-ship missile that is detected by 

the ship's radar. Medium-caliber guns fire non-explosive projectiles to disable or destroy the threat 

before it reaches the ship. The target is towed by a contract air services jet.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Aircraft carriers, amphibious warfare ships, surface combatants, fixed-wing aircraft

Targets: Air targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Medium-caliber gun systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Other AFTT Areas

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Medium-caliber projectiles, mediumcaliber casings, target fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Air Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Air Medium-Caliber

Explosive 

Bins

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

The target is a fiberglass finned target that is towed approximately 3 NM behind the towing aircraft.

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.3.6 Missile Exercise Air-to-Air 

Air Warfare

Missile Exercise Air-to-Air

Short Description Fixed-wing aircrews fire air-to-air 

missiles at air targets

Typical Duration

1-2 hours

Long Description An exercise involves two or more fixed-wing aircraft and a target. Missiles are either 

explosive warheads or non-explosive practice munitions. The target is an unmanned 

aerial target drone, a tactical air-launched decoy, or a parachute suspended 

illumination flare. Target drones deploy parachutes and are recovered by small boat 

or rotary-wing aircraft; tactical air-launched decoys and illumination flares are 

expended and not recovered. These exercises typically occur at high altitudes.

Typical Components Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, small boats

Targets: Air targets, flares

Systems being Trained/Tested: Missile and rocket systems

Standard Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range 

Complexes/Testing 

Ranges:

Jacksonville

Key West

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives: 

In-air explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Military expended materials

In-air explosives

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions

Military expended materials –

other than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Decelerators/parachute

s

Stressors to Physical Resources Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike -

military expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Chemicals

Metals

Stressors to Human Resources None

Military Expended Material Ingestible Material:

Missiles (explosive) and target 

fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Parachutes-large, illumination 

flares, missiles (non-explosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable drones

Sonar and Other Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water Explosive Bins None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Air Warfare

Missile Exercise Air-to-Air

Procedural Mitigation 

Measures

None 

Assumptions Used for Analysis For analysis, all missiles are assumed to be explosive, although non-explosive practice 

munitions may be used. All missiles explode at high altitude. 

All propellant and explosives are consumed.

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs 

greater than 12 NM from shore.

Figure A.2-1: BQM-74 (Aerial Target) 

Figure A.2-2: LUU-2B/B Illuminating Flare (Aerial Target) 

Figure A.2-3: Tactical Air-Launched Decoy (Aerial Target) 
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.3.7 Missile Exercise – Man-Portable Air Defense System 

Air Warfare

Missile Exercise – Man-Portable Air Defense System

Short 

Description

Personnel employ a shoulder fired surface to air 

missile at air targets.

Typical Duration

Varies

Long 

Description

Personnel employ the Man-Portable Air Defense Systems, a shoulder fired surface to air 

missile, against threat missiles or aircraft.

An exercise involves personnel firing the Man-Portable Air Defense System at remote piloted or 

ballistic aerial targets. Activity is typically conducted by combat forces firing from shore locations at 

targets over the water. Small boats are used to ensure range safety. 

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Small boats

Targets: Air targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Man-Portable Defense Systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Weapons firing safety

Unmanned aerial, surface 

and subsurface vehicle 

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Navy Cherry Point 

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

In-air explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

In-air explosives

Ingestion: 

Military expended material –

munitions

Military expended material – other 

than munitions

Energy:

None

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Chemicals

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Target and missile (explosive) fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Air Warfare

Missile Exercise – Man-Portable Air Defense System

Bins

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Non-explosive missiles and rockets

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

For analysis, all missiles are assumed to be explosive, although non-explosive practice munitions 

may be used. All missiles explode in-air at low altitude.

All propellant and explosives are consumed.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.3.8 Missile Exercise Surface-to-Air 

Air Warfare

Missile Exercise Surface-to-Air

Short 

Description

Surface ship crews fire surface-to-air missiles at air 

targets.

Typical Duration

1-2 hours

Long 

Description

Surface ship crews defend against threat missiles and aircraft with ship launched surface-to-air 

missiles.

The exercise involves a simulated threat aircraft or anti-ship missile which is detected by the ship's 

radar. Ship launched surface-to-air missiles are fired (high-explosive) to disable or destroy the threat. 

The target typically is a remote controlled drone. Surface-to-air missiles may also be used to train 

against land attack missiles.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Aircraft carriers, amphibious warfare ships, surface combatants

Targets: Air targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Surface-to-air missile systems 

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

In-air explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessel and in-water devices

Military expended materials

In-air explosives

Ingestion: 

Military expended material –

munitions

Military expended material – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Chemicals

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Target and missile (explosive) fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable drones
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Air Warfare

Missile Exercise Surface-to-Air

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Assumes that all surface-to-air missiles are high-explosive. Missile explodes well above the 

water’s surface. All explosive and propellant are consumed. 

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.

 
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.4 AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE TRAINING

Amphibious warfare is a type of naval warfare involving the utilization of naval firepower, logistics, and 

Marine Corps landing forces to project military power ashore. Amphibious warfare encompasses a broad 

spectrum of activities involving maneuver from the sea to objectives ashore, ranging from 

reconnaissance or raid missions involving a small unit to large-scale amphibious operations involving 

over 1,000 Marines and Sailors and multiple ships and aircraft embarked in a strike group. 

Amphibious warfare training includes tasks at increasing levels of complexity, from individual, crew, and 

small unit events to large task force exercises. Individual and crew training include the operation of 

amphibious vehicles and naval gunfire support training. Small-unit training activities include shore 

assaults, boat raids, airfield or port seizures, and reconnaissance. Larger-scale amphibious exercises 

involve ship-to-shore maneuver, shore bombardment and other naval fire support, and air strike and 

close air support training.

A.2.4.1 Amphibious Assault 

Amphibious Warfare

Amphibious Assault

Short 

Description

Large unit forces move ashore from amphibious 

ships at sea for the immediate execution of inland

objectives.

Typical Duration

Up to 2 weeks

Long 

Description

Large unit forces move ashore from amphibious ships at sea for the immediate execution of 

inland objectives. Amphibious assault is conducted for the purposes of prosecuting further 

combat operations, obtaining a site for an advanced naval or airbase, or denying the enemy use of 

an area.

Unit-level training exercises involve one or more amphibious ships, and their associated watercraft 

and aircraft, to move personnel and equipment from ship to shore without the command and 

control and supporting elements involved in a full scale exercise. The goal is to practice loading, 

unloading, and movement and to develop the timing required for a full-scale exercise.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Amphibious warfare ships, fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, small boats, tiltrotor 

aircraft

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Navy Cherry Point

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Amphibious Warfare

Amphibious Assault

Resources strike Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Typical exercise: 1-3 amphibious ships (e.g., LHA or LHD, LPD, LSD); 2-8 landing craft (landing 

craft, air cushion; landing craft, utility); 4-14 amphibious assault vehicles; up to 22 aircraft (e.g., 

MH-53, H-46/MV-22, AH-1, UH-1, AV-8); a Marine Expeditionary Unit (2,200 Marines).
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.4.2 Amphibious Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Exercise 

Amphibious Warfare

Amphibious Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Exercise

Short Description Navy and Marine Corps forces conduct 

integration training at sea in preparation for 

deployment.

Typical Duration

Up to 3 weeks

Long Description Amphibious ships and Marine Expeditionary Unit integrate for the first time at sea to practice 

amphibious tactics, techniques, and procedures. Navy and Marine Corps forces conduct basic 

amphibious operations to include small boat raids; visit, board, search, and seizure training; 

helicopter and mechanized amphibious raids.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Amphibious warfare ships, fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, small boats,

tiltrotor aircraft

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Navy Cherry Point (Onslow Bay)

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and Other 

Transducer Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for Analysis

Weapons firing during this exercise is discussed under descriptions of appropriate unit-level 

exercises (e.g., surface-to-surface and air-to-surface small-caliber gunnery exercises).
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.4.3 Amphibious Raid 

Amphibious Warfare

Amphibious Raid

Short 

Description

Small unit forces move from amphibious ships at 

sea for a specific short-term mission. These are 

quick operations with as few personnel as 

possible.

Typical Duration

4-8 hours

Long 

Description

Small unit forces swiftly move from amphibious vessels at sea into hostile territory for a specific 

mission, including a planned withdrawal. Raids are conducted to inflict loss or damage, secure 

information, create a diversion, confuse the enemy, or capture or evacuate individuals or 

material. Amphibious raid forces are kept as small as possible to maximize stealth and speed of 

the operation. 

An event may employ assault amphibian vehicle units, small boats, small unit live-fire and nonlive-fire operations. Surveillance or reconnaissance unmanned surface and aerial vehicles may be 

used during this exercise.

Exercises are also conducted to train in the delivery of humanitarian assistance to remote locations 

or areas requiring assistance after natural disasters.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Amphibious warfare ships, small boats, unmanned aerial systems

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle 

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Amphibious Warfare

Amphibious Raid

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Weapons firing during this exercise is discussed in appropriate unit-level training 

descriptions (e.g., surface-to-surface and air-to-surface small-caliber gunnery exercises).
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.4.4 Amphibious Vehicle Maneuvers 

Amphibious Warfare

Amphibious Vehicle Maneuvers

Short Description Small boat crews practice the 

employment of amphibious vehicles.

Typical Duration

1-4 hours

Long Description Navy personnel train to learn handling characteristics of a variety of amphibious craft, to 

include Landing Craft Air Cushion vehicles, amphibious assault vehicles, and Lighter 

Amphibious Resupply Cargo vehicles. Training includes the driving of vehicles into the 

water, basic in-water vehicle maneuvers, and the driving of vehicles back to shore.

Typical Components Platforms: Amphibious vehicles, small boats

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing 

Ranges:

Virginia Capes

Jacksonville

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Lower Chesapeake Bay

Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek

beaches and harbor

Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story

Dam Neck Annex

Camp Pendleton

St. Johns River (Blount Island)

Stressors to Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

None

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance

and strike

Socioeconomic 

Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

Military Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and Other 

Transducer Bins

None

In-Water Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions Used for 

Analysis

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.4.5 Humanitarian Assistance Operations 

Amphibious Warfare

Humanitarian Assistance Operations

Short Description Military units evacuate noncombatants 

from hostile or unsafe areas or provide 

humanitarian assistance in times of 

disaster.

Typical Duration

12 hours

Long Description Military units evacuate noncombatants from hostile or unsafe areas to safe havens or to 

provide humanitarian assistance in times of disaster. Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation is 

conducted by military units (generally Marine Corps) usually operating in conjunction with 

Navy ships and aircraft. Non-combatants are evacuated when their lives are endangered by 

war, civil unrest, or natural disaster. Marine Corps Marine expeditionary units train for 

evacuations in hostile environments that require the use of force, though usually there is no 

opposition to evacuation from the host country. Helicopters and landing crafts could be 

expected to participate in this operation during day or night.

Typical Components Platforms: Amphibious warfare ships, rotary-wing aircraft, tiltrotor aircraft, small boats

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Navy Cherry Point

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance

and strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and Other 

Transducer Bins

None

In-Water Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section

5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions Used 

for Analysis

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.4.6 Marine Expeditionary Unit Certification Exercise 

Amphibious Warfare

Marine Expeditionary Unit Certification Exercise

Short 

Description

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.

Typical Duration

Up to 3 weeks

Long 

Description

Marine Corps amphibious forces move from amphibious ships at sea, by watercraft or aircraft, and 

introduce a landing force, establish a beachhead, and occupy the area or move further inland for 

an extended period.

The amphibious assault conducted by a Marine Expeditionary Unit involves employment of the 

advance force, combat, combat support, and combat service support units in close coordination 

with the expeditionary strike group and carrier strike group. The landing is conducted in waves and 

is focused on concentrating forces quickly in order to establish the beachhead. A typical exercise

involves two reinforced companies from the battalion landing team coming ashore via landing 

crafts and amphibious assault vehicles. Follow-on waves include fire support assets, armored units, 

and service support elements.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Amphibious warfare ships, fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, small boats, tiltrotor 

aircraft

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Navy Cherry Point

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediment and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Amphibious Warfare

Marine Expeditionary Unit Certification Exercise

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Weapons firing during this exercise is discussed in appropriate unit-level exercise descriptions (e.g., 

surface-to-surface and air-to-surface small-caliber gunnery exercises).
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.4.7 Naval Surface Fire Support Exercise – At Sea 

Amphibious Warfare

Naval Surface Fire Support Exercise – At Sea

Short 

Description

Surface ship crews fire large-caliber guns at a 

passive acoustic hydrophone scoring system.

Typical Duration

1-2 hours of firing, 8 hours total

Long 

Description

Surface ship crews use large-caliber guns to support forces ashore; however, the land target is 

simulated at sea. Rounds are scored by passive acoustic buoys located at or near the target area. 

The portable scoring system is composed of buoys (Integrated Maritime Portable Acoustic Scoring 

and Simulation System) set in a pre-designed pattern at specific intervals, which are retrieved after 

the exercise. A scoring system provides a realistic presentation, such as a land mass with 

topography, to the vessel’s combat system. This virtual land target area overlays the hydrophone 

array. The vessel fires its munitions into the target area and the acoustic noise resulting from the 

impact of the round landing in the water is detected by the hydrophones. The scoring system 

triangulates the exact point of impact of the round, allowing the exercise to be conducted as if the 

vessel were firing at an actual land target. Surface ship crews use large-caliber (main battery) guns to 

support forces ashore.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Surface combatants

Targets: Surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Large-caliber gun systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

Large-caliber projectiles, large-caliber 

casings

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Amphibious Warfare

Naval Surface Fire Support Exercise – At Sea

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Weapons firing noise

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Small-, medium-, and large-caliber non-explosive 

practice munitions

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.4.8 Naval Surface Fire Support Exercise – Land-Based Target 

Amphibious Warfare

Naval Surface Fire Support Exercise – Land-Based Target

Short 

Description

Surface ship crews fire large-caliber guns at landbased targets in support of forces ashore.

Typical Duration

1-2 hours

Long 

Description

Surface ship crews use large-caliber guns to support forces ashore.

One or more ships position themselves from three to six NM from the target area and a land-based 

spotter relays type and exact location of the target. After observing the fall of the shot, the spotter 

relays any adjustments needed to reach the target. Once the rounds are on target, the spotter 

requests a sufficient number to effectively destroy the target.

This exercise occurs on land ranges where explosive and non-explosive practice munitions are

authorized and is often supported by target shapes such as tanks, trucks, trains, or aircraft on the 

ground.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Surface combatants

Targets: Land targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Large-caliber gun systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Navy Cherry Point

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

Large-caliber projectiles (casings only)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Amphibious Warfare

Naval Surface Fire Support Exercise – Land-Based Target

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Weapons firing noise

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Projectile impact is on land and is not further analyzed. No land based impacts are included in 

this document.

Firing point from sea is Area 15B. Impact occurs at G-10 Impact Area, Camp Lejeune.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.5 ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE TRAINING

Anti-submarine warfare involves helicopter and maritime patrol aircraft, ships, and submarines. These 

units operate alone or in combination to locate, track, and neutralize submarines. Controlling the 

undersea battlespace is a unique naval capability and a vital aspect of sea control. Undersea battlespace 

dominance requires proficiency in anti-submarine warfare. Every deploying strike group and individual 

surface combatant must possess this capability. 

Various types of active and passive sonar are used by the Navy to determine water depth, and identify, 

track, and target submarines. Passive sonar “listens” for sound waves by using underwater 

microphones, called hydrophones, which receive, amplify, and process underwater sounds. No sound is 

introduced into the water when using passive sonar. Passive sonar can indicate the presence, character, 

and movement of submarines. However, passive sonar provides only a bearing (direction) to a soundemitting source; it does not provide an accurate range (distance) to the source. Active sonar is needed 

to locate objects because active sonar provides both bearing and range to the detected contact (such as 

an enemy submarine). 

The Navy’s anti-submarine warfare training plan, including the use of active sonar in at-sea training 

scenarios, includes multiple levels of training. Individual-level anti-submarine warfare training addresses 

basic skills such as detection and classification of contacts; distinguishing discrete acoustic signatures 

including those of ships, submarines, and marine life; and identifying the characteristics, functions, and 

effects of controlled jamming and evasion devices. 

More advanced, integrated anti-submarine warfare training exercises involving active sonar are 

conducted in coordinated, at-sea operations during training exercises involving submarines, ships, 

aircraft, and helicopters. This training integrates the full anti-submarine warfare continuum, from 

detecting and tracking a submarine to attacking a target using either exercise torpedoes or simulated 

weapons. Training events include detection and tracking exercises against “enemy” submarine contacts, 

torpedo employment exercises against the target, and exercising command and control tasks in a multidimensional battlespace. 
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.5.1 Torpedo Exercise – Helicopter 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Exercise - Helicopter

Short 

Description

Helicopter crews search for, track, and detect 

submarines. Recoverable air launched torpedoes 

are employed against submarine targets.

Typical Duration

2-5 hours

Long 

Description

Helicopters using sonobuoys and dipping sonar search for, detect, classify, localize, and track a 

simulated threat submarine with the goal of determining a firing solution that could be used to 

launch a torpedo and destroy the submarine. Sonobuoys (both passive and active) are typically 

employed by a helicopter operating at altitudes below 3,000 ft. Dipping sonar (both passive and 

active) is employed from an altitude of about 50 ft. after the search area has been narrowed based 

on the sonobuoy search. The anti-submarine warfare target used for this exercise may be a MK-39 

Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Target, a MK-30 target, or a live submarine. 

This exercise may involve a single aircraft, or occur during a coordinated larger exercise involving 

multiple aircraft and ships, including a major range event. Unmanned aerial systems, such as the 

MQ-8 Fire Scout, may also be used. The exercise torpedo is recovered by a special recovery 

helicopter or small craft. The preferred range for this exercise is an instrumented underwater range, 

but it may be conducted in other range complexes depending on training requirements and 

available assets.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, small boats

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems, sonobuoys, torpedo systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle 

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville 

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables 

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Chemicals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Exercise - Helicopter

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes, 

parachutes-medium

Non-Ingestible Material:

Lightweight torpedo accessories, 

sonobuoys (non-explosive), sonobuoy 

wires

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable sub-surface targets, 

lightweight torpedoes (nonexplosive)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF4 MF5

Torpedoes: 

TORP1

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.5.2 Torpedo Exercise – Maritime Patrol Aircraft 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Exercise – Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Short 

Description

Maritime patrol aircraft crews search for, track, 

and detect submarines. Recoverable air launched 

torpedoes are employed against submarine 

targets.

Typical Duration

2-8 hours

Long 

Description

Fixed-wing maritime patrol aircraft employ sonobuoys to search for, detect, classify, localize, and 

track a simulated threat submarine with the goal of determining a firing solution that could be 

used to launch a torpedo and destroy the submarine.

Sonobuoys (both passive and active) are typically employed by a maritime patrol aircraft operating 

at altitudes below 3,000 ft. Both sonobuoys and torpedoes (using the High Altitude Anti-Submarine 

Warfare Weapon Capability kit) may be delivered at high altitudes to remain clear of high threat 

areas. Sonobuoys are deployed in specific patterns based on the expected threat submarine and 

specific water conditions. Depending on these two factors, these patterns will cover many different 

size areas. For certain sonobuoys, tactical parameters of use may be classified. The anti-submarine 

warfare target used for this exercise may be a MK-39 Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare 

Training Target, a MK-30 target, or a live submarine. This exercise may involve a single aircraft, or be 

undertaken in the context of a coordinated larger exercise involving multiple aircraft and vessels, 

including a major range event. The exercise torpedo is recovered by helicopter or small craft. The 

preferred range for this exercise is an instrumented underwater range, but it may be conducted in 

other OPAREAs depending on training requirements and available assets.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonobuoys, torpedoes

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Chemicals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Exercise – Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes,

parachutes-medium

Non-Ingestible Material:

Lightweight torpedo accessories, 

sonobuoys (non-explosive), sonobuoy 

wires, expendable sub-surface targets

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable sub-surface targets, 

lightweight torpedoes (nonexplosive)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF5

Torpedoes: 

TORP1

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Submarine may provide service as the target.

If target is air-dropped, one parachute per target.

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.5.3 Torpedo Exercise – Ship 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Exercise – Ship

Short 

Description

Surface ship crews search for, track, and detect 

submarines. Exercise torpedoes are used during 

this exercise.

Typical Duration

2-5 hours

Long 

Description

Surface ships search for, detect, and track threat submarines to determine a firing position to 

launch a torpedo and attack the submarine. A surface ship operates at slow speeds while 

employing hull-mounted or towed array sonar. Passive or active sonar is employed depending on 

the type of threat submarine, the tactical situation, and environmental conditions. The antisubmarine warfare target used for this exercise is a MK-39 Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine 

Warfare Training Target, MK-30 Target, or live submarine. This exercise may involve a single ship, 

or be undertaken in the context of a coordinated larger exercise involving multiple aircraft, ships, 

and submarines, including a major range event.

The exercise torpedo is recovered by helicopter or small craft. The preferred range for this exercise 

is an instrumented underwater range, but it may be conducted in other range complexes depending 

on training requirements and available assets.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft, small boats, surface combatants

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems, acoustic countermeasures, torpedoes

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Chemicals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Exercise – Ship

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes

Non-Ingestible Material:

Sonobuoys (non-explosive), sonobuoy 

wires, expendable 

bathythermographs, expendable 

bathythermograph wires, lightweight 

torpedo accessories, expendable subsurface targets 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable sub-surface targets, 

lightweight torpedoes (nonexplosive)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF1

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW3

Torpedoes: 

TORP1

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Submarines may provide service as the target. Torpedoes are recovered.

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.5.4 Torpedo Exercise – Submarine 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Exercise – Submarine

Short 

Description

Submarine crews search for, track, and detect 

submarines. Exercise torpedoes are used during 

this exercise.

Typical Duration

8 hours

Long 

Description

Submarine crews search for, detect and track a threat submarine to develop firing position to 

launch a torpedo. A single submerged submarine operates at slow speeds and various depths 

while using its hull mounted or towed array sonar to track a threat submarine. Passive sonar is 

used almost exclusively. Non-explosive exercise torpedoes can be fired and active sonar can be 

used during this training exercise. 

This exercise may involve a single submarine, or be undertaken in the context of a coordinated 

larger exercise involving multiple aircraft, ships, and submarines, including a major range event. The 

exercise torpedo is recovered by helicopter or small craft. The preferred range for this exercise is an 

instrumented underwater range, but it may be conducted in other range complexes depending on 

training requirements and available assets.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft, small boats, submarines

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems, acoustic countermeasures, torpedoes

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

Guidance wires, heavyweight torpedo 

accessories

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable sub-surface targets, 

torpedoes (non-explosive)
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Exercise – Submarine

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF3

High-Frequency: 

HF1

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW4

Torpedoes: 

TORP2

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Torpedoes are recovered.

Guidance wire has a low tensile strength and breaks easily. Weights and flex tubing sink rapidly.

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.5.5 Tracking Exercise – Helicopter 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise – Helicopter

Short 

Description

Helicopter crews search for, track, and detect 

submarines.

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Long 

Description

Helicopters using sonobuoys and dipping sonar search for, detect, classify, localize, and track a 

simulated threat submarine with the goal of determining a firing solution that could be used to 

launch a torpedo and destroy the submarine. 

Sonobuoys (both passive and active) are typically employed by a helicopter operating at altitudes 

below 3,000 ft. Dipping sonar (both passive and active) is employed from an altitude of about 50 

ft. after the search area has been narrowed based on the sonobuoy search. 

The anti-submarine warfare target used for this exercise may be a MK-39 Expendable Mobile Antisubmarine Warfare Training Target, a MK-30 target, or a live submarine. This exercise may involve a 

single aircraft, or occur during a coordinated larger exercise involving multiple aircraft and ships, 

including a major range event. Unmanned aerial systems, such as the MQ-8 Fire Scout, may also be 

used. The preferred range for this exercise is an instrumented range, but it may be conducted in 

other range complexes depending on training requirements and available assets.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft, small boats, unmanned aerial systems

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: )Sonar systems, sonobuoys

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle 

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Other AFTT Areas

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Decelerators/parachutes

Wires and cables

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Chemicals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes

Non-Ingestible Material:

Sonobuoys (non-explosive), sonobuoy 

wires, expendable sub-surface targets

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable sub-surface targets
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise – Helicopter

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF4

MF5

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Tracking exercise can occur in all locations.

Submarines may provide service as the target.

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.5.6 Tracking Exercise – Maritime Patrol Aircraft 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise – Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Short 

Description

Maritime patrol aircraft crews search for, track, 

and detect submarines.

Typical Duration

2-8 hours

Long 

Description

Fixed-wing maritime patrol aircraft employ sonobuoys to search for, detect, classify, localize, 

and track a simulated threat submarine with the goal of determining a firing solution that could 

be used to launch a torpedo and destroy the submarine.

Sonobuoys (both passive and active) are typically employed by a maritime patrol aircraft operating 

at altitudes below 3,000 ft. However, sonobuoys may be released at higher altitudes. Sonobuoys are 

deployed in specific patterns based on the expected threat submarine and specific water conditions. 

Depending on these two factors, these patterns will cover many different size areas. For certain 

sonobuoys, tactical parameters of use may be classified. The anti-submarine warfare target used for 

this exercise may be a MK-39 Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Target, a MK-30 

target, or a live submarine. This exercise may involve a single aircraft, or be undertaken in the 

context of a coordinated larger exercise involving multiple aircraft and vessels, including a major 

range event.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonobuoys, acoustic countermeasures

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Swimmer defense activity 

safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle 

safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Decelerators/parachutes

Wires and cables

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Chemicals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None
Atlantic Fleet 

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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise – Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes

Non-Ingestible Material:

Sonobuoys (non-explosive), sonobuoy 

wires, expendable sub-surface targets

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable sub-surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF5

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW2

ASW5

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Tracking exercise can occur in all locations.

Submarine may provide service as the target.

If target is air-dropped, one parachute per target.

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.5.7 Tracking Exercise – Submarine 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise – Submarine

Short 

Description

Submarine crews search for, track, and detect 

submarines.

Typical Duration

8 hours

Long 

Description

Submarine crews search for, detect, and track a threat submarine to develop firing position to 

launch a torpedo. 

A single submerged submarine operates at slow speeds and various depths while using its hull 

mounted or towed array sonar to track a threat submarine. Passive sonar is used almost 

exclusively. The target for this exercise is either an MK 39 expendable mobile anti-submarine 

warfare training target, MK 30 recoverable training target, or live submarine. 

This exercise may involve a single submarine, or be undertaken in the context of a coordinated 

larger exercise involving multiple aircraft, ships, and submarines, including a major range event.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Submarines

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: MF3Sonar systems, acoustic countermeasures

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Other AFTT Areas

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

None

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

None

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

Expendable sub-surface targets

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable sub-surface targets
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise – Submarine

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF3

High-Frequency: 

HF1

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW4

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 

12 NM from shore. For biological resource analysis, vessel noise and vessel strike are only 

analyzed for the periods while the submarines are surfaced, typically brief in nature. Mitigation 

measures related to vessel movement are only considered during the period of surfacing as well.
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A.2.5.8 Tracking Exercise – Ship 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise – Ship

Short 

Description

Surface ship crews search for, track, and detect 

submarines.

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Long 

Description

Surface ships search for, detect, and track threat submarines to determine a firing position to 

launch a torpedo and attack the submarine. 

A surface ship operates at slow speeds while employing sonobuoys, hull-mounted sonars, or 

towed array sonar. Passive or active sonar is employed depending on the type of threat 

submarine, the tactical situation, and environmental conditions. The target for this exercise is 

either a MK-39 Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Target, MK-30 Recoverable 

Training Target, or live submarine. 

This exercise may involve a single ship, or be undertaken in the context of a coordinated larger 

exercise involving multiple aircraft, ships, and submarines, including a major range event.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Surface combatants

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: MF11, MF12Sonar systems, acoustic countermeasures

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Other AFTT Areas

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

No

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices 

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

Expendable sub-surface targets, 

expendable bathythermographs, 

expendable bathythermograph wires

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable sub-surface targets
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Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise – Ship

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF1

MF11

MF12

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW1

ASW3

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

A submarine may provide service as the target.

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.6 ELECTRONIC WARFARE 

Electronic warfare is the mission area of naval warfare that aims to control use of the electromagnetic 

spectrum and to deny its use by an adversary. Typical electronic warfare activities include threat 

avoidance training, signals analysis for intelligence purposes, and use of airborne and surface electronic 

jamming devices to defeat tracking systems.

A.2.6.1 Counter Targeting Chaff Exercise – Aircraft 

Electronic Warfare

Counter Targeting Chaff Exercise – Aircraft

Short 

Description

Fixed-winged aircraft and helicopter aircrews 

deploy chaff to disrupt threat targeting and missile 

guidance radars.

Typical Duration

1-2 hours

Long 

Description

Fixed-winged aircraft and helicopter aircrews deploy chaff to disrupt threat targeting and missile 

guidance radars. 

Fixed-winged aircraft and helicopter aircrews detect electronic targeting signals from threat radars 

or missiles, dispense chaff, and immediately maneuver to defeat the threat. The chaff cloud 

deceives the inbound missile and the aircraft clears away from the threat. 

Chaff is a radar reflector material made of thin, narrow, metallic strips cut in various lengths to elicit 

frequency responses, which deceive enemy radars. Chaff is employed to create a target that will lure 

enemy radar and weapons system away from the actual friendly platform.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Key West

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None
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Electronic Warfare

Counter Targeting Chaff Exercise – Aircraft

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Per chaff: one chaff-air cartridge, one 

plastic endcap, one compression pad 

or one plastic piston, chaff fibers

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None 

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Chaff is usually expended while conducting other training activities, such as air combat 

maneuvering.

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 

12 NM from shore.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.6.2 Counter Targeting Chaff Exercise – Ship 

Electronic Warfare

Counter Targeting Chaff Exercise – Ship

Short 

Description

Surface ship crews deploy chaff to disrupt threat 

targeting and missile guidance radars.

Typical Duration

1-2 hours

Long 

Description

Surface ship crews deploy chaff to disrupt threat targeting and missile guidance radars to defend 

against an attack. 

Surface ship crews detect electronic targeting signals from threat radars or missiles, dispense chaff, 

and immediately maneuver to defeat the threat. The chaff cloud deceives the inbound missile and 

the vessel clears away from the threat. The typical exercise duration is approximately 1.5 hours. 

Chaff is a radar reflector material made of thin, narrow, metallic strips cut in various lengths to 

elicit frequency responses, which deceive enemy radars. Chaff is employed create a target that will 

lure enemy radar and weapons system away from the actual friendly platform. 

Ships may also train with advanced countermeasure systems, such as the MK 53 Decoy Launching 

System (Nulka).

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Navy ships

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

In-water electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Expended components of chaff-ship

(chaff-ship fibers)

Non-Ingestible Material:

MK 53 decoy, chaff-ship cartridges

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None
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Electronic Warfare

Counter Targeting Chaff Exercise – Ship

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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A.2.6.3 Counter Targeting Flare Exercise 

Electronic Warfare

Counter Targeting – Flare Exercise

Short 

Description

Fixed-winged aircraft and helicopter aircrews 

deploy flares to disrupt threat infrared missile 

guidance systems.

Typical Duration

1-2 hours

Long 

Description

Fixed-winged aircraft and helicopter aircrews deploy flares to disrupt threat infrared missile 

guidance systems. 

Aircraft detect electronic targeting signals from threat radars or missiles or a threat missile plume 

when launched and dispense flares and immediately maneuver to defeat the threat. This exercise 

trains aircraft personnel in the use of defensive flares designed to confuse infrared sensors or 

infrared homing missiles, thereby causing the sensor or missile to lock onto the flares instead of the

real aircraft. Typically an aircraft will expend five flares in an exercise while operating above 3,000 ft. 

Flare exercises are often conducted with chaff exercises, rather than as a stand-alone exercise.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Key West

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Per flare: one casing, one compression 

pad (closed cell foam) or one plastic 

piston, one plastic endcap, one O-ring

(rubber, nitrile)

Non-Ingestible Material:

None 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None
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Electronic Warfare

Counter Targeting – Flare Exercise

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None 

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Approximately five flares per aircraft are expended per exercise.

All combustible material in flares is assumed to be consumed before contact of the casing with the 

water. 

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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A.2.6.4 Electronic Warfare Operations 

Electronic Warfare

Electronic Warfare Operations

Short 

Description

Aircraft and surface ship crews control portions of 

the electromagnetic spectrum used by enemy 

systems to degrade or deny the enemy’s ability to 

take defensive actions.

Typical Duration

1-2 hours

Long 

Description

Aircraft and surface ship crews control the electromagnetic spectrum used by enemy systems to 

degrade or deny the enemy’s ability to take defensive actions. Electronic Warfare Operations can be 

active or passive, offensive or defensive. Fixed-wing aircraft employ active jamming and deception 

against enemy search radars to mask the friendly inbound strike aircraft mission. Surface ships 

detect and evaluate enemy electronic signals from enemy aircraft or missile radars, evaluate courses 

of action concerning the use of passive or active countermeasures, then use ship maneuvers and 

either chaff, flares, active electronic countermeasures, or a combination of them to defeat the 

threat.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, surface combatants

Targets: Air targets, electronic warfare targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Radar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Electronic Warfare

Electronic Warfare Operations

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

All chaff and flares involved in this exercise are covered under chaff exercises and flare exercises, 

respectively.
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A.2.6.5 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile Exercise (Air-to-Surface) 

Electronic Warfare

High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile Exercise (Air-to-Surface)

Short 

Description

Aircrews launch a High-Speed Anti-Radiation 

Missile against threat radar sites.

Typical Duration

1-2 hours

Long 

Description

Aircrews detect radar signals from a simulated threat radar site and launch a High-Speed AntiRadiation Missile (high-explosive) to destroy or disable the threat radar site. One or more fighter 

jets approach the threat radar site from high altitude. Once the target is located with onboard 

sensors, the aircrew launches a High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile at the electronic signal. At-sea 

exercises involve training against a target vessel or a specially configured target barge that has a 

tower with an electronic emitter that the missile will seek after being fired from the launch aircraft.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft

Targets: Barge with an electronic emitter

Systems being Trained/Tested: Missile systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

In-air explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

In-air explosives

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Chemicals

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Missile fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Electronic Warfare

High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile Exercise (Air-to-Surface)

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3) Explosive 

missiles and rockets 

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

All chaff and flares involved in this exercise are covered under chaff exercises and flare exercises, 

respectively.

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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A.2.7 EXPEDITIONARY WARFARE

A.2.7.1 Dive and Salvage Operations 

Expeditionary Warfare

Dive and Salvage Operations

Short Description Navy divers perform dive operations and 

salvage training.

Typical Duration

12 hours

Long Description Navy divers will conduct a variety of salvage training to include debeaching operations, 

underwater repairs to ships, underwater survey operations, and other underwater training as 

required.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Support craft, unmanned underwater vehicles

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Submersible training aids

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Unmanned aerial, 

surface, and 

subsurface 

vehicle safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Key West

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Naval Station Norfolk basin

Willoughby Bay

Joint Expeditionary Base Little 

Creek harbor

Naval Station Mayport basin and 

beach

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

None

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike –

seafloor devices

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance

and strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

Military Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and Other 

Transducer Bins

None

In-Water Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions Used 

for Analysis

The practice salvage platform can be sunk and then refloated and removed.
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A.2.7.2 Maritime Security Operations – Anti-Swimmer Grenades 

Expeditionary Warfare

Maritime Security Operations – Anti-Swimmer Grenades

Short 

Description

Small boat crews engage in force protection 

activities by using anti-swimmer grenades to 

defend against hostile divers.

Typical Duration

1 hour

Long 

Description

Boat crews train to maneuver small boats in specific search patterns while surveying the area for 

evidence of scuba activity. Crews train in the safe handling and use of anti-swimmer grenades to 

counter the diver threat.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Small boats

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Grenades

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing 

Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Underwater explosives

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Energy:

None

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike –

military expended material

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Underwater explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Grenade fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

E2
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Expeditionary Warfare

Maritime Security Operations – Anti-Swimmer Grenades

Bins

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section

5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Maritime security operations – anti-swimmer 

grenades

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Exercises would usually be conducted in established underwater detonation areas.
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A.2.7.3 Personnel Insertion/Extraction – Air 

Expeditionary Warfare

Personnel Insertion/Extraction – Air

Short 

Description

Personnel are inserted into and extracted from an 

objective area by fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters.

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Long 

Description

Personnel are inserted into a water objective via fixed-wing aircraft using parachutes or by 

helicopters via ropes or jumping into the water. They will conduct an infiltration to an objective 

(harbor, beach, moored vessel, etc.) and conduct a variety of tasks. The insertion/extraction 

activities are confined to in-water training. Upon completion of training objectives, personnel are 

extracted by helicopters or small boats.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, small boats

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Vessel safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Key West

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Naval Station Mayport basin

St. Johns River

St. Andrew Bay

North Bay

Lower Chesapeake Bay

James River and tributaries

York River

Mobjack Bay

Willoughby Bay

Naval Station Norfolk 

Cheatham Annex pier

Joint Expeditionary Base Fort 

Story

Dam Neck Annex

Camp Pendleton 

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

energy

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None
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Expeditionary Warfare

Personnel Insertion/Extraction – Air

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Exercises are typically conducted in waters near land.
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A.2.7.4 Personnel Insertion/Extraction – Surface and Subsurface 

Expeditionary Warfare

Personnel Insertion/Extraction – Surface and Subsurface

Short Description Personnel are inserted into and 

extracted from an objective area by 

small boats or subsurface platforms. 

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Long Description Utilizing both small surface and subsurface platforms, personnel are inserted in the 

water. They will conduct an infiltration to an objective (harbor, beach, moored vessel, 

etc.) and conduct a variety of tasks. The insertion/extraction activities are confined to inwater training.

Typical Components Platforms: Small boats, manned underwater vehicles

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Key West

Navy Cherry Point

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Lower Chesapeake Bay

James River and tributaries

York River

Joint Expeditionary Base Little 

Creek beaches and harbor

Joint Expeditionary Base Fort 

Story

St. Julien’s Creek Annex pier

Stressors to Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

None

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

None

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

Military Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and Other 

Transducer Bins

None

In-Water Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions Used for 

Analysis

Exercises are typically conducted in waters near land.
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A.2.7.5 Personnel Insertion/Extraction – Swimmer/Diver 

Expeditionary Warfare

Personnel Insertion/Extraction Training – Swimmer/Diver

Short 

Description

Divers and swimmer infiltrate harbors, beaches, 

or moored vessels and conduct a variety of tasks. 

Typical Duration

Up to 12 hours

Long 

Description

Divers and swimmer infiltrate harbors, beaches, or moored vessels and conduct a variety of tasks. 

Activity may include Navy personnel learning advanced self-contained underwater breathing 

apparatus (SCUBA) diving to include: tactics, techniques, and procedures and emergency 

procedures. Small boats are used for safety.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Small boats

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Key West

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Lower Chesapeake Bay

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

None

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

None

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.7.6 Underwater Construction Team Training 

Expeditionary Warfare

Underwater Construction Team Training

Short 

Description

Navy divers conduct underwater repair and 

construction.

Typical Duration

Up to 12 days

Long 

Description

Navy divers will perform cutting, welding, assembly, and installation of deep-water structures, 

mooring systems, underwater instrumentation, and other systems as needed.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Small boats

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Key West

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Various harbors

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

None

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike –

seafloor devices

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

None

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.8 MINE WARFARE 

Mine warfare is the naval warfare area involving the detection, avoidance, and neutralization of mines 

to protect Navy ships and submarines and offensive mine laying in naval operations. A naval mine is a 

self-contained explosive device placed in water to destroy ships or submarines. Naval mines are 

deposited and left in place until triggered by the approach of an enemy ship or are destroyed or 

removed. Naval mines can be laid by purpose-built minelayers, other ships, submarines, or airplanes. 

Mine warfare training includes mine countermeasures exercises and mine-laying exercises. 

A.2.8.1 Airborne Mine Countermeasure – Mine Detection 

Mine Warfare

Airborne Mine Countermeasures – Mine Detection

Short 

Description

Helicopter aircrews detect mines using towed or 

laser mine detection systems.

Typical Duration

2 hours

Long 

Description

Helicopter aircrews use towed and airborne devices to detect, locate, and classify potential mines. 

Towed devices employ active acoustic sources, such as high-frequency and side scanning sonar. 

These devices are similar in function to systems used to map the seafloor or locate submerged 

structures/items. Airborne devices utilize laser systems to locate mines located below the surface. 

Devices used include the AN/AQS-20/A, towed mine-hunting sonar used to detect and classify 

bottom and floating/moored mines in deep and shallow water, and the Airborne Laser Mine 

Detection System, developed to detect and classify floating and near-surface, moored mines.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned vehicles

Targets: Mine shapes

Systems being Trained/Tested: Mine detection systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle

safety

Towed in-water device 

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Naval Surface Warfare Center, 

Panama City Division

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Lasers

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – seafloor 

devices

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Mine Warfare

Airborne Mine Countermeasures – Mine Detection

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Mine shapes (non-explosive)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

High-Frequency: 

HF4

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Sonar mine detection systems towed from helicopters.

Airborne laser systems used to detect mine shapes.

Laser systems are similar to commercial Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) systems. The in-air

energy stressor was used in analysis of potential impacts on human resources. 

Mine shapes may be deployed via ship and will be recovered.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.8.2 Airborne Mine Countermeasure – Towed Mine Neutralization 

Mine Warfare

Airborne Mine Countermeasures – Towed Mine Neutralization

Short 

Description

Helicopter aircrews tow systems through the 

water that are designed to disable or trigger 

mines.

Typical Duration

1.5-4 hours

Long 

Description

Helicopter vehicle operators use towed devices to trigger mines that are designed to detonate when 

they detect ships/submarines by engine/propeller sounds or magnetic (steel construction) 

signature. Towed devices can also employ cable cutters to detach floating moored mines. Training 

may be conducted with non-explosive training mine shapes. 

Devices used include the following: MK 105 sled, which creates a magnetic field used to trigger 

mines and can be used in conjunction with the MK 103 cable cutter system and the MK 104 acoustic 

countermeasure, and AN/SPU-1/W (Magnetic Orange Pipe), a magnetic pipe that is used to trigger 

magnetically influenced mines.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft

Targets: Mine shapes

Systems being Trained/Tested: Towed mine neutralization systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety

Towed in-water device 

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

In-water electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – seafloor 

devices

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Mine shapes (non-explosive)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Mine Warfare

Airborne Mine Countermeasures – Towed Mine Neutralization

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Mechanical sweeping (cable cutting), acoustic and magnetic influence sweeping devices are towed 

from helicopters. 

Cable cutters utilize an insignificant charge (similar to a shotgun shell). 

Acoustic sweeps generate ship-type noise via a mechanical system. 

Towing systems though minefields (or without mines, to train to deploy, tow, and recover) may 

involve instrumented mines.

Mine shapes are recovered.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.8.3 Civilian Port Defense – Homeland Security Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection 

Exercise 

Mine Warfare

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

Short 

Description

Maritime security personnel train to protect 

civilian ports and harbors against enemy efforts to 

interfere with access to those ports.

Typical Duration

Multiple days

Long 

Description

Naval forces provide mine warfare capabilities to support Department of Homeland Security 

sponsored exercises. The three pillars of mine warfare, airborne (helicopter), surface (surface ships), 

and undersea (divers, marine mammals, and unmanned vehicles) mine countermeasures will be 

brought to bear in order to ensure strategic U.S. ports remain free of mine threats. Various mine 

warfare sensors, which utilize active acoustics, will be employed in the detection, classification, and 

neutralization of mines. Along with traditional mine warfare techniques, such as helicopter towed 

mine countermeasures, new technologies (unmanned vehicles) will be utilized. Marine mammal 

systems may be used during this exercise. 

Exercise locations and scenarios will vary according to Department of Homeland Security strategic 

goals and evolving world events.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Moored platforms, rotary-wing aircraft, support craft, surface combatants, unmanned 

underwater vehicles

Targets: Mine shapes

Systems being Trained/Tested: Mine detection systems, towed mine neutralization systems,

airborne mine neutralization systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle

safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

None

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Beaumont, Texas

Boston, Massachusetts

Corpus Christi, Texas 

Delaware Bay, Delaware 

Earle, New Jersey 

Hampton Roads, Virginia 

Kings Bay, Georgia 

Naval Station Mayport, Florida

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Underwater explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Energy:

In-water electromagnetic 

devices

In-air electromagnetic 

devices 

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended materials

Physical disturbance and strike – seafloor 

devices

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Explosives
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Mine Warfare

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

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Mine neutralizer fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Mine shapes (non-explosive)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

High-Frequency: 

HF4

Synthetic Aperture Sonars: 

SAS2

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E2 E4

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive mine neutralization activities involving 

Navy divers

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Non-permanent mine shapes will be laid in various places on the bottom and will be retrieved.

Shapes are varied, from about 1 m circular to about 2.5 m long by 1 m wide. They will be recovered 

using normal assets, with diver involvement.

Explosives may be used if required for scheduled mine neutralization exercises.

While goal is to conduct once per year, alternating east/west coast, assume that an east coast 

exercise will occur every other year with a total of three per five year period.
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A.2.8.4 Coordinated Unit-Level Helicopter Airborne Mine Countermeasures Exercise 

Mine Warfare

Coordinated Unit-Level Helicopter Airborne Mine Countermeasures Exercise

Short 

Description

A detachment of helicopters aircrews train as a 

unit in the use of airborne mine countermeasures, 

such as towed mine detection and neutralization 

systems.

Typical Duration

Multiple days

Long 

Description

Naval aircrews train, as a squadron, in the use of various airborne mine countermeasures. Systems 

employed include towed mine detection systems, mechanical (cable cutting) mine sweeps, magnetic 

and acoustic mine sweeps, and other airborne systems and sensors.

Mine shapes will be used. If necessary, permanently placed mine shapes will be supplemented with 

approximately 24 additional, temporarily placed mine shapes. Training mine shapes could be 

bottom placed, moored, or floating.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft

Targets: Mine shapes

Systems being Trained/Tested: Mine detection systems, towed mine neutralization systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices 

In-water electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended materials

Physical disturbance and strike – seafloor 

devices

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Medium-caliber projectiles, mediumcaliber casings

Non-Ingestible Material:

Fiber optic cables, mine shapes (nonexplosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Mine shapes (non-explosive)
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Mine Warfare

Coordinated Unit-Level Helicopter Airborne Mine Countermeasures Exercise

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

High-Frequency: 

HF4

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Multiple helicopters conduct airborne mine countermeasure training using an assortment of mine 

warfare gear similar to unit-level events, except that a squadron trains together.

Assume up to 24 temporary mine shapes will be deployed to support each of these exercises.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.8.5 Mine Countermeasures – Ship Sonar 

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasure Exercise – Ship Sonar

Short 

Description

Ship crews detect and avoid mines while 

navigating restricted areas or channels using active 

sonar.

Typical Duration

1.5-4 hours

Long 

Description

Surface ship crews detect and avoid mines or other underwater hazardous objects while navigating 

restricted areas or channels using active sonar. A Littoral Combat Ship utilizes unmanned surface 

vehicles and remotely operated vehicles to tow mine detection (hunting) equipment. Systems will 

operate from a shallow zone greater than 40 ft. to deep water. Exercises could be embedded 

within major training exercises.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Surface combatants, unmanned surface vehicles

Targets: Mine shapes

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle 

safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

In-water electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – seafloor 

devices

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Mine shapes (non-explosive)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

High-Frequency: 

HF4

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasure Exercise – Ship Sonar

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

No explosives are used.

It is assumed that the system will be operated in areas free of obstructions and will be towed well 

above the seafloor. Towed system are always operated in a manner to avoid entanglement and 

damage. Exercises take place in water depths of 40 ft. and greater.

Existing placed mine shapes to be used. There is the potential for temporary placement of mine 

shapes.
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A.2.8.6 Mine Countermeasures – Mine Neutralization – Remotely Operated Vehicle 

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasures – Mine Neutralization – Remotely Operated Vehicles

Short 

Description

Ship, small boat, and helicopter crews locate and 

disable mines using remotely operated 

underwater vehicles.

Typical Duration

1.5-4 hours

Long 

Description

Ship, small boat, and helicopter crews utilize remotely operated vehicles to neutralize potential 

mines. Remotely operated vehicles will use sonar and optical systems to locate and target mine 

shapes. Explosive mine neutralizers may be used during live fire events.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft, small boats, surface combatants

Targets: Mine shapes

Systems being Trained/Tested: Airborne mine neutralization systems, underwater explosives

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Underwater explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Physical disturbance and strike – seafloor 

devices

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Mine neutralizer fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Fiber optic cables 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Mine shapes (non-explosive)
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasures – Mine Neutralization – Remotely Operated Vehicles

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

High-Frequency: 

HF4

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E4

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive mine countermeasure and 

neutralization activities

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.8.7 Mine Laying 

Mine Warfare

Mine Laying

Short 

Description

Fixed-winged aircraft drop non-explosive mine 

shapes.

Typical Duration

1 hour

Long 

Description

Fixed-winged aircraft lay offensive or defensive mines for a tactical advantage for friendly forces. 

Fixed-winged aircraft lay a precise minefield pattern for specific tactical situations. The aircrew 

typically makes multiple passes in the same flight pattern, and drop one or more training shapes 

per pass (four shapes total). Training shapes are non-explosive and are recovered when possible.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Military expended materials

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – seafloor 

devices

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

Mine shapes (non-explosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Mine shapes (non-explosive)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Non-explosive bombs and mine shapes
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Mine Warfare

Mine Laying

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Mine laying is similar to non-explosive bombing exercises.

These exercises primarily occur during major training exercises.

While some mine shapes will be recovered if possible, assume they will not for the analysis.

Mine laying will typically take place in waters less than 100 ft. in depth.

Assume 12 mine shapes are used per exercise.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.8.8 Mine Neutralization – Explosive Ordnance Disposal 

Mine Warfare

Mine Neutralization Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Short 

Description

Personnel disable threat mines using explosive 

charges.

Typical Duration

Up to 4 hours

Long 

Description

Navy divers, typically explosive ordnance disposal personnel, disable threat mines with explosive 

charges to create a safe channel for friendly vessels to transit. 

Personnel detect, identify, evaluate, and neutralize mines in the water with an explosive device and 

may involve detonation of one or more explosive charges from 4 to 60 pounds of TNT equivalent. 

These operations are normally conducted during daylight hours for safety reasons. 

Time-delay fuses may be used for these exercises.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Small boats

Targets: Mine shapes

Systems being Trained/Tested: Underwater explosives

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Key West

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Lower Chesapeake Bay

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Underwater explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Energy:

None

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Physical disturbance and strike – seafloor 

devices

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Mine shape (explosive) fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Mine shapes (non-explosive)
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Mine Warfare

Mine Neutralization Explosive Ordnance Disposal

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E4 E5 E6 E7

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Aircraft overflight noise

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive mine neutralization activities involving 

Navy divers

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Time-delayed fuses may be used (up to 10 minutes) for charges up to 29 lb. net explosive weight in 

some locations. Charge placed anywhere in water column, including bottom.

Mine shapes will be recovered.
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A.2.8.9 Underwater Mine Countermeasure Raise, Tow, Beach and Exploitation 

Operations 

Mine Warfare

Underwater Mine Countermeasure Raise, Tow, Beach and Exploitation Operations

Short 

Description

Personnel locate mines, perform mine 

neutralization, raise and tow mines to the beach, 

and conduct exploitation operations for 

intelligence gathering.

Typical Duration

Up to 4 hours

Long 

Description

Navy divers, typically explosive ordnance disposal personnel, locate mines using unmanned 

underwater vehicle, marine mammals, or other diver search techniques. Mines are then neutralized, 

or prevented from working as they are intended. Explosive ordnance disposal personnel ensure the 

neutralization measures are effective and the shapes are safe to bring to the beach. A lift balloon is 

attached to the line and slowly tows the shape to the beach. The final step, exploitation, is 

intelligence gathering, identifying the mine and how it works, and then disassembling it or disposing 

of it.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Small boats

Targets: Mine shapes

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Key West

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

James River and tributaries

Lower Chesapeake Bay

Mobjack Bay

Dam Neck Annex

Camp Pendleton

Joint Expeditionary Base Little 

Creek Harbor

Joint Expeditionary Base Fort 

Story

Naval Station Norfolk pier

Cheatham Annex pier

York River

Naval Submarine Base Kings 

Bay (St. Mary’s River)

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

None

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – seafloor 

devices

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions
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Mine Warfare

Underwater Mine Countermeasure Raise, Tow, Beach and Exploitation Operations

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Mine shapes (non-explosive)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Exercises primarily conducted in W-50 in Virginia Capes Range Complex and beaches at Dam Neck

Annex.

Mine shapes are recovered as part of the exercise.
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A.2.9 SURFACE WARFARE TRAINING

Surface warfare is a type of naval warfare in which aircraft, surface ships, and submarines employ 

weapons and sensors in operations directed against enemy surface ships or small boats. Aircraft-tosurface warfare is conducted by long-range attacks using air-launched cruise missiles, precision-guided 

munitions, or aircraft cannon. Surface warfare also is conducted by warships employing torpedoes, 

naval guns, and surface-to-surface missiles. Submarines attack surface ships using torpedoes or 

submarine-launched, anti-ship cruise missiles. Training in surface warfare includes surface-to-surface 

gunnery and missile exercises, air-to-surface gunnery and missile exercises, and submarine missile or 

torpedo launch events. Gunnery and missile training generally involves expenditure of ordnance against 

a towed target. A sinking exercise is a specialized training exercise that provides an opportunity for ship, 

submarine, and aircraft crews to use multiple weapons systems to deliver high-explosive ordnance on a 

deactivated vessel, which is deliberately sunk. 

Surface warfare also encompasses maritime security, that is, the interception of a suspect surface ship 

by a Navy ship for the purpose of boarding-party inspection or the seizure of the suspect ship. Training 

in these tasks is conducted in visit, board, search and seizure exercises.

A.2.9.1 Bombing Exercise Air-to-Surface 

Surface Warfare

Bombing Exercise Air-to-Surface

Short 

Description

Fixed-wing aircrews deliver bombs against surface 

targets.

Typical Duration

1 hour

Long 

Description

Fixed-wing aircraft conduct bombing exercises against stationary floating targets (e.g., MK-58 smoke 

buoy), towed targets, or maneuvering targets. An aircraft clears the area, deploys a smoke buoy, 

and then delivers high-explosive or non-explosive practice bombs on the target. A range boat may 

be used to deploy towed or maneuvering targets for an aircraft to attack. 

Exercises for strike fighters typically involve a flight of two aircraft delivering unguided or guided 

munitions that may be either high-explosive or non-explosive. The following munitions may be 

employed by strike fighter aircraft in the course of bombing exercise: Unguided munitions including

non-explosive subscale bombs (MK-76 and BDU-45), explosive and non-explosive general purpose 

bombs (MK-80 series), and MK-20 cluster bombs (explosive, non-explosive). Precision-guided 

munitions include laser-guided bombs (explosive, non-explosive), laser-guided training rounds (nonexplosive), Joint Direct Attack Munitions (explosive, non-explosive).

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, support craft

Targets: Surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Bombs, non-explosive practice munitions, aircraft platforms

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None
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Surface Warfare

Bombing Exercise Air-to-Surface

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Underwater explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Decelerators/parachutes, target 

fragments, bomb (explosive)

fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Marine markers, bombs (non-explosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E9 E10 E12

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Non-explosive bombs and mine shapes

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive bombs

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Approximately 90 percent of non-explosive bombs are the sub-scale bombs such as the MK-76 and 

BDU-48.

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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A.2.9.2 Fast Attack Craft and Fast Inshore Attack Craft 

Surface Warfare

Fast Attack Craft and Fast Inshore Attack Craft 

Short 

Description

Navy ships and helicopters defend against small 

boat attacks.

Typical Duration

2-4 hour

Long 

Description

Navy ships and helicopters detect, coordinate, and defend against multiple high speed small boats 

employing swarm tactics. Ships must coordinate defenses to achieve proper targeting of attack craft. 

Only blank ordnance is used in this activity. Activities conducted in the open ocean are called Fast 

Attack Craft, while those in littoral waters are called Fast Inshore Attack Craft.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Amphibious warfare ships, surface combatants, rotary-wing aircraft

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Naval Station Mayport basin and 

piers

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Aircraft and aerial targets

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small-caliber projectiles (casings only)

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Small-, medium-, and large-caliber nonexplosive practice munitions
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Surface Warfare

Fast Attack Craft and Fast Inshore Attack Craft 

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None

A.2.9.3 Gunnery Exercise Air-to-Surface Medium-Caliber 

Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Air-to-Surface Medium-Caliber

Short 

Description

Fixed-wing and helicopter aircrews fire mediumcaliber guns at surface targets.

Typical Duration

1 hour

Long 

Description

Fighter and helicopter aircrews engage surface targets with medium-caliber guns. Targets simulate 

enemy ships, boats, swimmers, and floating/near- surface mines. Fighter aircraft descend on a 

target firing high-explosive or non-explosive practice munitions medium-caliber projectiles. 

Helicopters will fly a racetrack pattern around an at-sea target. Aircrew will engage the target with 

medium-caliber weapons. Targets range from a smoke float, or an empty steel drum, to high speed 

remote controlled boats and jet-skis.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft

Targets: Surface targets (e.g., MK 58 marine markers, empty steel drums, high speed remote 

controlled boats and jet-skis)

Systems being Trained/Tested: Medium-caliber gun systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

De minimis explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

De minimis explosives

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

energy

Entanglement: 

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediment and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None
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Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Air-to-Surface Medium-Caliber

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Decelerators/parachutes, mediumcaliber projectiles (non-explosive), 

medium-caliber casings, target

fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Marine markers

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Small-, medium-, and large-caliber non-explosive 

practice munitions

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive medium-caliber and large-caliber 

projectiles

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Most medium-caliber air-to-surface gunnery exercises will be with non-explosive training projectiles. 

High-explosive rounds will supplement when non-explosive training projectiles are not available. 

Fixed-wing projectile casings remain with aircraft and rotary-wing projectile casings are 

expended into the water.

Two fixed-wing aircraft (400 rounds each) or one helicopter (400 rounds) per activity.

One target used per exercise; expendable smoke floats (50 percent), stationary targets (45 percent), 

or remote-controlled targets (5 percent).

De minimis explosives used during this activity are not quantitatively analyzed and, therefore, not 

included under munitions.

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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A.2.9.4 Gunnery Exercise Air-to-Surface Small-Caliber 

Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Air-to-Surface Small-Caliber

Short 

Description

Helicopter and tiltrotor aircrews, use small-caliber 

guns to engage surface targets.

Typical Duration

1 hour

Long 

Description

Helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft, fly a racetrack pattern around an at-sea target. Targets simulate 

enemy ships, boats, and floating/near-surface mines. Each gunner will engage the target with smallcaliber weapons. Targets range from a smoke float, an empty steel drum, to high speed remote 

controlled boats and jet-skis.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft, tiltrotor aircraft

Targets: Surface targets (e.g., MK 58 marine markers, empty steel drums, high speed remote 

controlled boats and jet-skis

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Decelerators/parachutes, small-caliber 

projectiles (non-explosive), smallcaliber casings, target fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Marine markers

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water None
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Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Air-to-Surface Small-Caliber

Explosive 

Bins

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Small-, medium-, and large-caliber non-explosive 

practice munitions

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Most exercises will occur proximate to naval stations where MH-60 helicopters are home based and 

target services are available.
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A.2.9.5 Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Boat Medium-Caliber 

Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Boat Medium-Caliber

Short 

Description

Small boat crews fire medium-caliber guns at 

surface targets.

Typical Duration

1 hour

Long 

Description

Small boat crews fire medium-caliber guns at surface targets. Boat crews may use high or low 

speeds to approach and engage targets simulating other boats, floating mines, or nearshore land 

targets with medium-caliber (up to and including 40 mm) weapons. A commonly used target is an 

empty steel drum. 

A number of different types of boats are used depending on the unit using the boat and their 

mission. Boats are most used to protect ships in harbors and high value units, such as: aircraft 

carriers, nuclear submarines, liquid natural gas tankers, etc., while entering and leaving ports, as 

well as to conduct riverine operations and various naval special warfare operations. The boats used 

by these units include small unit river craft, combat rubber raiding craft, rigid-hull inflatable boats, 

patrol craft, and many other versions of these types of boats. These boats use inboard or outboard 

diesel or gasoline engines with either propeller or water jet propulsion.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Small boats

Targets: Surface targets (e.g., empty steel drums)

Systems being Trained/Tested: Medium-caliber gun systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives: 

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Underwater explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended material – other 

than munitions 

Energy:

None

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended materials 

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

Underwater energy
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Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Boat Medium-Caliber

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Medium-caliber projectile (explosive) 

fragments, medium-caliber casings, 

target fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Expendable targets

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E1

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Small-, medium-, and large-caliber non-explosive 

practice munitions

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive medium-caliber and large-caliber 

projectiles

Assumptions 

Used for

Analysis

Approximately 500 rounds expended per exercise.

One target used per exercise, typically a stationary target such as a 50-liter steel drum.
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A.2.9.6 Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Boat Small-Caliber 

Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Boat Small-Caliber

Short 

Description

Small boat crews fire small-caliber guns at surface 

targets.

Typical Duration

1 hour

Long 

Description

Small boat crews fire small-caliber guns at surface targets. Boat crews may use high or low speeds to 

approach and engage targets simulating other boats, swimmers, floating mines, or nearshore land 

targets with small-caliber (up to and including 0.50 caliber) weapons. A commonly used target is an 

empty steel drum. 

A number of different types of boats are used depending on the unit using the boat and their 

mission. Boats are most used to protect ships in harbors and high value units, such as: aircraft 

carriers, nuclear submarines, liquid natural gas tankers, etc., while entering and leaving ports, as 

well as to conduct riverine operations, and various naval special warfare operations. The boats used 

by these units include: small unit river craft, combat rubber raiding craft, rigid-hull inflatable boats, 

patrol craft, and many other versions of these types of boats. These boats use inboard or outboard, 

diesel or gasoline engines with either propeller or water jet propulsion.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Small boats

Targets: Surface targets (e.g., empty steel drums)

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions

Energy:

None

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small-caliber (non-explosive) 

projectiles, small-caliber casings

Non-Ingestible Material:

Expendable targets

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None
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Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Boat Small-Caliber

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Small-, medium-, and large-caliber non-explosive 

practice munitions

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

The majority of exercises will occur proximate to naval stations.

Exercises will occur relatively nearshore due to short range of boats and safety concerns. Exercises

mostly occur within 3 NM of the shoreline, but can occur further from shore.
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A.2.9.7 Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Large-Caliber 

Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship – Large-Caliber

Short 

Description

Surface ship crews fire large-caliber guns at 

surface targets.

Typical Duration

Up to 3 hours

Long 

Description

This exercise involves ships’ gun crews engaging surface targets at sea with their main battery largecaliber (typically 57 mm and 5-inch) guns. Targets include the QST-35 seaborne powered target, high 

speed maneuverable surface target, or a specially configured remote controlled watercraft. Some 

targets are expended during the exercise and are not recovered. 

The exercise proceeds with the target boat approaching from about 10-NM distance. The target is 

tracked by radar and when within a predetermined range, it is engaged first with large-caliber 

“warning shots.” As threats get closer all weapons may be used to disable the threat. 

This exercise may involve a single firing ship, or be undertaken in the context of a coordinated larger 

exercise involving multiple ships, including a major training exercise. 

Large-caliber guns will also be fired during weapon certification events and in conjunction with 

weapon maintenance. 

During all exercises, either high-explosive or non-explosive rounds may be used. High-explosive 

rounds can either be fused for detonation on impact (with water surface or targets), or for proximity 

to the target (in air detonation).

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Surface combatants

Targets: Surface targets (e.g., QST-35 seaborne powered targets, high speed maneuverable surface 

targets, or specially configured remote controlled water craft)

Systems being Trained/Tested: Large-caliber gun systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Other AFTT Areas

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Underwater explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended materials

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Metals

Stressors to None
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Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship – Large-Caliber

Human 

Resources

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Target fragments, large-caliber

projectile (explosive) fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Large-caliber projectiles (nonexplosive), large-caliber casings

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E3 E5

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Weapons firing noise

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Small-, medium-, and large-caliber non-explosive 

practice munitions

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive medium-caliber and large-caliber 

projectiles

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

For analytical purposes assume all high-explosive rounds are fused to detonate upon impact with the 

water surface or target.

After impacting the water, the high-explosive rounds are expected to detonate within 33 ft. of the 

surface. Non-explosive rounds and fragments from the high-explosive rounds will sink to the 

bottom of the ocean. Non-explosive rounds and fragments from the high-explosive rounds will 

sink to the bottom of the ocean.

Assume each non-explosive projectile will be up to 5 in. in diameter and 30 in. in length, and each 

firing will also expend a metallic sleeve used to convey the projectile down the gun barrel.

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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A.2.9.8 Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Medium-Caliber 

Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Medium-Caliber

Short 

Description

Surface ship crews fire medium-caliber guns at 

surface targets.

Typical Duration

2-3 hours

Long 

Description

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

Ships use medium-caliber weapons to practice defensive marksmanship, typically against a 

stationary floating target (a 10 ft. diameter red balloon [Killer Tomato]) and high-speed mobile 

targets. Some targets are expended during the exercise and are not recovered. 

Shipboard protection systems (Close-In Weapon System) utilizing medium-caliber projectiles would 

train against high speed mobile targets.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Patrol combatants, surface combatants

Targets: Surface targets (e.g., stationary floating targets, high-speed mobile targets)

Systems being Trained/Tested: Medium-caliber gun systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Virginia Capes

Navy Cherry Point

Jacksonville

Gulf of Mexico 

Other AFTT Areas

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Underwater explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Explosives

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy
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Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Medium-Caliber

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Target fragments, medium-caliber 

projectile (explosive) fragments, 

medium-caliber casings

Non-Ingestible Material:

None 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E1

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Large-caliber weapons firing

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive medium-caliber and large-caliber 

projectiles

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

One target used per exercise. Approximately 50 percent of targets are “Killer Tomatoes” (usually 

recovered). Approximately 35 percent are high-speed maneuvering targets, which are recovered. 

Approximately 15 percent of targets are other stationary targets such as a steel drum that are 

not recovered. Number or rounds per exercise varies depending on munitions used.
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A.2.9.9 Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Small-Caliber 

Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Small-Caliber

Short 

Description

Surface ship crews fire small-caliber guns at 

surface targets.

Typical Duration

2-3 hours

Long 

Description

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

Ships use small-caliber weapons to practice defensive marksmanship, typically against stationary 

floating targets. The target may be a 10 ft. diameter red balloon (Killer Tomato, see Figure A.2-4), a 

50 gallon steel drum, or other available target, such as a cardboard box. Some targets are expended 

during the exercise and are not recovered. 

Ship crew qualifications conducted at sea employ stationary targets on deck. Small-caliber 

projectiles fired during these exercises will be expended in the water. 

Shipboard protection systems utilizing small-caliber projectiles will train against high speed mobile 

targets.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Navy ships

Targets: Surface targets (e.g., Killer Tomatoes, 50-gallon steel drums, cardboard boxes)

Systems being Trained/Tested: Small-caliber gun systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Other AFTT Areas

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small-caliber projectiles (nonexplosive), small-caliber casings, 

target fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None
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Surface Warfare

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Surface Ship Small-Caliber

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Small-, medium-, and large-caliber non-explosive 

practice munitions

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Small-caliber gun rounds per exercise: 1,000 to 3,000 non-explosive practice munitions. The majority 

of the activities will occur proximate to Navy homeports in Jacksonville, Florida and Norfolk, 

Virginia.

Figure A.2-4: “Killer Tomato” Stationary Floating Target
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Figure A.2-5: QST-35 Seaborne Powered Target (on Left) and High-Speed Maneuvering 

Surface Target (on Right) 
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A.2.9.10 Integrated Live Fire 

Surface Warfare

Integrated Live Fire

Short 

Description

Naval forces defend against a swarm of surface 

threats (ships or small boats) with bombs, missiles, 

rockets, and small-, medium- and large-caliber 

guns.

Typical Duration

6-8 hours

Long 

Description

Naval forces use coordinated tactics and deliver high-explosive ordnance against a swarm of surface 

maritime threats. Events within this activity include: exercises for strike fighters typically involve a 

flight of two to four aircraft delivering unguided or guided munitions that may be either highexplosive or non-explosive bombs against surface targets. The bombs may be surface detonating or 

designed to detonate as an air-burst bomb; strike fighter aircraft, helicopter aircrews, and ship 

crews fire high-explosive precision-guided missiles against surface targets. If explosive, helicopter 

launched missiles (including rockets) typically detonate at or just below the water’s surface; fighter 

and helicopter aircrew engage surface targets with small- and medium-caliber guns. Ships’ gun 

crews engage surface targets with large-caliber (typically 57 mm and 5-inch) guns; this exercise may 

involve a single firing ship or be undertaken in the context of a coordinated larger exercise involving 

multiple ships, including a major training exercise.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, surface combatants, support craft

Targets: Surface targets (e.g., remote controlled surface targets, towed surface targets)

Systems being Trained/Tested: In-air low energy laser, medium- and large-caliber gun systems, 

aircraft platforms

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

In-air explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Underwater explosives

In-air explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Lasers

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None
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Surface Warfare

Integrated Live Fire

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Bomb (explosive) fragments, missile 

(explosive) fragments, mediumcaliber projectiles (non-explosive), 

medium-caliber and large-caliber

projectile (explosive) fragments, 

medium-caliber casings, rocket 

fragments, target fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Bombs (non-explosive), rockets (nonexplosive), missiles (non-explosive), 

large-caliber casings

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable surface targets

Sonar and 

Other

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E1 E3 E6 E10

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Weapons firing

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Small-, medium-, and large-caliber non-explosive 

practice munitions

Non-explosive missiles and rockets

Non-explosive bombs

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive medium-caliber and large-caliber 

projectiles

Explosive missiles and rockets 

Explosive bombs

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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A.2.9.11 Laser Targeting – Aircraft 

Surface Warfare

Laser Targeting – Aircraft

Short 

Description

Fixed-wing and helicopter aircrews illuminate 

enemy targets with lasers.

Typical Duration

1-2 hours

Long 

Description

Fixed-winged and helicopter aircrew illuminate enemy targets with lasers for engagement by 

aircraft with laser guided bombs or missiles. This exercise may be conducted alone or in 

conjunction with other exercises utilizing precision guided munitions, such as surface missiles and 

guided rockets. Exercises where weapons are fired are addressed in the appropriate activity (e.g.,

air-to-surface missile exercise). Lower powered lasers may also be used as non-lethal deterrents 

during maritime security operations (force protection).

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems

Targets: Surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Aircraft platforms

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle 

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Lasers

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None
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Surface Warfare

Laser Targeting – Aircraft

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Laser targeting for missile/rocket guidance will occur in areas where these exercises also occur.

Use of lasers as force protection non-lethal deterrents will primarily occur proximate to Navy 

homeports (Norfolk, Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida).

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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A.2.9.12 Laser Targeting – Ship 

Surface Warfare

Laser Targeting – Ship

Short 

Description

Surface ship crews illuminate air and surface 

targets with high-energy laser systems.

Typical Duration

1-2 hours

Long 

Description

Ship crews employ high-power energy laser systems that are used to create critical failures in 

airborne and surface targets. System directs a directed energy beam that can penetrate thin layers 

of metal at short distances (less than 1 nautical mile) that can render air and surface targets 

inoperative. Laser systems can also be used in a low power setting as non-lethal deterrent during 

maritime security operations (force protection). The low power capability would not be used 

against manned platforms during training.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Aircraft carriers, amphibious warfare ships, combat logistics, specialized high-speed 

vehicles, support craft, surface combatants

Targets: Air targets, surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Laser weapon system

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

High-powered laser safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle 

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Military expended materials

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

Lasers

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Target fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Aerial drones (expendable)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement
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Surface Warfare

Laser Targeting – Ship

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Laser targeting for missile/rocket guidance will occur in areas where these exercises also occur.

Use of lasers as force protection non-lethal deterrents will primarily occur proximate to Navy 

homeports (Norfolk, Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida).

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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A.2.9.13 Maritime Security Operations 

Surface Warfare

Maritime Security Operations

Short 

Description

Helicopter, surface ship, and small boat crews 

conduct a suite of maritime security operations at 

sea, to include visit, board, search and seizure;

maritime interdiction operations; force protection;

and anti-piracy operations.

Typical Duration

Up to 3 hours

Long 

Description

Helicopter and surface ship crews conduct a suite of maritime security operations (e.g., visit, board, 

search and seizure, maritime interdiction operations, force protection, and anti-piracy operations). 

These activities involve training of boarding parties delivered by helicopters and surface ships to 

surface vessels for the purpose of simulating vessel search and seizure operations. Various training 

scenarios are employed and may include small arms with non-explosive blanks and surveillance or 

reconnaissance unmanned surface and aerial vehicles. The entire exercise may last two to three 

hours.

Vessel Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure: Military personnel from ships and aircraft board suspect 

vessels, potentially under hostile conditions.

Maritime Interdiction Operations: Ships and aircraft train in pursuing, intercepting, and ultimately 

detaining suspect vessels.

Maritime Infrastructure Protection and Harbor Defense: Naval personnel train to defend oil 

platforms, similar at sea structures, harbors, piers, and other infrastructure.

Warning Shot/Disabling Fire: Naval personnel train in the use of weapons to force fleeing or 

threatening small boats (typically operating at high speeds) to come to a stop.

Ship Force Protection: Ship crews train in tracking multiple approaching, circling small craft, 

assessing threat potential, and communicating amongst crewmates and other vessels to ensure 

ships are protected against attack.

Anti-Piracy Training: Naval personnel train in deterring and interrupting piracy activity. Training 

includes large vessels (pirate “mother ships”), and multiple small, maneuverable, and fast craft.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Amphibious warfare ships, rotary-wing aircraft, surface combatants, small boats

Targets: Surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

James River and tributaries

Lower Chesapeake Bay

Joint Expeditionary Base Little 

Creek harbor

Naval Station Norfolk pier

Broad Bay

Naval Station Mayport basin 

and pier

Naval Station Newport

Port Canaveral

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to Air Quality: Sediments and Water Quality:
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Surface Warfare

Maritime Security Operations

Physical 

Resources

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Maritime Security Operations is a broad term used to describe activities intended train naval forces 

in the skills necessary to protect naval vessels from small boat attack, counter piracy and drug 

operations (maritime interdiction operations and visit, board, search, and seizure), and protect 

key infrastructure (e.g. oil platforms). Maritime security operations need to remain broad as 

naval forces need to be able to tailor training exercises to respond to emergent threats. Maritime 

Security Operations exercises typically do not involve live fire of weapons. All Maritime Security 

Operations exercises involve vessel movement, sometimes at high rates of speed (naval vessels 

maneuvering to overtake suspect vessel and/or small boats [targets] closing in and maneuvering 

around naval vessels), and some event involve helicopters and boarding parties. Maritime 

Security Operations training exercises are conducted proximate to naval homeports in Norfolk, 

Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida including during times of transit into and out of port, as well as 

during major training exercises.

Firing of weapons during these exercises is accounted for in gunnery exercises, surface-to-surface 

activities. Firing of weapons occurs during approximately 20 percent of Maritime Security 

Operations exercises.
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A.2.9.14 Missile Exercise Air-to-Surface 

Surface Warfare

Missile Exercise Air-to-Surface

Short 

Description

Fixed-wing and helicopter aircrews fire air-tosurface missiles at surface targets.

Typical Duration

1 hour

Long 

Description

Fighter, maritime patrol aircraft, and helicopter aircrews fire precision-guided missiles against 

surface targets. Aircraft involved may be unmanned.

Fixed-wing aircraft (fighters or maritime patrol aircraft) approach an at-sea surface target from high 

altitude, and launch high-explosive precision guided missiles.

Helicopters designate at-sea surface targets with a laser or optics for a precision guided highexplosive or non-explosive practice munitions missile. Helicopter launched missiles typically pass 

through the target’s “sail,” and, if explosive, detonate at or just below, the water’s surface.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft

Targets: Surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Aircraft platforms, missile systems 

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Underwater explosives

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Lasers

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Chemicals

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Missile (explosive) fragments, target 

fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Missiles (non-explosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable surface targets
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Surface Warfare

Missile Exercise Air-to-Surface

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E6 E8 E10

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Non-explosive missiles and rockets

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive missiles and rockets 

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Assume one missile and one target are used per exercise.

While missiles could explode above the water’s surface after contacting targets, analysis assumes 

that all warheads explode at or just below the water’s surface. 

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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A.2.9.15 Missile Exercise Air-to-Surface – Rocket 

Surface Warfare

Missile Exercise Air-to-Surface—Rocket

Short 

Description

Helicopter aircrews fire both precision-guided and 

unguided rockets at surface targets.

Typical Duration

1 hour

Long 

Description

Helicopters designate an at-sea surface target with a laser or optics for precision-guided high 

explosive or non-explosive practice munitions rockets.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems

Targets: Surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Aircraft platforms, missile systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Swimmer defense activity 

safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle 

safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Underwater explosives

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Lasers

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Chemicals

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Rocket (explosive) fragments, target 

fragments 

Non-Ingestible Material:

Rockets (non-explosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None
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Surface Warfare

Missile Exercise Air-to-Surface—Rocket

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E3

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Non-explosive missiles and rockets

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive missiles and rockets 

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Assume all explosive rockets detonate in the water. 

Rockets may be used in conjunction with force protection events.

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.

Assume 5 percent of non-explosive practice munitions are flechette rockets. 
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A.2.9.16 Missile Exercise Surface-to-Surface 

Surface Warfare

Missile Exercise Surface-to-Surface

Short 

Description

Surface ship crews defend against surface threats 

(ships or small boats) and engage them with 

missiles.

Typical Duration

2-5 hours

Long 

Description

Surface ships launch missiles at surface maritime targets with the goal of destroying or disabling 

enemy ships or boats. 

After detecting and confirming a surface threat, the ship will fire a precision guided surface missile. 

Events with destroyers and cruisers will involve long range (over the horizon) Harpoon (or similar) 

surface missiles. While past Harpoon exercises occurred during sinking exercises, the requirement 

exists for non-sinking exercise events to certify ship crews. If a sinking exercise target is unavailable, 

a towed sled would likely be used. 

Events with littoral combat and patrol combatant ships will involve shorter range surface missiles, 

such as Hellfire and Griffin. Events with littoral combat and patrol combatant ships would be to 

certify ship’s crew to defend against “close-in” (less than 10 miles) surface threats. 

These exercises are live fire, meaning that a missile is fired down range. Surface missiles could be 

equipped with either high-explosive or non-explosive warheads.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Surface combatants

Targets: Surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Underwater explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Chemicals

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None
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Surface Warfare

Missile Exercise Surface-to-Surface

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Missile (explosive) fragments, target 

fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Missile (non-explosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E6 E10

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Assume one missile and one target used per exercise.

While missile could explode above the water’s surface after contacting target, analysis assumes all 

warheads explode at or just below the surface.

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.9.17 Sinking Exercise 

Surface Warfare

Sinking Exercise

Short 

Description

Aircraft, ship, 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.

Typical Duration

4-8 hours, possibly over 1-2 days

Long 

Description

Ship personnel and aircrew deliver high-explosive ordnance on a seaborne target, (large 

deactivated vessel), which is deliberately sunk using multiple weapon systems. A sinking exercise is 

typically conducted by aircraft, surface vessels, and submarines in order to take advantage of the 

ability to fire high-explosive ordnance on a full size ship target. 

The target is typically a decommissioned ship made environmentally safe for sinking according to 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. The location is greater than 50 NM from shore 

and in water depths greater than 6,000 ft.

Ship, aircraft, and submarine crews attack with coordinated tactics and deliver high-explosive 

ordnance to sink the target. Non-explosive practice munitions may be used during the initial stages 

to extend target life. Typically, the exercise lasts for 4 to 8 hours and possibly over 1 to 2 days, 

however it is unpredictable and ultimately ends when the ship sinks.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, submarines, surface combatants

Targets: Ship hulks

Systems being Trained/Tested: Large-caliber gun systems, missile systems, bombs, torpedoes, 

small-caliber gun systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Virginia Capes sinking exercise box

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Underwater explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats: 

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended materials

Physical disturbance and strike – seafloor 

devices

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Chemicals

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

None
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Surface Warfare

Sinking Exercise

Resources

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Bomb (explosive) fragments, missile 

(explosive) fragments, medium--

caliber and large-caliber projectiles

(explosive) fragments, small-caliber 

and medium-caliber projectiles (nonexplosive), small-caliber casings, 

medium-caliber casings, heavyweight

torpedo (explosive) fragments, 

heavyweight torpedo accessories

Non-Ingestible Material:

Large-caliber projectiles (nonexplosive), large-caliber casings, 

guidance wires

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Torpedoes: 

TORP2

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E5 E8 E9 E10 E11

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Weapons firing noise

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Small-, medium-, and large-caliber non-explosive 

practice munitions

Non-explosive missiles and rockets

Non-explosive bombs

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive medium-caliber and large-caliber 

projectiles

Explosive missiles and rockets 

Explosive bombs

Sinking exercises

Explosives torpedoes

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Exercises occur greater than 50 NM from shore and in water depths greater than 6,000 ft. during 

daylight hours only. Due to the distance from shore, stressors to human resources were not 

analyzed for this activity. 

The participants and assets typically include:

• 1 full-size target ship hulk

• 1-5 CG, DDG, or LCS ships

• 1-10 F/A-18, or maritime patrol aircraft

• 1 or 2 MH-60 helicopters

• 1 E-2 aircraft for Command and Control

• 1 submarine

• 1-3 range clearance aircraft

• 1-2 Harpoon surface-to-surface or air-to-surface missiles

• 2-4 Maverick or Hellfire air-to-surface missiles

• 2-12 MK-80 series general purpose bombs

• 200 rounds large-caliber projectiles

• 1-2 MK-48 heavyweight submarine-launched torpedo

• 2-10,000 rounds 0.50 caliber and 7.62 mm

• Assume 2 guidance wires expended per exercise
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A.2.10 OTHER TRAINING EXERCISES

A.2.10.1 Elevated Causeway System 

Other Training Exercises

Elevated Causeway System

Short 

Description A temporary pier is constructed off the beach. 

Supporting pilings are driven into the sand and 

then later removed.

Typical Duration

Up to 20 days for construction and up to 10 

days for removal (the pier can be in place for 

up to 60 days)

Long 

Description

A temporary pier, termed the “Elevated Causeway System,” is constructed off of the beach. The pier 

is designed to allow for offloading materials and equipment from supply ships. Support pilings are 

driven into the sand with an impact hammer. Causeway platforms are then hoisted and secured 

onto the piles with hydraulic jacks and cranes. The pier is assembled by joining standard causeway 

sections together and can be assembled in 20 days. The pier, including associated piles, is removed 

at the conclusion of training. The Elevated Causeway System can be constructed as an individual 

training event, or constructed during the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore training event, which can 

last up to 30 days.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Combat logistics ships, fleet support ships, support craft

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Elevated Causeway System, including impact hammer and vibratory 

extractor

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Pile driving safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Navy Cherry Point 

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Lower Chesapeake Bay

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Pile driving

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – pile 

driving

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Pile driving and removal
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Other Training Exercises

Elevated Causeway System

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Pile driving

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.10.2 Precision Anchoring 

Other Training Exercises

Precision Anchoring

Short 

Description Releasing of anchors in designated locations. Typical Duration

Up to 1 hour

Long 

Description

Ship crews choose the best available anchoring sites. The ship uses all means available to determine 

its position when anchor is dropped to demonstrate calculating and plotting the anchor's position 

within 100 yards of center of planned anchorage.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Navy ships

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Naval Station Mayport basin 

and pier

James River and tributaries

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – seafloor 

devices

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.2.10.3 Search and Rescue 

Other Training Exercises

Search and Rescue

Short 

Description

Helicopter and ship crews rescue military 

personnel at sea. 

Typical Duration

Up to 2 hours

Long 

Description

Helicopter, ship, and submarine crews practice the skills required to recover personnel lost at sea. 

Helicopters locate survivors and deploy rescue swimmer and rescue basket. Survivors are winched 

up to the hovering helicopter. Surface ships would conduct man overboard drills and deploy a 

dummy figure in the water. Ship crews would launch a small boat, direct the recovery of the 

dummy, and recover the small boat. Submarine crews would maneuver submarine to effect 

recovery of personnel.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft, surface combatants, aircraft carriers, amphibious warfare ships, 

submarines, small boats

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Naval Station Mayport basin 

and piers

Naval Submarine Base Kings 

Bay (St. Mary’s Inlet jetties)

St. Johns River (Talbot Island)

James River and tributaries

Willoughby Bay

Naval Station Norfolk basin and 

piers

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Aircraft and aerial targets

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Other Training Exercises

Search and Rescue

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

All material, including dummy figure, is recovered. Locations are typical, but ships may conduct man 

overboard training throughout the Study Area.
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A.2.10.4 Submarine Navigation 

Other Training Exercises

Submarine Navigation

Short 

Description

Submarine crews operate sonar for navigation and 

detection while transiting into and out of port 

during reduced visibility.

Typical Duration

Up to 2 hours

Long 

Description

Submarine crews train to operate sonar for navigation. The ability to navigate using sonar is critical 

for detection while transiting into and out of port during periods of reduced visibility. During this 

activity the submarine will be surfaced.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Submarines

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

None

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Groton, Connecticut

Kings Bay, Georgia

Naval Station Mayport, Florida

Naval Base Norfolk, Virginia

Port Canaveral, Florida

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

None

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

None

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF3

High-Frequency: 

HF1

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Other Training Exercises

Submarine Navigation

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

For biological resource analysis, vessel noise and vessel strike are only analyzed for the periods while 

the submarines are surfaced, typically brief in nature. Mitigation measures related to vessel 

movement are only considered during the period of surfacing as well.

For human resource stressor analysis, physical disturbance and strike and physical interactions are 

only analyzed for the periods while the submarine are surfaced, typically brief in nature.
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A.2.10.5 Submarine Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks 

Other Training Exercises

Submarine Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks

Short 

Description

Maintenance of submarine sonar and other 

system checks are conducted pierside or at sea.

Typical Duration

Up to 1 hour

Long 

Description

A submarine performs periodic maintenance on the AN/BQQ-10 and submarine high-frequency 

sonar systems while in port or at sea. Submarines conduct maintenance to their sonar systems in 

shallow water near their homeport, however, sonar maintenance could occur anywhere as the 

system’s performance may warrant.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Submarines

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Other AFTT Areas

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Groton, Connecticut

Kings Bay, Georgia

Norfolk, Virginia

Port Canaveral, Florida

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

None

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

None

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF3

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

“Other AFTT Areas” refers to areas outside of existing range complexes and testing ranges.
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A.2.10.6 Submarine Under Ice Certification 

Other Training Exercises

Submarine Under Ice Certification

Short 

Description

Submarine crews operate sonar while transiting 

under ice. Ice conditions are simulated during 

training and certification events.

Typical Duration

Up to 6 hours per day over 5 days

Long 

Description

Submarine crews train to operate under ice. Ice conditions are simulated during training and 

certification exercises. A single exercise is comprised of 30 hours of training, spread out over 5 days 

in 6-hour training sessions.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Submarines

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

None

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

None

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

High-Frequency: 

HF1

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 12 NM 

from shore.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.10.7 Surface Ship Object Detection 

Mine Warfare

Surface Ship Object Detection

Short 

Description

Ship crews detect and avoid mines while 

navigating restricted areas or channels using active 

sonar.

Typical Duration

Up to 2 hours

Long 

Description

Surface ship crews detect and avoid mines or other underwater hazardous objects while navigating 

restricted areas or channels using active sonar. A Littoral Combat Ship utilizes unmanned surface 

vehicles and remotely operated vehicles to tow mine detection (hunting) equipment. Systems will 

operate from a shallow zone greater than 40 ft. to deep water. Exercises could be embedded within 

major training exercises.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Surface combatants, unmanned surface vehicles

Targets: Mine shapes

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle 

safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

None

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Naval Station Mayport, Florida

Norfolk, Virginia

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – seafloor 

devices

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable Training Targets (mine 

shapes)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF1K

High-Frequency: 

HF8

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None
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Mine Warfare

Surface Ship Object Detection

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.2.10.8 Surface Ship Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks 

Other Training Exercises

Surface Ship Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks

Short 

Description

Maintenance of surface ship sonar and other 

system checks are conducted pierside or at sea.

Typical Duration

Up to 4 hours

Long 

Description

This scenario consists of surface ships performing periodic maintenance to the AN/SQS-53 sonar and 

other ship systems while in port or at sea. This maintenance takes up to 4 hours. Surface ships 

operate active sonar systems for maintenance while in shallow water near their homeport, 

however, sonar maintenance could occur anywhere as the system’s performance may warrant.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Surface combatants

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Other AFTT Areas

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Naval Station Mayport, Florida

Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF1

High-Frequency: 

HF8

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement
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Other Training Exercises

Surface Ship Sonar Maintenance and Systems Checks

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

“Other AFTT Areas” refers to areas outside of existing range complexes and testing ranges.
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A.2.10.9 Waterborne Training 

Other Training Exercises

Waterborne Training

Short 

Description

Personnel launch, operate, and recover a variety 

of small boats to achieve certifications such as 

coxswain, crewman, and safety observer.

Typical Duration

Up to 12 hours

Long 

Description

Waterborne Training may include qualification and certification as safety observer, safety swimmer, 

coxswain, and crewman utilizing a variety of small crafts to include but not limited to rigid hull 

inflatables, aluminum chambered boat, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and jet skis. Boat crews 

train to launch and recover, moor to buoys, anchor, and operate a variety of missions in shallow 

waters.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Small boats

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Northeast

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Naval Station Newport

Cooper River

St. Johns River

Broad Bay

York River

James River and tributaries

Joint Expeditionary Base Little 

Creek harbor

Joint Expeditionary Base Fort 

Story

South Gate Annex

Cheatham Annex

Broad Bay

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

None

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

None

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike 

Public Health and Safety:

Physical interactions

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None
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Other Training Exercises

Waterborne Training

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3 TESTING ACTIVITIES

A.3.1 NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND TESTING ACTIVITIES

Naval Air Systems Command activities will generally fall under fleet primary mission areas, such as the 

testing of airborne mine warfare and anti-submarine warfare weapons and systems. Naval Air Systems 

Command activities include, but are not limited to, the testing of new aircraft platforms (e.g., the F-35 

Joint Strike Fighter aircraft), weapons, and systems (e.g., newly developed sonobuoys) that will 

ultimately be integrated into fleet training activities. In addition to testing new platforms, weapons, and 

systems, Naval Air Systems Command also conducts lot acceptance testing of sonobuoys and follow-on 

testing and evaluation of updated systems in support of fleet operational units. In general, the potential 

environmental effects from most Naval Air Systems Command testing events are similar to the 

associated fleet training exercises. 

While many of these systems tested by Naval Air Systems Command will ultimately be used by the fleet, 

testing activities involving the same or similar systems may be conducted in different locations and 

manners than when conducted by the fleet. Because of these differences, the results of the analysis for 

testing activities may differ from the results for training activities. 

A.3.1.1 Air Warfare 

A.3.1.1.1 Air Combat Maneuver Test 

Air Warfare

Air Combat Maneuver Test

Short 

Description

Aircrews engage in flight maneuvers designed to 

gain a tactical advantage during combat.

Typical Duration

Up to 2 flight hours per aircraft per event

Long 

Description

Air combat maneuver is the general term used to describe an air-to-air test event involving two or 

more aircraft, each engaged in continuous proactive and reactive changes in aircraft attitude, 

altitude, and airspeed. No weapons are fired during air combat maneuver activities.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft

Targets: Air targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Aircraft platforms

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediment and Water Quality:

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy
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Air Warfare

Air Combat Maneuver Test

Physical disturbance and strike

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Per chaff-air: one chaff-air cartridge,

one plastic endcap, one compression 

pad or one plastic piston, chaff fibers

Per flare: one casing, one compression 

pad (closed cell foam) or one plastic

piston, one plastic end cap, one Oring (rubber, nitrile)

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

All combustible material in flares is assumed to be consumed before contact of the casing with the 

water. 
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A.3.1.1.2 Air Platform – Vehicle Test 

Air Warfare

Air Platform - Vehicle Test

Short 

Description

Testing performed to quantify the flying qualities, 

handling, airworthiness, stability, controllability, 

and integrity of an air platform or vehicle. No 

explosive weapons are released during an air 

platform/vehicle test.

Typical Duration

2-8 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

The air platform/vehicle test describes the testing performed to quantify the flying qualities, 

handling, airworthiness, stability, controllability, and integrity of an air platform/vehicle. Integration 

of non-weapons system including-flight refueling tests are also conducted as part of an air 

platform/vehicle test. Test results are compared against design and performance specifications for 

compliance. The test results are also used to define stability and controllability characteristics and 

limitations and to improve and update existing analytical and predictive models. A wide variety of 

fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, including unmanned aerial systems would undergo air 

platform/vehicle testing. No weapons are released during an Air Platform/Vehicle Test. Aircraft may 

employ laser detection for targeting systems and trailing antenna. Events may involve two or more 

fighter jet aircraft and a towed target tractor by a contracted aircraft (e.g., Learjet for laser targeting 

tests).

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Aircraft platforms

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Key West

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Military expended material

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Lasers

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Other materials 

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy
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Air Warfare

Air Platform - Vehicle Test

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Per one chaff-air: one chaff-air 

cartridge, one plastic endcap, one 

compression pad or one plastic piston

Per one flare: one compression pad 

(closed cell foam) or one plastic 

piston, one plastic end cap, one Oring (rubber, nitrile)

Non-Ingestible Material:

Non-explosive practice munitions 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.1.1.3 Air Platform Weapons Integration Test 

Air Warfare

Air Platform Weapons Integration Test

Short Description Testing performed to quantify the 

compatibility of weapons with the aircraft 

from which they would be launched or 

released. Non-explosive weapons or shapes 

are used.

Typical Duration

Up to 2.5 flight hours per aircraft per event

Long Description The air platform weapons integration test describes the testing performed to quantify the 

compatibility of weapons with the aircraft from which they would be released. Tests evaluate 

the compatibility of the weapon and its carriage, suspension, and launch equipment with the 

performance and handling characteristics of the designated aircraft. Additional tests assess the 

ability of the weapon to separate or launch safely from the aircraft at combat velocities, 

including at supersonic speeds. Test results are compared against design specifications for 

compliance. The test results are also used to define performance characteristics and to improve 

and update existing analytical and predictive models.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Munitions firing/launching systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety

Unmanned aerial, 

surface, and 

subsurface vehicle

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike –

military expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

Non-explosive practice munitions 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Sonar and Other 

Transducer Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive Bins

None
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Air Warfare

Air Platform Weapons Integration Test

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section

5.3.4)

Non-explosive bombs and mine shapes

Assumptions 

Used for Analysis

None
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A.3.1.1.4 Air-to-Air Weapons System Test 

Air Warfare

Air-to-Air Weapons System Test

Short 

Description

Test to evaluate the effectiveness of air-launched 

weapons against designated air targets.

Typical Duration

2.5 flight hours per aircraft per event

Long 

Description

The air-to-air weapons systems test evaluates the performance of air-launched weapons systems 

against air targets, such as the BQM-34, a high-performance target simulating a strike fighter 

aircraft. During an air-to-air weapons systems test, a strike fighter aircraft locates, tracks, and, in 

some tests, fires on an air target used to simulate another strike fighter aircraft using non-explosive 

ordnance. No testing of explosive weapons is planned.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft

Targets: Air targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Munitions firing/launching systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediment and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

Missiles (non-explosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Non-explosive missiles and rockets
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Air Warfare

Air-to-Air Weapons System Test

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.1.1.5 Air-to-Air Gunnery Test – Medium-Caliber 

Air Warfare

Air-to-Air Gunnery Test – Medium-Caliber

Short 

Description

Test performed to evaluate the effectiveness of 

air-to-air guns against designated airborne 

targets. Fixed-wing aircraft may be used.

Typical Duration

2 flight hours per aircraft per event

Long 

Description

This event is similar to the training event gunnery exercise air-to-air. An air-to-air gunnery test 

involves the firing of guns from fixed-wing aircraft against a towed aerial banner that serves as the 

target. Non-explosive rounds are fired, and the targets fired upon are typically towed aerial banners.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft

Targets: Air targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Medium-caliber gun systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing 

Ranges:

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Accessibility

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Medium-caliber projectiles (non-explosive), 

medium-caliber casings

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverab

le Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Small-, medium-, and large-caliber non-explosive 

practice munitions
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Air Warfare

Air-to-Air Gunnery Test – Medium-Caliber

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.1.1.6 Air-to-Air Missile Test 

Air Warfare

Air-to-Air Missile Test

Short 

Description

Test performed to evaluate the effectiveness of 

air-launched missiles against designated airborne 

targets. Fixed-wing aircraft will be used.

Typical Duration

2.5 flight hours per aircraft per event

Long 

Description

This event is similar to the training event missile exercise (air-to-air). Tests are a type of air-to-air 

weapons system test in which air-to-air missiles (non-explosive) are fired from fixed-wing aircraft 

against unmanned aerial drones such as BQM-34 and BQM-74.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft

Targets: Air targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Missile firing/launching systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediment and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

Missiles (non-explosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None
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Air Warfare

Air-to-Air Missile Test

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.1.1.7 Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Test 

Air Warfare

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Test

Short 

Description

Aircrews use all available sensors to collect data on threat 

vessels.

Typical Duration

2-20 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

An air warfare intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) test involves evaluating 

communications capabilities of aircraft, including unmanned aerial systems that can carry 

cameras, sensors, communications equipment, or other payloads. New systems are tested at sea 

to ensure proper communications between aircraft and ships.

ISR aircraft systems act as eyes in the sky, relaying raw imagery back to military personnel on the 

ground or to ships at-sea. The data is processed, analyzed, and shared with U.S. Navy or other 

U.S. military aircraft or vessels. New ISR technology systems provide combat identification (friend 

or foe) and are used for aircraft and ship-based communications.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, fixed-wing unmanned aerial systems

Targets: Air targets, surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: ISR systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing 

Ranges:

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Ingestion: None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

None

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None
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Air Warfare

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Test

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.1.2 Anti-Submarine Warfare 

Anti‐submarine warfare activities involve helicopter and maritime patrol aircraft, ships, and submarines,

conducting operations alone or in combination, to enhance or evaluate the ability to locate, track, and

neutralize submarines. Anti‐submarine warfare tests are intended to evaluate the capabilities of a

variety of active and passive sonar systems. Some systems are used to characterize the environment by

measuring water depth, for example, whereas others are designed to locate mines and identify, track,

and target submarines. Passive sonar systems “listen” for sound by using underwater microphones,

called hydrophones, which receive, filter, amplify, and process underwater sound in search of certain

acoustic signatures. No sound is introduced into the water when using passive sonar. Passive sonar can

indicate the presence, character, and movement of a submarine, to the extent that the submarine

generates noise.  

Active sonar is the most effective means for locating quiet, modern submarines because active sonar is

not dependent on the sound being generated by the submarine. Active sonar transmits pulses of sound

that travel through the water, reflect off objects, and return to a receiver. By knowing the speed of

sound in water and the time taken for the sound wave to travel to the object and back, active sonar

systems can quickly calculate direction and distance from the sonar platform to the underwater object.

Being able to accurately track moving submarines is essential to U.S. ship survivability.  

Advanced, large‐scale anti‐submarine warfare events (i.e., anti‐submarine warfare coordinated events)

involving active sonar are conducted in coordinated, at‐sea activities during multidimensional fleet

training events involving submarines, ships, fixed‐wing aircraft, and helicopters. These integrated

training events offer opportunities to conduct testing activities and to train aircrews in the use of new or

newly enhanced systems during a large‐scale, complex exercise. Coordinated anti‐submarine warfare

events often involve the full anti‐submarine warfare continuum from detecting and tracking a

submarine to attacking a target using either exercise torpedoes or simulated weapons. Training events

include detection and tracking exercises against “enemy” submarine contacts, torpedo employment

exercises against the target, and exercising command and control tasks in a multidimensional

battlespace.  

The torpedoes released during a torpedo employment exercise are non‐explosive. No other weapons

are fired during Naval Air Systems Command anti‐submarine warfare tests. Anti‐submarine warfare

sonar systems are deployed from certain classes of surface ships, submarines, helicopters, and fixed‐

wing patrol aircraft. Helicopters equipped with dipping sonar or sonobuoys are utilized to locate suspect

submarines or submarine targets within the training or testing area. In addition, fixed‐wing patrol

aircrafts are used to deploy both active and passive sonobuoys to assist in locating and tracking

submarines during the duration of the test.

Anti‐submarine warfare tests include sonobuoy lot acceptance tests, which evaluate the integrity of a

series, or lot, of sonobuoys before the lot is turned over to the fleet; dipping sonar tests in both shallow

and deep water; torpedo tests (non‐explosive warhead); and sonobuoy tests with both coherent

(acoustic) and incoherent (explosive) sonobuoys. The types of sound sources tested by Naval Air

Systems Command during anti‐submarine warfare sonar tests in the Study Area are identified in Table

A.1‐1, and descriptions of anti‐submarine warfare tests are provided in the sections below.

   
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A.3.1.2.1 Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Test 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Test

Short 

Description

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.

Typical Duration

2-6 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

Similar to a torpedo exercise, an anti-submarine warfare torpedo test evaluates anti-submarine 

warfare systems onboard rotary-wing (e.g., MH-60R helicopter) and fixed-wing (maritime patrol 

aircraft P-8) aircraft and the ability to search for, detect, classify, localize, track, and attack a 

submarine or similar target (e.g., MK-39 EMATT, or MK-30). Both sonobuoys and torpedoes (using the 

High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability kit) may be delivered at high altitudes to 

remain clear of high threat areas. The focus of the anti-submarine warfare torpedo test is the 

operation of non-explosive torpedoes (e.g., MK-46 or MK-54), but other anti-submarine warfare 

systems are often used during the test. MK-39 (EMATT) or MK-30 targets simulate a submarine threat 

and are deployed at varying depths and speeds. If available, tests may be conducted using an actual 

submarine as the target. This activity can be conducted in shallow or deep waters and aircraft can 

originate from a land base or from a surface ship. The torpedo test culminates with the release of an 

exercise torpedo against the target and is intended to evaluate the targeting, release, and tracking 

process of deploying torpedoes from aircraft. All exercise torpedoes used in testing are either running 

(EXTORP) or non-running (REXTORP) and are non-explosive. Eighty five percent of torpedoes are 

recovered. A parachute assembly used for aircraft-launched torpedoes is jettisoned and sinks. Ballast 

(typically lead weights) may be released from the torpedoes to allow for recovery, leaving the ballast 

to sink to the bottom.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Torpedoes/torpedo launching systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Physical disturbance and strike – seafloor 

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Chemicals

Other materials
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Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo Test

devices

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes, 

parachutes – medium, ballast

Non-Ingestible Material:

Expendable bathythermographs, 

expendable bathythermograph

wires, sonobuoys (non-explosive), 

sonobuoy wires, expendable subsurface targets, lightweight torpedo 

accessories 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Lightweight torpedoes (non-explosive), 

recoverable sub-surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF5

Torpedoes: 

TORP1

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Assume one torpedo accessory package (parachute, ballast) per torpedo.

Assume one target per torpedo.
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A.3.1.2.2 Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Test – Helicopter 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Test – Helicopter

Short 

Description

This event is similar to the training event antisubmarine 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.

Typical Duration

2 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

Similar to an anti-submarine tracking exercise–helicopter, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Test 

— helicopter evaluates the sensors and systems used to detect and track submarines and to ensure 

that platform systems used to deploy the tracking systems perform to specifications. Typically, one 

helicopter (e.g., MH-60) conducts anti-submarine warfare testing using the dipping sonar (e.g., 

AN/AQS–22), non-impulsive sonobuoys (e.g., AN/SSQ-62), passive sonobuoys (e.g., AN/SSQ-53D/E), 

or explosive sonobuoys (e.g., mini sound-source seeker buoys). Targets (e.g., MK-39 EMATT or MK30) may also be employed during an anti-submarine warfare tracking test event. If available, tests 

may be conducted using an actual submarine as the target. This activity would be conducted in 

shallow or deep waters and could initiate from a land base or from a surface ship. Helicopter antisubmarine warfare tests are intended to evaluate the sensors and systems used to detect and track 

submarines and to ensure that platform systems used to deploy the tracking systems perform to 

specifications. Some anti-submarine helicopter tracking tests could be conducted as part of an antisubmarine tracking coordinated event with fleet training activities.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonobuoys, dipping sonar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Key West

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Military expended materials

Underwater explosives

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Chemicals

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy
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Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Test – Helicopter

Explosives

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes, 

sonobuoy (explosive) fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Sonobuoys (non-explosive), sonobuoy 

wires 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable sub-surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF4 MF5

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E3

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive sonobuoys

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.1.2.3 Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Test – Maritime Patrol Aircraft 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Test – Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Short 

Description

The test evaluates the sensors and systems used 

by maritime patrol 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.

Typical Duration

4-6 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

Similar to an Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Exercise-Maritime Patrol Aircraft, an Anti-Submarine 

Warfare Tracking Test—Maritime Patrol Aircraft evaluates the sensors and systems used to detect 

and track submarines and to ensure that platform systems used to deploy the tracking systems 

perform to specifications and meet operational requirements. P-3 or P-8 fixed-wing aircraft conduct 

anti-submarine warfare testing using non-impulsive sonobuoys (e.g., AN/SSQ-62 DICASS), explosive 

sonobuoys (e.g., MK-61 SUS), passive sonobuoys (e.g., AN/SSQ-53 DIFAR), and smoke devices (e.g., 

MK-58). Targets (e.g., MK-39 EMATT) may also be employed during an anti-submarine warfare 

scenario. If available, tests may be conducted using an actual submarine as the target. This activity 

would be conducted in deep (typically beyond 100 ft.) waters. Some anti-submarine warfare 

maritime patrol aircraft tracking tests could be conducted as part of a coordinated event with fleet 

training activities.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonobuoys/sonobuoy launching systems, data transmission systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Key West

Navy Cherry Point

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Underwater explosives

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Chemicals

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy
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Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking Test – Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes, 

sonobuoy (explosive) fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Sonobuoys (non-explosive), expendable 

sub-surface targets, sonobuoy wires

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Exercise torpedoes, recoverable subsurface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF5 MF6

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW2 ASW5

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E1 E3

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.3.1.2.4 Kilo Dip 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Kilo Dip

Short 

Description

Functional check of a helicopter deployed dipping 

sonar system (e.g., AN/AQS-22) prior to 

conducting a testing or training event using the 

dipping sonar system.

Typical Duration

1.5 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

A kilo dip is the operational term used to describe a functional check of a helicopter deployed 

dipping sonar system. During a functional check, a single helicopter (e.g., MH-60) would transit to an 

area designated for dipping sonar testing (i.e., a dip point usually close to shore) and would deploy 

the sonar transducer assembly via a reel mechanism to a predetermined depth or series of depths 

while the helicopter hovers over the dip point. Once at the desired depth, the sonar transducer 

would be activated and would briefly transmit a pulsed, acoustic signal (i.e., ping) to check that all 

systems are functioning properly. After the check is completed, the sonar transducer assembly 

would be reeled in, and in some instances the helicopter would transit to a second dip point before 

the procedure is repeated. A kilo dip is a precursor to more comprehensive testing.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Dipping sonar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Key West 

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

None

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF4
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Kilo Dip

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.3.1.2.5 Sonobuoy Lot Acceptance Test 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Sonobuoy Lot Acceptance Test

Short 

Description

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.

Typical Duration

6 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

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. Lot acceptance 

testing would occur for multiple types of sonobuoys including non-impulsive (e.g., AN/SSQ-62 

DICASS) and explosive (e.g., MK-61 SUS).

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, Navy ships

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonobuoy systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Key West

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Underwater explosives

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Chemicals

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes, 

sonobuoy (explosive) fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Sonobuoys (non-explosive), sonobuoy 

wires 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Low-Frequency: 

LF4

Mid-Frequency: 

MF5 MF6

High-Frequency: 

HF5 HF6

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW2 ASW5
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Anti-Submarine Warfare

Sonobuoy Lot Acceptance Test

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E1 E3 E4

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive sonobuoys

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Assume one parachute per sonobuoy
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A.3.1.3 Electronic Warfare 

A.3.1.3.1 Chaff Test 

Electronic Warfare

Chaff Test

Short 

Description

This event is similar to the training event chaff 

exercise. Chaff tests evaluate newly developed or 

enhanced chaff, chaff dispensing equipment, or 

modified aircraft systems against chaff 

deployment. Tests may also train pilots and 

aircrews in the use of new chaff dispensing 

equipment. Chaff tests are often conducted with 

flare tests and air combat maneuver events, as 

well as other test events, and are not typically 

conducted as standalone tests.

Typical Duration

2-4 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

Chaff tests are conducted to evaluate newly developed or enhanced chaff dispensing equipment, to 

ensure other newly developed or modified aircraft systems are compatible with chaff deployment, 

and to train pilots and aircrew in the use of new chaff dispensing equipment. Fixed-wing, rotarywing, and tiltrotor aircraft deploy chaff to disrupt threat targeting and missile guidance radars and 

to defend against an attack (Electronic Protect deployment). Chaff tests are often conducted with 

flare tests or air combat maneuver events, as well as other tests, rather than as a standalone test. 

Weapons are not typically fired during chaff tests. Chaff is employed for a number of different 

tactical reasons, but the end goal is to create a target that will distract enemy radar and weapon 

systems away from the friendly platform. Chaff may also be employed offensively (Electronic Attack 

deployment), such as before a major strike to "hide” inbound striking aircraft. Different chaff types 

(e.g., RR-129A/AL, RR-144A/AL, and RR-170A/AL) are used by a variety of different Navy aircraft; 

however all chaff consists of a radar reflector material made of thin, narrow, metallic strips cut in 

various lengths, and is intended to elicit frequency responses which deceive enemy radars. 

Defensive chaff tests are the most common type of chaff test. In most cases, the chaff test is 

conducted to evaluate systems on the aircraft deploying the chaff, but it is also critical to view the 

effect of the chaff from the "enemy" perspective so that radar system operators may practice 

corrective procedures to overcome the chaff jamming effect. Chaff tests are often designed to gain 

experience and data from both perspectives. Chaff is typically deployed from an aircraft as the 

aircraft makes evasive maneuvers to defeat a simulated threat missile or threat aircraft. The chaff 

deploys in a cloud of the highly reflective filaments and deceives the guidance system of an inbound 

missile, allowing the aircraft to escape the threat.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, tiltrotor aircraft

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Chaff, chaff dispensing systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Electronic Warfare

Chaff Test

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

For chaff: one chaff-air cartridge, one 

plastic endcap, one compression pad 

or one plastic piston

For flares: one compression pad (closed 

cell foam) or one plastic piston, one 

plastic endcap, one O-ring (rubber, 

nitrile)

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None 

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.3.1.3.2 Electronic System Evaluation 

Electronic Warfare

Electronic Systems Evaluation

Short 

Description

Test that evaluates the effectiveness of electronic 

systems to control, deny, or monitor critical 

portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. In 

general, electronic warfare testing will assess the 

performance of three types of electronic warfare 

systems: electronic attack, electronic protect, and 

electronic support.

Typical Duration

2-6 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

Electronic systems evaluations are performed to determine the effectiveness of designated 

electronic warfare systems to control, deny, or monitor critical portions of the electromagnetic 

spectrum. In general, electronic warfare testing will assess the performance of three types of 

electronic warfare systems; specifically, electronic attack, electronic protect, and electronic support.

Aircraft electronic attack systems are designed to confuse the enemy or deny the enemy the use of 

its electronically-targeted weapons systems. The suppression of enemy air defenses and active 

jamming against hostile aircraft and surface combatant radars are examples of the application of 

electronic attack. Aircraft electronic protect systems are designed to intercept, identify, categorize, 

and defeat threat weapons systems that are already targeting that or other friendly aircraft. Aircraft 

electronic support systems employ passive tactics to intercept, exploit, locate (target), collect, 

collate, and decipher information from the radio frequency spectrum for the purpose of 

determining the intentions of the radiating source. Test results are compared against design 

specifications to evaluate the performance of the actually electronic warfare system. The test 

results are also used to define performance characteristics and to improve and update existing 

analytical and predictive models.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft

Targets: Air targets, electronic warfare targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Electronic warfare systems, radar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

None

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Electronic Warfare

Electronic Systems Evaluation

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None 

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.3.1.3.3 Flare Test 

Electronic Warfare

Flare Test

Short 

Description

This event is similar to the training event flare 

exercise. Flare tests evaluate newly developed or 

enhanced flares, flare dispensing equipment, or 

modified aircraft systems against flare 

deployment. Tests may also train pilots and 

aircrew in the use of newly developed or modified 

flare deployment systems. Flare tests are often 

conducted with chaff tests and air combat 

maneuver events, as well as other test events, and 

are not typically conducted as standalone tests.

Typical Duration

2 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

Flare tests are conducted to evaluate new flares, newly developed or modified flare deployment 

systems, to ensure that other newly enhanced aircraft systems are compatible with flare 

deployment, and to train pilots and aircrew in the use of newly developed or modified flare 

deployment systems. Flare tests are often conducted with chaff tests and air combat maneuver 

events, as well as other test events, and are not typically conducted as stand-alone tests. During a 

flare test, flares (and in some cases chaff) are deployed, but no weapons are typically fired. Flare 

dispensers may also be jettisoned during a flare test intended to assess the safe release of the 

dispenser in the event of an emergency. 

Rotary-wing and tiltrotor aircraft deploy flares as a defensive tactic (electronic protect deployment) 

to disrupt the infrared missile guidance systems used by heat-seeking missiles, thereby causing the 

missile to lock onto the flare instead of onto the aircraft and enabling the aircraft to avoid the 

threat. In a typical scenario, an aircraft may detect the electronic targeting signals emitted from 

threat radars or missiles, or aircrew may visually identify a threat missile plume when a missile is 

launched. At a strategically appropriate time, the pilot dispenses flares and immediately maneuvers 

the aircraft to distract and defeat the threat. During a typical flare test, an aircraft will dispense 

flares 3,000 ft. above mean sea level and flares are completely consumed while in the air. 

Aircraft flares use a magnesium extruded flare grain. Flare types commonly deployed during Naval 

Air Systems Command testing activities include but are not limited to: MJU-57, MJU-49, and MJU-38 

for high speed aircraft and MJU-32 for low speed aircraft.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft, tiltrotor aircraft

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Flares, flare dispensing systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Military expended materials 

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Sediment and Water Quality:

Other materials
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Electronic Warfare

Flare Test

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Per flare: one casing, one compression 

pad (closed cell foam) or one plastic

piston, one plastic endcap, one O-ring 

(rubber, nitrile)

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None 

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.3.1.4 Mine Warfare 

Mine warfare involves the detection, avoidance, and neutralization of mines to protect Navy ships and 

submarines and offensive mine laying in naval operations. A naval mine is a self-contained, explosive 

device placed in the water at predetermined depths to destroy ships or submarines. Naval mines are 

deposited and left in place until triggered by the approach of or contact with an enemy ship or until 

removed or otherwise destroyed. Naval mines can be laid by minelayers, other ships, submarines, and 

aircraft. Naval Air Systems Command mine warfare testing events include airborne mine 

countermeasures events, mine-laying events (similar to mine exercises), and mine neutralization events. 

The AN/ASQ-235 airborne mine neutralization system was developed to destroy mines or otherwise 

rendering them non-functional. The airborne laser mine detection system test, airborne dipping sonar 

minehunting test, and airborne sonobuoy minehunting test evaluate the capabilities of mine warfare 

systems to detect, classify, and fix the location of floating, near-surface moored, and bottom moored 

mines. 

A.3.1.4.1 Airborne Dipping Sonar Minehunting Test 

Mine Warfare

Airborne Dipping Sonar Minehunting Test

Short 

Description

A mine-hunting dipping sonar system that is 

deployed from a helicopter and uses highfrequency sonar for the detection and 

classification of bottom and moored mines.

Typical Duration

2 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

Tests of a mine-hunting dipping sonar system to evaluate the search capabilities of this helicopterdeployed, mine hunting, detection, and classification system. The sonar identifies mine-like objects.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft

Targets: Mine shapes (on established mine warfare training range)

Systems being Trained/Tested: Dipping sonar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Virginia Capes 

Naval Surface Warfare Center,

Panama City Division

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats: 

None

Sediment and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

None

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy
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Mine Warfare

Airborne Dipping Sonar Minehunting Test

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

High-Frequency: 

HF4

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar 

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.1.4.2 Airborne Laser Based Mine Detection System Test 

Mine Warfare

Airborne Laser-Based Mine Detection System Test

Short 

Description

An airborne mine hunting test of a laser-based 

mine detection system, that is operated from a 

helicopter (e.g., MH-60) and evaluates the 

system’s ability to detect, classify, and fix the 

location of floating and near-surface, moored 

mines. The system uses a low energy laser to 

locate mines.

Typical Duration

2.5 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

During an airborne mine detection system test, a helicopter (e.g., MH-60) evaluates the search 

capabilities of the AN/AES-1 Airborne Laser Mine Detection System. The Airborne Laser Mine 

Detection System is a mine hunting system designed to detect, classify, and localize floating and 

near-surface, moored sea mines using a laser system. The Airborne Laser Mine Detection System 

will be integrated into the helicopter to provide a rapid wide-area reconnaissance and assessment 

of mine threats in littoral zones, confined straits, choke points, and amphibious objective areas for 

Carrier and Expeditionary Strike Groups.

The Airborne Laser Mine Detection System uses pulsed laser light to image the entire near-surface 

volume potentially containing mines. Airborne Laser Mine Detection System is capable of day or 

night operations without stopping to deploy or recover equipment and without towing any 

equipment in the water. With untethered operations, it can attain high area search rates. This 

design uses the forward motion of the aircraft to generate image data negating the requirement for 

complex scanning mechanisms and ensuring high system reliability. Airborne Laser Mine Detection 

System also provides accurate target geo-location to support follow on neutralization of the 

detected mines.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft

Targets: Mine shapes (on established mine warfare training range)

Systems being Trained/Tested: Low-energy laser systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Virginia Capes 

Naval Surface Warfare Center,

Panama City Division

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Lasers

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

None

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy
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Mine Warfare

Airborne Laser-Based Mine Detection System Test

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None 

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

The activity uses an established mine warfare training range and does not require the placement of

moored mines.
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A.3.1.4.3 Airborne Mine Neutralization Systems Test 

Mine Warfare

Airborne Mine Neutralization System Test

Short 

Description

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 (e.g., MH-60). 

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.

Typical Duration

2.5 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

Mine neutralization tests evaluate aircraft and aircraft systems intended to neutralize or otherwise 

destroy mines through the use of explosives or other munitions. For most neutralization tests, mine 

shapes or non-explosive mines are used to evaluate new or enhanced mine neutralization systems. 

The airborne mine neutralization system uses up to four unmanned underwater vehicles equipped 

with high-frequency sonar and video cameras to relocate previously detected submerged mines. 

The unmanned underwater vehicles are also equipped with explosives to neutralize the mines after 

they are located. Data from unmanned underwater vehicles are relayed to the operator in the 

helicopter through a fiber-optic cable enabling the operator to position the neutralizing charge onto 

the most vulnerable area of the mine. The explosive charge is then detonated to neutralize the 

mine. For most tests, recoverable non-explosive neutralizers are used. A mine shape, rather than an 

explosive mine, serves as the target and a range support vessel recovers the non-explosive 

neutralizer and the mine shape following the test. Testing scenarios include a non-explosive 

neutralizer against an inert mine shape, or an explosive neutralizer against an explosive mine.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft, support boats, unmanned underwater vehicles

Targets: Mine shapes

Systems being Trained/Tested: Mine neutralization systems 

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Virginia Capes 

Naval Surface Warfare Center,

Panama City Division

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Underwater explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Physical disturbance and strike – seafloor 

devices

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Chemicals

Metals Other materials
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Mine Warfare

Airborne Mine Neutralization System Test

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Mine (explosive) fragments (nonpreferred alternative only), neutralizer 

(explosive) fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Fiber optic cans, fiber optic cables

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Neutralizers (non-explosive), mine 

shapes (non-explosive)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E4 E11 (non-preferred alternative)

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive mine countermeasure and 

neutralization activities

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

No explosive mines would be used under the preferred alternative. Explosive mines are proposed and 

analyzed under the non-preferred alternative.
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A.3.1.4.4 Airborne Sonobuoy Minehunting Test 

Mine Warfare

Airborne Sonobuoy Minehunting Test

Short 

Description

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.

Typical Duration

2 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

Tests of mine-hunting sonobuoys to evaluate the search capabilities of this helicopter-deployed, 

mine hunting, detection, and classification system. The sonar identifies mine-like objects.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft

Targets: Mine shapes (on established mine warfare training range)

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonobuoy systems 

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Virginia Capes 

Naval Surface Warfare Center,

Panama City Division

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediment and Water Quality:

Metals Chemicals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes

Non-Ingestible Material:

Sonobuoys (non-explosive), sonobuoy 

wires

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

High-Frequency: 

HF6

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None
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Mine Warfare

Airborne Sonobuoy Minehunting Test

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.1.4.5 Mine-Laying Test 

Mine Warfare

Mine Laying Test

Short 

Description

Fixed-winged aircraft evaluate the performance of 

mine laying equipment and software systems to lay 

mines. A mine test may also train aircrew in laying 

mines using a new or enhanced mine deployment 

system.

Typical Duration

2 flight hours per event

Long

Description

During a mine laying test, fixed-winged aircraft evaluate the performance of aircraft mine laying 

equipment or associated software systems to lay mines using non-explosive mine shapes. A mine test 

may also train aircrew in the technique of laying mines and in using a new or enhanced mine 

deployment system. Aircrew typically drop a series of about four non-explosive mine shapes (i.e., MK 

76, BDU-45, or BDU-48), making multiple passes in the same flight pattern and dropping one or more 

shapes each time. The non-explosive mine shapes are expendable and are typically not recovered 

after the test.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft

Targets: Mine shapes

Systems being Trained/Tested: Mine laying systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediment and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

Mine shapes (non-explosive) 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None
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Mine Warfare

Mine Laying Test

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Non-explosive bombs and mine shapes

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

When a test event occurs and aircrew receives training, the event will be analyzed as a testing event.
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A.3.1.5 Surface Warfare 

Surface warfare is a type of naval warfare in which aircraft, surface ships, and submarines employ 

weapons, sensors, and operations directed against enemy surface vessels. Naval Air Systems Command 

surface warfare tests include air-to-surface missile, gunnery, and bombing tests, rocket tests, laser 

targeting tests, and high-energy laser weapons tests. 

A sinking exercise is a specialized fleet training event that provides an opportunity for Naval Air Systems 

Command aircrew along with ship and submarine crews to deliver explosive ordnance on a deactivated 

vessel that has been cleaned and environmentally remediated. The vessel is deliberately sunk using 

multiple weapons systems. A Naval Air Systems Command testing event may take place in conjunction 

with a sinking exercise to test aircraft or aircraft systems in the delivery of explosive ordnance on a 

surface target. 

A.3.1.5.1 Air-to-Surface Bombing Test 

Surface Warfare

Air-to-Surface Bombing Test

Short 

Description

This event is similar to the training event bombing 

exercise air-to-surface. Fixed-wing aircraft test the 

delivery of bombs against surface maritime targets 

with the goal of evaluating the bomb, the bomb 

carry and delivery system, and any associated 

systems that may have been newly developed or 

enhanced.

Typical Duration

2 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

Fixed-wing aircraft test the delivery of bombs against surface maritime targets with the goal of 

evaluating the bomb, the bomb carry and delivery system, and any associated systems that may 

have been newly developed or enhanced. Both explosive and non-explosive bombs will be released 

during this type of test; however, the vast majority of releases will be non-explosive bombs and 

typically include non-explosive general purpose bombs (e.g., MK 82 and MK 83) and guided bomb 

units (e.g., GBU-12 and GBU-32) of various sizes. Surface targets may also be used.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems

Targets: Surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Bomb releasing systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Underwater explosives

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Metals
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Surface Warfare

Air-to-Surface Bombing Test

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Underwater explosives

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Bomb (explosive) fragments, target 

fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Bombs (non-explosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E9

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Non-explosive bombs and mine shapes

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive bombs

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.1.5.2 Air-to-Surface Gunnery Test 

Surface Warfare

Air-to-Surface Gunnery Test

Short 

Description

This event is similar to the training event gunnery 

exercise air-to-surface. Fixed-wing and rotary-wing 

aircrews 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.

Typical Duration

2-2.5 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

Fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircrews 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. Nonexplosive practice munitions are typically used during this type of test; however, a small number of 

high explosive rounds may be used during final testing. Rounds that may be used include 7.62 mm, 

20 mm, 30 mm, 0.30-caliber, and 0.50-caliber gun ammunition.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft, fixed-wing aircraft, tiltrotor aircraft

Targets: Surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Gun systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Underwater explosives

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy
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Surface Warfare

Air-to-Surface Gunnery Test

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Medium-caliber projectile (explosive) 

fragments, target fragments, smalland medium-caliber projectiles (nonexplosive), small-caliber casings, 

medium-caliber casings

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E1

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Small-, medium-, and large-caliber non-explosive 

practice munitions

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive medium-caliber and large-caliber 

projectiles

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.1.5.3 Air-to-Surface Missile Test 

Surface Warfare

Air-to-Surface Missile Test

Short 

Description

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.

Typical Duration

2-4 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

Similar to a missile exercise air-to-surface, an air-to-surface missile 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. Air-to-surface missile tests can include high 

explosive, non-explosive, or non-firing (captive air training missile) weapons. Laser targeting systems 

may also be used. Both stationary and mobile targets would be utilized during testing.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, tiltrotor aircraft

Targets: Surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Missile firing/launching systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Underwater explosives

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Lasers

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Underwater explosives

Sediment and Water Quality:

Explosives Chemicals

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Missile (explosive) fragments, target 

fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Missiles (non-explosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable surface targets
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Surface Warfare

Air-to-Surface Missile Test

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E6 E9 E10

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Non-explosive missiles and rockets

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive missiles and rockets 

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.1.5.4 High-Energy Laser Weapons Test 

Surface Warfare

High-Energy Laser Weapons Test

Short 

Description

High-energy laser weapons tests would evaluate 

the specifications, integration, and performance 

of an aircraft mounted, approximately 25 kilowatt 

high-energy laser. The laser is intended to be used 

as a weapon to disable small surface vessels.

Typical Duration

2.5 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

During a high-energy laser weapons test, aircrew would evaluate the specifications, integration, 

and performance of an aircraft mounted, approximately 25 kilowatt high-energy laser that is 

intended to be used as a weapon against stationary and mobile, unmanned surface targets. The 

high-energy laser would be employed from a helicopter (e.g., MH-60) either hovering or in forward 

flight, and is designed to disable the surface vessel, rendering it immobile. The high-energy laser 

would have a range of up to six kilometers. Unmanned surface targets would be used during the 

high-energy laser test.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft

Targets: Surface targets (small boats)

Systems being Trained/Tested: High-energy lasers

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Aircraft safety

Laser safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Lasers

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike –

military expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Target fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Remote-controlled surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None
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Surface Warfare

High-Energy Laser Weapons Test

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.1.5.5 Laser Targeting Test 

Surface Warfare

Laser Targeting Test

Short 

Description Aircrews illuminate enemy targets with lasers.

Typical Duration

4 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

During a laser targeting test, aircrews use laser targeting devices integrated into aircraft or 

weapons systems to evaluate targeting accuracy and precision and to train aircrew in the use of 

newly developed or enhanced laser targeting devices designed to illuminate designated targets for 

engagement with laser-guided weapons. No explosive munitions are released during a laser 

targeting test.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, tilt-rotor aircraft, unmanned aerial systems 

Targets: Surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Laser targeting systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Lasers

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

Bombs (non-explosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Non-explosive bombs and mine shapes
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Surface Warfare

Laser Targeting Test

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Military expended material may be non-explosive bombs or other guided munitions.
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A.3.1.5.6 Rocket Test 

Surface Warfare

Rocket Test

Short 

Description

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 tiltrotor aircraft.

Typical Duration

1.5-2.5 hours per event

Long 

Description

Rocket tests are conducted to evaluate the integration, accuracy, performance, and safe separation 

of laser-guided and unguided 2.75-inch rockets fired from a hovering or forward flying helicopter. 

Rocket tests would involve the release of primarily live motor/non-explosive warhead rockets. Some 

explosive warhead rockets would be tested, and during a jettison test, rockets with a non-explosive 

motor and non-explosive warhead would be jettisoned along with the rocket launcher. Rocket tests 

are also conducted to train aircrew on the use of new or enhanced weapons systems. Rocket types 

may include variations of the Hydra-70 rocket developed under the Advanced Precision Kill 

Weapons System program or similar munitions developed under Low-cost Guided Imaging Rocket 

program as well as MEDUSA rockets. Non-explosive warhead rocket types also include flechette 

rockets. All rockets planned for testing are 2.75-inch rockets. Some rocket tests may be conducted 

in conjunction with upgrades to or integration of the Forward Looking Infrared targeting system.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft, tiltrotor aircraft

Targets: Surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Rocket firing/launching systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Underwater explosives

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended materials

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Chemicals

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy
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Surface Warfare

Rocket Test

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Rocket (explosive) fragments, target 

fragments, flechettes

Non-Ingestible Material:

Rockets (non-explosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Remote controlled surface targets, 

stationary surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E3

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Non-explosive missiles and rockets

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive missiles and rockets 

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Assume 25 percent of non-explosive practice munitions are flechette rockets.
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A.3.1.6 Other Testing Activities 

A.3.1.6.1 Acoustic and Oceanographic Research 

Other Testing Activities

Acoustic and Oceanographic Research

Short 

Description

Active transmissions within the band 10 hertz 

(Hz)-100 kilohertz (kHz) from sources deployed 

from ships and aircraft.

Typical Duration

8 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

Active acoustic transmissions within the band 10 Hz-100 kHz used for engineering tests of 

acoustic sources, validation of ocean acoustic models, characterization of acoustic interactions 

with the ocean bottom and ocean surface.

Typical 

Component

s

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, small boats

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Low-energy lasers, de minimis sonar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Key West

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessel and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Lasers

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

None

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None
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Other Testing Activities

Acoustic and Oceanographic Research

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumption

s Used for 

Analysis

Lasers used are in-water, low-energy lasers.
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A.3.1.6.2 Air Platform Shipboard Integration Test 

Other Testing Activities

Air Platform Shipboard Integration Test

Short 

Description

Aircraft are tested to determine operability from shipboard 

platforms, performance of shipboard physical operations, 

and to verify and evaluate communications and tactical data 

links.

Typical Duration

2-12 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

The air platform shipboard integration test is performed to evaluate the compatibility of an aircraft 

to operate from designated shipboard platforms, perform shipboard physical operations, and to 

verify and evaluate communications and tactical data links. This test function also includes an 

assessment of carrier-shipboard suitability, such as hazards of electromagnetic radiation to 

ordnance, hazard of electromagnetic radiation to personnel, and high energy radio frequency.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, tiltrotor aircraft

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Communications systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Aircraft safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing 

Ranges:

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

None

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None
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Other Testing Activities

Air Platform Shipboard Integration Test

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.1.6.3 Maritime Security 

Surface Warfare

Maritime Security Operations

Short 

Description

Maritime patrol aircraft participate in maritime 

security activities and fleet training events. Aircraft 

identify, track, and monitor foreign merchant 

vessels suspected of non-compliance with United 

Nations-allied sanctions or conflict rules of 

engagement.

Typical Duration

2-8 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

Crews from Navy fixed-wing aircraft identify, track, and monitor foreign merchant vessels suspected 

of not complying with United Nations-allied sanctions or conflict rules of engagement. This training 

event is non-firing. Naval Air Systems Command maritime patrol aircraft may participate in maritime 

security activities and training events.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft

Targets: Mobile surface vessels

Systems being Trained/Tested: Radar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point

Virginia Capes

Bays/Estuaries/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessel and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None
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Surface Warfare

Maritime Security Operations

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None 

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.1.6.4 Shipboard Electronic Systems Evaluation 

Other Testing Activities

Shipboard Electronic Systems Evaluation

Short 

Description

Tests measure ship antenna radiation patterns and 

test communication systems with a variety of 

aircraft.

Typical Duration

2-20 flight hours per event

Long 

Description

Shipboard electronic systems evaluation tests measure ship antenna radiation patterns and 

evaluate communication systems linking vessels and aircraft. Aircraft capable of landing on a ship 

(e.g., aircraft carrier or littoral combat ship) temporarily deploy to a nearshore ship and conduct a 

variety of tests over a period of days to test newly installed or modified systems onboard the 

aircraft for compatibility with shipboard electronic systems. Follow-on test and evaluation of 

unmanned aerial systems would consist of dynamic interface testing, shipboard electromagnetic 

testing, and envelope expansion tests intended to evaluate capability of aircraft to conduct launch 

and recovery operations from a ship at sea as well as perform missions in a maritime environment. 

Altitudes would range from mean seal level to 15,000 ft. above mean sea level with the majority of 

flights occurring between mean sea level and 3,000 ft. 

Shipboard testing of new technology systems to provide precision guidance to aircraft landing on air 

capable ships. At-sea flight test of the aircraft would consist of shipboard compatibility (dynamic 

interface/envelope expansion) and, during Operational Evaluation, amphibious assault scenarios. 

Shipboard electronic systems evaluation tests of aircraft would also involve flight and wind envelope 

expansion interface testing with Amphibious Assault Ships, Amphibious Transport Dock, and Dock 

Landing Ship class vessels.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Communication systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Aircraft safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Key West

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

None

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy
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Other Testing Activities

Shipboard Electronic Systems Evaluation

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.1.6.1 Undersea Range System Test 

Other Testing Activities

Undersea Range System Test

Short 

Description

Following installation of a Navy undersea warfare 

training and testing range, tests of the nodes 

(components of the range) are conducted to 

include node surveys and testing of node 

transmission functionality. 

Typical Duration

8 hours

Long 

Description The bottom-mounted bi-directional nodes are surveyed post-installation utilizing a range pinger and 

tested to establish system parameters and baseline hearing ranges. Each acoustic projector is 

activated at full power while listening is occurring on adjacent hydrophones. The nodes may also be 

activated during periodic operational and maintenance checks and following significant weather 

events to confirm that nodes are located correctly and functioning properly prior to ongoing training 

or testing. 

Typical

Components

Platforms: Surface vessels

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Undersea range instrumentation

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None
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Other Testing Activities

Undersea Range System Test

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

The duration of the node survey varies. 
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A.3.2 NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND TESTING ACTIVITIES

A.3.2.1 Anti-Submarine Warfare 

A.3.2.1.1 Anti-Submarine Warfare Mission Package Testing 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Mission Package Testing

Short 

Description

Ships and their supporting platforms (rotary-wing 

aircraft and unmanned aerial systems) detect, 

localize, and prosecute submarines.

Typical Duration

1-2 weeks, with 4-8 hours of active sonar use 

with intervals of non-activity in between

Long 

Description

Littoral combat ships conduct detect-to-engage operations against modern diesel-electric and 

nuclear submarines using airborne and surface assets (both manned and unmanned). Active and 

passive acoustic systems are used to detect and track submarine targets, culminating in the 

deployment of lightweight torpedoes to engage the threat.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft, surface combatants

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems, countermeasure systems, torpedo systems, 

sonobuoys

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Naval Undersea Warfare Center

Division, Newport

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Newport, Rhode Island

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Chemicals Metals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy
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Anti-Submarine Warfare

Anti-Submarine Warfare Mission Package Testing

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes, 

parachutes-medium

Non-Ingestible Material:

Sonobuoys (non-explosive), sonobuoy 

wires, expendable sub-surface

targets, expendable 

bathythermographs, expendable 

bathythermograph wires, lightweight 

torpedo accessories

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Lightweight torpedoes (non-explosive), 

recoverable sub-surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF1 MF5

MF4 MF12

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW1 ASW3

ASW2 ASW5

Torpedoes: 

TORP1

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

All sonobuoys have parachutes unless otherwise noted.
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A.3.2.1.2 At-Sea Sonar Testing 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

At-Sea Sonar Testing

Short 

Description

At-sea testing to ensure systems are fully 

functional in an open ocean environment.

Typical Duration

From 4 hours to 11 days

Long 

Description

At-sea sonar testing is required to calibrate or document the functionality of sonar and torpedo 

systems while the ship or submarine is in an open ocean environment. At-sea sonar testing is 

conducted to verify the ship meets design acoustic specifications, define the underwater 

characteristics of the ship, determine effects of systems and equipment on ship’s acoustic 

characteristics, and provide technical background necessary to initiate development of design 

improvements to reduce noise. Tests also consist of electronic support measurement, photonics, 

and sonar sensor accuracy testing. In some instances, a submarine's passive detection capability is 

tested when a second submarine utilizes its active sonar or is equipped with a noise augmentation 

system in order to replicate acoustic or electromagnetic signatures of other vessel types or classes.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Submarines, surface combatants, surface support craft

Targets: Sub-surface targets, surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems, acoustic countermeasures, sonobuoys, acoustic 

modems, torpedo systems, underwater communication systems, electromagnetic devices

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico 

Jacksonville 

Navy Cherry Point 

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Naval Undersea Warfare Center

Division, Newport 

South Florida Ocean Measurement 

Facility

Offshore of Fort Pierce, Florida

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions 

Energy:

In-water electromagnetic 

devices

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Chemicals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy
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Anti-Submarine Warfare

At-Sea Sonar Testing

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes

Non-Ingestible Material:

Expendable bathythermographs, 

expendable bathythermograph wires, 

heavyweight torpedo accessories, 

sonobuoys (non-explosive), sonobuoy 

wires, motorized autonomous targets

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Acoustic countermeasures, 

electromagnetic devices, heavyweight 

torpedoes (non-explosive)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF1 MF5

MF1K MF9

MF3

Torpedoes: 

TORP2

Low-Frequency: 

LF5

High-Frequency: 

HF1

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW3 ASW4

Acoustic Modems: 

M3

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Active sonar use is intermittent throughout the duration of the event.
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A.3.2.1.3 Countermeasure Testing 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Countermeasure Testing

Short 

Description

Countermeasure testing involves the testing of 

systems that will detect, localize, and track 

incoming weapons, including marine vessel 

targets. Testing includes surface ship torpedo 

defense systems and marine vessel stopping 

payloads.

Typical Duration

From 4 hours to 6 days, depending on the 

countermeasure being tested

Long

Description

Countermeasure testing involves the testing of systems that will detect, localize, and track incoming 

weapons, including marine vessel targets. At-sea testing of the Surface Ship Torpedo Defense 

systems includes towed acoustic systems, torpedo warning systems, and countermeasure antitorpedo subsystems. Some countermeasure scenarios would employ non-explosive torpedoes 

against targets released by secondary platforms (helicopter or submarine). While surface vessels are 

in transit, countermeasure systems may be used to identify false alert rates. Testing of the Maritime 

Vessel Stopping payloads will deliver the appropriate measure(s) to affect a target vessel’s 

propulsion and associated control surfaces to significantly slow and potentially stop the advance of 

the vessel.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Aircraft carriers, support craft, surface combatants

Targets: Sub-surface targets, surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems, countermeasures, torpedo systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Key West

Gulf of Mexico 

Jacksonville 

Northeast 

Virginia Capes

Naval Undersea Warfare Center

Division, Newport

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Decelerators/parachutes

Biodegradable polymer

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Chemicals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy
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Anti-Submarine Warfare

Countermeasure Testing

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Biodegradable polymer

Non-Ingestible Material:

Acoustic countermeasures, 

heavyweight torpedo accessories, 

lightweight torpedo accessories 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Heavyweight torpedoes (nonexplosive), lightweight torpedoes

(non-explosive)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

High-Frequency: 

HF5

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW3

Torpedoes: 

TORP1 TORP2

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Not all events will include the use of sonar and other transducers.
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A.3.2.1.4 Pierside Sonar Testing 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Pierside Sonar Testing

Short 

Description Pierside testing to ensure systems are fully 

functional in a controlled pierside environment 

prior to at-sea test activities.

Typical Duration

Up to 3 weeks total per ship, with each source 

run independently and not continuously 

during this time

Long 

Description

Ships and submarines would activate mid- and high-frequency tactical sonars, underwater 

communications systems, and navigational devices to ensure they are fully functional prior to at-sea 

test events. Testing may also include the firing of inert torpedo shapes.

Event duration varies; with average durations of 3 weeks with active sonar used intermittently over 

2 days during the total event duration. This also includes pierside sonar testing during surface 

combatant sea trials.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Moored platforms, submarines, surface combatants

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems, acoustic modems, underwater communication 

systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

None Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

None

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Bath, Maine

Groton, Connecticut

Kings Bay, Georgia

Newport, Rhode Island 

Norfolk, Virginia 

Pascagoula, Mississippi

Port Canaveral, Florida 

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike:

None

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

None

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

None

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

None

Socioeconomic Resources:

None

Public Health and Safety: 

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None
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Anti-Submarine Warfare

Pierside Sonar Testing

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF1 MF9

MF1K MF10

MF3

High-Frequency: 

HF1 HF8

HF3

Acoustic Modems: 

M3

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW3

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Event duration is 3 weeks with active sonar used intermittently.

The facility platform may be a dock or other structure.
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A.3.2.1.5 Submarine Sonar Testing/Maintenance 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Submarine Sonar Testing/Maintenance

Short 

Description

Pierside testing of submarine systems occurs 

periodically following major maintenance periods 

and for routine maintenance.

Typical Duration

Up to three weeks, with intermittent use of 

active sonar

Long 

Description

Following major and routine maintenance periods, pierside and at-sea testing and maintenance is 

required. Multiple systems with active and passive acoustic sources such as navigation systems, 

fathometers, underwater communications systems, underwater distress beacons, range finders, and 

other similar systems, will be tested.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Submarines

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems, acoustic modems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

None

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Norfolk, Virginia

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

None

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

None

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

None

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Underwater energy

Physical interactions

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF3

High-Frequency: 

HF1 HF3

Acoustic Modems: 

M3

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Submarine Sonar Testing/Maintenance

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Sonar would not be used continuously throughout the duration of the test.

For biological resource analysis, vessel noise and vessel strike are only analyzed for the periods while 

the submarines are surfaced, typically brief in nature. Mitigation measures related to vessel 

movement are only considered during the period of surfacing as well.

For human resource stressor analysis, physical disturbance and strike and physical interactions are 

only analyzed for the periods while the submarine are surfaced, typically brief in nature.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.3.2.1.6 Surface Ship Sonar Testing/Maintenance 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Surface Ship Sonar Testing/Maintenance

Short 

Description

Pierside and at-sea testing of ship systems 

occurs periodically following major maintenance 

periods and for routine maintenance.

Typical Duration

Up to 3 weeks, with intermittent use of 

active sonar

Long 

Description

Following major and routine maintenance periods, pierside and at-sea testing and maintenance 

is required. Multiple systems with active and passive acoustic sources such as tactical sonar, 

navigation systems, fathometers, underwater communications systems, underwater distress 

beacons, range finders, and other similar systems, will be tested.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Surface combatants

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems, acoustic countermeasures, underwater 

communication systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing 

Ranges:

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Mayport, Florida

Norfolk, Virginia

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF1 MF9

MF1K MF10

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW3

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Surface Ship Sonar Testing/Maintenance

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section

5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Sonar will not be continuously active for the duration of the test.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.3.2.1.7 Torpedo (Explosive) Testing 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Torpedo (Explosive) Testing

Short 

Description

Air, surface, or submarine crews employ explosive

and non-explosive torpedoes against artificial

targets.

Typical Duration

1-2 days during daylight hours

Long 

Description

Non-explosive and explosive torpedoes (carrying a warhead) will be launched at a suspended target 

by a submarine and fixed- or rotary-wing aircraft or surface combatants. Event duration is 1 to 2 

days during daylight hours.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, moored platforms, rotary-wing aircraft, submarines, support craft, 

surface combatants

Targets: Sub-surface targets, surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems, acoustic countermeasures, sonobuoys, torpedo 

systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico 

Jacksonville

Key West 

Navy Cherry Point 

Northeast

Virginia Capes 

Offshore of Fort Pierce, Florida

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Underwater explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Underwater explosives

Sediment and Water Quality:

Explosives Chemicals

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Torpedo (Explosive) Testing

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes,

parachutes-medium, target 

fragments, heavyweight and 

lightweight torpedo (explosive)

fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Sonobuoys (non-explosive), sonobuoy 

wire, guidance wires, expendable 

bathythermographs, expendable 

bathythermograph wires, 

heavyweight torpedo accessories, 

lightweight torpedo accessories, 

expendable surface targets, 

expendable sub-surface targets, 

stationary artificial targets, canisters

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Heavyweight torpedoes (nonexplosive), lightweight torpedoes 

(non-explosive)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF1 MF5

MF3 MF6

MF4

High-Frequency: 

HF1 HF6

HF5

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW3

Torpedoes: 

TORP1 TORP2

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E8 E11

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive torpedoes

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

All sonobuoys have parachutes unless otherwise noted.

Only one heavyweight torpedo test could occur in 1 day; two heavyweight torpedo tests could occur 

on consecutive days. Two lightweight torpedo tests could occur in a single day.

All non-explosive torpedoes are recovered.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.3.2.1.8 Torpedo (Non-Explosive) Testing 

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Torpedo (Non- Explosive) Testing

Short 

Description

Air, surface, or submarine crews employ nonexplosive torpedoes against submarines or surface 

vessels.

Typical Duration

Up to 2 weeks

Long 

Description

Aerial, surface, and subsurface assets fire exercise torpedoes against surface or subsurface targets 

or at no target and programmed with a particular run geometry. Torpedo testing evaluates the 

performance and the effectiveness of hardware and software upgrades of heavyweight or 

lightweight torpedoes. It also includes testing of experimental torpedoes. Not all torpedo tests 

involve acoustics. Exercise torpedoes are recovered, typically from surface ships and helicopters 

that are specifically crewed and outfitted for torpedo recovery. Event duration is dependent on 

number of torpedoes fired.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing patrol aircraft, moored platforms, rotary-wing aircraft, submarines, support 

craft, surface combatants

Targets: Sub-surface targets, surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems, acoustic countermeasures, sonobuoys, torpedoes

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Navy Cherry Point

Northeast 

Virginia Capes

Naval Undersea Warfare Center

Division, Newport

Offshore of Fort Pierce, Florida

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended materials

Sediment and Water Quality:

Metals Chemicals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Torpedo (Non- Explosive) Testing

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes, 

parachutes-medium

Non-Ingestible Material:

Expendable acoustic countermeasures, 

expendable bathythermographs, 

expendable bathythermograph,

wires, heavyweight torpedo 

accessories, lightweight torpedo 

accessories, sonobuoys (nonexplosive), sonobuoy wires, canisters, 

motorized autonomous targets, 

stationary artificial targets

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Heavyweight and lightweight torpedoes

(non-explosive), acoustic 

countermeasures

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF1 MF5

MF3 MF6

MF4

High-Frequency: 

HF1 HF6

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW3 ASW4

Torpedoes: 

TORP1 TORP2

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

All torpedoes are recovered.

Events can last up to two weeks and use up to 40 torpedoes. Typically, no more than eight 

torpedoes are fired per day during daylight hours.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.3.2.2 Electronic Warfare 

A.3.2.2.1 Radar and Other System Testing 

Electronic Warfare

Radar and Other System Testing

Short 

Description

Test may include radiation of military or 

commercial radar, communication systems (or 

simulators), or high-energy lasers. Testing may 

occur aboard a ship against drones, small boats, 

rockets, missiles, or other targets.

Typical Duration

12 hours per day over a 7-day period

Long 

Description

At-sea and docked testing may include radiation of military or commercial radar, communication 

systems (or simulators), or high-energy lasers. No subsurface transmission will occur during this 

testing. Testing of various air and surface targets may include unmanned aerial vehicles, missiles, or 

small craft (floating cardboard triwalls, towed, anchored, or self-propelled vessels). High-energy 

laser testing may include tracking, scoring, and neutralization runs with single or multiple targets.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Combat logistics ships, rotary-wing aircraft, small boats, submarines, surface combatants

Targets: Air targets, surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Radar, high-energy lasers

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

High-energy laser safety

Towed in-water device 

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico 

Jacksonville 

Key West 

Navy Cherry Point 

Northeast

Virginia Capes 

Naval Surface Warfare Center,

Panama City Division

Naval Undersea Warfare Center

Division, Newport

South Florida Ocean Measurement 

Facility

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Groton, Connecticut 

Joint Expeditionary Base Little 

Creek, Virginia 

Norfolk, Virginia

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

In-water electromagnetic 

devices

Lasers

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Electronic Warfare

Radar and Other System Testing

Physical disturbance and strike Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Per chaff: one chaff-air cartridge, one 

plastic endcap, one compression pad 

or one plastic piston, chaff fibers; 

missile (explosive) fragments; target 

fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Missiles (non-explosive), kinetic energy 

rounds, sabots, expendable aerial 

drones, expendable surface targets 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable surface targets, 

recoverable aerial drones

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Non-explosive missiles and rockets

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

All explosive missiles detonate in air during this test event.

High-energy lasers will not be tested pierside.
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A.3.2.3 Mine Warfare 

A.3.2.3.1 Mine Countermeasure and Neutralization Testing 

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasure and Neutralization Testing

Short 

Description Air, surface, and subsurface vessels neutralize 

threat mines and mine-like objects.

Typical Duration

1-10 days, with intermittent use of 

countermeasure/neutralization systems during 

this period

Long 

Description

Mine countermeasure-neutralization and mine system testing is required to ensure systems can 

effectively neutralize threat (live or inert) mines that will otherwise restrict passage through an area 

and to ensure U.S. Navy mines remain effective against enemy ships. These systems may be 

deployed with a variety of ships, aircraft, submarines, or unmanned autonomous vehicles and 

operate in water depths up to 6,000 feet. Mines are neutralized by cutting mooring cables of 

buoyant mines, producing acoustic energy that fires acoustic-influence mines, employing radar or 

laser fields, producing electrical energy to replicate the magnetic signatures of surface ships in order 

to detonate threat mines, detonation of mines using remotely-operated vehicles, and using 

explosive charges to destroy threat mines.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: moored platforms, rotary-wing aircraft

Targets: Air targets, mine shapes

Systems being Trained/Tested: Electromagnetic devices, radar, low energy lasers

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle

safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Virginia Capes

Naval Surface Warfare Center,

Panama City Division

South Florida Ocean Measurement 

Facility

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Underwater explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Energy:

In-water electromagnetic 

devices

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Lasers

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Physical disturbance and strike –

seafloor devices

Underwater explosives

Sediment and Water Quality:

Explosives Metals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasure and Neutralization Testing

Explosives

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Neutralizer (explosive) fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Fiber optic cables, fiber optic cans, 

mine shapes (non-explosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Mine shapes (non-explosive)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E4 E11

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive mine countermeasure and 

neutralization activities

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.3.2.3.2 Mine Countermeasure Mission Package Testing 

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasure Mission Package Testing

Short 

Description Vessels and associated aircraft conduct mine 

countermeasure operations.

Typical Duration

1-2 weeks with intervals of mine 

countermeasure mission package use during 

this time

Long 

Description

Littoral Combat Ships conduct mine detection using unmanned submersible and aerial vehicles, 

magnetic and acoustic sensor systems deployed by vessel or support helicopters, and laser systems. 

Mines are then neutralized using magnetic, acoustic, and supercavitating systems.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft, surface combatants, unmanned aerial systems, unmanned 

underwater vehicles, unmanned surface vehicles

Targets: Mine shapes

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle 

safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico 

Jacksonville 

Virginia Capes

Naval Surface Warfare Center,

Panama City Division

South Florida Ocean Measurement 

Facility

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Underwater explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Lasers

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Physical disturbance and strike – seafloor 

devices

Underwater explosives

Sediments and water Quality:

Explosives Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Mine Warfare

Mine Countermeasure Mission Package Testing

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Neutralizer (explosive) fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Fiber optic cables, mine shapes (nonexplosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Mine shapes (non-explosive)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

High-Frequency: 

HF4

Synthetic Aperture Sonars: 

SAS2

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E4

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive mine countermeasure and 

neutralization activities

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

8 charges per event

The in-air low-energy laser stressor was used in analysis of potential impacts on human resources.
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.3.2.3.3 Mine Detection and Classification Testing 

Mine Warfare

Mine Detection and Classification Testing

Short 

Description

Air, surface, and subsurface vessels detect and

classify mines and mine-like objects. Vessels also 

assess their potential susceptibility to mines and 

mine-like objects.

Typical Duration

Up to 24 days, with up to 12 hours of acoustic 

activity each day

Long 

Description

Mine detection and classification systems require testing to evaluate the capability of generating 

underwater magnetic and acoustic signature fields as well as sonar systems that can detect, and 

classify a wide range of threat mines at tactically different water depths. Surface craft may deploy 

an underwater sensor system that uses ship signature to develop a susceptibility profile against 

mine-like objects. In order to develop better and safer methods of minesweeping, the Navy is 

currently testing new systems to detect locate, identify, and avoid mines including a laser airborne 

mine detection system that uses laser illumination coupled with sensitive electro-optic receivers to 

find mines in the upper part of the water column. This type of equipment has traditionally been 

designed for operation from a manned helicopter; however, the Navy is developing the capability to 

operate from unmanned aerial systems.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Moored platforms, rotary-wing aircraft, sea basing ships, small boats, submarines, 

support craft, surface combatants, remotely operated vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, 

unmanned underwater vehicles

Targets: Mine shapes

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems, low-energy lasers

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle 

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico 

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point 

Virginia Capes

Naval Surface Warfare Center,

Panama City Division

South Florida Ocean Measurement 

Facility

Offshore of Riviera Beach, Florida

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None 

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

In-water electromagnetic 

devices

Lasers

Entanglement: 

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – seafloor 

devices

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural resources:

Physical disturbance and strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy
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Mine Warfare

Mine Detection and Classification Testing

Physical disturbance and strike Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

Mine shapes (non-explosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Mine shapes (non-explosive)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF1 MF5

MF1K

High-Frequency: 

HF1 HF8

HF4

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Some mine shapes could be deployed for a specific event, and then retrieved afterwards. However, 

some mine shapes are left in place so that multiple events can use the same shapes without 

needing to redeploy.

The in-air low-energy laser stressor was used in analysis of potential impacts on human resources.
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A.3.2.4 Surface Warfare 

A.3.2.4.1 Gun Testing – Large-Caliber 

Surface Warfare

Gun Testing – Large-Caliber

Short 

Description

Surface crews test large-caliber guns to defend 

against surface targets with large-caliber guns.

Typical Duration

1-2 weeks

Long 

Description

Surface combatants conduct surface warfare by detecting, tracking, and prosecuting small-boat 

threats. Gun testing may also include the surface warfare mission package for the Littoral Combat 

Ship, which provides a layered strike-defensive capability by use of its embarked support aircraft, 

medium range surface-to-surface missiles, and 57 millimeter gun weapon system.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Surface combatants

Targets: Surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Weapons firing safety

Towed in-water device 

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Key West

Navy Cherry Point

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Naval Surface Warfare Center,

Panama City Division

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

In-air explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Underwater explosives

In-air explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Yes

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Explosives

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Large-caliber projectile (explosive)

fragments, target fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Expendable surface targets, largecaliber (non-explosive) projectiles, 

large-caliber casings

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Remote controlled surface targets, 

towed surface targets
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Surface Warfare

Gun Testing – Large-Caliber

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E3 E5

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Weapons firing

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Small-, medium-, and large-caliber non-explosive 

practice munitions

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive medium- and large-caliber munitions

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.2.4.2 Gun Testing – Medium-Caliber 

Surface Warfare

Gun Testing – Medium-Caliber

Short 

Description Surface crews defend against surface targets with 

medium-caliber guns.

Typical Duration

1-2 weeks, with intervals of surface warfare 

mission package use during this time

Long 

Description

Surface combatants conduct surface warfare by detecting, tracking, and prosecuting small-boat 

threats. Gun testing may also include the surface warfare mission package on the Littoral Combat 

Ship, which provides a layered strike-defensive capability by use of its embarked support aircraft, 

medium range surface-to-surface missiles, and 30 mm gun weapon system.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Surface combatants, rotary-wing aircraft, support craft

Targets: Surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Weapons firing safety

Towed in-water device 

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Key West 

Navy Cherry Point 

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Naval Surface Warfare Center,

Panama City Division

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Underwater explosives

In-air explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy
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Surface Warfare

Gun Testing – Medium-Caliber

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Medium-caliber projectile (explosive)

fragments, target fragments, 

medium-caliber (non-explosive) 

projectiles, medium-caliber projectile 

casings

Non-Ingestible Material:

Expendable surface targets

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Remote controlled surface targets, 

towed surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E1

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Small-, medium-, and large-caliber non-explosive 

practice munitions

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive medium-caliber and large-caliber 

projectiles

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

50 or 1,400 rounds are expended per event.

Events with 1,400 rounds have 700 explosive and 700 non-explosive rounds per event.
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A.3.2.4.3 Gun Testing – Small-Caliber 

Surface Warfare

Gun Testing – Small-Caliber

Short 

Description

Surface crews defend against surface targets with 

small-caliber guns

Typical Duration

1 day-2 weeks

Long

Description

Small-caliber guns are fired from surface vessels. This testing also includes anti-terrorism/force 

protection. During this event, surface craft surface targets will make threat profile approaches to 

the ship. Ship will demonstrate small-caliber gun testing with non-explosive rounds against the 

threat target. Small-caliber gun testing includes other class ship sea trials and surface warfare 

mission package testing.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Sea basing ships, surface combatants, small boats, rotary-wing aircraft

Targets: Surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Weapons firing safety

Towed in-water device 

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Key West 

Navy Cherry Point 

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Naval Surface Warfare Center,

Panama City Division

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small-caliber projectiles (nonexplosive), small-caliber projectile 

casings

Non-Ingestible Material:

Expendable surface targets

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Remote controlled surface targets, 

towed surface targets
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Surface Warfare

Gun Testing – Small-Caliber

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Small-, medium-, and large-caliber non-explosive 

practice munitions

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

500-1,000 rounds are expended per event.

Ships may not be conducting tests consistently for the duration of the event.
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A.3.2.4.4 Kinetic Energy Weapon Testing 

Surface Warfare

Kinetic Energy Weapon Testing

Short 

Description

A kinetic energy weapon uses stored energy 

released in a burst to accelerate a projectile.

Typical Duration

1 day

Long 

Description

A kinetic energy weapon uses stored energy released in a burst to accelerate a projectile to more 

than seven times the speed of sound to a range of up to 200 miles.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Surface combatants

Targets: Air targets, surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Kinetic energy weapon

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico 

Jacksonville 

Key West 

Navy Cherry Point 

Northeast 

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

In-air explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

In-air explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Target fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Expendable aerial drones, expendable 

kinetic energy rounds, sabots, 

stationary surface targets 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None
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Surface Warfare

Kinetic Energy Weapon Testing

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Small-, medium-, and large-caliber non-explosive 

practice munitions

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Assume one target is expended per event.

Explosive rounds are designed to detonate above the surface target.
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A.3.2.4.5 Missile and Rocket Testing 

Surface Warfare

Missile and Rocket Testing

Short 

Description

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.

Typical Duration

1 day-2 weeks

Long 

Description

Missile and rocket testing includes various missiles or rockets (standard missiles, Water Piercing 

Missile Launch) fired from submarines and surface combatants. Testing may occur during surface 

combatant sea trials and surface warfare mission package testing. This activity includes both air 

warfare and surface warfare events.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Submarines, surface combatants

Targets: Air targets, land targets, surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Missile and rocket firing systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Weapons firing safety

Towed in-water device 

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico 

Jacksonville 

Key West 

Navy Cherry Point 

Northeast 

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

In-air explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Underwater explosives

In-air explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Metals

Chemicals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy
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Surface Warfare

Missile and Rocket Testing

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Missile (explosive) fragments, rocket 

(explosive) fragments, target 

fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Expendable aerial drones, missiles and 

rockets (non-explosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable air and surface targets, 

towed surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E6 E10

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Non-explosive missiles and rockets

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive missiles and rockets 

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Targets used during non-explosive tests will be recovered.

Explosive missiles will detonate either in the air or at the water’s surface.

Ships will not be conducting test constantly for the duration of the allotted time.

This activity includes both air warfare and surface warfare events, but it captured under the Surface 

warfare Protective Measures Assessment Protocol for simplicity.
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A.3.2.4 Unmanned Systems 

A.3.2.4.6 Underwater Search, Deployment, and Recovery 

Other Testing Activities

Underwater Search, Deployment, and Recovery

Short 

Description

Various underwater, bottom crawling, robotic, 

vehicles are utilized in underwater search, 

recovery, installation, and scanning activities.

Typical Duration

1 day

Long 

Description

Subsurface activities include a variety of underwater vehicles, robotic or autonomous systems, and 

items placed on the seafloor. Diving activities and special operations training also occur. Other 

subsurface activities involve manned and unmanned underwater vehicles. All subsurface vehicles 

are retrieved after use, while most objects (e.g., non-explosive mines) remain for a period of time 

to be used as testing fixtures.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Moored platforms, remotely operated vehicles

Targets: Mine shapes

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle 

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

South Florida Ocean Measurement 

Facility

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

None

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

None

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike –

seafloor devices

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Mine shapes (non-explosive)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement
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Other Testing Activities

Underwater Search, Deployment, and Recovery

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Mines and other objects may be placed on the bottom where they may remain for a period of time. 

They will eventually be retrieved.

Any acoustic sources used during this activity would be de minimis and not quantitatively analyzed 

and, therefore, are not included under systems.
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A.3.2.4.7 Unmanned Aerial System Testing 

Unmanned Systems

Unmanned Surface Aerial System Testing

Short 

Description

Unmanned aerial systems are launched from a 

platform (e.g., fixed platform or submerged 

submarine) to test the capability to extend the 

surveillance and communications range of 

unmanned underwater vehicles, manned and 

unmanned surface vehicles, and submarines.

Typical Duration

1-12 hours

Long 

Description

Unmanned aerial systems are reusable, uncrewed vehicles capable of controlled, sustained, level 

flight. Anticipated scenarios of unmanned aerial system testing include both unmanned aerial 

system launcher testing and using unmanned aerial systems to extend the surveillance and 

communications range of distributed sensors, unmanned underwater vehicles, manned and 

unmanned surface vehicles, and submarines. To test unmanned aerial system launcher systems, a 

subsurface capsule release may be conducted. During testing, a negatively buoyant capsule is 

deployed underwater and descends to a programmed depth. The capsule then drops a weight, 

inflates a flotation collar, rises to the surface, and launches an unmanned aerial system. Personnel 

use radio frequency communications to control and communicate with the unmanned aerial 

system during its flight. In the event of an extended communications test, an aerostat (helium filled 

balloon) may be tethered to either a stationary buoy or an unmanned surface vehicle to test the 

extended range of communications.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Submarines, shore-based facility, support craft, unmanned aerial systems

Targets: Land targets, surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle 

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Northeast 

Virginia Capes 

Naval Undersea Warfare Center

Division, Newport

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Aircraft and aerial target strike

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

None

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions
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Unmanned Systems

Unmanned Surface Aerial System Testing

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Endcaps and pistons (non-chaff and 

flare)

Non-Ingestible Material:

Ballast weights, canisters, sabots, 

expendable capsules

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.2.4.8 Unmanned Surface Vehicle System Testing 

Unmanned Systems

Unmanned Surface Vehicle System Testing

Short 

Description

Testing involves the production or upgrade of 

unmanned surface vehicles. This may include 

testing of mine detection capabilities, evaluating 

the basic functions of individual platforms, or 

complex events with multiple vehicles.

Typical Duration

Up to 10 days. Some propulsion systems 

(gilders) could operate continuously for 

multiple months.

Long 

Description

Unmanned surface vehicle testing includes assessment of single-vehicle and multi-vehicle technical 

performance and functionality during mission operations. Most unmanned vehicle mission 

operations include launch, transit, mission profile execution, and recovery operations. Unmanned 

surface vehicles are generally remote-controlled, semi-autonomous, modular, multi-mission 

platforms. Unmanned surface vehicles include rigid hull inflatable boats, cooperative autonomous 

research platform (autonomous kayaks), and remote-controlled jet skis. Unmanned surface vehicles 

may be launched from surface vessels, piers, or land. Once launched, the vehicles may be towed or 

self-propelled to the test area. Unmanned surface vehicles may deploy, tow, operate, or recover 

payload systems such as tow bodies containing multi-function sensors. Systems on the unmanned 

surface vehicle may be acoustically active or produce radio-frequency transmissions or provide laser 

illumination for electro-optical detection.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Unmanned surface vehicles, support boats

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Unmanned surface vehicles

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Naval Undersea Warfare Center

Division, Newport

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives: 

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water None
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Unmanned Systems

Unmanned Surface Vehicle System Testing

Explosive 

Bins

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.2.4.9 Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Testing 

Unmanned Systems

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Testing

Short 

Description

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.

Typical Duration

Up to 35 days. Some propulsion systems 

(gliders) could operate continuously for 

multiple months.

Long 

Description

Unmanned underwater vehicle testing ranges from single-vehicle tests to evaluate hydrodynamic 

parameters, to full mission, multiple vehicle functionality assessments. Most unmanned underwater 

vehicle operations include a launch, transit, mission profile execution, and recovery operations. 

Unmanned underwater vehicles include modular, multi-mission platforms and their payloads, and 

anti-submarine warfare targets. Unmanned underwater vehicles may be launched from aircraft, 

surface craft, submarines, piers, or land. Once launched, the vehicles are either towed or selfpropelled to the test area. Unmanned underwater vehicles may also deploy, tow, operate, or 

recover remote sensors and payload systems. Systems on or towed by the unmanned vehicle may 

be acoustically active, produce radio-frequency transmissions or provide laser illumination for 

electro-optical detection. Vehicle development involves the production and upgrade of new 

unmanned platforms on which to attach various payloads used for different purposes. Platforms can 

include unmanned underwater vehicles, unmanned surface vehicles, and unmanned aerial systems. 

Payload testing assesses various systems that can be incorporated onto unmanned platforms for 

mine warfare, bottom mapping, and other missions. This type of test can also include multiple 

vehicles interacting in formations or acting as individual units and includes tests and demonstrations 

of unmanned underwater vehicles in detecting and classifying mine-like or other buried objects.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Patrol boats, small boats, submarines, support craft, surface combatants, unmanned 

underwater vehicles, moored platforms

Targets: Mine warfare targets, sub-surface targets, surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems, underwater communication systems, unmanned 

underwater vehicles

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle

safety

Towed in-water device

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Naval Surface Warfare Center,

Panama City Division

Naval Undersea Warfare Center

Division, Newport

South Florida Ocean Measurement 

Facility

Offshore of Riviera Beach, Florida

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Vessel noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Seafloor devices

Underwater explosives

Ingestion of Expended Material: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Lasers

Entanglement:

Decelerators/parachutes
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Unmanned Systems

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Testing

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Physical disturbance and strike seafloor 

devices

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Metals

Chemical Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Target fragments, lightweight torpedo 

(explosive) fragments, small 

parachutes/decelerators

Non-Ingestible Material:

Anchors, mine shapes (non-explosive), 

expendable motorized autonomous 

targets, expendable stationary 

artificial targets, lightweight torpedo 

(non-explosive) accessories, 

sonobuoys (non-explosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Recoverable stationary artificial targets, 

acoustic countermeasures, bottomplaced instruments, mine shapes, 

stationary surface targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF9

High-Frequency: 

HF4

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E8

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Some mine shapes could be deployed for a specific event, and then retrieved afterwards. However, 

some mine shapes are left in place so that multiple events can use the same shapes without 

needing to redeploy.

Multiple vehicles may operate simultaneously in one or multiple areas.
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A.3.2.5 Vessel Evaluation 

A.3.2.5.1 Aircraft Carrier Sea Trials – Propulsion Testing 

Vessel Evaluation

Aircraft Carrier Sea Trials – Propulsion Testing

Short 

Description

Ship is run at high speeds in various formations 

(e.g., straight-line and reciprocal paths).

Typical Duration

1-2 days

Long 

Description

Propulsion testing is one part of the total aircraft carrier sea trial activity. Propulsion testing includes 

ship maneuvering, including full-power runs (speeds in excess of 30 knots) and endurance runs in 

both straight line and reciprocal paths.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Aircraft carriers

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Ships may not be traveling in a straight line.

Ships will operate across the full spectrum of capable speeds.

Ships will not be conducting test constantly for the duration of the allotted time.
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A.3.2.5.2 Large Ship Shock Trial 

Vessel Evaluation

Large Ship Shock Trial

Short 

Description

Underwater detonations against an aircraft 

carrier or surface combatant.

Typical Duration

Typically over 4 weeks, with one detonation 

per week. However, smaller charges may be 

detonated on consecutive days.

Long 

Description

Each new class (or major upgrade) of surface ships constructed for the Navy may undergo an 

at-sea shock trial. A shock trial is a series of underwater detonations that sends a shock wave 

through the ship’s hull to simulate near misses during combat. A series of up to four 

underwater detonations will be conducted at various distances from the ship (charges are set 

closer to the ship as the trial progresses).

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Aircraft carriers, support craft, fixed-wing aircraft , rotary-wing aircraft 

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing 

Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville 

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Aircraft and aerial targets

Underwater explosives

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

other than munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike –

military expended material

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Chemicals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Ship shock charge fragments 

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None
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Vessel Evaluation

Large Ship Shock Trial

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E17

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section

5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Ship shock trials

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Four charges are used per event.

Only one event will occur per 5-year period.

Ship shock trials will occur in waters deeper than 650 ft.

Modeling scenario: Four 40,000-lb. charges

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 

12 NM from shore.
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A.3.2.5.3 Air Defense Testing 

Vessel Evaluation

Air Defense Testing

Short 

Description

Tests the ship’s capability to detect, identify, track, 

and successfully engage live and simulated targets. 

Gun systems are tested using non-explosive and 

explosive rounds.

Typical Duration

7 days

Long 

Description

Air Defense events are conducted in clear and varied electronic attack environments, using a mix of 

missile firings to verify the ship’s capability to detect, identify, track, and successfully engage live and

simulated targets. The tests include testing the radar’s track load in the presence of debris, long

range engagement processing, low-elevation detection and tracking, track load in the presence of 

electronic attack and chaff, and missile performance. Tests currently include firing of the 

5000000000 inch 0.62-caliber gun, and will potentially include a 155 millimeter gun.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Surface combatants

Targets: Air targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Radar systems, gun systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville 

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

In-air explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

In-air explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy
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Vessel Evaluation

Air Defense Testing

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Per chaff: one chaff-air cartridge, one 

plastic endcap, one compression pad 

or one plastic piston, chaff fibers

; missile (explosive) fragments; largecaliber projectile (explosive)

fragments,; target fragments; 

medium-caliber (non-explosive) 

projectiles

Non-Ingestible Material:

Large-caliber projectiles (nonexplosive), missiles (non-explosive), 

expendable aerial drones, canisters, 

large-caliber projectile casings

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Weapons firing

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive medium-caliber and large-caliber 

projectiles

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Small-, medium-, and large-caliber non-explosive 

practice munitions

Non-explosive missiles and rockets

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Ships will not be conducting test constantly for the duration of the allotted time.

This activity incorporates components of both surface warfare and air defense events.
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A.3.2.5.4 Hydrodynamic and Maneuverability Testing 

Other Testing Activities

Hydrodynamic and Maneuverability Testing

Short 

Description

Submarines maneuver in the submerged operating 

environment.

Typical Duration

10 days

Long 

Description

Hydrodynamic testing is required to validate the control and maneuverability of a submarine in 

the submerged operating environment.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Submarines

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Submersibles

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico 

Jacksonville 

Key West 

Navy Cherry Point 

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

None

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

None

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

None

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section

5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

For biological resource analysis, vessel noise and vessel strike are only analyzed for the periods 

while the submarines are surfaced, typically brief in nature. Mitigation measures related to 

vessel movement are only considered during the period of surfacing as well.

For human resource stressor analysis, physical disturbance and strike and physical interactions are 

only analyzed for the periods while the submarine are surfaced, typically brief in nature.
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A.3.2.5.5 In-Port Maintenance Testing 

Vessel Evaluation

In-Port Maintenance Testing

Short 

Description

Each combat system is tested to ensure they 

are functioning in a technically acceptable 

manner and are operationally ready to 

support at-sea Combat System Ship 

Qualification Trial events.

Typical Duration

3 weeks

Long 

Description

Each combat system is tested to ensure they are functioning in a technically acceptable 

manner and are operationally ready to support at-sea Combat System Ship Qualification Trial 

events. The ship’s test plans and procedures, Maintenance Repair/Requirements Cards, and 

computerized planned maintenance system are used in establishing testing standards for 

each system and pieces of equipment. Ship’s crew, under supervision of subject matter 

experts, complete all actions and receive remedial training where required. Trouble 

Observation Reports are written on noted discrepancies.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Amphibious warfare ships, surface combatants

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Radar, low-energy lasers

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing

Ranges:

None

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Mayport, Florida

Norfolk, Virginia

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

None

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike:

None

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Lasers

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

None

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

None

Socioeconomic Resources:

None

Public Health and Safety: 

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None
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Vessel Evaluation

In-Port Maintenance Testing

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.2.5.6 Propulsion Testing 

Vessel Evaluation

Propulsion Testing

Short 

Description

Ship is run at high speeds in various formations 

(straight-line and reciprocal paths).

Typical Duration

1 day

Long 

Description

Propulsion testing is one part of the total sea trial activity. During this event, the ship is tested for 

maneuverability, including full power and endurance runs.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Amphibious warfare ships, fleet support ships, sea basing ships, surface combatants, 

small boats, specialized high speed vehicles

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville 

Key West 

Navy Cherry Point 

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement
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Vessel Evaluation

Propulsion Testing

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Ships will not be conducting test constantly for the duration of the allotted time.

Ships may not be traveling in a straight line.

Ships will operate across the full spectrum of capable speeds.

During surface combatant sea trials full-power runs are conducted for a total of 4 hours, and 

endurance runs are conducted for a total of 2 hours.

Testing may occur near Pascagoula, Mississippi when in the Gulf of Mexico.
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A.3.2.5.7 Signature Analysis Operations 

Other Testing Activities

Signature Analysis Operations

Short 

Description

Surface ship and submarine testing of 

electromagnetic, acoustic, optical, and radar 

signature measurements.

Typical Duration

Periodically over multiple days

Long 

Description

Signature analysis activities include electromagnetic, acoustic, optical, and radar signature 

measurements, recording, and post-run analyses of data of Navy surface and subsurface vessels. 

These activities include electromagnetic signature measurement, calibration, and detection of 

submarines, acoustic and magnetic signature detection of unmanned underwater vehicles and 

surface ships, radar, and optical detection of surface ships. Testing includes intelligence, 

surveillance, reconnaissance missions.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Moored platforms, submarines, support craft, shore based facility

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Electromagnetic devices, acoustic modems, optical and radar 

systems, sonar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

South Florida Ocean Measurement 

Facility

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

Small 

decelerators/parachutes

Cables and wires

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Chemicals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes

Non-Ingestible Material:

Anchors, expendable 

bathythermographs, expendable 

bathythermograph wires, sonobuoys 

(non-explosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Anchors, 
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Other Testing Activities

Signature Analysis Operations

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF9 MF10

Low-Frequency:

LF4 LF6

LF5

High-Frequency: 

HF1

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW2

Acoustic Modems: 

M3

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.2.5.8 Surface Warfare Testing 

Vessel Evaluation

Surface Warfare Testing

Short 

Description

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).

Typical Duration

7 days

Long 

Description

Surface warfare events are gun weapons system tests conducted in a clear environment to 

demonstrate the capability of shipboard and remote (helicopter) sensors to detect and track surface 

or land based (simulated by sea based locations) targets and engage targets with simulated and live 

gun and missile firings. The event may qualify the ship’s surface warfare gun capability to receive 

track data from the sensors, filter it, calculate ballistics, recommend aimpoint corrections (spots), 

generate gun orders, select ammunition properly for targets at differing ranges, and deliver surface 

direct fire on the surface or land based targets. Testing can also include structural test firing.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Support craft, surface combatants

Targets: Air targets, electronic warfare targets, surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Gun systems, electronic warfare systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico 

Jacksonville

Key West

Northeast 

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Weapons noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

In-air explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Underwater explosives

In-air explosives

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended materials

Underwater explosives

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy
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Vessel Evaluation

Surface Warfare Testing

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Large- and medium-caliber projectile

(explosive) fragments, mediumcaliber projectiles (non-explosive),

missile (explosive) fragments, target 

fragments

Non-Ingestible Material:

Large-caliber projectiles (nonexplosive), missiles (non-explosive)

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Remote controlled surface targets, 

stationary surface targets, towed air 

targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E1 E5 E8

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Weapons firing

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Small-, medium-, and large-caliber non-explosive 

practice munitions

Non-explosive missiles and rockets

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive medium-caliber and large-caliber 

projectiles

Explosive missiles and rockets 

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Ships will not be conducting tests constantly for the duration of the allotted time.
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A.3.2.5.9 Undersea Warfare Testing 

Vessel Evaluation

Undersea Warfare Testing

Short 

Description

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.

Typical Duration

Up to 10 days

Long 

Description

Undersea warfare events may be comprised of tracking and firing events or tests of hull-mounted 

sonar system capabilities to detect and avoid torpedo type targets. Tracking and firing events ensure 

the operability of the undersea warfare suite and its interface with the rotary wing helicopter. Tests 

include demonstrating the ability of the ship to search, detect and track a target and conduct 

attacks with exercise torpedoes. Detection and avoidance events may use surface craft and 

underwater platforms to test the capability of mid- and high-frequency acoustic sources. Subsurface 

moving targets, rocket and air-dropped weapons, sonobuoys, towed arrays and sub-surface 

torpedo-like devices may be used. Approximately 1 week of in-port training may precede the event.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Rotary-wing aircraft, submarines, support craft, surface combatants

Targets: Sub-surface targets, surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Acoustic countermeasures, sonar systems, sonobuoys

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Navy Cherry Point 

Northeast

Virginia Capes

South Florida Ocean Measurement 

Facility

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Decelerators/parachutes

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Chemicals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy
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Vessel Evaluation

Undersea Warfare Testing

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes, 

parachutes-medium

Non-Ingestible Material:

Acoustic countermeasures, 

heavyweight torpedo accessories, 

guidance wires, lightweight torpedo 

accessories, sonobuoys (nonexplosive), sonobuoy wires, 

expendable motorized autonomous 

targets

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Heavyweight torpedoes (nonexplosive), lightweight torpedoes

(explosive), miscellaneous surface 

targets, recoverable motorized 

autonomous targets

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF1 MF5

MF1K MF9

MF4

High-Frequency: 

HF4 HF8

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW3 ASW4

Torpedoes: 

TORP1 TORP2

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Five targets are utilized per event.

All sonobuoys have a parachute unless otherwise noted. 

Ships will not be conducting test constantly during the duration of the allotted time.
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A.3.2.5.10 Small Ship Shock Trial 

Vessel Evaluation

Small Ship Shock Trial

Short 

Description

Underwater detonations are used to test 

new ships or major upgrades.

Typical Duration

Typically over 4 weeks, with one detonation 

per week. However, smaller charges may be 

detonated on consecutive days.

Long 

Description

Each new class (or major upgrade) of surface ships constructed for the Navy may undergo an 

at-sea shock trial. A shock trial is a series of underwater detonations that sends a shock wave 

through the ship’s hull to simulate near misses during combat. A series of up to four 

underwater detonations per event will be conducted at various distances from the ship 

(charges are set closer to the ship as the trial progressives).

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Support craft, surface combatants, fixed-wing aircraft , rotary-wing aircraft 

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing 

Ranges:

Jacksonville 

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Aircraft and aerial targets

Underwater explosives

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

other than munitions 

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike –

military expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Chemicals

Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

None

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Ship shock charge fragments 

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

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Vessel Evaluation

Small Ship Shock Trial

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section

5.3.4)

Vessel Movement

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Ship shock trials

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Four charges are utilized per event

Three events will occur during the 5-year period.

Will occur in waters deeper than 650 ft.

Modeling scenario: Four 10,000-lb. charges

Stressors to human resources were not analyzed for this activity since it occurs greater than 

12 NM from shore.
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A.3.2.5.11 Submarine Sea Trials – Propulsion Testing 

Vessel Evaluation

Submarine Sea Trials – Propulsion Testing

Short 

Description

Submarine is run at high speeds in various 

formations, and at various depths.

Typical Duration

Up to 5 days

Long 

Description

Propulsion testing is one part of the total submarine sea trial activity. During this activity, 

submarines undergo a controlled deep dive to test depth, emergency surfacing, full-power 

operations, high speed turns, and extreme depth changes.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Submarines

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing 

Ranges:

Jacksonville 

Northeast 

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

None

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

None

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

None

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section

5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Subs will not be conducting test constantly for the duration of the allotted time.

Subs may not be traveling in a straight line.

Subs will operate across the full spectrum of capable speeds.
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Vessel Evaluation

Submarine Sea Trials – Propulsion Testing

For biological resource analysis, vessel noise and vessel strike are only analyzed for the periods 

while the submarines are surfaced, typically brief in nature. Mitigation measures related to 

vessel movement are only considered during the period of surfacing as well.

For human resource stressor analysis, physical disturbance and strike and physical interactions 

are only analyzed for the periods while the submarine are surfaced, typically brief in 

nature.
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A.3.2.6 Submarine Sea Trials – Weapons System Testing 

Vessel Evaluation

Submarine Sea Trials – Weapons System Testing

Short 

Description

Submarine weapons and sonar systems are tested 

at-sea to meet the integrated combat system 

certification requirements.

Typical Duration

Up to 7 days

Long 

Description

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

certification requirements. This test involves subjecting the integrated combat system through 

rigorous testing which consists of passive and active sonar activities, launching "water slugs" and 

exercise torpedoes.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Moored platforms, submarines, support craft

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Acoustic modems, sonar systems, underwater communication

systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety 

Weapons firing safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico 

Jacksonville 

Northeast 

Virginia Capes 

South Florida Ocean Measurement 

Facility

Offshore of Fort Pierce, Florida

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement: 

Wires and cables

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Chemicals

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

Heavyweight torpedo accessories

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Expendable training targets, 

heavyweight torpedoes (nonexplosive)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF3 MF10

MF9

High-Frequency: 

HF1

Torpedoes: 

TORP2

Acoustic Modems: 

M3
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Vessel Evaluation

Submarine Sea Trials – Weapons System Testing

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Submarines will not be conducting test constantly for the duration of the allotted time.
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A.3.2.6.1 Total Ship Survivability Trials 

Vessel Evaluation

Total Ship Survivability Trials

Short 

Description

Series of simulated “realistic” weapon hit 

scenarios with resulting damage and 

recoverability exercises against an aircraft carrier.

Typical Duration

5 days, happening once over a 5-year period.

Long 

Description

Each new class (or major upgrade) of surface ships constructed for the Navy will undergo an at-sea 

Total Ship Survivability Trial (TSST). A TSST is a series of realistic weapon hit scenarios. Each 

scenario simulates a weapon hit, resulting damage, and a subsequent tactical threat during which 

ship’s force attempts to maintain or restore mission capability by containing and controlling the 

simulated damage, treat crew casualties, and continues to fight. The TSST has been described as 

being “as close as we can safely get to an actual hit.” The goal of the TSST is to demonstrate that 

the inherent ship design and procedures provide the crew the ability to realign, repair, and contain 

damage following a simulated weapon hit. It’s important to note that the TSST is not a crew 

assessment. It does not evaluate crew proficiency or training nor does it qualify equipment.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Aircraft carriers

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None
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Vessel Evaluation

Total Ship Survivability Trials

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.2.6.2 Vessel Signature Evaluation 

Vessel Evaluation

Vessel Signature Evaluation

Short 

Description

Surface ship, submarine and auxiliary system 

signature assessments. This may include 

electronic, radar, acoustic, infrared and magnetic 

signatures.

Typical Duration

Typically 1-5 days, up to 20 days depending 

on the test being conducted

Long 

Description

Radar cross signature testing of surface ships and submarines is accomplished on new ships and 

periodically throughout a ship’s life cycle to measure how detectable the ship is to radar. For 

example, Assessment Identification of Mine Susceptibility assessments are passive electromagnetic 

and acoustic measurements performed on mine countermeasure ships and on the Littoral Combat 

Ship mine countermeasure modules (i.e., auxiliary systems) to determine their mine susceptibility 

using seafloor deployed magnetometers and hydrophones, and a ship-board global positioning

sensor tracking system. Signature testing of all surface ships and submarines verifies that each 

vessel’s signature is within specifications, and may include the use of helicopter-deployed 

instrumentation, ship-mounted safety and navigation systems, fathometers, tracking devices, radar 

systems, and underwater communications equipment. Also included in this activity is the Shipboard 

Electronic Systems Evaluation Facility which conducts measurements of antenna radiation patterns, 

Federal Aviation Administration identification of Friend or Foe systems, and Tactical Air Navigation 

Systems.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Aircraft carriers, amphibious warfare ships, combat logistics ships, fixed wing aircraft, 

fleet support ships, mine warfare, patrol boats, rotary-wing aircraft, sea basing ships, small boats, 

special mission ships, specialized high speed vehicles, submarines, support craft, surface combatants

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Radar systems, electromagnetic devices

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico 

Jacksonville 

Virginia Capes 

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Joint Expeditionary Base Little 

Creek, Virginia

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-water electromagnetic 

devices

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-water energy

Underwater energy
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Vessel Evaluation

Vessel Signature Evaluation

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.2.7 Other Testing 

A.3.2.7.1 Chemical and Biological Simulant Testing 

Other Testing Activities

Chemical and Biological Simulant Testing

Short 

Description

Chemical-biological agent simulants are deployed

against surface ships.

Typical Duration

3 days

Long 

Description

Chemical or biological agent simulants are deployed against surface ships to verify the integrity of the 

ship’s defense system including installed detection, protection, and decontamination systems. 

Methods of simulant delivery include aerial dispersal and hand-held spray.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Fixed-wing aircraft, surface combatants

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville 

Navy Cherry Point 

Northeast 

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

Chemicals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None 

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement
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Other Testing Activities

Chemical and Biological Simulant Testing

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Examples of chemical simulants include glacial acetic acid and triethyl phosphate.

Examples of biological simulants are spore-forming bacteria, non-spore-forming bacteria, the protein

ovalbumin, MS2 bacteriophages, and the fungus Aspergillus niger.
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A.3.2.7.2 Insertion/Extraction 

Other Testing Activities

Insertion/Extraction

Short 

Description

Testing of submersibles capable of inserting and 

extracting personnel and payloads into denied 

areas from strategic distances.

Typical Duration

Up to 30 days

Long 

Description

Testing of submersibles capable of inserting and extracting personnel and payloads into denied 

areas from strategic distances. Testing could include the use of forces deployed from submerged 

submarines while at sea.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Submarines

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Submersibles, sonar systems, acoustic modems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Key West

Naval Surface Warfare Center,

Panama City Division

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

None

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions 

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Mid-Frequency: 

MF9

Acoustic Modems: 

M3

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

None

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Test will not occur constantly throughout duration of allotted time. 

For biological resource analysis, vessel noise and vessel strike are only analyzed for the periods while 

the submarines are surfaced, typically brief in nature. Mitigation measures related to vessel 
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Other Testing Activities

Insertion/Extraction

movement are only considered during the period of surfacing as well.

For human resource stressor analysis, physical disturbance and strike and physical interactions are 

only analyzed for the periods while the submarine are surfaced, typically brief in nature.
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A.3.2.7.3 Line Charge Testing 

Other Testing Activities

Line Charge Testing

Short 

Description

Surface vessels deploy line charges to test the 

capability to safely clear an area for expeditionary 

forces.

Typical Duration

1 day

Long 

Description

Line charges are tested to verify the capability to safely clear surf zone areas for sea-based 

expeditionary operations. Testing is performed on various surf zone clearing systems that use either 

line charges or explosive arrays to neutralize mine threats. This is a systems development test and 

only assesses the in-water components of testing. Line charges consist of a 350-ft. detonation cord 

with explosives lined from one end to the other end in a series of 5-lb. increments.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Moored platforms, support craft

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Submersibles

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Naval Surface Warfare Center,

Panama City Division

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Underwater explosives

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials –

munitions 

Energy:

None

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Line charge fragments 

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E14
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Other Testing Activities

Line Charge Testing

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Line charge testing

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Test will not occur constantly over the duration of the allotted time. 
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A.3.2.7.4 Acoustic Component Testing 

Other Testing Activities

Acoustic Component Testing

Short 

Description

Various surface vessels, moored equipment, and 

materials are tested to evaluate performance in 

the marine environment.

Typical Duration

1 day to multiple months

Long 

Description

Various surface activities utilizing the marine environment for testing and evaluation. Sample 

projects include buoy deployments, vessel entanglement systems, materials testing, and renewable 

energy devices. Other surface operations involve manned and unmanned surface vehicles. 

Miscellaneous types of equipment are deployed, including temperature, humidity, magnetic, 

acoustic, optical, and air quality instrumentation to measure, record, and analyze system 

effectiveness, dependability, operational parameters, and durability. Surface operations utilize a 

variety of vessels for deployment of test equipment and for the monitoring of the air, surface, 

subsurface.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Unmanned aerial systems, unmanned surface vehicles, unmanned underwater vehicles

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems, underwater communication systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

South Florida Ocean Measurement 

Facility

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

None

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Low-Frequency: 

LF5

Mid-Frequency: 

MF9

Forward-Looking Sonar: 

FLS2

High-Frequency: 

HF5

HF7

Synthetic Aperture Sonars: 

SAS2
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Other Testing Activities

Acoustic Component Testing

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.2.7.5 Non-Acoustic Component Testing 

Other Testing Activities

Non-Acoustic Component Testing

Short 

Description

Testing of towed or floating buoys for 

communications through radio-frequencies or 

two-way optical communications between an 

aircraft and underwater system(s).

Typical Duration

3 days (4 hours per day for 3 days)

Long 

Description

Testing associated with radio frequency communications could occur from towed antennas from 

surface vessels, from single-transmit buoys released from submarines, or tethered buoys from 

submarines for two-way communication. Optical communications tests may include communication 

between helicopter or fixed wing aircraft and manned or unmanned underwater systems, and may 

also include ground truth sensors mounted on surface craft.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Navy ships, small boats, rotary-wing aircraft unmanned underwater vehicles, manned 

underwater vehicles

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: Communication systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Aircraft safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico 

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Aircraft noise

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety:

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel Movement
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Other Testing Activities

Non-Acoustic Component Testing

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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A.3.2.7.6 Payload Deployer Testing 

Other Testing Activities

Payload Deployer Testing

Short 

Description

Launcher systems are tested to evaluate 

performance.

Typical Duration

1-5 days 

Long 

Description

Testing is conducted to evaluate the performance of current or future launchers, which are used to 

deploy objects (e.g., torpedoes, decoys, countermeasures, sensors, unmanned underwater vehicles, 

and unmanned aerial vehicles). These tests may be performed from a fixed location or a mobile 

platform. The objects deployed may be operational equipment or mock equipment that is 

instrumented to evaluate the performance of the launcher system. Various methods may be 

employed to launch test items. The test items are typically recovered after the test and are usually 

equipped with an acoustic locator to aid in their recovery.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: In-water structures, specialized high-speed vehicles, support craft, surface combatants,

unmanned surface vehicles, unmanned underwater vehicles

Targets: None

Systems being Trained/Tested: None

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle 

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Jacksonville

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Naval Undersea Warfare Center

Division, Newport

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions 

Energy:

None

Entanglement:

Wires and cables

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

End caps and pistons

Non-Ingestible Material:

Concrete slugs, heavyweight torpedo 

accessories, lightweight torpedo 

accessories, sabots

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Heavyweight torpedoes (nonexplosive), lightweight torpedoes

(non-explosive)
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Other Testing Activities

Payload Deployer Testing

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Instrumented operational equipment or mock equipment will be recovered.

Ships will not be conducting test constantly for the duration of the allotted time.

Any acoustic sources used during this activity would be de minimis and not quantitatively analyzed 

and, therefore, are not included under systems.

When chaff is used, 36 concrete slugs per event are expended. 
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.3.2.7.7 Semi-Stationary Equipment Testing 

Other Testing Activities

Semi-Stationary Equipment Testing

Short 

Description

Semi-stationary equipment (e.g., hydrophones) is 

deployed to determine functionality.

Typical Duration

From 20 minutes to multiple days

Long 

Description

Semi-stationary equipment testing is performed from a fixed site, suspended over the side of a boat, 

moored to the bottom, suspended in the water column, or on the surface. Examples of semistationary equipment include moored hydrophones (i.e., devices to listen to underwater sound), 

line arrays (i.e., multiple hydrophones) deployed on the ocean bottom, acoustic countermeasures, a 

moored oceanographic sensor that moves vertically through the water column, and sonobuoys (i.e., 

expendable sonar systems). Some units produce sound in the water (e.g., acoustic 

countermeasures), while others only listen (e.g., passive sonobuoys, vector sensors that measure 

particle motion). Some tests could require deployment in an area that provides opportunistic data 

collection (e.g., placing a hydrophone near a shipping lane to collect shipping noise data), or with 

specific geographic or oceanographic requirements.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: : In-water structures, moored platforms, shore based facility, support craft

Targets: Air targets, electronic warfare targets, land targets, sub-surface targets, surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Air gun systems, acoustic countermeasures, sonar systems,

underwater communication systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Towed in-water device 

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Naval Surface Warfare Center,

Panama City Division

Naval Undersea Warfare Center

Division, Newport 

Inland Waters/Pierside:

Newport, Rhode Island

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Sonar and other 

transducers

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

Lasers

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals Other materials

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Airborne acoustics

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

Acoustic countermeasures, electronic 

warfare targets, surface targets, 

stationary artificial targets

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Towed surface targets
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Other Testing Activities

Semi-Stationary Equipment Testing

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Low-Frequency: 

LF4 LF5

Mid-Frequency: 

MF9 MF10

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW3 ASW4

High-Frequency: 

HF5 HF6

Swimmer Defense: 

SD1 SD2

Airgun: 

AG

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Air guns

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.3.2.7.8 Towed Equipment Testing 

Other Testing Activities

Towed Equipment Testing

Short 

Description

Surface vessels or unmanned surface vehicles 

deploy and tow equipment to determine 

functionality of towed systems.

Typical Duration

Typically 2-8 hours

Long 

Description

Testing is conducted on equipment to evaluate hydrodynamic characteristics and control of a tow 

body, test fully functional items, or test a particular aspect of a system utilizing a mock-up of a 

functional item. A typical test operation for towed equipment testing involves a deployment, use, and 

recover scenario that requires range or commercial craft support. This equipment may be deployed 

from and towed by range craft or unmanned surface vehicles. The towed item may be underwater or 

floating on the surface. Equipment may be acoustically active or produce radio frequency 

transmissions.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Support craft, unmanned surface vehicles

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems, underwater communication systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle 

safety

Towed in-water device 

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Naval Undersea Warfare Center

Division, Newport

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other transducers

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

Lasers

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – seafloor 

devices

Sediments and Water Quality:

Metals

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources:

Physical disturbance and strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Physical disturbance and strike

Accessibility

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

Mines (non-explosive), stationary 

artificial targets

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Low-Frequency: 

LF4

Mid-Frequency: 

MF9

High-Frequency: 

HF6

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Other Testing Activities

Towed Equipment Testing

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Towed in-water devices

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.3.3 OFFICE OF NAVAL RESEARCH TESTING ACTIVITIES 

A.3.3.1 Acoustic and Oceanographic Science and Technology 

A.3.3.1.1 Acoustic and Oceanographic Research 

Acoustic and Oceanographic Science and Technology

Acoustic and Oceanographic Research

Short 

Description

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.

Typical Duration

Up to 14 days

Long 

Description

Active acoustic transmissions used for engineering tests of acoustic sources, validation of ocean 

acoustic models, tests of signal processing algorithms, and characterization of acoustic interactions 

with the ocean bottom, fish and ocean surface. Standard oceanographic research sensing (acoustic 

Doppler current profiler, fathometer-like systems) also to be employed.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Special mission ships, unmanned underwater vehicles

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Airguns, sonar systems, sonobuoys, underwater communication

systems, low-power lasers

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Vessel noise

Aircraft noise

Explosives:

Underwater explosives

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Aircraft and aerial targets

Vessels and in-water devices

Military expended materials

Seafloor devices

Ingestion: 

Military expended materials – other 

than munitions

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Lasers

Entanglement: 

Small 

decelerators/parachutes

Wires and cables

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Physical disturbance and strike – seafloor 

devices

Sediments and Water Quality:

Explosives Metals

Chemicals Other materials 

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Explosives

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Acoustic and Oceanographic Science and Technology

Acoustic and Oceanographic Research

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

Small decelerators/parachutes

Non-Ingestible Material:

Mine shapes (non-explosive), 

sonobuoys (non-explosive), sonobuoy 

wires, stationary artificial targets

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Anchors, mine shapes (non-explosive), 

target fragments (recovered)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Low-Frequency: 

LF3 LF5

LF4

Mid-Frequency: 

MF8 MF9

Anti-Submarine Warfare: 

ASW2

Airgun: 

AG

Broadband: 

BB4

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

E3

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Acoustic Stressors: (Section 5.3.2)

Active sonar

Airguns

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement

Explosive Stressors: (Section 5.3.3)

Explosive mine countermeasure and 

neutralization activities

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.3.3.1.2 Emerging Mine Countermeasure Technology Research 

Acoustic and Oceanographic Science and Technology

Emerging Mine Countermeasure Technology Research

Short 

Description

Test involves the use of broadband acoustic 

sources on unmanned underwater vehicles.

Typical Duration

Up to 14 days

Long 

Description

Mine countermeasure system testing on unmanned underwater vehicles to take place offshore and 

in coastal waters. Broadband acoustic sources on unmanned underwater vehicles will use 

downward directed acoustic transmissions to characterize the ocean bottom. Inert objects will be 

placed on the bottom to test system performance.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Special mission ships, unmanned underwater vehicles

Targets: Mine shapes

Systems being Trained/Tested: Sonar systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Jacksonville

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Sonar and other 

transducers

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

In-air electromagnetic 

devices

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

None

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

In-air energy

Underwater energy

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

None

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

Mine shapes (non-explosive)

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

Broadband: 

BB1 BB2

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Acoustic and Oceanographic Science and Technology

Emerging Mine Countermeasure Technology Research

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

None
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

A.3.3.1.3 Large Displacement Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Testing 

Acoustic and Oceanographic Science and Technology

Large Displacement Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Testing

Short 

Description

Autonomy testing and environmental data

collection with Large Displacement Unmanned 

Undersea Vehicles (Innovative Navy Prototype).

Typical Duration

Up to 60 days per deployment

Long 

Description

Large Displacement Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Innovative Navy Prototype (LDUUV INP) testing 

includes launch, autonomous transit (up to 60 days), environmental data collection (e.g., 

bathymetry, water column properties, ocean surface properties) and retrieval. LDUUV INP testing 

throughout the study area will include de minimis acoustic sources (modems, imaging sonars and 

fathometers) for safe navigation and data collection.

Typical 

Components

Platforms: Unmanned underwater vehicles

Targets: Sub-surface targets

Systems being Trained/Tested: Undersea vehicles, environmental data collection systems

Standard 

Operating 

Procedures

(Section 

2.3.3)

Vessel safety

Unmanned aerial, surface, 

and subsurface vehicle

safety

Typical Locations

Range Complexes/Testing Ranges:

Gulf of Mexico 

Jacksonville 

Navy Cherry Point 

Northeast

Virginia Capes

Inland Waters/Pierside:

None

Stressors to 

Biological 

Resources

Acoustic: 

Vessel noise

Explosives:

None

Physical Disturbance and Strike: 

Vessels and in-water devices

Ingestion: 

None

Energy:

None

Entanglement:

None

Stressors to 

Physical 

Resources

Air Quality:

Criteria air pollutants

Habitats:

Physical disturbance and strike – military 

expended material

Sediments and Water Quality:

None

Stressors to 

Human 

Resources

Cultural Resources: 

Physical disturbance and 

strike

Socioeconomic Resources: 

Accessibility

Physical disturbance and strike

Public Health and Safety: 

Physical interactions

Military 

Expended 

Material

Ingestible Material:

None

Non-Ingestible Material:

Stationary artificial targets

Military 

Recoverable 

Material

None

Sonar and 

Other 

Transducer 

Bins

None

In-Water 

Explosive 

Bins

None

Procedural 

Mitigation 

Measures

Physical Disturbance and Strike: (Section 5.3.4)

Vessel movement
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Appendix A Navy Activity Descriptions

Acoustic and Oceanographic Science and Technology

Large Displacement Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Testing

Assumptions 

Used for 

Analysis

Any acoustic sources used during this activity would be de minimis and not quantitatively analyzed 

and therefore are not included under systems.
Atlantic Fleet 

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Appendix B Activity Stressor Matrices

APPENDIX B

Activity Stressor Matrices 
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Appendix B Activity Stressor Matrices

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Table of Contents

Draft 

Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement 

Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

APPENDIX B ACTIVITY STRESSOR MATRICES ................................................................. B-1 

List of Figures 

This section does not contain figures. 

List of Tables 

Table B-1: Stressors by Training Activity .................................................................................................... B-1

Table B-2: Stressors by Testing Activity ..................................................................................................... B-7

Table B-3: Stressors by Resource ............................................................................................................. B-13
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Table of Contents

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B-1 

Appendix B Activity Stressor Matrices

Table B-1: Stressors by Training Activity

Atlantic Fleet 

Training Activity

Biological Resources Physical Resources Human Resources

3

Acoustic Stressors

Explosive 

Stressors

Energy 

Stressors

Physical Disturbance and 

Strike Stressors

Entanglement 

Stressors

Ingestion 

Stressors

Air 

Quality 

Stressors

Sediment Water Quality 

Stressors

Cultural 

Resource 

Stressors

Socioeconomic 

Stressors

Public Health 

& Safety 

Stressors

Sonar & Other TransducersPile DrivingVessel NoiseAircraft NoiseWeapons NoiseExplosions in AirExplosions in WaterIn-Air Electromagnetic DevicesIn-Water ElectromagneticDevicesHigh-Energy LasersVessel & In-water Device StrikeAircraft & Aerial TargetStrikeMilitary Expended MaterialSeafloor DevicesWires & CablesDecelerators / ParachutesBiodegradable Polymer

1

Military Expended Materials – MunitionsMilitary Expended Materials – Other than MunitionsCriteria Air PollutantsExplosivesMetalsChemicalsOther Materials

2

Explosives

4

Physical Disturbance

&

Strikes

5

Accessibility 

6

Airborne Acoustics 

7

Physical Disturbance andStrikes

5

Underwater Energy 

8

In-Air Energy 

9

Physical Interactions 10

MAJOR TRAINING EXERCISES – LARGE INTEGRATED ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE

Composite Training Unit Exercise              

MAJOR TRAINING EXERCISES – MEDIUM INTEGRATED ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE

Fleet Exercise / Sustainment 

Exercise

             

INTEGRATED/COORDINATED TRAINING – SMALL INTEGRATED ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE TRAINING

Navy Undersea Warfare Training 

Assessment Course

             

Surface Warfare Advanced 

Tactical Training

             

INTEGRATED/COORDINATED TRAINING – MEDIUM COORDINATED ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE TRAINING

Tactical Development Exercise              

INTEGRATED/COORDINATED TRAINING – SMALL COORDINATED ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE TRAINING

Amphibious Ready Group Marine 

Expeditionary Unit Exercise

             

Group Sail              

AIR WARFARE

Air Combat Maneuver          

Air Defense Exercise            

Gunnery Exercise Air-to-Air –

Medium-Caliber

       

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Air –

Large-Caliber

         

Gunnery Exercise Surface-to-Air –

Medium-Caliber

          
Atlantic Fleet 

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B-2 

Appendix B Activity Stressor Matrices

Table B-1: Stressors by Training Activity (continued)

Atlantic Fleet 

Training Activity

Biological Resources Physical Resources Human Resources

3

Acoustic Stressors

Explosive 

Stressors

Energy 

Stressors

Physical Disturbance and 

Strike Stressors

Entanglement 

Stressors

Ingestion 

Stressors

Air 

Quality 

Stressors

Sediment Water Quality 

Stressors

Cultural 

Resource 

Stressors

Socioeconomic 

Stressors

Public Health 

& Safety 

Stressors

Sonar & Other TransducersPile DrivingVessel NoiseAircraft NoiseWeapons NoiseExplosions in AirExplosions in WaterIn-Air Electromagnetic DevicesIn-Water ElectromagneticDevicesHigh-Energy LasersVessel & In-water DeviceStrikeAircraft & Aerial TargetStrikeMilitary Expended MaterialSeafloor DeviceWires & CablesDecelerators / ParachutesBiodegradable Polymer

1

Military Expended Materials – MunitionsMilitary Expended Materials – Other than MunitionsCriteria Air PollutantsExplosivesMetalsChemicalsOther Materials

2

Explosives

4

Physical Disturbance

&

Strikes 

5

Accessibility 

6

Airborne Acoustics 

7

Physical Disturbance andStrikes

5

Underwater Energy 

8

In-Air Energy 

9

Physical Interactions 10

Missile Exercise Air-to-Air             

Missile Exercise

Man-Portable Air Defense System

                  

Missile Exercise Surface-to-Air               

AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE

Amphibious Assault           

Amphibious Marine Expeditionary 

Unit Integration Exercise

          

Amphibious Raid           

Amphibious Vehicle Maneuvers        

Humanitarian Assistance 

Operations

          

Marine Expeditionary Unit 

Certification Exercise

          

Naval Surface Fire Support 

Exercise – At Sea

        

Naval Surface Fire Support 

Exercise – Land-Based Target

          

ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo 

Exercise – Helicopter

            

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo 

Exercise – Maritime Patrol Aircraft

            

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo 

Exercise – Ship

          
Atlantic Fleet 

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B-3 

Appendix B Activity Stressor Matrices

Table B-1: Stressors by Training Activity (continued)

Atlantic Fleet 

Training Activity

Biological Resources Physical Resources Human Resources

3

Acoustic Stressors

Explosive 

Stressors

Energy 

Stressors

Physical Disturbance and 

Strike Stressors

Entanglement 

Stressors

Ingestion 

Stressors

Air 

Quality 

Stressors

Sediment Water Quality 

Stressors

Cultural 

Resource 

Stressors

Socioeconomic 

Stressors

Public Health 

& Safety 

Stressors

Sonar & Other TransducersPile DrivingVessel NoiseAircraft NoiseWeapons NoiseExplosions in AirExplosions in WaterIn-Air Electromagnetic DevicesIn-Water ElectromagneticDevicesHigh-Energy LasersVessel & In-water DeviceStrikeAircraft & Aerial TargetStrikeMilitary Expended MaterialSeafloor DeviceWires & CablesDecelerators / ParachutesBiodegradable Polymer

1

Military Expended Materials – MunitionsMilitary Expended Materials – Other than MunitionsCriteria Air PollutantsExplosivesMetalsChemicalsOther Materials

2

Explosives

4

Physical Disturbance

&

Strikes 

5

Accessibility 

6

Airborne Acoustics 

7

Physical Disturbance andStrikes

5

Underwater Energy 

8

In-Air Energy 

9

Physical Interactions 10

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo 

Exercise – Submarine

        

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking 

Exercise – Helicopter

            

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking 

Exercise – Maritime Patrol Aircraft

            

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking

Exercise – Ship

           

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking 

Exercise – Submarine

      

ELECTRONIC WARFARE

Counter Targeting Chaff Exercise –

Aircraft

      

Counter Targeting Chaff Exercise –

Ship

      

Counter Targeting Flare Exercise        

Electronic Warfare Operations               

High-Speed anti-Radiation Missile 

Exercise

             

EXPEDITIONARY WARFARE

Dive and Salvage Operations        

Maritime Security OperationsAnti-Swimmer Grenades

            

Personnel Insertion/Extraction –

Air

       

Personnel Insertion/Extraction –

Surface and Subsurface

        
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017 

B-4 

Appendix B Activity Stressor Matrices

Table B-1: Stressors by Training Activity (continued)

Atlantic Fleet 

Training Activity

Biological Resources Physical Resources Human Resources

3

Acoustic Stressors

Explosive 

Stressors

Energy 

Stressors

Physical Disturbance and 

Strike Stressors

Entanglement 

Stressors

Ingestion 

Stressors

Air 

Quality 

Stressors

Sediment Water Quality 

Stressors

Cultural 

Resource 

Stressors

Socioeconomic 

Stressors

Public Health 

& Safety 

Stressors

Sonar & Other TransducersPile DrivingVessel NoiseAircraft NoiseWeapons NoiseExplosions in AirExplosions in WaterIn-Air Electromagnetic DevicesIn-Water ElectromagneticDevicesHigh-Energy LasersVessel & In-water DeviceStrikeAircraft & Aerial TargetStrikeMilitary Expended MaterialSeafloor DeviceWires & CablesDecelerators / ParachutesBiodegradable Polymer

1

Military Expended Materials – MunitionsMilitary Expended Materials – Other than MunitionsCriteria Air PollutantsExplosivesMetalsChemicalsOther Materials

2

Explosives

4

Physical Disturbance

&

Strikes 

5

Accessibility 

6

Airborne Acoustics 

7

Physical Disturbance andStrikes

5

Underwater Energy 

8

In-Air Energy 

9

Physical Interactions 10

Personnel Insertion/Extraction 

Training – Swimmer/Diver

   

Underwater Construction Team 

Training

      

MINE WARFARE

Airborne Mine Countermeasure –

Mine Detection

              

Airborne Mine Countermeasure –

Towed Mine Neutralization

           

Civilian Port Defense – Homeland 

Security Anti-Terrorism/Force 

Protection Exercise

                      

Coordinated Unit Level Helicopter 

Airborne Mine Countermeasure 

Exercises

              

Mine Countermeasures – Mine 

Neutralization – Remotely 

Operated Vehicles

                     

Mine Countermeasure Exercise –

Ship Sonar



                  

Mine Laying         

Mine Neutralization – Explosive 

Ordnance Disposal

                 

Underwater Mine 

Countermeasures Raise, Town, 

Beach, and Exploitation 

Operations

       

SURFACE WARFARE

Bombing Exercise (Air-to-Surface)             
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017 

B-5 

Appendix B Activity Stressor Matrices

Table B-1: Stressors by Training Activity (continued)

Atlantic Fleet 

Training Activity

Biological Resources Physical Resources Human Resources

3

Acoustic Stressors

Explosive 

Stressors

Energy 

Stressors

Physical Disturbance and 

Strike Stressors

Entanglement 

Stressors

Ingestion 

Stressors

Air 

Quality 

Stressors

Sediment Water Quality 

Stressors

Cultural 

Resource 

Stressors

Socioeconomic 

Stressors

Public Health 

& Safety 

Stressors

Sonar & Other TransducersPile DrivingVessel NoiseAircraft NoiseWeapons NoiseExplosions in AirExplosions in WaterIn-Air Electromagnetic DevicesIn-Water ElectromagneticDevicesHigh-Energy LasersVessel & In-water DeviceStrikeAircraft & Aerial TargetStrikeMilitary Expended MaterialSeafloor DeviceWires & CablesDecelerators / ParachutesBiodegradable Polymer

1

Military Expended Materials – MunitionsMilitary Expended Materials – Other than MunitionsCriteria Air PollutantsExplosivesMetalsChemicalsOther Materials

2

Explosives

4

Physical Disturbance

&

Strikes 

5

Accessibility 

6

Airborne Acoustics 

7

Physical Disturbance andStrikes

5

Underwater Energy 

8

In-Air Energy 

9

Physical Interactions 10

Fast Attack Craft & Fast Inshore 

Attack Craft

              

Gunnery Exercise Air-to-Surface –

Medium-Caliber

          

Gunnery Exercise Air-to-Surface –

Small-Caliber

                

Gunnery Exercise Surface-toSurface Boat – Medium-Caliber

                 

Gunnery Exercise Surface-toSurface Boat – Small-Caliber

             

Gunnery Exercise Surface-toSurface Ship –Large Caliber

           

Gunnery Exercise Surface-toSurface Ship – Medium

                 

Gunnery Exercise Surface-toSurface Ship – Small-Caliber

             

Integrated Live Fire              

Laser Targeting - Aircraft       

Laser Targeting – Ship         

Maritime Security Operations          

Missile Exercise Air-to-Surface              

Missile Exercise Air-to-Surface 

Rocket

              

Missile Exercise Surface-to-Surface            
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017 

B-6 

Appendix B Activity Stressor Matrices

Table B-1: Stressors by Training Activity (continued)

Atlantic Fleet 

Training Activity

Biological Resources Physical Resources Human Resources

3

Acoustic Stressors

Explosive 

Stressors

Energy 

Stressors

Physical Disturbance and 

Strike Stressors

Entanglement 

Stressors

Ingestion 

Stressors

Air 

Quality 

Stressors

Sediment Water Quality 

Stressors

Cultural 

Resource 

Stressors

Socioeconomic 

Stressors

Public Health 

& Safety 

Stressors

Sonar & Other TransducersPile DrivingVessel NoiseAircraft NoiseWeapons NoiseExplosions in AirExplosions in WaterIn-Air Electromagnetic DevicesIn-Water ElectromagneticDevicesHigh-Energy LasersVessel & In-water DeviceStrikeAircraft & Aerial TargetStrikeMilitary Expended MaterialSeafloor DeviceWires & CablesDecelerators / ParachutesBiodegradable Polymer

1

Military Expended Materials – MunitionsMilitary Expended Materials – Other than MunitionsCriteria Air PollutantsExplosivesMetalsChemicalsOther Materials

2

Explosives

4

Physical Disturbance

&

Strikes 

5

Accessibility 

6

Airborne Acoustics 

7

Physical Disturbance andStrikes

5

Underwater Energy 

8

In-Air Energy 

9

Physical Interactions 10

Sinking Exercise                          

OTHER TRAINING EXERCISES

Elevated Causeway System          

Precision Anchoring          

Search and Rescue                

Submarine Navigation     

Submarine Sonar Maintenance 

and System Checks

   

Submarine Under Ice Certification   

Surface Ship Object Detection            

Surface Ship Sonar Maintenance 

and Systems Checks

     

Waterborne Training        

1

 Testing Activities Only 

2

 Other Materials include marine markers and flares, chaff, towed and stationary targets, and miscellaneous components of other expended objects

3

 Area of interest is U.S. Territorial Waters (seaward of the mean high water line to 12 nautical miles and any inshore waters) 

4 Vibration and shock waves from underwater explosions. 

5 Physical disturbance and strike stressors resulting from in-water devices, military expended materials, seafloor devices, pile driving, and vibration from sonic booms in U.S. territorial waters (seaward of the mean high water line to 12 nautical miles).

6

 Availability of access on the ocean and in the air 

7

 Loud Noises from weapons firing, in-air explosions, and sonic booms 

8

 Active sonar, underwater explosions, air guns, vessel movements, mine warfare training devices, and unmanned underwater systems 

9

 Sources or electromagnetic energy and lasers 

10 Interaction of Navy or Marine Corps aircraft, vessels, and equipment with general public 

Note: A check indicates events that take place for Alternative 1 and Alternative 2. 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017 

B-7 

Appendix B Activity Stressor Matrices

Table B-2: Stressors by Testing Activity

Atlantic Fleet 

Training Activity

Biological Resources Physical Resources Human Resources

3

Acoustic Stressors

Explosive 

Stressors

Energy 

Stressors

Physical Disturbance and 

Strike Stressors

Entanglement 

Stressors

Ingestion 

Stressors

Air 

Quality 

Stressors

Sediment Water Quality 

Stressors

Cultural 

Resource 

Stressors

Socioeconomic 

Stressors

Public Health 

& Safety 

Stressors

Sonar & Other TransducersPile DrivingVessel NoiseAircraft NoiseWeapons NoiseExplosions in AirExplosions in WaterIn-Air Electromagnetic DevicesIn-Water ElectromagneticDevicesHigh-Energy LasersVessel & In-water Device StrikeAircraft & Aerial TargetStrikeMilitary Expended MaterialSeafloor DeviceWires & CablesDecelerators / ParachutesBiodegradable Polymer

1

Military Expended Materials – MunitionsMilitary Expended Materials – Other than MunitionsCriteria Air PollutantsExplosivesMetalsChemicalsOther Materials

2

Explosives

4

Physical Disturbance

&

Strikes 

5

Accessibility 

6

Airborne Acoustics 

7

Physical Disturbance 

&

Strikes

5

Underwater Energy 

8

In-Air Energy 

9

Physical Interactions 10

AIR WARFARE

Air Combat Maneuver Test             

Air Platform-Vehicle Test              

Air Platform Weapons Integration 

Test

            

Air to Air Weapons System Test            

Air to Air Gunnery Test –

Medium-Caliber

       

Air to Air Missile Test             

Intelligence, Surveillance, and 

Reconnaissance Test

        

Anti-Submarine Warfare Torpedo 

Test

                     

Anti-Submarine Tracking Test –

Helicopter

                      

Anti-Submarine Warfare Tracking 

Test – Maritime Patrol Aircraft

                     

Kilo Dip           

Sonobuoy Lot Acceptance Test                        
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017 

B-8 

Appendix B Activity Stressor Matrices

Table B-2: Stressors by Testing Activity (continued)

Atlantic Fleet 

Training Activity

Biological Resources Physical Resources Human Resources

3

Acoustic Stressors

Explosive 

Stressors

Energy 

Stressors

Physical Disturbance and 

Strike Stressors

Entanglement 

Stressors

Ingestion 

Stressors

Air 

Quality 

Stressors

Sediment Water Quality 

Stressors

Cultural 

Resource 

Stressors

Socioeconomic 

Stressors

Public Health 

& Safety 

Stressors

Sonar & Other TransducersPile DrivingVessel NoiseAircraft NoiseWeapons NoiseExplosions in AirExplosions in WaterIn-Air Electromagnetic DevicesIn-Water ElectromagneticDevicesHigh-Energy LasersVessel & In-water DeviceStrikeAircraft & Aerial Target

Strike

Military Expended MaterialSeafloor DeviceWires & CablesDecelerators / ParachutesBiodegradable Polymer

1

Military Expended Materials – MunitionsMilitary Expended Materials – Other than MunitionsCriteria Air PollutantsExplosivesMetalsChemicalsOther Materials

2

Explosives

4

Physical Disturbance & Strikes

5

Accessibility 

6

Airborne Acoustics 

7

Physical Disturbance & Strikes

5

Underwater Energy 

8

In-Air Energy 

9

Physical Interactions 10

ELECTRONIC WARFARE

Chaff Test              

Radar and Other System Testing                  

Electronic System Evaluation        

Flare Test            

ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE

Anti-Submarine Warfare Mission 

Package Testing

                   

At-Sea Sonar Testing              

Countermeasure Testing              

Pierside Sonar Testing  

Submarine Sonar 

Testing/Maintenance

 

Surface Ship Sonar 

Testing/Maintenance

      

Torpedo (Explosive) Testing                       

Torpedo (Non-Explosive Testing)                 

MINE WARFARE

Airborne Dipping Sonar 

Minehunting Test

         
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017 

B-9 

Appendix B Activity Stressor Matrices

Table B-2: Stressors by Testing Activity (continued)

Atlantic Fleet 

Training Activity

Biological Resources Physical Resources Human Resources

3

Acoustic Stressors

Explosive 

Stressors

Energy 

Stressors

Physical Disturbance and 

Strike Stressors

Entanglement 

Stressors

Ingestion 

Stressors

Air 

Quality 

Stressors

Sediment Water Quality 

Stressors

Cultural 

Resource 

Stressors

Socioeconomic 

Stressors

Public Health 

& Safety 

Stressors

Sonar & Other TransducersPile DrivingVessel NoiseAircraft NoiseWeapons NoiseExplosions in AirExplosions in WaterIn-Air Electromagnetic DevicesIn-Water ElectromagneticDevicesHigh-Energy LasersVessel & In-water DeviceStrikeAircraft & Aerial Target

Strike

Military Expended MaterialSeafloor DeviceWires & CablesDecelerators / ParachutesBiodegradable Polymer

1

Military Expended Materials – MunitionsMilitary Expended Materials – Other than MunitionsCriteria Air PollutantsExplosivesMetalsChemicalsOther Materials

2

Explosives

4

Physical Disturbance & Strikes

5

Accessibility 

6

Airborne Acoustics 

7

Physical Disturbance & Strikes

5

Underwater Energy 

8

In-Air Energy 

9

Physical Interactions 10

Airborne Laser Based Mine 

Detection System Test

        

Airborne Mine Neutralization 

System Test

                      

Airborne Sonobuoy Minehunting 

Test

                 

Mine Laying Test            

Mine Countermeasure and 

Neutralization Testing

                     

Mine Countermeasure Mission 

Package Testing

                     

Mine Detection and Classification 

Testing

              

SURFACE WARFARE

Air-to-Surface Bombing Test                  

Air-to-Surface Gunnery Test                   

Air-to-Surface Missile Test                     

High Energy Laser Weapons Test                

Laser Targeting Test             

Rocket Test                   

Gun Testing – Large-Caliber                   
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017 

B-10

Appendix B Activity Stressor Matrices

Table B-2: Stressors by Testing Activity (continued)

Atlantic Fleet 

Training Activity

Biological Resources Physical Resources Human Resources

3

Acoustic Stressors

Explosive 

Stressors

Energy 

Stressors

Physical Disturbance and 

Strike Stressors

Entanglement 

Stressors

Ingestion 

Stressors

Air 

Quality 

Stressors

Sediment Water Quality 

Stressors

Cultural 

Resource 

Stressors

Socioeconomic 

Stressors

Public Health 

& Safety 

Stressors

Sonar & Other TransducersPile DrivingVessel NoiseAircraft NoiseWeapons NoiseExplosions in AirExplosions in WaterIn-Air Electromagnetic DevicesIn-Water ElectromagneticDevicesHigh-Energy LasersVessel & In-water DeviceStrikeAircraft & Aerial Target

Strike

Military Expended MaterialSeafloor DeviceWires & CablesDecelerators / ParachutesBiodegradable Polymer

1

Military Expended Materials – MunitionsMilitary Expended Materials – Other than MunitionsCriteria Air PollutantsExplosivesMetalsChemicalsOther Materials

2

Explosives

4

Physical Disturbance & Strikes

5

Accessibility 

6

Airborne Acoustics 

7

Physical Disturbance & Strikes

5

Underwater Energy 

8

In-Air Energy 

9

Physical Interactions 10

Gun Testing – Medium-Caliber                   

Gun Testing – Small-Caliber                

Kinetic Energy Weapon Testing                 

Missile and Rocket Testing                     

UNMANNED SYSTEMS

Underwater Search, Deployment, 

and Recovery

      

Unmanned Aerial System Testing           

Unmanned Surface Vehicle 

System Testing

       

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle 

Testing

                 

VESSEL EVALUATION

Aircraft Carrier Sea Trials –

Propulsion Testing

     

Air Defense Testing              

Hydrodynamic and 

Maneuverability Testing

    

In-Port Maintenance Testing 

Large Ship Shock Trial           

Propulsion Testing       
Atlantic Fleet 

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Appendix B Activity Stressor Matrices

Table B-2: Stressors by Testing Activity (continued)

Atlantic Fleet 

Training Activity

Biological Resources Physical Resources Human Resources

3

Acoustic Stressors

Explosive 

Stressors

Energy 

Stressors

Physical Disturbance and 

Strike Stressors

Entanglement 

Stressors

Ingestion 

Stressors

Air 

Quality 

Stressors

Sediment Water Quality 

Stressors

Cultural 

Resource 

Stressors

Socioeconomic 

Stressors

Public Health 

& Safety 

Stressors

Sonar & Other TransducersPile DrivingVessel NoiseAircraft NoiseWeapons NoiseExplosions in AirExplosions in WaterIn-Air Electromagnetic DevicesIn-Water ElectromagneticDevicesHigh-Energy LasersVessel & In-water DeviceStrikeAircraft & Aerial Target

Strike

Military Expended MaterialSeafloor DeviceWires & CablesDecelerators / ParachutesBiodegradable Polymer

1

Military Expended Materials – MunitionsMilitary Expended Materials – Other than MunitionsCriteria Air PollutantsExplosivesMetalsChemicalsOther Materials

2

Explosives

4

Physical Disturbance & Strikes

5

Accessibility 

6

Airborne Acoustics 

7

Physical Disturbance & Strikes

5

Underwater Energy 

8

In-Air Energy 

9

Physical Interactions 10

Small Ship Shock Trial            

Submarine Sea Trials - 

Propulsion Testing

  

Submarine Sea Trials - Weapons 

Testing

          

Surface Warfare Testing                       

Total Ship Survivability Trails       

Undersea Warfare Testing               

Vessel Signature Evaluation          

OTHER TESTING ACTIVITIES

Acoustic and Oceanographic 

Research (NAVAIR)

           

Acoustic and Oceanographic 

Research (ONR)

                          

Air Platform Shipboard Integrate 

Test

       

Signature Analysis Operations       

Maritime Security            

Shipboard Electronic Systems 

Evaluation

         

Undersea Range System Test   
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Appendix B Activity Stressor Matrices

Table B-2: Stressors by Testing Activity (continued)

Atlantic Fleet 

Training Activity

Biological Resources Physical Resources Human Resources

3

Acoustic Stressors

Explosive 

Stressors

Energy 

Stressors

Physical Disturbance and 

Strike Stressors

Entanglement 

Stressors

Ingestion 

Stressors

Air 

Quality 

Stressors

Sediment Water Quality 

Stressors

Cultural 

Resource 

Stressors

Socioeconomic 

Stressors

Public Health 

& Safety 

Stressors

Sonar & Other TransducersPile DrivingVessel NoiseAircraft NoiseWeapons NoiseExplosions in AirExplosions in WaterIn-Air Electromagnetic DevicesIn-Water ElectromagneticDevicesHigh-Energy LasersVessel & In-water DeviceStrikeAircraft & Aerial Target

Strike

Military Expended MaterialSeafloor DeviceWires & CablesDecelerators / ParachutesBiodegradable Polymer

1

Military Expended Materials – MunitionsMilitary Expended Materials – Other than MunitionsCriteria Air PollutantsExplosivesMetalsChemicalsOther Materials

2

Explosives

4

Physical Disturbance & Strikes

5

Accessibility 

6

Airborne Acoustics 

7

Physical Disturbance & Strikes

5

Underwater Energy 

8

In-Air Energy 

9

Physical Interactions 10

Acoustic Component Testing          

Chemical and Biological Simulant 

Testing

           

Insertion/Extraction  

Line Charge Testing             

Non-Acoustic Component Testing         

Payload Deployer Testing     

Semi-Stationary Equipment 

Testing

         

Submarine Sea Trials - 

Propulsion Testing

 

Towed Equipment Testing        

Emerging Mine Countermeasure 

Technology Research

          

Large Displacement Unmanned 

Underwater Vehicle Testing

      

1

 Testing Activities Only 

2

 Other Materials include marine markers and flares, chaff, towed and stationary targets, and miscellaneous components of other expended objects

3

 Area of interest is U.S. Territorial Waters (seaward of the mean high water line to 12 nautical miles and any inshore waters) 

4 Vibration and shock waves from underwater explosions. 

5 Physical disturbance and strike stressors resulting from in-water devices, military expended materials, seafloor devices, pile driving, and vibration from sonic booms in U.S. territorial waters (seaward of the mean high water line to 12 nautical miles).

6

 Availability of access on the ocean and in the air 

7

 Loud Noises from weapons firing, in-air explosions, and sonic booms 

8

 Active sonar, underwater explosions, air guns, vessel movements, mine warfare training devices, and unmanned underwater systems 

9

 Sources or electromagnetic energy and lasers 

10 Interaction of Navy or Marine Corps aircraft, vessels, and equipment with general public 

Note: A check indicates events that take place for Alternative 1 and Alternative 2. 
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Appendix B Activity Stressor Matrices

Table B-3: Stressors by Resource

Atlantic Fleet 

Training Activity

Biological Resources Physical Resources Human Resources

3

Acoustic Stressors

Explosive

Stressors

Energy 

Stressors

Physical Disturbance and 

Strike Stressors

Entanglement 

Stressors

Ingestion 

Stressors

Air 

Quality 

Stressors

Sediment Water Quality 

Stressors

Cultural 

Resource 

Stressors

Socioeconomic 

Stressors

Public Health 

& Safety 

Stressors

Sonar & Other TransducersPile DrivingVessel NoiseAircraft NoiseWeapons NoiseExplosions in AirExplosions in WaterIn-Air Electromagnetic DevicesIn-Water ElectromagneticDevicesHigh-Energy LasersVessel & In-water DeviceStrikeAircraft & Aerial TargetStrikeMilitary Expended MaterialSeafloor DeviceWires & CablesDecelerators / ParachutesBiodegradable Polymer

1

Military Expended Materials – MunitionsMilitary Expended Materials – Other than MunitionsCriteria Air PollutantsExplosivesMetalsChemicalsOther Materials

2

Explosives

4

Physical Disturbance

&

Strikes

5

Accessibility 

6

Airborne Acoustics 

7

Physical Disturbance 

&

Strikes

5

Underwater Energy 

8

In-Air Energy 

9

Physical Interactions 10

Physical

Air Quality 

Sediments and Water 

Quality

   

Biological

Vegetation        

Invertebrates                  

Habitats     

Fishes                  

Marine Mammals                     

Reptiles                     

Birds and Bats             

Human

Cultural Resources      

Socioeconomic                  

Public Health and Safety            

1

 Testing Activities Only 

2

 Other Materials include marine markers and flares, chaff, towed and stationary targets, and miscellaneous components of other expended 

objects

3

 Area of interest is U.S. Territorial Waters (seaward of the mean high water line to 12 nautical miles and any inshore waters) 

4 Vibration and shock waves from underwater explosions. 

5 Physical disturbance and strike stressors resulting from in-water devices, military expended materials, seafloor devices, pile driving, and 

vibration from sonic booms in U.S. territorial waters (seaward of the mean high water line to 12 nautical miles).

6

 Availability of access on the ocean and in the air 

7

 Loud Noises from weapons firing, in-air explosions, and sonic booms 

8

 Active sonar, underwater explosions, air guns, vessel movements, mine warfare training devices, and unmanned underwater systems

9

 Sources or electromagnetic energy and lasers 

10 Interaction of Navy or Marine Corps aircraft, vessels, and equipment with general public 

Note: A check indicates the stressors can impact the resource. 
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Appendix B Activity Stressor Matrices

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Appendix C Air Quality Emissions Calculations and Record of Non-Applicability

APPENDIX C

Air Quality Emissions Calculations and Record of NonApplicability 
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APPENDIX C AIR QUALITY EMISSIONS CALCULATIONS AND RECORD OF NONAPPLICABILITY _________________________________________________ C-1

C.1 Air Quality Example Calculations ..................................................................... C-1

C.1.1 Surface Activities Emissions ................................................................................... C-1

C.1.2 Air Activities Emissions .......................................................................................... C-2

C.1.3 Ordnance and Munitions Emissions ...................................................................... C-2

C.1.4 Record of Non-Applicability ................................................................................... C-2

C.1.5 Emissions Estimates Spreadsheets ........................................................................ C-3

C.2 Record of Non-Applicability for Clean Air Act Conformity .............................. C-35

List of Figures 

This section does not contain figures. 

List of Tables 

This section does not contain tables. 
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Appendix C Air Quality Emissions Calculations and Record of Non-Applicability

APPENDIX C AIR QUALITY EMISSIONS CALCULATIONS 

AND RECORD OF NON-APPLICABILITY 

This appendix discusses emission factor development and calculations including assumptions employed 

in the analyses presented in the Air Quality section of Chapter 3 (Section 3.1). 

C.1 AIR QUALITY EXAMPLE CALCULATIONS

C.1.1 SURFACE ACTIVITIES EMISSIONS

Surface activities consist of activities associated with boat and vessel traffic. Fleet training activities 

incorporate a variety of marine vessels including cruisers, destroyers, frigates, carriers, riverine vessels, 

and rigid hull inflatable boats. Larger vessels also have generators operating onboard to provide 

electricity for non-propulsion functions. Each of these vessels incorporates different propulsion methods 

such as marine outboard engines, diesel engines, and gas turbines. Calculations are based on the 

combustion of fossil fuels (primarily diesel) in these engines and the time they run. 

C.1.1.1.1 Marine Outboard Engines 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has published emissions factors for air pollutants 

produced by several types of two-stroke and four-stroke outboard engines. These engines are operated 

on a variety of small boats and vessels involved in nearshore training and testing activities. Emission 

factors were obtained from USEPA NONROAD documentation for Compression Ignition and Spark 

Ignition engines. 

Emissions estimates for surface craft utilizing outboard engines were calculated using USEPA NONROAD 

factors multiplied by the engine horsepower and hours of operation. 

Emissions = HP×HR/YR×EF×ENG 

Where: 

Emissions = Surface craft Emissions (pound per year) 

HP = Horsepower (reflective of a particular load factor/engine power 

setting) 

HR/YR = Hours per year 

EF = Emission factor for specific engine type ENG = Number of engine 

To determine the entire project emissions, a calculation was conducted for each surface vessel type and 

for each pollutant and converted to tons, then compared to the baseline Study Area emissions. The 

baseline is defined as the training and testing identified as the Preferred Alternative in the Atlantic Fleet 

Forces Training and Testing Final Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact 

Statement released in August 2013.These values were summed according to the appropriate pollutant 

to provide the cumulative emissions associated with surface vessel emissions activities. 

C.1.1.1.2 Diesel Engines 

Large vessel emissions were calculated in a similar fashion using emission factors from the Naval Sea 

Systems Command Navy and Military Sealift Command Marine Engine Fuel Consumption and Emission 

Calculator for the propulsion system and the supplemental ship service generator(s). 

Diesel engine emission factors were multiplied by the engine horsepower and annual hours of operation 

to calculate the pounds of pollutant emissions per year. This value was then converted to a tons per year 

value for comparison with the Study Area total summed emissions on an individual pollutant basis. 
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Appendix C Air Quality Emissions Calculations and Record of Non-Applicability

C.1.2 AIR ACTIVITIES EMISSIONS

Fleet training and Naval Air Systems Command testing consists of various activities associated with 

airplanes or helicopters. Aircraft activities of concern are those that occur from ground level up to 3,000 

feet (ft.) above ground level. The 3,000 ft. above ground level ceiling is the default atmospheric mixing 

height above which any pollutant generated would not contribute to increased pollutant concentrations 

at ground level (known as the mixing zone). All pollutant emissions from aircraft generated greater than 

3,000 ft. (914 m) above ground level are excluded from this analysis. The pollutant emission rate is a 

function of the engine’s operating mode, the fuel flow rate, and the engine’s overall efficiency. 

Emissions for one complete flight for a particular aircraft are calculated by knowing the specific engine 

pollutant emission factors for each mode of operation. 

For this EIS/OEIS, emission factors for most military engines were obtained from Navy's Aircraft 

Environmental Support Office (AESO) memoranda. For those aircraft for which engine data from AESO 

was unavailable, applicable data from other reputable data sources was used. Emissions factors vary 

depending on engine power mode, time in each mode, and fuel flow. Using these data, as well as 

information on hours of cruise time and number of landing/takeoff activities on a vessel, pollutant 

emissions for each aircraft and activity were calculated by applying the equation below. 

Emissions = TIM×FF×EF×ENG×CF 

Where: 

Emissions = Aircraft Emissions (lb. per activity) (for EF in lb./1000 gallon 

fuel) TIM = Time-in-mode at a specified power setting (hr/activity). 

FF = Fuel flow at a specified power setting (gallons/hr/engine) 

EF = Emission factor for specific engine type and power setting (lb./1000 

gallons of fuel used) ENG = Number of engines on aircraft 

As the equation indicates, emissions were estimated by first calculating total fuel used in each of the 

different modes with the appropriate emission factor. 

C.1.3 ORDNANCE AND MUNITIONS EMISSIONS

Available emissions factors (AP-42, Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors) were utilized. These 

factors were then multiplied by the net weight of the explosive (or a conversion factor for pounds per 

item) and the number of times that the munition was used during a designated time frame. This 

calculation provided annual pounds per year of emissions, which were converted to tons per year for 

comparison purposes. 

Emissions = EXP/YR×EF 

Where: 

Emissions = Ordnance Emissions (lb. per year) 

EXP/YR = Explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics used per year EF = 

Emissions factor 

C.1.4 RECORD OF NON-APPLICABILITY

A Record of Non-Applicability For Clean Air Act Conformity has been prepared in accordance with the 

Navy Guidance for Compliance with the Clean Air Act General Conformity Rule (30 July 2013) and is 

included on the following page. 
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Appendix C Air Quality Emissions Calculations and Record of Non-Applicability

C.1.5 EMISSIONS ESTIMATES SPREADSHEETS

The following spreadsheets (Tabs A - P) contain data used for the emissions calculations for vessels, 

aircraft, and munitions, respectively. 
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C.2 RECORD OF NON-APPLICABILITY FOR CLEAN AIR ACT CONFORMITY 

The proposed action falls under the Record of Non‐Applicability (RONA) category and is documented

with this RONA.

Proposed Action.  

Action Proponent:    US Navy, Fleet Forces

Location:     Jacksonville, FL and surrounding area

Proposed Action Name:   Atlantic Fleet Testing and Training

Proposed Action & Emissions Summary:

The action involves operation of military aircraft, vessels, and small boats in order to achieve requisite

training and testing requirements. Small boats and vessels would be operational in the riverine

environment in the Jacksonville Florida locality. These nearshore activities generate emissions primarily

through fossil fuel combustion from engine operation. Part of Nassau County, which is adjacent to

Jacksonville, is nonattainment for sulfur dioxide. As a result, proposed action emissions were evaluated

to assess compliance with the General Conformity Rule de minimis thresholds. Table C.C.2‐1 provides a

summary of the evaluation.

Table C.C.2‐1: Proposed Action Sulfur Dioxide Emissions Compared to  

General Conformity Rule de Minimis Thresholds

Annual Emissions SO2

Alternative 1 11.39

Baseline 10.50

Net Change 0.89

de minimis thresholds 100

Potential Exceedance No

Alternative 2 12.58

Baseline 10.50

Net Change 2.08

de minimis thresholds 100

Potential Exceedance No

Included with this RONA is a summary of the calculations and data used. The U.S. Navy concludes that

de minimis thresholds for sulfur dioxide would not be exceeded as a result of implementation of the

proposed action. Formal Conformity Determination procedures are not required, resulting in this RONA.

The emissions data supporting that conclusion is shown in Table C.C.2‐1, which is a summary of the

calculations, methodology, and data attached to this RONA.  

Affected Air Basin(s): Jacksonville (Florida)‐Brunswick (Georgia) Interstate Air Quality Control Region

Date RONA prepared:

RONA prepared by:

RONA Approval:

Signature: ____________________________________________________

Name/Rank: __________________________________  Date: _____________

Position: _____________________________________________________
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Appendix D Acoustic and Explosive Concepts

APPENDIX D

Acoustic and Explosive Concepts

   
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APPENDIX D ACOUSTIC AND EXPLOSIVE CONCEPTS .................................................................... D-1

D.1 Terminology ............................................................................................................. D-1

D.1.1 Sound .................................................................................................................... D-1

D.1.2 Signal versus Noise ................................................................................................ D-1

D.1.3 Frequency and Wavelength .................................................................................. D-2

D.1.4 Sound Amplitude .................................................................................................. D-2

D.1.5 Impulsive versus Non-Impulsive Sounds............................................................... D-3

D.1.6 Acoustic Impedance .............................................................................................. D-3

D.1.7 Duty Cycle ............................................................................................................. D-3

D.1.8 Resonance ............................................................................................................. D-3

D.2 Sound Metrics .......................................................................................................... D-4

D.2.1 Pressure ................................................................................................................ D-4

D.2.2 Sound Pressure Level ............................................................................................ D-4

D.2.3 Sound Exposure Level ........................................................................................... D-5

D.2.4 Particle Motion ..................................................................................................... D-7

D.2.5 Impulse .................................................................................................................. D-7

D.3 Predicting How Sound Travels ................................................................................... D-7

D.3.1 Speed of Sound ..................................................................................................... D-8

D.3.2 Source Directivity .................................................................................................. D-9

D.3.3 Sound Attenuation ................................................................................................ D-9

D.3.3.1 Geometrical Spreading Loss ............................................................... D-10

D.3.3.2 Absorption .......................................................................................... D-11

D.3.3.3 Refraction ........................................................................................... D-11

D.3.3.4 Reflection and Multipath Propagation ............................................... D-12

D.3.3.5 Diffraction, Scattering, and Reverberation ......................................... D-13

D.3.3.6 Surface and Bottom Effects ................................................................ D-13

D.3.3.7 Air-Water Interface ............................................................................. D-14

D.4 Auditory Perception ................................................................................................ D-15

D.5 Explosives ............................................................................................................... D-17

D.5.1 Explosions in Air .................................................................................................. D-18

D.5.1.1 Fragmentation .................................................................................... D-19

D.5.2 Explosions in Water ............................................................................................ D-19
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List of Figures 

Figure D-1: Various Sound Pressure Metrics for a Hypothetical (a) Pure Tone (NonImpulsive) and (b) Impulsive Sound ..................................................................................... D-4

Figure D-2: Summation of Acoustic Energy from a Hypothetical, Intermittently Pinging, 

Stationary Sound Source ...................................................................................................... D-6

Figure D-3: Cumulative Sound Exposure Level under Realistic Conditions with a Moving, 

Intermittently Pinging Sound Source ................................................................................... D-7

Figure D-4: Sound Velocity Profile (Sound Speed) Is Related to Temperature, Salinity, and 

Hydrostatic Pressure of Seawater ....................................................................................... D-9

Figure D-5: Graphical Representation of the Inverse Square Relationship in Spherical 

Spreading ........................................................................................................................... D-10

Figure D-6: Sound Propagation Showing Multipath Propagation and Conditions for Surface 

Duct .................................................................................................................................... D-12

Figure D-7: Characteristics of Sound Transmission Through the Air-Water Interface ........................... D-15

Figure D-8: A-weighting for Human Hearing of Sounds in Air (OSHA). ................................................... D-16

Figure D-9: Impulse Shown as a Function of Pressure over Duration at a Specific Location ................. D-18

List of Tables 

This section does not contain tables. 
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APPENDIX D ACOUSTIC AND EXPLOSIVE CONCEPTS 

This section introduces basic principles and terminology for acoustics and explosives to help the reader 

understand the analyses presented in this Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental 

Impact Statement Draft (EIS/OEIS). This section briefly explains the transmission of sound and explosive 

energy; introduces some of the basic mathematical formulas used to describe propagation; and defines 

acoustical terms, abbreviations, and units of measurement. The difference between transmission of 

sound in water and in air is also discussed. Finally, it discusses methods used to analyze what animals 

may hear. 

A number of other sources provide a more extensive background on acoustics and explosives than 

presented in this overview and are recommended for further inquiry. These include, but are not limited 

to: 

 Marine Mammals and Noise (Richardson, Greene, Malme, & Thomson, 1995) for a general 

overview 

 Principles of Underwater Sound (Urick, 1983), Fundamentals of Acoustical Oceanography

(Medwin & Clay, 1998), and Principles of Marine Bioacoustics (Au & Hastings, 2008) for 

comprehensive explanations of underwater acoustics 

D.1 TERMINOLOGY

The following terms are used in this document when discussing sound and the attributes of a sound 

source. 

D.1.1 SOUND

Sound is produced when an elastic medium (such as air or water) is set into motion, typically by a 

vibrating object within the medium. As the object vibrates, its motion is transmitted to adjacent 

“particles” of the medium. The motion of these particles is transmitted to adjacent particles, and so on. 

The result is a mechanical disturbance (the “sound wave”) that moves away from the source and 

propagates at a medium-dependent speed (the “sound speed”). As the sound wave travels through the 

medium, the individual particles of the medium oscillate about their original positions but do not 

actually move with the sound wave. As the particles of the medium move back and forth they create 

small changes about the original values of the medium density, pressure, and temperature. 

Sound may be described by both physical and subjective attributes. Physical attributes, such as sound 

amplitude (Section D.1.4) and frequency (Section D.1.3), may be directly measured. Subjective (or 

sensory) attributes like loudness and pitch depend on an animal’s perception of a sound. Physical 

attributes of a sound at a particular point are usually obtained by measuring pressure changes as sound 

waves pass. 

D.1.2 SIGNAL VERSUS NOISE

When sound is purposely created to convey information, communicate, or obtain information about the 

environment, it is often referred to as a signal. Examples of sounds that could be considered signals are 

sonar pings, marine mammal vocalizations and echolocation clicks, tones used in hearing experiments, 

and small sonobuoy explosions used for submarine detection. 

Noise is undesired sound (American National Standards Institute, 1994). Sounds produced by naval 

aircraft and vessel propulsion are considered noise because they represent possible inefficiencies and 
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increased detectability. Whether a sound is perceived as noise often depends on the receiver (i.e., the 

animal or system that detects the sound). For example, small explosives and sonar used to generate 

sounds that can locate an enemy submarine produce signals that are useful to sailors engaged in antisubmarine warfare, but are assumed to be noise when detected by marine mammals. 

The combination of all sounds at a particular location, whether these sources are located near or far, is 

ambient noise (American National Standards Institute, 1994). Ambient noise includes natural sources, 

such as sound from crashing waves, rain, and animals (e.g., snapping shrimp), and anthropogenic 

sources, such as seismic surveys and vessel noise. 

D.1.3 FREQUENCY AND WAVELENGTH

Frequency is the physical attribute most closely associated with the subjective attribute “pitch”; the 

higher the frequency, the higher the pitch. Frequency is defined by the number of oscillations in the 

sound pressure or particle motion per second. One hertz (Hz) is equal to one oscillation per second, and 

one kilohertz (kHz) is equal to 1,000 oscillations per second. Human hearing generally spans the 

frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The frequency range of a sound is called its bandwidth. 

Pure tones have energy at a constant, single frequency. Complex tones contain energy at multiple, 

discrete frequencies, rather than a single frequency. A harmonic of a sound at a particular frequency is a 

multiple of that frequency (e.g., harmonic frequencies of a 2 kHz tone are 4 kHz, 6 kHz, 8 kHz, etc.). A 

source operating at a nominal frequency may emit several harmonic frequencies, but at lower 

amplitudes. Some sources may also emit subharmonics; however, these are typically many orders of 

magnitude less powerful than at the center frequency. Sounds with large bandwidth (“broadband” 

sounds) have energy spread across many frequencies. 

In this document, sounds are generally described as either low- (less than 1 kHz), mid- (1 kHz–10 kHz), 

high- (10 kHz–100 kHz), or very high- (greater than 100 kHz) frequency. Hearing ranges of marine 

animals (e.g., fish, birds, sea turtles, and marine mammals) are quite varied and are species-dependent. 

For example, some fish can hear sounds below 100 Hz and some species of marine mammals have 

hearing capabilities that extend above 100 kHz. Acoustic impact analyses must therefore focus not only 

on the sound amplitude (i.e., pressure or particle motion, see Section D.1.4), but on the sound 

frequency and the hearing capabilities of the species being considered. 

The wavelength of a sound is the distance between wave peaks. Wavelength decreases as frequency 

increases. The frequency multiplied by the wavelength equals the speed of sound in a medium, as 

shown in this equation: 

Frequency (s-1) x wavelength (m) = sound speed (m/s) 

The approximate speed of sound in sea water is 1500 m/s and in air is 340 m/s, although speed varies 

depending on environmental conditions [e.g., pressure, temperature, and, in the case of sea water, 

salinity; see Section D.3.1 (Speed of Sound)]. 

D.1.4 SOUND AMPLITUDE

Sound amplitude is the physical attribute most closely associated with the subjective attribute loudness. 

Amplitude is related to the amount that the medium particles oscillate about their original positions and 

can be thought of as the “strength” of a sound (as the amplitude increases, the loudness also increases). 

As the sound wave travels, the particles of the medium oscillate but do not actually travel with the 
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wave. The result is a mechanical disturbance (i.e., the sound wave) that propagates away from the 

sound source. 

Sound amplitude is typically characterized by measuring the acoustic pressure or particle motion (see 

Section D.2, Sound Metrics). 

D.1.5 IMPULSIVE VERSUS NON-IMPULSIVE SOUNDS

Although no standard definitions exist, sounds may be broadly categorized as impulsive or nonimpulsive. Impulsive sounds have short durations, rapid rise-times, broad frequency content, and high 

peak sound pressures. Impulsive sounds are often produced by processes involving a rapid release of 

energy or mechanical impacts (Hamernik & Hsueh, 1991). Explosions, air guns, weapon firing, and 

impact pile driving are examples of impulsive sound sources analyzed in this document. In contrast, 

sonars, vessel operation, vibratory pile driving, and underwater transducers lack the characteristics of 

impulsive sources and are thus examples of non-impulsive sound sources. Non-impulsive sounds can be 

essentially continuous, such as machinery noise, or intermittent, such as sonar pings. 

D.1.6 ACOUSTIC IMPEDANCE

Acoustic impedance is a property of the propagation medium (air, water, or tissue) that can be simply 

described as the opposition to flow of a pressure wave. Acoustic impedance is a function of the density 

and speed of sound in a medium. Sound transmits more readily through materials of similar acoustic 

impedance, such as water and animal tissue. When sound waves encounter a medium with different 

acoustic impedance (for example, an air-water interface), they reflect and refract [see Sections D.3.3.3

(Refraction) and D.3.3.4 (Reflection and Multipath Propagation)], creating more complex propagation 

conditions. For example, sound traveling in air (low impedance) encountering the water surface (high 

impedance) will be largely reflected, preventing most sound energy in the air from being transmitted 

into the water. The impedance difference at the tissue-air interface in animals with gas-containing 

organs also makes these areas susceptible to damage when exposed to the shock wave near an 

explosion, since the transmission from high-impedance to low-impedance can result in large motion at 

the boundary. 

D.1.7 DUTY CYCLE

Duty cycle describes the portion of time that a sound source actually generates sound. It is defined as 

the percentage of time during which a sound is generated over a total operational time period. For 

example, if a sonar source produces a one-second ping once every 10 seconds, the duty cycle is 10 

percent. Duty cycles vary among different acoustic sources; in general, a low duty cycle could be 

considered 20 percent or less and a high duty cycle 80 percent or higher. 

D.1.8 RESONANCE

Resonance occurs when an object is vibrated at a frequency near its “natural frequency” or resonant 

frequency. The resonant frequency can be considered the preferred frequency at which an object will 

oscillate at a greater magnitude than when exposed to other frequencies. In this document, resonance is 

considered in relation to the size of an air bubble or air cavity in an animal that is exposed to high 

pressure waves and the potential for injury. The natural frequencies of dolphin and beluga lungs near 

the surface are about 36 Hz and 30 Hz, respectively (Finneran, 2003), the natural frequency of lungs of a 

large whale would be lower, while the natural frequency of small air bubbles would be much higher. 

Resonant frequencies would tend to increase as an animal dives, since the increased water pressure 

would compress an air-filled structure and reduce its size. 
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D.2 SOUND METRICS

The sound metrics described here are used in this document to quantify exposure to a sound or 

explosion. 

D.2.1 PRESSURE

Sound pressure is the incremental variation in a medium’s static pressure as a sound wave travels 

through it. Sound pressure is typically expressed in units of pascals (Pa) (1 Pa = 1 N/m2 = 10 μbar = 

1.45×10-4 psi), although explosive overpressure may also be described in pounds per square inch (psi). 

Various sound pressure metrics are illustrated in Figure D-1 for (a) a non-impulsive sound (a pure tone in 

this illustration) and (b) an impulsive sound. As shown in Figure D-1, the non-impulsive sound has a 

relatively gradual rise in pressure from static pressure (the ambient pressure without the added sound), 

while the impulsive sound has a near-instantaneous rise to a high peak pressure. The peak pressure 

shown on both illustrations is the maximum absolute value of the instantaneous sound pressure during 

a specified time interval (“zero-to-peak” or “peak”), which accounts for the values of peak pressures 

below the static (ambient) pressure (American National Standards Institute, 2013). “Peak-to-peak” 

pressure is the difference between the maximum and minimum sound pressures. The root-mean-square 

(rms) value is often used to describe the average sound pressure level of sounds, and sound pressure 

levels provided in this EIS/OEIS are root-mean-square values unless otherwise specified. As the name 

suggests, this method takes the square root of the average squared sound pressure values over a time 

interval. The duration of this time interval can have a strong effect on the measured rms sound pressure 

for a given sound, especially where pressure levels vary significantly, as during an impulsive sound 

exposure. If the analysis duration includes a significant portion of the waveform after the sound 

pressure has returned to zero, the rms pressure would be relatively low. If the analysis duration includes 

only the highest pressures of the impulsive exposure, the rms value would be comparatively high. For 

this reason, it is important to specify the duration used to calculate the rms pressure for impulsive 

sounds. 

Figure D-1: Various Sound Pressure Metrics for a Hypothetical (a) Pure Tone (Non-Impulsive) and 

(b) Impulsive Sound 

D.2.2 SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL

The most common sound level metric is sound pressure level (SPL). Because many animals can detect 

very large pressure ranges and judge the relative loudness of sounds by the ratio of the sound pressures 

(a logarithmic behavior), sound pressure level (SPL) is described by taking the logarithm of the ratio of 

the sound pressure to a reference pressure. Use of a logarithmic scale compresses the wide range of 

measured pressure values into a more useful scale. 
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Sound pressure levels are normally expressed in decibels (dB). A dB is 1/10 of a bel, a unit of level when 

the logarithm is to the base ten and the quantities concerned are proportional to power (American 

National Standards Institute, 2013). Sound pressure level in dBs is calculated as follows: 

SPL = 20log10

P

Pref

æ

è

ç

ö

ø

÷

where P is the sound pressure and Pref is the reference pressure. Unless stated otherwise, the pressure P 

is the rms value of the pressure (American National Standards Institute, 2013). In some situations, SPL is 

calculated for the peak pressure rather than the rms pressure. On the occasions when rms pressure is 

not used, the pressure metric will be stated (e.g., peak SPL means an SPL calculated using the peak 

pressure rather than the rms pressure). 

When a value is presented in dBs, it is important to also specify the value and units of the reference 

quantity. Normally the numeric value is given, followed by the text “re,” meaning “with reference to,” 

and the numeric value and unit of the reference quantity. For example, a pressure of 1 Pa, expressed in 

dBs with a reference of 1 micropascal (μPa), is written 120 dB re 1 μPa. The standard reference 

pressures are 1 μPa for water and 20 μPa for air. The reference pressure for air, 20 μPa, is the 

approximate lowest threshold of human hearing. It is important to note that because of the differences 

in reference units, the same sound pressures would result in different SPL values for each medium (the 

same sound pressure measured in water and in air would result in a higher SPL in water than in air, since 

the in-air reference is larger). Therefore, sound pressure levels in air and in water should never be 

directly compared. 

D.2.3 SOUND EXPOSURE LEVEL

Sound exposure level (SEL) can be thought of as a composite metric that represents both the SPL of a 

sound and its duration. Individual time-varying noise events (e.g., a series of sonar pings or an impulsive 

sound) have two main characteristics: (1) a sound pressure that changes throughout the event and (2) a 

period of time during which the source is exposed to the sound. SEL can be provided for a single 

exposure (i.e., a single sonar ping or single explosive detonation) or for an entire acoustic event (i.e., 

multiple sonar pings or multiple explosive detonations). Cumulative SEL provides a measure of the net 

exposure of the entire acoustic event, but it does not directly represent the sound level heard at any 

given time. SEL is determined by calculating the dB level of the cumulative sum-of-squared pressures 

over the duration of a sound, with units of dB re 1 micropascal squared seconds (re 1 μPa2-s) for sounds 

in water and dB re (20 micropascal) squared seconds [dB re (20 μPa)2-s] for sounds in air. 

Some rules of thumb for SEL are as follows: 

 The numeric value of SEL is equal to the SPL of a 1-second sound that has the same total 

energy as the exposure event. If the sound duration is 1 second, SPL and SEL have the same 

numeric value (but not the same reference quantities). For example, a 1 second sound with 

an SPL of 100 dB re 1 μPa has a SEL of 100 dB re 1 μPa2-s.

 If the sound duration is constant but the SPL changes, SEL will change by the same number 

of dBs as the SPL. 

 If the SPL is held constant and the duration (T) changes, SEL will change as a function of 

10log10(T):

o 10 log10 (10) = 10, so increasing duration by a factor of 10 raises SEL by 10 dB. 
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o 10 log10 (0.1) = -10, so decreasing duration by a factor of 10 lowers SEL by 10 dB. 

o Since 10 log10 (2) ≈ 3, so doubling the duration increases SEL by 3 dB.

o 10 log10 (1/2) ≈ -3, so halving the duration lowers SEL by 3 dB. 

Figure D-2 illustrates the summation of energy for a succession of sonar pings. In this hypothetical case, 

each ping has the same duration and SPL. The SEL at a particular location from each individual ping is 

100 dB re 1 μPa2-s (red circles). The upper, blue curve shows the running total or cumulative SEL. 

(EL = Exposure Level [i.e., Sound Exposure Level]) 

Figure D-2: Summation of Acoustic Energy from a Hypothetical, Intermittently Pinging, Stationary 

Sound Source 

After the first ping, the cumulative SEL is 100 dB re 1 μPa2-s. Since each ping has the same duration and 

SPL, receiving two pings is the same as receiving a single ping with twice the duration. The cumulative 

SEL from two pings is therefore 103 dB re 1 μPa2-s. The cumulative SEL from four pings is 3 dB higher 

than the cumulative SEL from two pings, or 106 dB re 1 μPa2-s. Each doubling of the number of pings 

increases the cumulative SEL by 3 dB. 

Figure D-3 shows a more realistic example where the individual pings do not have the same SPL or SEL. 

These data were recorded from a stationary hydrophone as a sound source approached, passed, and 

moved away from the hydrophone. As the source approached the hydrophone, the received SPL from 

each ping increased, causing the SEL of each ping to increase. After the source passed the hydrophone, 

the received SPL and SEL from each ping decreased as the source moved farther away (downward trend 

of red line), although the cumulative SEL increased with each additional ping received (slight upward 

trend of blue line). The main contributions are from those pings with the highest individual SELs. 

Individual pings with SELs 10 dB or more below the ping with the highest level contribute little (less than 

0.5 dB) to the total cumulative SEL. This is shown in Figure D-3, where only a small error is introduced by 

summing the energy from the eight individual pings with SEL greater than 185 dB re 1 μPa2-s (black line), 

as opposed to including all pings (blue line). 
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(EL = Exposure Level [i.e., Sound Exposure Level]) 

Figure D-3: Cumulative Sound Exposure Level under Realistic Conditions with a Moving, 

Intermittently Pinging Sound Source 

D.2.4 PARTICLE MOTION

The particles of a medium (e.g., water or air) oscillate around their original position as a sound wave 

passes. This motion is quantified using average displacement (m or dB re 1pm), velocity (m/s or dB re 1 

nm/s2), and acceleration (m/s2 or dB re 1 μm/s2) of the particles (Nedelec, Campbell, Radford, Simpson, 

& Merchant, 2016). Note that particle velocity is not the same as sound speed, which is how fast a 

sound wave moves through a medium. Particle motion is directional, whereas pressure measurement is 

not (Nedelec et al., 2016). 

Far from a sound source and without any boundaries that could cause wave interference, particle 

velocity is directly proportional to sound pressure. Closer to a sound source, particle velocity begins to 

increase relative to sound pressure. Because this phenomena is related to wavelength, it may be 

relevant only when very close to sound sources with extremely low frequencies. 

D.2.5 IMPULSE

Impulse is a metric used to describe the pressure and time component of a pressure wave. Impulse is 

typically only considered for high energy exposures to impulsive sources, such as exposures close to 

explosives. Specifically, positive impulse is the time integral of the initial peak positive pressure with 

units of Pascal-seconds (Pa-s). Impulse is a measured quantity that is distinct from the term “impulsive,” 

which is not a measurement term, but rather describes a type of sound. 

D.3 PREDICTING HOW SOUND TRAVELS

While the concept of a sound wave traveling from its source to a receptor is relatively simple, sound 

propagation is quite complex because of the simultaneous presence of numerous sound waves of 

different frequencies and source levels, and other phenomena such as reflections of sound waves and 

subsequent constructive (additive) or destructive (cancelling) interferences between reflected and 
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incident waves. Other factors such as refraction, diffraction, bottom types, and surface conditions also 

affect sound propagation. While simple examples are provided here for illustration, the Navy Acoustic 

Effects Model used to quantify acoustic exposures to marine mammals and sea turtles takes into 

account the influence of multiple factors to predict acoustic propagation [see technical report 

Quantitative Analysis for Estimating Acoustic and Explosive Impacts to Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles

(U.S. Department of the Navy, 2017b)].

D.3.1 SPEED OF SOUND

The speed of sound is not affected by the SPL or frequency of the sound, but rather depends wholly on 

characteristics of the medium through which it is passing (e.g., the density and the compressibility). 

Sound travels faster through a medium that is harder to compress. For example, water is more difficult 

to compress than air, and sound travels approximately 340 m/s in air and 1,500 m/s in seawater. 

The speed of sound in air is primarily influenced by temperature, relative humidity, and pressure, 

because these factors affect the density and compressibility of air. Generally, the speed of sound in air 

increases as air temperature increases. 

The speed of sound in seawater also increases with increasing temperature and, to a lesser degree, with 

increasing hydrostatic pressure and salinity. Figure D-4 shows an example of how these attributes can 

change with depth. In seawater, temperature has the most important effect on sound speed for depths 

less than about 300 m. Below 1,500 m, the increasing hydrostatic pressure is the dominant factor 

because the water temperature is relatively constant. The variation of sound speed with depth in the 

ocean is called a sound velocity profile. 
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Source: http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/bioacoustics/2014/10/21/talk-weather/ 

Figure D-4: Sound Velocity Profile (Sound Speed) Is Related to Temperature, Salinity, and 

Hydrostatic Pressure of Seawater 

D.3.2 SOURCE DIRECTIVITY

Most sonar and other active acoustic sources do not radiate sound in all directions. Rather, they emit 

sounds over a limited range of angles, in order to focus sound energy on a specific area or object of 

interest. The specific angles are sometimes given as horizontal or vertical beam width. Some sources can 

be described qualitatively as “forward-looking,” when sound energy is radiated in a limited direction in 

front of the source, or “downward-looking,” when sound energy is directed toward the bottom.

D.3.3 SOUND ATTENUATION

As a sound wave passes through a medium, the sound level decreases with distance from the sound 

source. This phenomenon is known as attenuation, which is described in terms of transmission loss (TL). 

The transmission loss is used to relate the source SPL (SL), defined as the SPL produced by a sound 

source at a distance of one meter, and the received SPL (RL) at a particular location, as follows: 

RL = SL – TL

The main contributors to sound attenuation are as follows (Urick, 1983): 
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 Geometric spreading of the sound wave as it propagates away from the source 

 Sound absorption (conversion of sound energy into heat) 

 Scattering, diffraction, multipath interference, and boundary effects 

D.3.3.1 Geometrical Spreading Loss 

Spreading loss is a geometric effect representing regular weakening of a sound wave as it spreads out 

from a source. Spreading describes the reduction in sound pressure caused by the increase in surface 

area as the distance from a sound source increases. Spherical and cylindrical spreading are common 

types of spreading loss. 

In the simple case of sound propagating from a point source without obstruction or reflection, the 

sound waves take on the shape of an expanding sphere. An example of spherical spreading loss is shown 

in Figure D-5. As spherical propagation continues, the sound energy is distributed over an ever-larger 

area following the inverse square law: the pressure of a sound wave decreases inversely with the square 

of the distance between the source and the receptor. For example, doubling the distance between the 

receptor and a sound source results in a reduction in the pressure of the sound to one-fourth of its 

initial value; tripling the distance results in one-ninth of the original pressure, and so on. Since the 

surface area of a sphere is 4πr2, where r is the sphere radius, the change in SPL with distance r from the 

source is proportional to the radius squared. This relationship is known as the spherical spreading law. 

The transmission loss for spherical spreading between two locations is: 

TL = 20 log10 (r2/r1) 

where r1 and r2 are distances from the source. Spherical spreading results in a 6 dB reduction in SPL for 

each doubling of distance from the sound source. For example, calculated transmission loss for spherical 

spreading is 40 dB at 100 m and 46 dB at 200 m. 

Figure D-5: Graphical Representation of the Inverse Square Relationship in Spherical Spreading 
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In cylindrical spreading, spherical waves expanding from the source are constrained by the water surface 

and the seafloor and take on a cylindrical shape. In this case the sound wave expands in the shape of a 

cylinder rather than a sphere, and the transmission loss is: 

TL = 10log10(r2/r1) 

Cylindrical spreading is an approximation of sound propagation in a water-filled channel with horizontal 

dimensions much larger than the depth. Cylindrical spreading predicts a 3 dB reduction in SPL for each 

doubling of distance from the source. For example, calculated transmission loss for cylindrical spreading 

is 30 dB at 1,000 m and 33 dB at 2,000 m. 

The cylindrical and spherical spreading equations above represent two simple hypothetical cases. In 

reality, geometric spreading loss is more spherical near a source and more cylindrical with distance, and 

is better predicted using more complex models that account for environmental variables, such as the 

Navy Acoustic Effects Model [see technical report Modeling and Quantitative Analysis of Acoustic and 

Explosive Impacts to Marine Species due to Navy Training and Testing Activities (DON 2017)]. 

However, when conducting simple spreading loss calculations in near shore environments, “practical 

spreading loss” can be applied, where:

TL = 15log10(r2/r1) 

Practical spreading loss accounts for other realistic losses in the environment, such as absorption and 

scattering, which are not accounted for in geometrical spreading. 

D.3.3.2 Absorption 

Absorption is the conversion of acoustic energy to kinetic energy in the particles of the propagation 

medium (Urick, 1983). Absorption is directly related to sound frequency, with higher frequencies having 

higher rates of absorption. Absorption rates range from 0.07 dB/km for a 1 kHz sound to about 30 

dB/km for a 100 kHz sound. Therefore, absorption is the cause of a significant amount of attenuation for 

high and very high frequency sound sources, reducing the distance over which these sources may be 

perceived compared to mid- and low-frequency sound sources with the same source level. 

D.3.3.3 Refraction 

When a sound wave propagating in a medium encounters a second medium with a different density 

(e.g., the air-water boundary), part of the incident sound will be reflected back into the first medium 

and part will be transmitted into the second medium (Kinsler, Frey, Coppens, & Sanders, 1982). The 

propagation direction will change as the sound wave enters the second medium; this phenomenon is 

called refraction. Refraction may also occur within a single medium if the properties of the medium 

change enough to cause a variation in the sound speed. Refraction of sound resulting from spatial 

variations in the sound speed is one of the most important phenomena that affect sound propagation in 

water (Urick, 1983). 

As discussed in Section D.3.1 (Speed of Sound), the sound speed in the ocean primarily depends on 

hydrostatic pressure (i.e., depth) and temperature. Although the actual variations in sound speed are 

small, the existence of sound speed gradients in the ocean has an enormous effect on the propagation 

of sound in the ocean. If one pictures sound as rays emanating from an underwater source, the 

propagation of these rays changes as a function of the sound speed profile in the water column. 

Specifically, the directions of the rays bend toward regions of slower sound speed. This phenomenon 

creates ducts in which sound becomes “trapped,” allowing it to propagate with high efficiency for large 
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distances within certain depth boundaries. During winter months, the reduced sound speed at the 

surface due to cooling can create a surface duct that efficiently propagates sound such as commercial 

shipping noise (Figure D-6). Sources located within this surface duct can have their sounds trapped, but 

sources located below this layer would have their sounds refracted downward. The deep sound channel, 

or sound frequency and ranging (SOFAR) channel, is another duct that exists where sound speeds are 

slowest deeper in the water column (600–1,200 m depth at the mid-latitudes). 

Similarly, the path of sound will bend toward regions of lower sound speed in air. Air temperature 

typically decreases with altitude, meaning sounds produced in air tend to bend skyward. When an 

atmospheric temperature inversion is present, air is cooler near the earth’s surface. In inversion 

conditions, sound waves near the earth’s surface will tend to refract downward.

[1 kiloyard (kyd) = 0.9 km] 

Figure D-6: Sound Propagation Showing Multipath Propagation and Conditions for Surface Duct 

D.3.3.4 Reflection and Multipath Propagation 

In multipath propagation, sound may not only travel a direct path (with no reflection) from a source to a 

receiver, but also be reflected from the surface or bottom multiple times before reaching the receiver 

(Urick, 1983). Reflection is shown in Figure D-6 at the seafloor (bottom bounce) and at the water 

surface. At some distances, the reflected wave will be in phase with the direct wave (their waveforms 

add together) and at other distances the two waves will be out of phase (their waveforms cancel). The 

existence of multiple sound paths, or rays, arriving at a single point can result in multipath interference, 
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a condition that permits the addition and cancellation between sound waves, resulting in the fluctuation 

of sound levels over short distances. 

Reflection plays an important role in the pressures observed at different locations in the water column. 

Near the bottom, the direct path pressure wave may sum with the bottom-reflected pressure wave, 

increasing the exposure. Near the surface, however, the surface-reflected pressure wave may 

destructively interfere with the direct path pressure wave, “cutting off” the wave and reducing exposure 

(called the Lloyd mirror effect). This can cause the sound level to decrease dramatically within the top 

few meters of the water column. 

D.3.3.5 Diffraction, Scattering, and Reverberation 

Diffraction, scattering, and reverberation are examples of what happens when sound waves interact 

with obstacles in the propagation path. 

Diffraction may be thought of as the change of direction of a sound wave as it passes around an 

obstacle. Diffraction depends on the size of the obstacle and the sound frequency. The wavelength of 

the sound must be larger than the obstacle for notable diffraction to occur. If the obstacle is larger than 

the wavelength of sound, an acoustic shadow zone will exist behind the obstacle where the sound is 

unlikely to be detected. Common examples of diffraction include sound heard from a source around the 

corner of a building and sound propagating through a small gap in an otherwise closed door or window. 

An obstacle or inhomogeneity (e.g., smoke, suspended particles, gas bubbles due to waves, and marine 

life) in the path of a sound wave causes scattering as these inhomogeneities reradiate incident sound in 

a variety of directions (Urick, 1983). Reverberation refers to the prolongation of a sound, after the 

source has stopped emitting, caused by multiple reflections at water boundaries (surface and bottom) 

and scattering. 

D.3.3.6 Surface and Bottom Effects 

Because the sea surface reflects and scatters sound, it has a major effect on the propagation of 

underwater sound in applications where either the source or receiver is at a shallow depth (Urick 1983). 

If the sea surface is smooth, the reflected sound pressure is nearly equal to the incident sound pressure; 

however, if the sea surface is rough, the amplitude of the reflected sound wave will be reduced. Sound 

waves reflected from the sea surface experience a phase reversal. When the surface-reflected waves 

interact with the direct path waves near the surface, a destructive interference pattern is created in 

which the received pressure approaches zero. 

The sea bottom is also a reflecting and scattering surface, similar to the sea surface. Sound interaction 

with the sea bottom is more complex, however, primarily because the acoustic properties of the sea 

bottom are more variable and the bottom is often layered into regions of differing density. As sound 

travels into the sea floor it reflects off of these different density layers in complex ways. For sources in 

contact with the bottom, such as during pile driving or bottom-placed explosives, a ground wave is 

produced that travels through the bottom sediment and may refract back into the water column. 

For a hard bottom such as rock, the reflected wave will be approximately in phase with the incident 

wave. Thus, near the ocean bottom, the incident and reflected sound pressures may add together 

(constructive interference), resulting in an increased sound pressure near the sea bottom. Soft bottoms 

such as mud or sediment absorb sound waves and reduce the level in the water column overall. 
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D.3.3.7 Air-Water Interface 

Sound from aerial sources such as aircraft and weapons firing may be transmitted into the water under 

certain conditions. The most studied of these sources are fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, which 

create noise with most energy below 500 Hz. Noise levels in water are highest at the surface and are 

highly dependent on the altitude of the aircraft and the angle at which the aerial sound encounters the 

ocean surface. Transmission of the sound once it is in the water is identical to any other sound as 

described in the sections above. 

Transmission of sound from a moving airborne source to a receptor underwater is influenced by 

numerous factors and has been addressed by Young (1973), Urick (1983), Richardson et al. (1995), Eller 

and Cavanagh (2000), Laney and Cavanagh (2000), and others. Sound is transmitted from an airborne 

source to a receptor underwater by four principal means: (1) a direct path, refracted upon passing 

through the air-water interface; (2) direct-refracted paths reflected from the bottom in shallow water; 

(3) evanescent transmission in which sound travels laterally close to the water surface; and 

(4) scattering from interface roughness due to wave motion. 

When sound waves in air meet the water surface, the sound can either be transmitted across the airwater boundary or reflected off the water surface. When sound waves meet the water at a 

perpendicular angle (e.g., straight down from an in-air source to a flat water surface), the sound waves 

are both transmitted directly across the water surface in the same direction of travel and reflected 180° 

back toward the original direction of travel. This can creates a localized condition at the water surface 

where the incident and reflected waves sum, doubling the in-air overpressure (+ 6 dB). As the incident 

angle of the in-air sound wave changes from perpendicular, this phenomena is reduced, ultimately 

reaching the angle where sound waves are parallel to the water surface and there is no surface 

reflection. 

The sound that enters the water is refracted due to the difference in sound velocity between air and 

water, as shown in Figure D-7. As the angle of the in-air incident wave moves away from perpendicular, 

the direction of travel of the underwater refracted waves becomes closer to parallel to the water 

surface. When the incident angle is reached where the underwater refracted sound wave is parallel to 

the water surface, all of the sound is reflected back into the air and no sound enters the water. This 

occurs at an angle of about 13-14°. As a result, most of the acoustic energy transmitted into the water 

through a relatively narrow cone extending vertically downward from the in-air source. The width of the 

footprint would be a function of the source altitude. Lesser amounts of sound may enter the water 

outside of this cone due to surface scattering (e.g., from water surface waves that can vary the angle of 

incidence over an area) and as evanescent waves that are only present very near the surface. 

If a sound wave is ideally transmitted into water (that is, with no surface transmission loss, such as due 

to foamy, wave conditions that could decrease sound entering the water), the sound pressure level 

underwater is calculated by changing the pressure reference unit from 20 μPa in air to 1 μPa in water. 

For a sound with the same pressure in air and water, this calculation results in a +26 dB sound pressure 

level in water compared to air. For this reason, sound pressure levels in water and sound pressure levels 

in air should never be directly compared. 
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(Richardson et al. 1995)

Figure D‐7: Characteristics of Sound Transmission Through the Air‐Water Interface

D.4 AUDITORY PERCEPTION

Animals with an eardrum or similar structure, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, directly detect the

pressure component of sound. Some marine fish also have specializations to detect pressure changes,

although most invertebrates and many marine fish do not have anatomical structures that enable them

to detect the pressure component of sound and are only sensitive to the particle motion component of

sound. This difference in acoustic energy sensing mechanisms limits the range at which these animals

can detect most sound sources analyzed in this document. This is because far from a sound source (i.e.,

in the far field), particle velocity and sound pressure are directly proportional. But close to a source (i.e.,

in the near field), particle velocity increases relative to sound pressure and may become more

detectable to certain animals. As sound frequency increases, the wavelength becomes shorter, resulting

in a smaller near field.   

Because mammalian ears can detect large pressure ranges and humans judge the relative loudness of

sounds by the ratio of the sound pressures (a logarithmic behavior), sound amplitude is described by the

SPL, calculated by taking the logarithm of the ratio of the sound pressure to a reference pressure (see

Section D.2.2, Sound Pressure Level). Use of a logarithmic scale compresses the wide range of pressure

values into a more usable numerical scale. On the dB scale, the smallest audible sound in air (near total

silence) to a human is 0 dB re 20 μPa. If the sound intensity increases by a factor of 10, the SPL would

increase to 10 dB re 20 μPa. If the sound intensity increases by a factor of 100, the SPL would increase to

20 dB re 20 μPa, and if the sound intensity increases by a factor of 1000, the SPL would be 30 dB re 20
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μPa. A quiet conversation has an SPL of about 50 dB re 20 μPa, while the threshold of pain is around

120–140 dB re 20 μPa.

As described in Section D.2.2 (Sound Pressure Level), SPLs under water differ from those in air because

they rely on different reference pressures in their calculation; therefore, the two should never be

directly compared.

While sound pressure and frequency are physical measure of the sound, loudness is a subjective

attribute that varies with not only sound pressure but also other attributes of the sound, such as

frequency. For example, a human listener would perceive a 60 dB re 20 μPa sound at 2 kHz to be louder

than a 60 dB re 20 μPa sound at 50 Hz, even though the SPLs are identical. This effect is most noticeable

at lower sound pressure levels; however, at very high sound pressure levels, the difference in perceived

loudness at different frequencies becomes smaller.  

To account for differences in hearing sensitivity at various frequencies, acoustic risk analyses commonly

use auditory weighting functions — mathematical functions that adjust (or “weight”) received sound

levels across sound frequency based on how the listener’s sensitivity or susceptibility to sound changes

at different frequencies. For humans, the most common weighting function is called “A‐weighting” (see

Figure D‐8). A‐weighted sound levels are specified in units of “dBA” (A‐weighted decibels). For example,

if the unweighted received level of a 500 Hz tone at a human receiver was 90 dB re 20 μPa, the A‐

weighted sound level would be 90 dB – 3 dB = 87 dBA because the A‐weighting function amplitude at

500 Hz is ‐3 dB. Many measurements of sound in air appear as dBAs in the literature because the intent

of the authors is to assess noise impacts on humans.

The Numbers along the Curve Indicate How a Received Sound Level Would Be Adjusted at that Frequency.

Figure D‐8: A‐weighting for Human Hearing of Soundsin Air (OSHA).  
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The auditory weighting concept can be applied to other species. When used in analyzing the impacts of 

sound on an animal, auditory weighting functions adjust received sound levels to emphasize ranges of 

best hearing and de-emphasize ranges of less or no sensitivity. Auditory weighting functions were 

developed for marine mammals and sea turtles and are used to assess acoustic impacts. For more 

information on weighting functions and their derivation for this analysis see technical report Criteria and 

Thresholds for U.S. Navy Acoustic and Explosive Effects Analysis (U.S. Department of the Navy, 2017a). 

D.5 EXPLOSIVES

Explosive materials used in Navy testing and training activities are either (1) “high explosives,” 

sometimes referred to as HE, which means that the explosive material has a very fast rate of detonation 

(exceeding the speed of sound), or (2) low explosives, which exhibit a relatively slow burn, or 

deflagration, such as black powder. Because low explosives are typically used in small quantities and 

have less destructive power, the below discussion focuses on high explosives. 

This rate of detonation of a high explosive is highly supersonic, producing a high pressure, steep 

instantaneous shock wave front travelling through the explosive material. This shock front is produced 

by the supersonic expansion of the explosive products, but as the shock front travels away from the 

immediate area of the detonation, it begins to behave as an acoustic wave front travelling at the speed 

of sound. 

The near-instantaneous rise from ambient to an extremely high peak pressure is what makes the 

explosive shock wave potentially damaging. The area under this positive pressure duration is calculated 

as the positive impulse. 

The positive pressure produced by an explosion is also referred to as the overpressure. As the shock 

front passes a location, the positive pressure exponentially decays, as shown in Figure D-9. As the shock 

front travels away from the detonation, the waveform is stretched – the peak pressure decreases while 

the positive duration increases. The reduction in peak pressure reduces the rate at which the positive 

impulse is received. Both the reduction in peak pressure and stretching of the positive impulse reduce 

the potential for injury. In addition, absorption losses of higher frequencies over distance results in a 

softening of the shock front, such that the rise to peak pressure is no longer near-instantaneous. 
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Figure D-9: Impulse Shown as a Function of Pressure over Duration at a Specific Location 

The peak pressure experienced by a receptor (i.e., an animal) is a function of the explosive material, the 

net explosive weight, and the distance from the charge. Net explosive weight (NEW) is a way to classify 

and compare quantities of different explosive compounds. The net explosive weight for a charge is the 

energetic equivalent weight of trinitrotoluene (TNT). In general, shock wave effects near an explosive 

charge increase in proportion to the cube root of the explosive weight (G. A. Young, 1991). For example, 

shock wave impacts will double when the explosive charge weight is increased by a factor of eight (i.e., 

cube root of eight equals two). This relationship is known as the similarity principle, and the 

corresponding similitude equations allow for prediction of various explosive metrics for a given charge 

weight and material. 

The similitude equations allow for a simple prediction of peak pressure in a uniform free field 

environment, and sources are provided below for using these equations for estimating explosive effects 

in air and in water. However, at longer distances or in more complex environments with boundaries and 

variations in the propagation medium, explosive propagation modeling is preferred. 

D.5.1 EXPLOSIONS IN AIR

Explosions in air produce an initial blast front that propagates away from the detonation. When 

pressure waves from an explosion in air meet the water surface, the pressure wave can be transmitted 

across the air-water boundary and reflected off the water surface. When pressure waves in air meet the 

water at a perpendicular angle (e.g., straight down from an in-air source to a flat water surface), the 

sound waves are both transmitted directly across the water surface in the same direction of travel and 

reflected 180° back toward the original direction of travel. For acoustic waves, this can create a localized 

condition at the water surface where the incident and reflected waves sum, doubling the in-air 

overpressure (+ 6 dB). For shock waves with high incident pressures travelling at supersonic speeds, the 

reflection from the water surface depends on the angle of incidence and the speed of the shock wave, 

and the reflected shock wave pressure can be greater than the incident shock wave pressure((Kinney & 

Graham, 1985; Swisdak, 1975). 
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In certain explosive geometries, depending on the size of the explosive and its height of detonation, a 

combined shock wave, called a Mach stem, can be created by the summing of the direct and reflected 

shock waves at larger angles of incidence (Kinney & Graham, 1985). In instances where this specific 

geometry does not occur, only the direct path wave is experienced because there is no surface 

reflection (waves are parallel to or angled away from the water surface, such as would occur when an 

explosive is detonated at the water surface), or separate direct and reflected pressure waves may be 

experienced. 

D.5.1.1 Fragmentation 

Missiles, rockets, projectiles, and other cased weapons will produce casing fragments upon detonation. 

These fragments may be of variable size and are ejected at supersonic speed from the detonation. The 

casing fragments will be ejected at velocities much greater than debris from any target due to the 

proximity of the casing to the explosive material. Unlike detonations on land targets, detonations during 

Navy training and testing would not result in other propelled materials such as crater debris. 

Fragment density can be simply assumed to follow an inverse-square law with distance, in which the 

possibility of fragment strike is reduced by the square of the distance from the original detonation point. 

The forces of gravity and drag will further reduce the likelihood of strike with increasing distance than is 

accounted for in the inverse-square relationship (U.S. Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board, 

1975). The possible area of strike risk at any given distance from the detonation point is limited to the 

surface area of produced fragments, with drag and gravity reducing the number of produced fragments 

that travel to greater distances. 

D.5.2 EXPLOSIONS IN WATER

At the instant of explosion underwater, gas byproducts are generated at high pressure and temperature, 

creating a bubble. The heat causes a certain amount of water to vaporize, adding to the volume of the 

bubble. This action immediately begins to force the water in contact with the blast front in an outward 

direction, creating an intense, supersonic pressure shock wave. As the high-pressure wave travels away 

from the source, it slows to the speed of sound and acts like an acoustic wave similar to other impulsive 

sources that lack a strong shock wave (e.g., air guns). Explosions have the greatest amount of energy in 

lower frequencies below 500 Hz, although energy is present in frequencies exceeding 10 kHz (Urick, 

1983). The higher frequency components exhibit more attenuation with distance due to absorption [see 

Section D.3.3.2 (Absorption)]. 

The shock wave caused by an explosion in deeper water may be followed by several bubble pulses in 

which the explosive byproduct gases expand and contract, with correlated high and low pressure 

oscillations. These bubble pulses lack the steep pressure front of the initial explosive pulse, but the first 

bubble pulse may still contribute to the total energy released at frequencies below 100 Hz (Urick, 1983). 

Subsequent bubble pulses contribute little to the total energy released during the explosion (Urick, 

1983). If the detonation occurs at or just below the surface, a portion of the explosive power is released 

into the air and a pulsating gas bubble is not formed. 

The pressure waves from an explosive can constructively add or destructively cancel each other in ocean 

environments with multi-path propagation, as described for acoustic waves in Section D.3.3.3

(Refraction) and Section D.3.3.4 (Reflection and Multipath Propagation). The received impulse is 

affected by the depth of the charge and the depth of the receiving animal. Pressure waves from the 

detonation may travel directly to the receiver or be reflected off the water surface before arriving at the 

receiver. If a charge is detonated closer to the surface or if an animal is closer to the surface, the time 
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between the initial direct path arrival and the following surface-reflected tension wave arrival is 

reduced, resulting in a steep negative pressure cut-off of the initial direct path positive impulse 

exposure. Two animals at similar distances from a charge, therefore, may experience the same peak 

pressure but different levels of impulse at different depths. 
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Appendix D References

References 

American National Standards Institute. (1994). ANSI S1.1-1994 (R 2004) American National Standard 

Acoustical Terminology. Retrieved 1994, from Acoustical Society of America 

American National Standards Institute. (2013). Acoustical Terminology (pp. 86): Acoustical Society of 

America. 

Au, W., & Hastings, M. (2008). Principles of Marine Bioacoustics. New York: Springer-Verlag. 

Eller, A. I., & Cavanagh, R. C. (2000). Subsonic Aircraft Noise At and Beneath the Ocean Surface: 

Estimation of Risk for Effects on Marine Mammals. Retrieved from 

Finneran, J. J. (2003). Whole-lung resonance in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and white 

whale (Delphinapterus leucas). Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 114(1), 529–535. 

Hamernik, R. P., & Hsueh, K. D. (1991). Impulse noise: some definitions, physical acoustics and other 

considerations. The Journal of Acoustical Society of America, 90(1), 189–196. 

Kinney, G. F., & Graham, K. J. (1985). Explosive Shocks in Air (2 ed.). New York: Springer-Verlag. 

Kinsler, L. E., Frey, A. R., Coppens, A. B., & Sanders, J. V. (1982). Fundamentals of Acoustics (3rd ed.). 

New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. 

Laney, H., & Cavanagh, R. C. (2000). Supersonic Aircraft Noise At and Beneath the Ocean Surface: 

Estimation of Risk for Effects on Marine Mammals. Retrieved from 

Medwin, H., & Clay, C. (1998). Fundamentals of Acoustical Oceanography. San Diego: Academic Press. 

Nedelec, S. L., Campbell, J., Radford, A. N., Simpson, S. D., & Merchant, N. D. (2016). Particle motion: the 

missing link in underwater acoustic ecology. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 7(7), 836–842. 

doi:10.1111/2041-210X.12544 

Richardson, W. J., Greene, C. R., Jr., Malme, C. I., & Thomson, D. H. (1995). Marine Mammals and Noise 

(pp. 576). San Diego, CA: Academic Press. 

Swisdak, M. M. (1975). Explosion Effects and Properties Part I – Explosion Effects in Air. (NSWC/WOL/TR–

75–116). White Oak Laboratory, Naval Surface Weapons Center, White Oak, Silver Spring, MD. 

U.S. Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board. (1975). Fragment and Debris Hazards. Retrieved 

from 

U.S. Department of the Navy. (2017a). Criteria and Thresholds for U.S. Navy Acoustic and Explosive 

Impacts to Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles. Space and Naval Warfare System Command, 

Pacific. 

U.S. Department of the Navy. (2017b). Quantitative Analysis for Estimating Acoustic and Explosive 

Impacts to Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles. Space and Naval Warfare System Command, 

Pacific and Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport. 

Urick, R. J. (1983). Principles of Underwater Sound, Principles of Underwater Sound for Engineers (3rd 

ed.). Los Altos Hills, CA: Peninsula Publishing. 

Young, G. A. (1991). Concise Methods for Predicting the Effects of Underwater Explosions on Marine Life. 

Silver Spring: Naval Surface Warfare Center. 
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Appendix D References

Young, R. W. (1973). Sound pressure in water from a source in air and vice versa. The Journal of 

Acoustical Society of America, 53(6), 1708–1716. 
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APPENDIX E

Estimated Marine Mammals and Sea Turtle Impacts from 

Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors Under Navy 

Training and Testing Activities
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APPENDIX E ESTIMATED MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA TURTLE IMPACTS 

FROM EXPOSURE TO ACOUSTIC AND EXPLOSIVE STRESSORS 

UNDER NAVY TRAINING AND TESTING ACTIVITIES ____________________ E-1

E.1 Estimated Marine Mammals Impacts from Sonar and Other 

Transducers Under Navy Training Activities..................................................... E-1

E.2 Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Five Year Period from Sonar 

and Other Transducers Under Navy Training Activities.................................... E-8

E.3 Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts from Sonar and Other 

Transducers Under Navy Testing Activities.................................................... E-12

E.4 Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Five Year Period from Sonar 

and Other Transducers Under Navy Testing Activities.................................... E-19

E.5 Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts from Air Guns Under Navy 

Training Activities......................................................................................... E-23

E.6 Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts from Air Guns Under Navy 

Testing Activities........................................................................................... E-23

E.7 Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Five year Period from Air 

Guns Under Navy Testing Activities............................................................... E-25

E.8 Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts from Pile Driving Under Navy 

Training Activities......................................................................................... E-25

E.9 Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Five year Period from Pile 

Driving Under Navy Training Activities .......................................................... E-27

E.10 Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts from Pile Driving Under Navy 

Testing Activities........................................................................................... E-27

E.11 Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts from Explosives Under Navy 

Training Activities......................................................................................... E-27

E.12 Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Five year Period from 

Explosives Under Navy Training Activities ..................................................... E-38

E.13 Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts from Explosives Under Navy 

Testing Activities (Excluding Ship Shock Trials) .............................................. E-46

E.14 Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Five Year Period from 

Explosives Under Navy Testing Activities (Excluding Ship Shock Trials)........... E-57

E.15 Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts from Ship Shock Trials Under 

Navy Testing Activities.................................................................................. E-65
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E.16 Estimated Sea Turtle Impacts from Sonar and Other Transducers 

Under Navy Training and Testing Activities.................................................... E-69

E.17 Estimated Sea Turtle Impacts per Five Year Period from Sonar and 

Other Transducers Under Navy Training and Testing Activities ...................... E-69

E.18 Estimated Sea Turtle Impacts from Air Guns Under Navy Training and 

Testing Activities........................................................................................... E-70

E.19 Estimated Sea Turtle Impacts from Pile Driving Under Navy Training 

and Testing Activities.................................................................................... E-70

E.20 Estimated Sea Turtle Impacts from Explosives Under Navy Training 

and Testing Activities.................................................................................... E-70

E.21 Estimated Sea Turtle Impacts per Five year Period from Explosives 

Under Navy Training and Testing Activities.................................................... E-71

E.22 Estimated Sea Turtle Impacts from Ship Shock Trials Under Navy 

Testing Activities........................................................................................... E-72

List of Figures 

This section does not contain figures.

List of Tables

Table E.1-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Sonar Training Activities ...................... E-2

Table E.2-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period from Sonar Training 

Activities................................................................................................................................ E-8

Table E.3-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Sonar Testing Activities...................... E-13

Table E.4-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period from Sonar Testing 

Activities.............................................................................................................................. E-19

Table E.6-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year for Air Gun Activities................................... E-24

Table E.7-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period for Air Guns.................................. E-25

Table E.8-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Pile Driving Activities ......................... E-26

Table E.9-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period for Pile Driving Activities.............. E-27

Table E.11-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per year for Explosive Training Activities................ E-28

Table E.12-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year for Explosive Training Activities................ E-39

Table E.13-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Explosive Testing Activities 

(Excluding Ship Shock Trials)............................................................................................... E-47

Table E.14-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period for Explosive Testing 

Activities (Excluding Ship Shock Trials)............................................................................... E-58

Table E.15-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts from Small and Large Ship Shock Trials 

(Explosive Testing Activity) and per 5-Year Period............................................................. E-66
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Table E.16-1: Estimated Sea Turtle Impacts per Year from Sonar Training and Testing 

Activities.............................................................................................................................. E-69

Table E.17-1: Estimated Sea Turtle Impacts per 5-Year Period from Sonar and Other 

Transducers Training and Testing Activities ....................................................................... E-70

Table E.20-1: Estimated Sea Turtle Impacts per Year from Explosive Training and Testing 

Activities.............................................................................................................................. E-71

Table E.21-1: Estimated Sea Turtle Impacts per 5-Year Period from Explosive Training and 

Testing Activities (Excluding Ship Shock Trials)................................................................... E-72

Table E.22-1: Estimated Sea Turtle Impacts from Small and Large Ship Shock Trials 

(Explosive Testing Activity) and per 5-Year Period............................................................. E-73
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Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

APPENDIX E ESTIMATED MARINE MAMMALS AND SEA 

TURTLE IMPACTS FROM EXPOSURE TO ACOUSTIC AND

EXPLOSIVE STRESSORS UNDER NAVY TRAINING AND 

TESTING ACTIVITIES 

Navy training and testing activities would result in the incidental takes of marine mammals and sea 

turtles within the Study Area. The following appendix provides the estimated number of marine 

mammal and sea turtle impacts. Specifically, estimated impacts are derived from the quantitative 

analysis for activities under Alternatives 1 and 2 that involve the use of acoustic or explosive stressors. 

The quantitative analysis takes into account Navy activities, marine species density layers, acoustic 

modeling and other environmental parameters. A detailed explanation of the quantitative analysis is 

provided in the technical report Quantitative Analysis for Estimating Acoustic and Explosive Impacts to

Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles (U.S. Department of the Navy, 2017c). It is important to note that

impacts, as discussed in this appendix, represent the estimated instances of take of marine mammals or 

sea turtles, not necessarily the number of individuals impacted (i.e., some marine mammals or sea 

turtles could be impacted several times, while others would not experience any impact). 

E.1 ESTIMATED MARINE MAMMALS IMPACTS FROM SONAR AND OTHER 

TRANSDUCERS UNDER NAVY TRAINING ACTIVITIES

Table E.1-1 provides a summary of the estimated number of marine mammal impacts from exposure to

sonar and other transducers used during Navy training activities under Alternatives 1 and 2 over the 

course of a year.
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-2 

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.1-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Sonar Training Activities

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Suborder Mysticeti (baleen whales)

Family Balaenidae (right whales)

North Atlantic right 

whale*

Western North 

Atlantic 64 108 0 79 117 0 81 122 0 

Family Balaenopteridae (roquals)

Blue whale*

Western North 

Atlantic (Gulf of St. 

Lawrence)

8 15 0 8 18 0 10 22 0 

Bryde's whale Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 49 132 0 53 151 0 67 208 0 

Minke whale Canadian East Coast 453 1,670 0 482 1,930 0 571 2,448 1 

Fin whale* Western North 

Atlantic 517 884 0 532 933 0 680 1,242 0 

Humpback whale Gulf of Maine 63 138 0 67 151 0 75 180 0 

Sei whale* Nova Scotia 84 185 0 87 202 0 111 268 0 

Suborder Odontoceti (toothed whales)

Family Physeteridae (sperm whale)

Sperm whale*

Gulf of Mexico 

Oceanic 24 0 0 24 0 0 1,691 40 0 

North Atlantic 13,240 306 0 13,747 326 0 16,724 395 0 

Family Kogiidae (sperm whales)

Dwarf sperm whale

Gulf of Mexico 

Oceanic 4 9 0 4 9 0 303 732 2 

Western North 

Atlantic 2,653 4,942 6 2,789 5,714 7 3,400 7,354 9 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-3 

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.1-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Sonar Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Pygmy sperm whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 4 9 0 4 9 0 303 732 2 

Western North 

Atlantic 2,653 4,942 6 2,789 5,714 7 3,400 7,354 9 

Family Ziphiidae (beaked whales)

Blainville's beaked 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 35 0 0 35 0 0 1,324 18 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 11,908 91 0 12,414 102 0 15,333 121 0 

Cuvier's beaked whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 34 0 0 34 0 0 1,316 18 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 44,095 336 0 45,964 375 0 56,742 445 0 

Gervais' beaked whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 35 0 0 35 0 0 1,324 18 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 11,908 91 0 12,414 102 0 15,333 121 0 

Northern bottlenose 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 1,068 1 0 1,071 1 0 1,164 1 0 

Sowerby’s beaked 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 11,908 91 0 12,414 102 0 15,333 121 0 

True's beaked whale Western North 

Atlantic 11,908 91 0 12,414 102 0 15,333 121 0 

Family Delphinidae (dolphins)

Atlantic spotted 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 910 10 0 934 11 0 4,482 265 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 104,567 7,214 0 109,625 7,703 0 128,934 9,171 0 

Atlantic white-sided 

dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic 13,170 828 0 13,583 900 0 17,039 1,146 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-4 

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.1-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Sonar Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Bottlenose dolphin

Choctawatchee Bay 7 0 0 7 0 0 7 0 0 

Gulf of Mexico Eastern 

Coastal 0 0 0 42 0 0 42 0 0 

Gulf of Mexico 

Northern Coastal 218 2 0 218 2 0 1,418 68 0 

Gulf of Mexico 

Western Coastal 0 0 0 3,558 528 0 3,558 528 0 

Indian River Lagoon 

Estuarine System 185 20 0 185 20 0 185 20 0 

Jacksonville Estuarine 

System 41 9 0 41 9 0 41 9 0 

Mississippi Sound, 

Lake Borgne, Bay 

Boudreau

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico Continental 

Shelf

1,582 12 0 1,582 12 0 10,304 495 0 

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico Oceanic 179 1 0 179 1 0 1,160 56 0 

Northern North 

Carolina Estuarine 

System

802 96 0 2,595 456 0 2,595 456 0 

Southern North 

Carolina Estuarine 

System

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Northern 

Florida Coastal

757 37 0 828 41 0 1,013 50 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-5 

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.1-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Sonar Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Western North 

Atlantic Central 

Florida Coastal

3,585 142 0 3,971 169 0 4,894 211 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Northern 

Migratory Coastal

21,734 1,930 1 21,967 1,951 1 24,358 2,106 1 

Western North 

Atlantic South 

Carolina/Georgia 

Coastal

3,758 163 0 4,130 189 0 5,206 243 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Southern 

Migratory Coastal

9,544 455 1 11,184 639 1 13,470 757 1 

Western North 

Atlantic Offshore 243,161 19,831 9 267,131 22,762 9 300,759 24,687 9 

Clymene dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 96 3 0 96 3 0 5,262 414 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 59,423 3,652 0 65,198 4,228 0 76,179 4,855 0 

False killer whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 40 1 0 40 1 0 1,797 126 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 7,076 394 0 7,781 462 0 9,422 550 0 

Fraser's dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 59 0 0 59 0 0 965 51 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 3,417 174 0 3,735 194 0 4,505 261 0 

Killer whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 1 0 0 1 0 0 79 4 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 68 3 0 74 3 0 85 4 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-6 

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.1-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Sonar Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Long-finned pilot 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 15,535 769 0 16,176 845 0 19,640 1,023 0 

Melon-headed whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 68 2 0 68 2 0 5,675 413 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 31,757 1,762 0 34,984 2,039 0 41,959 2,427 0 

Pantropical spotted 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 549 16 0 549 16 0 54,726 4,152 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 124,721 7,402 0 136,693 8,382 0 163,778 10,174 0 

Pygmy killer whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 16 0 0 16 0 0 1,247 92 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 5,589 289 0 6,136 338 0 7,306 408 0 

Risso's dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 38 1 0 38 1 0 1,931 140 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 18,305 996 0 19,868 1,150 0 24,988 1,440 0 

Rough-toothed 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 70 1 0 92 5 0 2,426 204 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 16,509 1,145 0 18,187 1,321 0 22,068 1,612 0 

Short-beaked common 

dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic 188,356 14,716 0 200,620 17,303 0 253,333 21,444 0 

Short-finned pilot 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 27,828 1,362 0 29,853 1,528 0 37,290 1,854 0 

Spinner dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 221 7 0 221 7 0 26,750 2,122 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 62,459 3,929 0 68,930 4,541 0 82,628 5,487 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-7 

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.1-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Sonar Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Striped dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 65 2 0 65 2 0 4,972 390 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 84,521 5,045 0 85,721 5,242 0 102,815 6,427 0 

White-beaked dolphin Western North 

Atlantic 36 1 0 38 2 0 38 2 0 

Family Phocoenidae (porpoises)

Harbor porpoise Gulf of Maine/Bay of 

Fundy 21,438 6,957 12 22,032 7,147 11 25,353 8,433 14

Suborder Pinnipedia

Family Phocidae (true seals)

Gray seal Western North 

Atlantic 416 1,005 0 437 1,007 0 437 1,011 0

Harbor seal Western North 

Atlantic 674 1,630 0 708 1,633 0 708 1,639 0

Harp seal Western North 

Atlantic 2,678 5,750 1 2,692 5,752 1 2,692 5,753 1

Hooded seal Western North 

Atlantic 39 85 0 42 85 0 43 89 0

Order Sirenia

Family Trichechidae (manatees)

West Indian manatee* Florida, Antillean 9 17 0 11 17 0 11 17 0

* ESA-listed species (all stocks) within the AFTT Study Area

✝NSD: No stock designated

PTS: permanent threshold shift; TTS: temporary threshold shift
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-8 

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

E.2 ESTIMATED MARINE MAMMAL IMPACTS PER FIVE YEAR PERIOD FROM 

SONAR AND OTHER TRANSDUCERS UNDER NAVY TRAINING ACTIVITIES

Table E.2-1 provides a summary of the estimated number of marine mammal impacts from exposure to

sonar and other transducers used during Navy training activities under Alternatives 1 and 2 over the 

course of five years.

Table E.2-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period from Sonar Training 

Activities

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Suborder Mysticeti (baleen whales)

Family Balaenidae (right whales)

North Atlantic 

right whale*

Western North 

Atlantic 365 562 0 403 611 0 

Family Balaenopteridae (roquals)

Blue whale*

Western North 

Atlantic (Gulf of 

St. Lawrence)

39 81 0 48 111 0 

Bryde's whale Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 254 700 0 334 1,040 0 

Minke whale Canadian East 

Coast 2,325 8,871 0 2,854 12,238 3 

Fin whale* Western North 

Atlantic 2,617 4,518 0 3,402 6,211 0 

Humpback whale Gulf of Maine 326 717 0 376 901 0 

Sei whale* Nova Scotia 428 960 0 553 1,342 0 

Suborder Odontoceti (toothed whales)

Family Physeteridae (sperm whale)

Sperm whale*

Gulf of Mexico 

Oceanic 118 1 0 8,456 202 0 

North Atlantic 67,213 1,570 0 83,622 1,974 0 

Family Kogiidae (sperm whales)

Dwarf sperm 

whale

Gulf of Mexico 

Oceanic 22 46 0 1,515 3,660 8 

Western North 

Atlantic 13,537 26,253 33 16,998 36,770 43

Pygmy sperm 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 22 46 0 1,515 3,660 8 

Western North 

Atlantic 13,537 26,253 33 16,998 36,770 43
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-9 

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.2-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period from Sonar Training 

Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Family Ziphiidae (beaked whales)

Blainville's beaked 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 173 0 0 6,621 92 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 60,552 477 0 76,666 603 0 

Cuvier's beaked 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 172 0 0 6,581 92 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 224,216 1,759 0 283,712 2,226 0 

Gervais' beaked 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 173 0 0 6,621 92 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 60,552 477 0 76,666 603 0 

Northern 

bottlenose whale

Western North 

Atlantic 5,346 7 0 5,820 7 0 

Sowerby’s beaked 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 60,552 477 0 76,666 603 0 

True's beaked 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 60,552 477 0 76,666 603 0 

Family Delphinidae (dolphins)

Atlantic spotted 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 4,623 53 0 22,411 1,323 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 533,227 37,062 0 644,672 45,856 0 

Atlantic whitesided dolphinWestern North 

Atlantic 66,715 4,287 0 85,197 5,730 0 

Bottlenose 

dolphin

Choctawatchee 

Bay 33 0 0 33 0 0 

Gulf of Mexico 

Eastern Coastal 125 0 0 208 0 0 

Gulf of Mexico 

Northern Coastal 1,092 8 0 7,088 340 0 

Gulf of Mexico 

Western Coastal 10,675 1,585 0 17,791 2,641 0 

Indian River 

Lagoon Estuarine 

System

925 98 0 925 98 0 

Jacksonville 

Estuarine System 203 44 0 203 44 0 

Mississippi Sound, 

Lake Borgne, Bay 

Boudreau

0 0 0 0 0 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-10

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.2-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period from Sonar Training 

Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 

Continental Shelf

7,909 62 0 51,518 2,476 0 

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico Oceanic 893 7 0 5,799 279 0 

Northern North 

Carolina Estuarine 

System

9,389 1,561 0 12,975 2,282 0 

Southern North 

Carolina Estuarine 

System

0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Northern 

Florida Coastal

3,945 196 0 5,063 248 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Central 

Florida Coastal

18,813 779 0 24,471 1,054 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Northern 

Migratory Coastal

109,326 9,707 3 121,789 10,532 3 

Western North 

Atlantic South 

Carolina/Georgia 

Coastal

19,638 879 0 26,028 1,216 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Southern 

Migratory Coastal

52,116 2,799 3 67,350 3,786 3 

Western North 

Atlantic Offshore 1,274,819 106,520 44 1,503,796 123,436 44

Clymene dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 480 15 0 26,310 2,068 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 308,859 19,433 0 380,894 24,276 0 

False killer whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 202 6 0 8,985 632 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 36,806 2,108 0 47,108 2,750 0 

Fraser's dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 296 2 0 4,825 254 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 17,721 911 0 22,526 1,307 0 

Killer whale Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 4 0 0 394 22 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-11

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.2-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period from Sonar Training 

Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Western North 

Atlantic 352 16 0 423 21 0 

Long-finned pilot 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 78,957 3,999 0 98,198 5,114 0 

Melon-headed 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 342 10 0 28,375 2,063 0 

Western North

Atlantic 165,323 9,376 0 209,793 12,136 0 

Pantropical 

spotted dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 2,745 79 0 273,629 20,760 1 

Western North 

Atlantic 647,553 38,972 0 818,890 50,869 0 

Pygmy killer 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 82 2 0 6,236 461 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 29,051 1,544 0 36,531 2,041 0 

Risso's dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 192 5 0 9,657 698 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 94,653 5,289 0 124,942 7,202 0 

Rough-toothed 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 418 16 0 12,131 1,018 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 85,936 6,080 0 110,339 8,059 0 

Short-beaked 

common dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic 966,328 78,755 0 1,266,663 107,219 0 

Short-finned pilot 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 143,190 7,142 0 186,450 9,269 0 

Spinner dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 1,103 33 0 133,750 10,609 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 325,367 20,885 0 413,141 27,437 0 

Striped dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 326 10 0 24,859 1,948 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 425,004 25,620 0 514,074 32,134 0 

White-beaked 

dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic 184 8 0 189 8 0 

Family Phocoenidae (porpoises)

Harbor porpoise Gulf of Maine/Bay 

of Fundy 108,906 35,338 58 126,765 42,163 69
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-12

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.2-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period from Sonar Training 

Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Suborder Pinnipedia

Family Phocidae (true seals)

Gray seal Western North 

Atlantic 2,142 5,030 1 2,184 5,054 1 

Harbor seal Western North 

Atlantic 3,473 8,158 2 3,542 8,196 2 

Harp seal Western North 

Atlantic 13,431 28,757 4 13,459 28,764 4 

Hooded seal Western North 

Atlantic 204 427 0 214 447 0 

Order Sirenia

Family Trichechidae (manatees)

West Indian 

manatee* Florida, Antillean 51 86 0 55 86 0 

* ESA-listed species (all stocks) within the AFTT Study Area

✝NSD: No stock designation

PTS: permanent threshold shift; TTS: temporary threshold shift

E.3 ESTIMATED MARINE MAMMAL IMPACTS FROM SONAR AND OTHER 

TRANSDUCERS UNDER NAVY TESTING ACTIVITIES

Table E.3-1 provides a summary of the estimated number of marine mammal impacts from exposure to

sonar and other transducers used during Navy testing activities under Alternatives 1 and 2 over the 

course of a year.
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-13

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.3-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Sonar Testing Activities

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Suborder Mysticeti (baleen whales)

Family Balaenidae (right whales)

North Atlantic right 

whale*

Western North 

Atlantic 125 241 0 140 244 0 140 244 0 

Family Balaenopteridae (roquals)

Blue whale*

Western North 

Atlantic (Gulf of St. 

Lawrence)

4 16 0 5 16 0 5 16 0 

Bryde's whale Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 51 126 0 54 126 0 54 126 0 

Minke whale Canadian East Coast 354 1,273 1 381 1,278 1 383 1,279 1 

Fin whale* Western North 

Atlantic 1,146 2,352 2 1,277 2,378 2 1,282 2,379 2 

Humpback whale Gulf of Maine 210 293 0 225 295 0 225 296 0 

Sei whale* Nova Scotia 150 309 0 167 312 0 168 312 0 

Suborder Odontoceti (toothed whales)

Family Physeteridae (sperm whale)

Sperm whale*

Gulf of Mexico 

Oceanic 1,297 24 0 1,343 24 0 1,343 24 0 

North Atlantic 10,748 330 0 12,013 331 0 12,054 331 0 

Family Kogiidae (sperm whales)

Dwarf sperm whale

Gulf of Mexico 

Oceanic 326 472 1 343 473 1 343 473 1 

Western North 

Atlantic 1,190 3,424 7 1,324 3,456 7 1,334 3,457 7 

Pygmy sperm whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 326 472 1 343 473 1 343 473 1 

Western North 

Atlantic 1,190 3,424 7 1,324 3,456 7 1,334 3,457 7 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-14

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.3-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Sonar Testing Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Family Ziphiidae (beaked whales)

Blainville's beaked 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 1,495 7 0 1,550 7 0 1,550 7 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 9,356 93 0 10,323 93 0 10,374 93 0 

Cuvier's beaked whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 1,486 7 0 1,541 7 0 1,541 7 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 34,366 345 0 37,914 345 0 38,102 345 0 

Gervais' beaked whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 1,550 7 0 1,495 7 0 1,550 7 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 9,356 93 0 10,323 93 0 10,374 93 0 

Northern bottlenose 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 882 3 0 784 3 0 889 3 0 

Sowerby’s beaked 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 9,356 93 0 10,323 93 0 10,374 93 0 

True's beaked whale Western North 

Atlantic 9,356 93 0 10,323 93 0 10,374 93 0 

Family Delphinidae (dolphins)

Atlantic spotted

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 69,099 3,616 0 68,880 3,616 0 69,099 3,616 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 105,993 11,709 0 94,826 11,707 0 104,696 11,709 0 

Atlantic white-sided 

dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic 33,413 1,375 0 30,507 1,374 0 33,540 1,375 0 

Bottlenose dolphin

Choctawatchee Bay 933 31 0 932 31 0 933 31 0 

Gulf of Mexico Eastern 

Coastal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-15

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.3-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Sonar Testing Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Gulf of Mexico 

Northern Coastal 16,034 824 0 15,983 824 0 16,034 824 0 

Gulf of Mexico 

Western Coastal 2,150 86 0 2,150 86 0 2,150 86 0 

Indian River Lagoon 

Estuarine System 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Jacksonville Estuarine 

System 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 

Mississippi Sound, 

Lake Borgne, Bay 

Boudreau

1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico Continental 

Shelf

121,782 6,212 0 122,153 6,212 0 122,153 6,212 0 

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico Oceanic 13,391 677 0 13,481 677 0 13,481 677 0 

Northern North 

Carolina Estuarine 

System

80 26 0 80 26 0 80 26 0 

Southern North 

Carolina Estuarine 

System

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Northern 

Florida Coastal

311 47 0 327 47 0 320 47 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Central 

Florida Coastal

2,289 232 0 2,366 232 0 2,332 232 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-16

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.3-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Sonar Testing Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Western North 

Atlantic Northern 

Migratory Coastal

10,400 1,119 1 11,205 1,119 1 11,236 1,119 1 

Western North 

Atlantic South 

Carolina/Georgia 

Coastal

1,556 222 0 1,633 222 0 1,599 222 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Southern 

Migratory Coastal

3,897 612 0 4,040 612 0 3,987 612 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Offshore 108,837 11,415 5 116,088 11,416 5 115,756 11,416 5 

Clymene dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 4,828 96 0 4,965 96 0 4,965 96 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 33,102 3,585 0 35,438 3,585 0 35,195 3,585 0 

False killer whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 1,997 73 0 2,039 73 0 2,039 73 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 3,603 399 0 3,850 400 0 3,826 400 0 

Fraser's dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 1,149 58 0 1,170 58 0 1,170 58 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 1,282 97 0 1,367 97 0 1,373 97 0 

Killer whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 35 1 0 36 1 0 36 1 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 39 3 0 45 3 0 44 3 0 

Long-finned pilot 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 18,117 823 0 20,015 824 0 20,101 824 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-17

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.3-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Sonar Testing Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Melon-headed whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 3,547 65 0 3,659 65 0 3,659 65 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 15,695 1,745 0 16,777 1,746 0 16,638 1,746 0 

Pantropical spotted 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 27,407 596 0 28,197 596 0 28,197 596 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 72,069 6,968 0 79,730 6,971 0 80,083 6,971 0 

Pygmy killer whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 825 17 0 850 17 0 850 17 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 2,686 293 0 2,884 293 0 2,867 293 0 

Risso's dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 1,738 44 0 1,789 44 0 1,789 44 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 17,494 1,079 0 18,770 1,080 0 18,779 1,080 0 

Rough-toothed 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 3,935 173 0 3,994 173 0 3,994 173 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 8,185 1,159 0 8,696 1,159 0 8,644 1,159 0 

Short-beaked common 

dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic 299,511 13,446 0 325,626 13,452 0 326,828 13,452 0 

Short-finned pilot 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 17,713 1,140 0 18,911 1,141 0 18,932 1,141 0 

Spinner dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 9,517 251 0 9,869 251 0 9,869 251 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 31,344 3,850 0 33,527 3,851 0 33,278 3,851 0 

Striped dolphin Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 2,886 68 0 2,978 68 0 2,978 68 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-18

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.3-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Sonar Testing Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Western North 

Atlantic 88,085 6,876 0 99,536 6,879 0 100,045 6,879 0 

White-beaked dolphin Western North 

Atlantic 49 2 0 52 2 0 52 2 0 

Family Phocoenidae (porpoises)

Harbor porpoise Gulf of Maine/Bay of 

Fundy 101,734 22,202 51 115,355 22,784 51 116,238 22,785 51

Suborder Pinnipedia

Family Phocidae (true seals)

Gray seal Western North 

Atlantic 472 532 2 503 535 2 504 535 2 

Harbor seal Western North 

Atlantic 765 863 3 816 868 3 817 868 3 

Harp seal Western North 

Atlantic 5,968 4,359 0 6,391 4,406 0 6,404 4,406 0 

Hooded seal Western North 

Atlantic 603 393 0 671 399 0 674 399 0 

Order Sirenia

Family Trichechidae (manatees)

West Indian manatee* Florida, Antillean 1 6 0 1 6 0 1 6 0

* ESA-listed species (all stocks) within the AFTT Study Area

✝NSD: No stock designated

PTS: permanent threshold shift; TTS: temporary threshold shift
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-19

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

E.4 ESTIMATED MARINE MAMMAL IMPACTS PER FIVE YEAR PERIOD FROM 

SONAR AND OTHER TRANSDUCERS UNDER NAVY TESTING ACTIVITIES

Table E.4-1 provides a summary of the estimated number of marine mammal impacts from exposure to

sonar and other transducers used during Navy testing activities under Alternatives 1 and 2 over the 

course of five years.

Table E.4-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period from Sonar Testing 

Activities

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Suborder Mysticeti (baleen whales)

Family Balaenidae (right whales)

North Atlantic 

right whale*

Western North 

Atlantic 655 1,213 0 703 1,222 0 

Family Balaenopteridae (roquals)

Blue whale*

Western North 

Atlantic (Gulf of 

St. Lawrence)

22 82 0 23 82 0 

Bryde's whale Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 260 630 0 269 632 0 

Minke whale Canadian East 

Coast 1,822 6,375 3 1,915 6,394 3 

Fin whale* Western North 

Atlantic 5,989 11,812 9 6,413 11,897 9 

Humpback whale Gulf of Maine 1,078 1,469 0 1,127 1,478 0 

Sei whale* Nova Scotia 782 1,549 0 838 1,559 0 

Suborder Odontoceti (toothed whales)

Family Physeteridae (sperm whale)

Sperm whale*

Gulf of Mexico 

Oceanic 6,574 120 0 6,716 120 0 

North Atlantic 56,147 1,652 0 60,260 1,655 0 

Family Kogiidae (sperm whales)

Dwarf sperm 

whale

Gulf of Mexico 

Oceanic 1,653 2,358 6 1,705 2,360 6 

Western North 

Atlantic 6,160 17,155 35 6,668 17,268 35

Pygmy sperm 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 1,653 2,358 6 1,705 2,360 6 

Western North 

Atlantic 6,160 17,155 35 6,668 17,268 35
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-20

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.4-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period from Sonar Testing 

Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Family Ziphiidae (beaked whales)

Blainville's beaked 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 7,581 36 0 7,749 36 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 48,669 467 0 51,870 467 0 

Cuvier's beaked 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 7,535 36 0 7,703 36 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 178,761 1,723 0 190,502 1,724 0 

Gervais' beaked 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 7,581 36 0 7,749 36 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 48,669 467 0 51,870 467 0 

Northern 

bottlenose whale

Western North 

Atlantic 4,115 14 0 4,447 14 0 

Sowerby’s beaked 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 48,669 467 0 51,870 467 0 

True's beaked 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 48,669 467 0 51,870 467 0 

Family Delphinidae (dolphins)

Atlantic spotted 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 321,032 18,080 0 321,824 18,080 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 494,587 58,539 0 525,496 58,547 0 

Atlantic whitesided dolphinWestern North 

Atlantic 158,304 6,871 0 167,698 6,873 0 

Bottlenose 

dolphin

Choctawatchee 

Bay 4,255 155 0 4,259 155 0 

Gulf of Mexico 

Eastern Coastal 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Gulf of Mexico 

Northern Coastal 75,528 4,118 0 75,703 4,118 0 

Gulf of Mexico 

Western Coastal 10,751 429 0 10,751 429 0 

Indian River 

Lagoon Estuarine 

System

1 2 0 1 2 0 

Jacksonville 

Estuarine System 1 13 0 1 13 0 

Mississippi Sound, 

Lake Borgne, Bay 

Boudreau

3 1 0 3 1 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-21

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.4-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period from Sonar Testing 

Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 

Continental Shelf

577,426 31,061 0 578,691 31,061 0 

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico Oceanic 63,424 3,387 0 63,751 3,387 0 

Northern North 

Carolina Estuarine 

System

402 131 0 402 131 0 

Southern North 

Carolina Estuarine 

System

0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Northern 

Florida Coastal

1,579 234 0 1,611 234 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Central 

Florida Coastal

11,302 1,160 0 11,462 1,160 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Northern 

Migratory Coastal

53,565 5,595 3 56,180 5,595 3 

Western North 

Atlantic South 

Carolina/Georgia 

Coastal

7,894 1,110 0 8,054 1,110 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Southern 

Migratory Coastal

19,699 3,061 0 20,039 3,061 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Offshore 553,160 57,074 27 575,669 57,078 27

Clymene dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 24,400 481 0 24,824 481 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 168,921 17,924 0 175,739 17,925 0 

False killer whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 9,840 367 0 9,972 367 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 18,282 1,997 0 19,045 1,998 0 

Fraser's dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 5,673 290 0 5,740 290 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 6,511 484 0 6,829 485 0 

Killer whale Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 177 3 0 180 3 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-22

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.4-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period from Sonar Testing 

Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Western North 

Atlantic 204 16 0 222 16 0 

Long-finned pilot 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 94,304 4,117 0 100,497 4,120 0 

Melon-headed 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 17,946 325 0 18,290 325 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 79,631 8,725 0 82,797 8,728 0 

Pantropical 

spotted dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 138,367 2,978 0 140,803 2,978 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 372,667 34,844 0 400,025 34,854 0 

Pygmy killer 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 4,172 84 0 4,247 84 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 13,728 1,466 0 14,341 1,466 0 

Risso's dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 8,744 222 0 8,902 222 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 88,913 5,397 0 93,051 5,399 0 

Rough-toothed 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 19,122 864 0 19,308 864 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 41,461 5,795 0 43,038 5,795 0 

Short-beaked 

common dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic 1,548,800 67,242 0 1,634,172 67,261 0 

Short-finned pilot 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 90,595 5,702 0 94,530 5,705 0 

Spinner dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 48,197 1,256 0 49,281 1,256 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 159,442 19,252 0 166,126 19,254 0 

Striped dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 14,598 342 0 14,879 342 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 462,934 34,385 0 500,229 34,395 0 

White-beaked 

dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic 251 12 0 261 12 0 

Family Phocoenidae (porpoises)

Harbor porpoise Gulf of Maine/Bay 

of Fundy 535,838 112,188 254 581,190 113,927 254
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-23

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.4-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period from Sonar Testing 

Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Suborder Pinnipedia

Family Phocidae (true seals)

Gray seal Western North 

Atlantic 2,419 2,666 9 2,519 2,675 9 

Harbor seal Western North 

Atlantic 3,923 4,323 14 4,084 4,338 14

Harp seal Western North 

Atlantic 30,691 21,892 0 32,018 22,029 0 

Hooded seal Western North 

Atlantic 3,149 1,978 0 3,372 1,995 0 

Order Sirenia

Family Trichechidae (manatees)

West Indian 

manatee* Florida, Antillean 4 32 0 4 32 0 

* ESA-listed species (all stocks) within the AFTT Study Area

✝NSD: No stock designated

PTS: permanent threshold shift; TTS: temporary threshold shift

E.5 ESTIMATED MARINE MAMMAL IMPACTS FROM AIR GUNS UNDER NAVY 

TRAINING ACTIVITIES

There are no air gun activities under training, therefore there are no anticipated takes.

E.6 ESTIMATED MARINE MAMMAL IMPACTS FROM AIR GUNS UNDER NAVY 

TESTING ACTIVITIES

Table E.6-1 provides a summary of the estimated number of marine mammal impacts from exposure to

air guns used during Navy testing activities under Alternatives 1 and 2 over the course of a year. Most 

species and stocks in the Study Area either do not occur in areas where air gun activities take place, or 

did not result in any estimated impact based on the quantitative analysis.
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-24

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.6-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year for Air Gun Activities

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Family Delphinidae (dolphins)

Bottlenose dolphin Western North 

Atlantic Offshore 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 

Clymene dolphin Western North 

Atlantic 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 

Suborder Pinnipedia

Family Phocidae (true seals)

Gray seal Western North 

Atlantic 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

Harbor seal Western North 

Atlantic 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0

PTS: permanent threshold shift; TTS: temporary threshold shift
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-25

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

E.7 ESTIMATED MARINE MAMMAL IMPACTS PER FIVE YEAR PERIOD FROM AIR 

GUNS UNDER NAVY TESTING ACTIVITIES

Table E.7-1 provides a summary of the estimated number of marine mammal impacts from exposure to

air guns used during Navy testing activities under Alternatives 1 and 2 over the course of five years. 

Most species or stock in the Study Area either do not occur in areas where air gun activities take place, 

or did not result in any estimated impact based on quantitative analysis.

Table E.7-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period for Air Guns

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Bottlenose 

dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic Offshore 5 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 

Clymene dolphin Western North 

Atlantic 5 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 

Suborder Pinnipedia

Family Phocidae (true seals)

Gray seal Western North 

Atlantic 5 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 

Harbor seal Western North 

Atlantic 10 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 

PTS: permanent threshold shift; TTS: temporary threshold shift

E.8 ESTIMATED MARINE MAMMAL IMPACTS FROM PILE DRIVING UNDER NAVY 

TRAINING ACTIVITIES

Table E.8-1 provides a summary of the estimated number of marine mammal impacts from exposure to

pile driving used during Navy training activities under Alternatives 1 and 2 over the course of a year. Pile 

driving only occurs in the Atlantic regions of the Study Area, therefore species or stocks that occur in the 

Gulf of Mexico would not be impacted. Most species or stocks in the Study Area either do not occur in 

areas where pile driving activities take place, or did not result in any estimated impact based on 

quantitative analysis.
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-26

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.8-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Pile Driving Activities

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Family Delphinidae (dolphins)

Atlantic spotted 

dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic 16 0 0 16 0 0 16 0 0 

Bottlenose dolphin

Northern North 

Carolina Estuarine 

System

2 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Northern 

Migratory Coastal

14 0 0 14 0 0 14 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Southern 

Migratory Coastal

86 0 0 86 0 0 86 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Offshore 790 0 0 790 0 0 790 0 0 

PTS: permanent threshold shift; TTS: temporary threshold shift
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-27

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

E.9 ESTIMATED MARINE MAMMAL IMPACTS PER FIVE YEAR PERIOD FROM PILE 

DRIVING UNDER NAVY TRAINING ACTIVITIES

Table E.9-1 provides a summary of the estimated number of marine mammal impacts from exposure to

pile driving used during Navy training activities under Alternatives 1 and 2 over the course of five years. 

Pile driving only occurs in the Atlantic regions of the Study Area, therefore species or stocks that occur in 

the Gulf of Mexico would not be impacted. Most species or stocks in the Study Area either do not occur 

in areas where pile driving activities take place, or did not result in any estimated impact based on 

quantitative analysis.

Table E.9-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period for Pile Driving 

Activities

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS

Family Delphinidae (dolphins)

Atlantic spotted 

dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic 80 0 0 80 0 0 

Bottlenose 

dolphin

Northern North 

Carolina Estuarine 

System

10 0 0 10 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Northern 

Migratory Coastal

70 0 0 70 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Southern 

Migratory Coastal

430 0 0 430 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Offshore 3,950 0 0 3,950 0 0 

PTS: permanent threshold shift; TTS: temporary threshold shift

E.10 ESTIMATED MARINE MAMMAL IMPACTS FROM PILE DRIVING UNDER NAVY 

TESTING ACTIVITIES

There are no pile driving activities under testing, therefore there are no anticipated takes.

E.11 ESTIMATED MARINE MAMMAL IMPACTS FROM EXPLOSIVES UNDER NAVY 

TRAINING ACTIVITIES

Table E.11-1 provides a summary of the estimated number of marine mammal impacts from exposure to

explosives used during Navy training activities under Alternatives 1 and 2 over the course of a year.
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-28

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.11-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per year for Explosive Training Activities

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Suborder Mysticeti (baleen whales)

Family Balaenidae (right whales)

North 

Atlantic 

right whale*

Western North 

Atlantic 0 8 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 8 0 0 

Family Balaenopteridae (roquals)

Blue whale*

Western North 

Atlantic (Gulf of 

St. Lawrence)

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Bryde's 

whale

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 

Minke 

whale

Canadian East 

Coast 0 14 0 0 0 14 0 0 0 14 0 0 

Fin whale* Western North 

Atlantic 0 32 3 0 0 32 3 0 0 32 3 0 

Humpback 

whale Gulf of Maine 0 14 1 0 0 14 1 0 0 14 1 0 

Sei whale* Nova Scotia 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 

Suborder Odontoceti (toothed whales)

Family Physeteridae (sperm whale)

Sperm 

whale*

Gulf of Mexico 

Oceanic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

North Atlantic 2 3 0 0 2 3 0 0 2 3 0 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-29

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.11-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per year for Explosive Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Family Kogiidae (sperm whales)

Dwarf 

sperm 

whale

Gulf of Mexico 

Oceanic 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 10 16 3 0 10 16 3 0 10 16 3 0 

Pygmy 

sperm 

whale

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 10 16 3 0 10 16 3 0 10 16 3 0 

Family Ziphiidae (beaked whales)

Blainville's 

beaked 

whale

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Cuvier's 

beaked 

whale

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 2 3 0 0 2 3 0 0 2 3 0 0 

Gervais' 

beaked 

whale

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-30

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.11-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per year for Explosive Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Western North 

Atlantic 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Northern 

bottlenose 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Sowerby’s 

beaked 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

True's 

beaked 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Family Delphinidae (dolphins)

Atlantic 

spotted 

dolphin

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 1 5 0 0 1 5 0 0 1 5 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 32 82 8 1 32 82 8 1 32 82 8 1 

Atlantic 

white-sided 

dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic 3 7 1 0 3 7 1 0 3 7 1 0 

Bottlenose 

dolphin

Choctawatchee 

Bay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Gulf of Mexico 

Eastern Coastal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-31

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.11-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per year for Explosive Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Gulf of Mexico 

Northern 

Coastal

1 3 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 3 0 0 

Gulf of Mexico 

Western 

Coastal

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Indian River 

Lagoon 

Estuarine 

System

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Jacksonville 

Estuarine 

System

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Mississippi 

Sound, Lake 

Borgne, Bay 

Boudreau

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 

Continental 

Shelf

6 24 2 0 6 25 2 0 6 25 2 0 

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 

Oceanic

1 4 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 4 0 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-32

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.11-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per year for Explosive Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Northern North 

Carolina 

Estuarine 

System

1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 

Southern North 

Carolina 

Estuarine 

System

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 

Northern 

Florida Coastal

1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Central 

Florida Coastal

3 5 0 0 3 6 0 0 3 6 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 

Northern 

Migratory 

Coastal

13 47 3 0 13 47 3 0 13 47 3 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-33

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.11-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per year for Explosive Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Western North 

Atlantic South 

Carolina/Georgi

a Coastal

3 5 0 0 3 6 0 0 3 6 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 

Southern 

Migratory 

Coastal

11 19 2 0 11 19 2 0 11 19 2 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 

Offshore

93 383 28 3 93 384 28 3 93 384 28 3 

Clymene 

dolphin

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 7 20 2 0 7 20 2 0 7 20 2 0 

False killer 

whale

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 1 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-34

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.11-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per year for Explosive Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Fraser's 

dolphin

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Killer whale

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Long-finned 

pilot whale

Western North 

Atlantic 3 4 0 0 3 4 0 0 3 4 0 0 

Melonheaded 

whale

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 3 12 1 0 3 12 1 0 3 12 1 0 

Pantropical 

spotted 

dolphin

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 5 12 2 0 5 12 2 0 5 12 2 0 

Pygmy killer 

whale

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-35

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.11-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per year for Explosive Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Western North 

Atlantic 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Risso's 

dolphin

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 2 5 0 0 2 5 0 0 2 5 0 0 

Roughtoothed 

dolphin

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 1 5 0 0 1 5 0 0 1 5 0 0 

Shortbeaked 

common 

dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic 42 86 13 1 42 86 13 1 42 86 13 1 

Short-finned 

pilot whale

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 3 5 0 0 3 5 0 0 3 5 0 0 

Spinner 

dolphin

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 4 15 1 0 4 15 1 0 4 15 1 0 

Striped 

dolphin

Northern Gulf 

of Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-36

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.11-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per year for Explosive Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Western North 

Atlantic 7 15 3 1 7 15 3 1 7 15 3 1 

Whitebeaked 

dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Family Phocoenidae (porpoises)

Harbor 

porpoise

Gulf of 

Maine/Bay of 

Fundy

114 510 153 0 114 510 153 0 114 510 153 0 

Suborder Pinnipedia

Family Phocidae (true seals)

Gray seal Western North 

Atlantic

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Harbor seal Western North 

Atlantic

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Harp seal Western North 

Atlantic

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Hooded seal Western North 

Atlantic

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-37

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.11-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per year for Explosive Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Order Sirenia

Family Trichechidae (manatees)

West Indian 

manatee*

Florida, 

Antillean 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

* ESA-listed species (all stocks) within the AFTT Study Area

✝NSD: No stock designated

PTS: permanent threshold shift; TTS: temporary threshold shift
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-38

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

E.12 ESTIMATED MARINE MAMMAL IMPACTS PER FIVE YEAR PERIOD FROM 

EXPLOSIVES UNDER NAVY TRAINING ACTIVITIES

Table E.12-1 provides a summary of the estimated number of marine mammal impacts from exposure to

explosives used during Navy training activities under Alternatives 1 and 2 over the course of five years.
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-39

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.12-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year for Explosive Training Activities

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Suborder Mysticeti (baleen whales)

Family Balaenidae (right whales)

North Atlantic right 

whale*

Western North 

Atlantic 0 41 0 0 0 42 0 0 

Family Balaenopteridae (roquals)

Blue whale*

Western North 

Atlantic (Gulf of St. 

Lawrence)

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Bryde's whale Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 10 0 0 0 10 0 0 

Minke whale Canadian East Coast 0 69 0 0 0 69 0 0 

Fin whale* Western North 

Atlantic 0 161 14 0 0 161 14 0 

Humpback whale Gulf of Maine 0 69 3 0 0 69 3 0 

Sei whale* Nova Scotia 0 11 0 0 0 11 0 0 

Suborder Odontoceti (toothed whales)

Family Physeteridae (sperm whale)

Sperm whale*

Gulf of Mexico 

Oceanic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

North Atlantic 10 17 0 1 10 17 0 1 

Family Kogiidae (sperm whales)

Dwarf sperm whale

Gulf of Mexico 

Oceanic 3 2 0 0 3 2 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 51 82 17 0 51 82 17 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-40

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.12-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year for Explosive Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Pygmy sperm whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 3 2 0 0 3 2 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 51 82 17 0 51 82 17 0 

Family Ziphiidae (beaked whales)

Blainville's beaked 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 3 4 0 0 3 4 0 0 

Cuvier's beaked whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 10 14 0 0 10 14 0 0 

Gervais' beaked whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 3 4 0 0 3 4 0 0 

Northern bottlenose 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Sowerby’s beaked 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 3 4 0 0 3 4 0 0 

True's beaked whale Western North 

Atlantic 3 4 0 0 3 4 0 0 

Family Delphinidae (dolphins)

Atlantic spotted 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 7 27 0 0 7 27 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 160 411 42 3 160 411 42 3 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-41

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.12-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year for Explosive Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Atlantic white-sided 

dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic 15 33 3 0 15 33 3 0 

Bottlenose dolphin

Choctawatchee Bay 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Gulf of Mexico Eastern 

Coastal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Gulf of Mexico 

Northern Coastal 4 17 0 0 4 17 0 0 

Gulf of Mexico 

Western Coastal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Indian River Lagoon 

Estuarine System 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Jacksonville Estuarine 

System 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Mississippi Sound, 

Lake Borgne, Bay 

Boudreau

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico Continental 

Shelf

28 122 9 0 29 124 10 0 

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico Oceanic 5 18 0 0 5 18 0 0 

Northern North 

Carolina Estuarine 

System

3 2 0 0 3 2 0 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-42

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.12-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year for Explosive Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Southern North 

Carolina Estuarine 

System

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Northern 

Florida Coastal

3 6 0 0 3 6 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Central 

Florida Coastal

13 28 0 0 13 28 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Northern 

Migratory Coastal

63 234 17 2 63 234 17 2 

Western North 

Atlantic South 

Carolina/Georgia 

Coastal

13 28 0 0 13 28 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Southern 

Migratory Coastal

55 93 8 0 55 93 8 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Offshore 464 1,919 140 15 464 1,921 140 15

Clymene dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 37 101 12 0 37 101 12 0 

False killer whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 3 8 0 0 3 8 0 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-43

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.12-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year for Explosive Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Fraser's dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 

Killer whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Long-finned pilot 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 13 22 0 0 13 22 0 0 

Melon-headed whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 16 59 3 0 16 59 3 0 

Pantropical spotted 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 1 3 0 0 1 3 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 26 60 10 1 26 60 10 1 

Pygmy killer whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 4 6 0 0 4 6 0 0 

Risso's dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 8 23 0 0 8 23 0 0 

Rough-toothed 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-44

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.12-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year for Explosive Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Western North 

Atlantic 7 24 1 0 7 24 0 0 

Short-beaked common 

dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic 211 431 66 3 211 431 66 3 

Short-finned pilot 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 14 24 2 0 14 24 2 0 

Spinner dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 22 76 6 0 22 76 6 0 

Striped dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 34 75 16 3 34 75 16 3 

White-beaked dolphin Western North 

Atlantic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Family Phocoenidae (porpoises)

Harbor porpoise Gulf of Maine/Bay of 

Fundy 572 2,551 764 0 572 2,551 764 0 

Suborder Pinnipedia

Family Phocidae (true seals)

Gray seal Western North 

Atlantic 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 

Harbor seal Western North 

Atlantic 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 

Harp seal Western North 

Atlantic 1 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 

Hooded seal Western North 

Atlantic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-45

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.12-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year for Explosive Training Activities (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Order Sirenia

Family Trichechidae (manatees)

West Indian manatee* Florida, Antillean 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

* ESA-listed species (all stocks) within the AFTT Study Area

✝NSD: No stock designation

PTS: permanent threshold shift; TTS: temporary threshold shift
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-46

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

E.13 ESTIMATED MARINE MAMMAL IMPACTS FROM EXPLOSIVES UNDER NAVY 

TESTING ACTIVITIES (EXCLUDING SHIP SHOCK TRIALS) 

Table E.13-1 provides a summary of the estimated number of marine mammal impacts from exposure to

explosives used during Navy testing activities (excluding ship shock trials) under Alternatives 1 and 2 

over the course of a year.
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-47

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.13-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Explosive Testing Activities (Excluding Ship Shock Trials)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Suborder Mysticeti (baleen whales)

Family Balaenidae (right whales)

North Atlantic 

right whale*

Western North 

Atlantic 0 9 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 10 0 0 

Family Balaenopteridae (roquals)

Blue whale*

Western North 

Atlantic (Gulf of 

St. Lawrence)

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Bryde's whale Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 

Minke whale Canadian East 

Coast 0 12 0 0 0 13 1 0 0 16 1 0 

Fin whale* Western North 

Atlantic 0 31 1 0 0 35 1 0 0 42 2 0 

Humpback 

whale Gulf of Maine 0 10 0 0 0 11 0 0 0 12 1 0 

Sei whale* Nova Scotia 0 4 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 4 0 0 

Suborder Odontoceti (toothed whales)

Family Physeteridae (sperm whale)

Sperm whale*

Gulf of Mexico 

Oceanic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

North Atlantic 1 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 3 1 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-48

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.13-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Explosive Testing Activities (Excluding Ship Shock Trials)

(continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Family Kogiidae (sperm whales)

Dwarf sperm 

whale

Gulf of Mexico 

Oceanic 2 7 3 0 2 8 4 0 3 10 5 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 17 19 6 0 20 23 7 0 20 24 8 0 

Pygmy sperm 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 2 7 3 0 2 8 4 0 3 10 5 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 17 19 6 0 20 23 7 0 20 24 8 0 

Family Ziphiidae (beaked whales)

Blainville's 

beaked whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Cuvier's 

beaked whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 2 2 0 0 2 3 0 0 2 3 0 0 

Gervais' 

beaked whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-49

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.13-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Explosive Testing Activities (Excluding Ship Shock Trials)

(continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Western North 

Atlantic 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Northern 

bottlenose 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Sowerby’s 

beaked whale

Western North 

Atlantic 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

True's beaked 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Family Delphinidae (dolphins)

Atlantic 

spotted 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 24 27 2 0 24 28 2 0 29 33 3 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 47 56 6 0 60 77 8 1 62 79 9 1 

Atlantic whitesided dolphinWestern North 

Atlantic 12 11 1 0 14 12 1 0 14 13 1 0 

Bottlenose 

dolphin

Choctawatchee 

Bay 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Gulf of Mexico 

Eastern Coastal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-50

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.13-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Explosive Testing Activities (Excluding Ship Shock Trials)

(continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Gulf of Mexico 

Northern Coastal 12 15 1 0 12 15 1 0 13 16 1 0 

Gulf of Mexico 

Western Coastal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Indian River 

Lagoon Estuarine 

System

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Jacksonville 

Estuarine System 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Mississippi 

Sound, Lake 

Borgne, Bay 

Boudreau

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 

Continental Shelf

90 110 8 0 90 111 8 0 95 116 9 0 

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico Oceanic 10 13 1 0 10 13 1 0 11 13 1 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-51

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.13-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Explosive Testing Activities (Excluding Ship Shock Trials)

(continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Northern North 

Carolina 

Estuarine System

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Southern North 

Carolina 

Estuarine System

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 

Northern Florida 

Coastal

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Central 

Florida Coastal

1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 

Northern 

Migratory 

Coastal

6 14 2 0 7 15 2 0 7 15 2 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-52

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.13-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Explosive Testing Activities (Excluding Ship Shock Trials)

(continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Western North 

Atlantic South 

Carolina/Georgia 

Coastal

1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 

Southern 

Migratory 

Coastal

2 2 0 0 2 3 0 0 2 3 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Offshore 61 111 16 1 68 121 17 1 69 123 18 1 

Clymene 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 11 15 1 0 13 19 2 0 14 20 2 0 

False killer 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 1 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-53

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.13-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Explosive Testing Activities (Excluding Ship Shock Trials)

(continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Fraser's 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 

Killer whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Long-finned 

pilot whale

Western North 

Atlantic 3 4 1 0 3 5 1 0 4 5 1 0 

Melon-headed 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 4 6 1 0 5 7 1 0 6 8 1 0 

Pantropical 

spotted 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 2 3 0 0 2 3 0 0 3 3 1 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 18 18 3 0 21 22 4 0 22 23 4 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-54

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.13-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Explosive Testing Activities (Excluding Ship Shock Trials)

(continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Pygmy killer 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Risso's dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 2 4 1 0 3 6 1 0 3 6 1 0 

Roughtoothed 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 2 3 0 0 2 3 0 0 2 3 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 3 3 0 0 4 4 0 0 4 4 1 0 

Short-beaked 

common 

dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic 70 88 9 1 83 114 13 1 87 119 14 1 

Short-finned 

pilot whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 2 4 1 0 3 5 1 0 3 5 1 0 

Spinner

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 1 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 4 1 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-55

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.13-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Explosive Testing Activities (Excluding Ship Shock Trials)

(continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Western North 

Atlantic 11 14 1 0 13 19 2 0 13 19 2 0 

Striped 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 16 16 3 0 19 21 4 0 20 21 4 0 

White-beaked 

dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Family Phocoenidae (porpoises)

Harbor 

porpoise

Gulf of 

Maine/Bay of 

Fundy

358 577 150 0 411 664 170 0 412 688 195 0 

Suborder Pinnipedia

Family Phocidae (true seals)

Gray seal Western North 

Atlantic 5 5 0 0 6 5 0 0 6 5 0 0 

Harbor seal Western North 

Atlantic 9 7 1 0 10 8 1 0 10 8 1 0 

Harp seal Western North 

Atlantic 34 30 2 0 38 32 2 0 38 32 2 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-56

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.13-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per Year from Explosive Testing Activities (Excluding Ship Shock Trials)

(continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – Minimum Alternative 1 – Maximum Alternative 2

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Hooded seal Western North 

Atlantic 3 2 0 0 3 2 0 0 3 2 0 0 

Order Sirenia

Family Trichechidae (manatees)

West Indian 

manatee* Florida, Antillean 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

* ESA-listed species (all stocks) within the AFTT Study Area

✝NSD: No stock designation

PTS: permanent threshold shift; TTS: temporary threshold shift
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-57

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

E.14 ESTIMATED MARINE MAMMAL IMPACTS PER FIVE YEAR PERIOD FROM 

EXPLOSIVES UNDER NAVY TESTING ACTIVITIES (EXCLUDING SHIP SHOCK 

TRIALS) 

Table E.14-1 provides a summary of the estimated number of marine mammal impacts from exposure to

explosives used during Navy testing activities (excluding ship shock trials) under Alternatives 1 and 2 

over the course of five years.
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-58

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.14-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period for Explosive Testing Activities (Excluding 

Ship Shock Trials)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Suborder Mysticeti (baleen whales)

Family Balaenidae (right whales)

North Atlantic right 

whale*

Western North 

Atlantic 0 49 0 0 0 50 0 0 

Family Balaenopteridae (roquals)

Blue whale*

Western North 

Atlantic (Gulf of St. 

Lawrence)

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Bryde's whale Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 8 0 0 0 13 0 0 

Minke whale Canadian East Coast 0 63 2 0 0 78 3 0 

Fin whale* Western North 

Atlantic 0 164 7 0 0 211 9 0 

Humpback whale Gulf of Maine 0 54 0 0 0 60 3 0 

Sei whale* Nova Scotia 0 19 0 0 0 22 0 0 

Suborder Odontoceti (toothed whales)

Family Physeteridae (sperm whale)

Sperm whale*

Gulf of Mexico 

Oceanic 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 

North Atlantic 8 10 0 0 9 13 3 0 

Family Kogiidae (sperm whales)

Dwarf sperm whale

Gulf of Mexico 

Oceanic 12 38 17 0 13 50 25 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 92 108 34 0 100 122 39 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-59

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

TableE.14-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period for Explosive Testing Activities (Excluding 

Ship Shock Trials) (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Pygmy sperm whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 12 38 17 0 13 50 25 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 92 108 34 0 100 122 39 0 

Family Ziphiidae (beaked whales)

Blainville's beaked 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 3 3 0 0 3 4 0 0 

Cuvier's beaked whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 11 13 0 0 12 15 0 0 

Gervais' beaked whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 3 3 0 0 3 4 0 0 

Northern bottlenose 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Sowerby’s beaked 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 3 3 0 0 3 4 0 0 

True's beaked whale Western North 

Atlantic 3 3 0 0 3 4 0 0 

Family Delphinidae (dolphins)

Atlantic spotted 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 121 136 10 1 147 164 15 1 

Western North 

Atlantic 273 340 36 3 308 395 44 4 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

E-60

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

TableE.14-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period for Explosive Testing Activities (Excluding 

Ship Shock Trials) (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Atlantic white-sided 

dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic 64 58 4 0 69 65 5 0 

Bottlenose dolphin

Choctawatchee Bay 5 6 0 0 5 6 0 0 

Gulf of Mexico Eastern 

Coastal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Gulf of Mexico 

Northern Coastal 62 76 5 0 66 80 6 0 

Gulf of Mexico 

Western Coastal 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Indian River Lagoon 

Estuarine System 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Jacksonville Estuarine 

System 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Mississippi Sound, 

Lake Borgne, Bay 

Boudreau

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico Continental 

Shelf

449 551 38 1 476 580 45 2 

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico Oceanic 52 64 5 0 55 67 5 0 

Northern North 

Carolina Estuarine 

System

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Southern North 

Carolina Estuarine 

System

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

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Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

TableE.14-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period for Explosive Testing Activities (Excluding 

Ship Shock Trials) (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Western North 

Atlantic Northern 

Florida Coastal

1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Central 

Florida Coastal

6 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Northern 

Migratory Coastal

33 70 11 1 35 74 12 1 

Western North 

Atlantic South 

Carolina/Georgia 

Coastal

6 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Southern 

Migratory Coastal

11 11 0 0 12 13 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic Offshore 324 582 83 5 344 614 88 5 

Clymene dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 2 2 0 0 3 3 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 62 87 7 1 69 98 9 1 

False killer whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 5 10 0 0 6 12 0 0 

Fraser's dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 1 3 0 0 1 4 0 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

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Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

TableE.14-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period for Explosive Testing Activities (Excluding 

Ship Shock Trials) (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Killer whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Long-finned pilot 

whale

Western North 

Atlantic 16 21 6 1 19 25 7 1 

Melon-headed whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 1 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 25 32 4 0 28 38 4 0 

Pantropical spotted 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 10 13 0 0 14 16 0 1 

Western North 

Atlantic 99 102 19 1 108 114 21 2 

Pygmy killer whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 4 6 0 0 4 6 0 0 

Risso's dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 1 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 12 26 3 0 14 30 4 1 

Rough-toothed 

dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 10 13 0 0 11 14 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 16 19 0 0 18 21 3 0 

Short-beaked common 

dolphin

Western North 

Atlantic 385 503 53 3 433 595 71 5 

Short-finned pilot 

whale

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 12 22 6 1 15 26 7 1 
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Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

TableE.14-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period for Explosive Testing Activities (Excluding 

Ship Shock Trials) (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Spinner dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 4 11 0 0 10 18 3 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 60 85 7 0 67 96 8 0 

Striped dolphin

Northern Gulf of 

Mexico 1 1 0 0 2 2 0 0 

Western North 

Atlantic 86 91 18 1 100 107 22 2 

White-beaked dolphin Western North 

Atlantic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Family Phocoenidae (porpoises)

Harbor porpoise Gulf of Maine/Bay of 

Fundy 1,912 3,067 791 0 2,060 3,438 977 0 

Suborder Pinnipedia

Family Phocidae (true seals)

Gray seal Western North 

Atlantic 28 23 0 0 30 24 0 0 

Harbor seal Western North 

Atlantic 46 38 3 0 49 39 3 0 

Harp seal Western North 

Atlantic 177 154 11 0 189 161 12 0 

Hooded seal Western North 

Atlantic 13 11 0 0 15 12 0 0 
Atlantic Fleet 

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Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

TableE.14-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts per 5-Year Period for Explosive Testing Activities (Excluding 

Ship Shock Trials) (continued)

Species Stock

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Behavioral 

Response TTS PTS Injury

Order Sirenia

Family Trichechidae (manatees)

West Indian manatee* Florida, Antillean 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

* ESA-listed species (all stocks) within the AFTT Study Area

✝NSD: No stock designation

PTS: permanent threshold shift; TTS: temporary threshold shift
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Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

E.15 ESTIMATED MARINE MAMMAL IMPACTS FROM SHIP SHOCK TRIALS UNDER 

NAVY TESTING ACTIVITIES

Table E.15-1 provides a summary of the estimated number of marine mammal impacts from exposure to

Navy ship shock trials (an explosive testing activity) under Alternatives 1 and 2 from small and large 

shock trials, and over the course of five years. The small ship shock trial could take place up to 3 times 

over a five-year period and the large ship shock trial could take place once. Takes per species below are 

the maximum for any proposed location and season. Stock designations are not provided since they are 

highly dependent on the actual location chosen for each shock trial. See Chapter 2 for details on 

locations and seasons for ship shock trials.
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Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.15-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts from Small and Large Ship Shock Trials (Explosive Testing 

Activity) and per 5-Year Period

Species

Small Ship Shock Large Ship Shock 5-Year Total

TTS PTS Injury Mortality TTS PTS Injury Mortality TTS PTS Injury Mortality

Suborder Mysticeti (baleen whales)

Family Balaenidae (right whales)

North Atlantic right whale* 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 

Family Balaenopteridae (roquals)

Blue whale* 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 

Bryde's whale 3 0 0 0 6 1 0 0 15 1 0 0 

Minke whale 19 1 0 0 39 3 0 0 96 6 0 0 

Fin whale* 131 3 0 0 234 27 0 0 627 36 0 0 

Humpback whale 8 0 0 0 20 2 0 0 44 2 0 0 

Sei whale* 12 1 0 0 27 4 0 0 63 7 0 0 

Suborder Odontoceti (toothed whales)

Family Physeteridae (sperm whale)

Sperm whale* 1 1 0 0 3 3 1 0 6 6 1 0 

Family Kogiidae (sperm whales)

Dwarf sperm whale 46 28 0 0 91 70 0 0 229 154 0 0 

Pygmy sperm whale 46 28 0 0 91 70 0 0 229 154 0 0 

Family Ziphiidae (beaked whales)

Blainville's beaked whale 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 4 1 0 0 

Cuvier's beaked whale 2 1 0 0 2 3 0 0 8 6 0 0 

Gervais' beaked whale 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 4 1 0 0 

Northern bottlenose whale 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Sowersby's beaked whale 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 4 1 0 0 

True's beaked whale 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 4 1 0 0 
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Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.15-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts from Small and Large Ship Shock Trials (Explosive Testing 

Activity) and per 5-Year Period (continued)

Species

Small Ship Shock Large Ship Shock 5-Year Total

TTS PTS Injury Mortality TTS PTS Injury Mortality TTS PTS Injury Mortality

Family Delphinidae (dolphins)

Atlantic spotted dolphin 6 3 1 0 8 8 4 0 26 17 7 0 

Atlantic white-sided dolphin 1 1 0 0 3 6 3 1 6 9 3 1 

Bottlenose dolphin 13 8 2 0 16 19 5 0 55 43 11 0 

Clymene dolphin 2 4 1 0 9 5 3 0 15 17 6 0 

False killer whale 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 

Fraser's dolphin 0 0 0 0 2 2 1 0 2 2 1 0 

Killer whale 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Long-finned pilot whale 2 2 0 0 5 5 1 0 11 11 1 0 

Melon-headed whale 1 1 0 0 5 3 1 0 8 6 1 0 

Pantropical spotted dolphin 2 2 1 0 25 14 6 1 31 20 9 1 

Pygmy killer whale 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Risso's dolphin 1 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 6 4 0 0 

Rough-toothed dolphin 1 0 0 0 3 1 1 0 6 1 1 0 

Short-beaked common dolphin 40 40 11 1 67 73 34 3 187 193 67 6 

Short-finned pilot whale 2 2 0 0 4 4 1 0 10 10 1 0 

Spinner dolphin 3 1 0 0 37 31 14 1 46 34 14 1 

Striped dolphin 4 6 2 0 10 8 4 0 22 26 10 0 

White-beaked dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Family Phocoenidae (porpoises)

Harbor porpoise 43 41 0 0 120 81 0 0 249 204 0 0 

Suborder Pinnipedia

Family Phocidae (true seals)

Gray seal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Harbor seal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
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E-68

Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.15-1: Estimated Marine Mammal Impacts from Small and Large Ship Shock Trials (Explosive Testing 

Activity) and per 5-Year Period (continued)

Species

Small Ship Shock Large Ship Shock 5-Year Total

TTS PTS Injury Mortality TTS PTS Injury Mortality TTS PTS Injury Mortality

Harp seal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Hooded seal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Order Sirenia

Family Trichechidae (manatees)

West Indian manatee* 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

* ESA-listed species (all stocks) within the AFTT Study Area

PTS: permanent threshold shift; TTS: temporary threshold shift
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Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

E.16 ESTIMATED SEA TURTLE IMPACTS FROM SONAR AND OTHER 

TRANSDUCERS UNDER NAVY TRAINING AND TESTING ACTIVITIES

Table E.16-1 provides a summary of the estimated number of sea turtle impacts from exposure to sonar 

and other transducers used during Navy training and testing activities under Alternatives 1 and 2 over 

the course of a year. 

Table E.16-1: Estimated Sea Turtle Impacts per Year from Sonar Training and Testing Activities

Species

Alternative 1 – 

Minimum

Alternative 1 – 

Maximum Alternative 2

TTS PTS TTS PTS TTS PTS

Sonar Training Activities

Family Cheloniidae (hardshell turtles)

Green turtle* 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Hawksbill turtle* 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Kemp's ridley turtle* 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Loggerhead turtle* 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Family Dermochelyidae (scuteless turtles)

Leatherback turtle* 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Sonar Testing Activities

Family Cheloniidae (hardshell turtles)

Green turtle* 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Hawksbill turtle* 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Kemp's ridley turtle* 1 0 1 0 1 0 

Loggerhead turtle* 6 0 6 0 6 0 

Family Dermochelyidae (scuteless turtles)

Leatherback turtle* 1 0 1 0 1 0 

* ESA-listed species within the AFTT Study Area

PTS: permanent threshold shift; TTS: temporary threshold shift

E.17 ESTIMATED SEA TURTLE IMPACTS PER FIVE YEAR PERIOD FROM SONAR 

AND OTHER TRANSDUCERS UNDER NAVY TRAINING AND TESTING 

ACTIVITIES

Table E.17-1 provides a summary of the estimated number of sea turtle impacts from exposure to sonar 

and other transducers used during Navy training and testing activities under Alternatives 1 and 2 over 

the course of five years.
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Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.17-1: Estimated Sea Turtle Impacts per 5-Year Period from Sonar and Other 

Transducers Training and Testing Activities

Species

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

TTS PTS TTS PTS

Sonar Training Activities

Family Cheloniidae (hardshell turtles)

Green turtle* 0 0 0 0 

Hawksbill turtle* 0 0 0 0 

Kemp's ridley turtle* 0 0 0 0 

Loggerhead turtle* 0 0 0 0 

Family Dermochelyidae (scuteless turtles)

Leatherback turtle* 1 0 1 0 

Sonar Testing Activities

Family Cheloniidae (hardshell turtles)

Green turtle* 0 0 0 0 

Hawksbill turtle* 0 0 0 0 

Kemp's ridley turtle* 3 0 3 0 

Loggerhead turtle* 32 0 32 0 

Family Dermochelyidae (scuteless turtles)

Leatherback turtle* 3 0 3 0 

* ESA-listed species within the AFTT Study Area

PTS: permanent threshold shift; TTS: temporary threshold shift

E.18 ESTIMATED SEA TURTLE IMPACTS FROM AIR GUNS UNDER NAVY TRAINING 

AND TESTING ACTIVITIES

There are no air gun activities under training, therefore there are no anticipated takes. No sea turtle 

impacts are anticipated from exposure to air guns used during Navy testing activities under Alternatives 

1 and 2 over the course of a year and over the course of five years.

E.19 ESTIMATED SEA TURTLE IMPACTS FROM PILE DRIVING UNDER NAVY 

TRAINING AND TESTING ACTIVITIES

No sea turtle impacts are anticipated from exposure to pile driving used during Navy testing activities 

under Alternatives 1 and 2 over the course of a year and over the course of five years. There are no pile 

driving activities under testing, therefore there are no anticipated takes.

E.20 ESTIMATED SEA TURTLE IMPACTS FROM EXPLOSIVES UNDER NAVY 

TRAINING AND TESTING ACTIVITIES

Table E.20-1 provides a summary of the estimated number of sea turtle impacts from exposure to

explosives used during Navy training and testing activities, excluding ship shock trials, under Alternatives 

1 and 2 over the course of a year.
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Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.20-1: Estimated Sea Turtle Impacts per Year from Explosive Training and Testing 

Activities

Species

Alternative 1 –

Minimum

Alternative 1 –

Maximum Alternative 2

TTS PTS Injury TTS PTS Injury TTS PTS Injury

Explosive Training Activities

Family Cheloniidae (hardshell turtles)

Green turtle* 2 1 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 

Hawksbill turtle* 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Kemp's ridley turtle* 4 3 0 4 3 0 4 3 0 

Loggerhead turtle* 58 27 4 58 27 4 58 27 4 

Family Dermochelyidae (scuteless turtles)

Leatherback turtle* 5 2 0 5 2 0 5 2 0 

Explosive Testing Activities (Excluding Ship Shock Trials)

Family Cheloniidae (hardshell turtles)

Green turtle* 2 1 0 2 2 0 3 2 0 

Hawksbill turtle* 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Kemp's ridley turtle* 2 1 0 3 1 0 4 2 0 

Loggerhead turtle* 24 12 3 28 15 3 33 16 4 

Family Dermochelyidae (scuteless turtles)

Leatherback turtle* 3 1 0 3 1 0 4 1 0 

* ESA-listed species within the AFTT Study Area

PTS: permanent threshold shift; TTS: temporary threshold shift

E.21 ESTIMATED SEA TURTLE IMPACTS PER FIVE YEAR PERIOD FROM 

EXPLOSIVES UNDER NAVY TRAINING AND TESTING ACTIVITIES

Table E.21-1 provides a summary of the estimated number of sea turtle impacts from exposure to

explosives used during Navy training and testing activities, excluding ship shock trials, under Alternatives 

1 and 2 per five year period. 
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Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.21-1: Estimated Sea Turtle Impacts per 5-Year Period from Explosive Training and 

Testing Activities (Excluding Ship Shock Trials)

Species

Alternative 1 – 5-Year Alternative 2 – 5-Year

TTS PTS Injury TTS PTS Injury

Explosive Training Activities

Family Cheloniidae (hardshell turtles)

Green turtle* 12 5 1 12 5 1 

Hawksbill turtle* 1 0 0 1 0 0 

Kemp's ridley turtle* 18 13 1 18 13 1 

Loggerhead turtle* 289 134 21 290 134 21

Family Dermochelyidae (scuteless turtles)

Leatherback turtle* 25 10 0 25 10 0 

Explosive Testing Activities (Excluding Ship Shock Trials)

Family Cheloniidae (hardshell turtles)

Green turtle* 12 8 1 13 8 1 

Hawksbill turtle* 1 0 0 1 0 0 

Kemp's ridley turtle* 13 6 1 19 8 1 

Loggerhead turtle* 128 67 15 163 82 18

Family Dermochelyidae (scuteless turtles)

Leatherback turtle* 15 4 0 18 6 1 

* ESA-listed species within the AFTT Study Area

PTS: permanent threshold shift; TTS: temporary threshold shift

E.22 ESTIMATED SEA TURTLE IMPACTS FROM SHIP SHOCK TRIALS UNDER NAVY

TESTING ACTIVITIES

Table E.22-1 provides a summary of the estimated number of sea turtle impacts from exposure to Navy 

ship shock trials (an explosive testing activity) under Alternatives 1 and 2 from small and large shock 

trials, and over the course of five years. The small ship shock trial could take place up to 3 times over a 

five-year period and the large ship shock trial could take place once. Takes per species below are the 

maximum for any proposed location and season. See Chapter 2 for details on locations and seasons for 

ship shock trials.
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Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

Table E.22-1: Estimated Sea Turtle Impacts from Small and Large Ship Shock Trials (Explosive Testing Activity) and per 5-Year 

Period

Species

Small Ship Shock Large Ship Shock 5-Year Total

TTS PTS Injury Mortality TTS PTS Injury Mortality TTS PTS Injury Mortality

Family Cheloniidae (hardshell turtles) 

Green turtle* 18 1 0 0 18 1 0 0 72 4 0 0 

Hawksbill turtle* 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 

Kemp's ridley turtle* 12 1 0 0 15 1 1 0 51 4 1 0 

Loggerhead turtle* 339 19 5 1 283 13 4 1 1,300 70 19 4 

Family Dermochelyidae (scuteless turtles)

Leatherback turtle* 169 7 1 0 215 7 2 0 722 28 5 0 

* ESA-listed species within the AFTT Study Area

PTS: permanent threshold shift; TTS: temporary threshold shift
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Appendix E Estimated Impacts from Exposure to Acoustic and Explosive Stressors

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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

APPENDIX F

Military Expended Materials and Direct Strike  

Impact Analyses

   
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

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i 

Table of Contents

Draft 

Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement 

Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

APPENDIX F MILITARY EXPENDED MATERIAL AND DIRECT STRIKE IMPACT ANALYSIS.......... F-1

F.1 Estimating the Impact of Military Expended Materials and Underwater 

Explosions on Abiotic Substrates as a Habitat for Biological Resources ........................ F-1

F.1.1 Military Expended and Recovered Material – Training Activities .......................... F-8

F.1.2 Military Expended and Recovered Materials – Testing Activities........................ F-27

F.2 Impacts to Abiotic Substrate – Training and Testing Activities ................................... F-41

F.3 Statistical and Probability Analysis for Estimating Direct Strike Impact and 

Number of Potential Exposures From Military Expended Materials ........................... F-53

F.3.1 Direct Impact Analysis .......................................................................................... F-54

F.3.2 Parameters for Analysis ....................................................................................... F-56

F.3.3 Input Data ............................................................................................................ F-57

F.3.4 Output Data ......................................................................................................... F-57

F.4 Poisson Probability of Direct Vessel Strike with Marine Mammals............................. F-59

List of Figures 

This section does not contain figures. 

List of Tables 

Table F-1: Categories and Footprints for Various Materials and Underwater Explosions ........................ F-2

Table F-2: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials Proposed for Use During 

Training Activities in a Single Year Under Alternatives 1 and 2 ............................................ F-9

Table F-3: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials Proposed for Use During 

Training Activities in a Single Year Under Alternatives 1 and 2Inland Waters ................. F-11

Table F-4: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials Proposed for Use During 

Training Activities in a Single Year with Differences between Alternatives 1 

and 2 ................................................................................................................................... F-13

Table F-5: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials Proposed for Use 

DuringTraining Activities in Five Years Under Alternatives 1 and 2 ................................... F-15

Table F-6: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials Proposed for Use During 

Training Activities in Five Years Under Alternatives 1 and 2 – Inland Waters .................... F-17

Table F-7: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials Proposed for Use During 

Training Activities in Five Years with Differences between Alternatives 1 and 2............... F-19
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Table of Contents

Table F‐8: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials Proposed for Use During

Training Activities in Five Years with Differences between Alternatives 1 and

2Inland Waters ................................................................................................................. F‐21

Table F‐9: Number of Recovered Materials Proposed for Use During Training Activities In a

Single Year Under  Alternatives 1 and 2 ............................................................................. F‐23

Table F‐10: Number and Impacts* of Recovered Bottom Placed Materials Proposed for Use

During Training Activities In a Single Year Under  Alternatives 1 and 2 ............................. F‐23

Table F‐11: Number and Impacts* of Recovered Bottom Placed Materials Proposed for Use

During Training Activities in a Single Year Under Alternatives 1 and 2 ‐ Inland

Waters................................................................................................................................. F‐23

Table F‐12: Number of Recovered Materials Proposed for Use During Training Activities In

Five Years Under Alternatives 1 and 2................................................................................ F‐25

Table F‐13: Number and Impacts* of Recovered Bottom Placed Materials Proposed for Use

During Training Activities In Five Years Under Alternatives 1 and 2 .................................. F‐25

Table F‐14: Number and Impacts* of Recovered Bottom Placed Materials Proposed for Use

During Training Activities in Five Years Under Alternatives 1 and 2 ‐ Inland

Waters................................................................................................................................. F‐25

Table F‐15: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials Proposed for Use During

Testing Activities in a Single Year Under Alternatives 1 and 2 ........................................... F‐29

Table F‐16: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials Proposed for Use During

Testing Activities in a Single Year with Differences between Alternatives 1 and

2   ....................................................................................................................................... F‐31

Table F‐17: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials Proposed for Use During

Testing Activities in Five Years Under Alternatives 1 and 2................................................ F‐33

Table F‐18: Number of Recovered Materials Proposed for Use During Testing Activities in a

Single Year Under Alternatives 1 and 2 .............................................................................. F‐35

Table F‐19: Number and Impacts* of Recovered Bottom Placed Materials Proposed for Use

During Testing Activities in a Single Year Under Alternatives 1 and 2................................ F‐35

Table F‐20: Number of Recovered Materials Proposed for Use During Testing Activities in

Five Years Under Alternatives 1 and 2................................................................................ F‐37

Table F‐21: Number of Recovered Materials Proposed for Use During Testing Activities in

Five Years Under Alternatives 1 & 2Inland Waters .......................................................... F‐37

Table F‐22: Number and Impacts* of Recovered Bottom Placed Materials Proposed for Use

During Testing Activities in Five Years as Part of Alternatives 1 and 2............................... F‐39

Table F‐23: Potential Impact from Explosives On or Near the Bottom for Training Activities

Under Alternative 1 and 2 in a Single Year......................................................................... F‐41

Table F‐24: Potential Impact from Explosives On or Near the Bottom for Testing Activities

Under Alternative 1 in a Single Year................................................................................... F‐42

Table F‐25: Potential Impact from Explosives On or Near the Bottom for Testing Activities

Under Alternative 2 in a Single Year................................................................................... F‐43

Table F‐26: Potential Impact from Explosives On or Near the Bottom for Training Activities

under Alternatives 1 and  2 Over Five Years....................................................................... F‐44
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Table of Contents

Table F-27: Potential Impact from Explosives On or Near the Bottom for Testing Activities 

under Alternatives 1 and 2 Over Five Years ........................................................................ F-46

Table F-28: Potential Impact of Military Expended Materials from Training Activities on Each 

Substrate Type in a Single Year ........................................................................................... F-47

Table F-29: Potential Impact of Military Expended Materials from Testing Activities on Each 

Substrate Type in a Single Year ........................................................................................... F-47

Table F-30: Potential Impact of Military Expended Materials from Training Activities on Each 

Substrate Type over Five Years ........................................................................................... F-48

Table F-31: Potential Impact of Military Expended Materials from Testing Activities on Each 

Substrate Type over Five Years ........................................................................................... F-49

Table F-32: Proportional Impact to Bottom Habitat from Training Activities Under 

Alternatives 1 and 2 in a Single Year ................................................................................... F-50

Table F-33: Proportional Impact to Bottom Habitat from Testing Activities Under 

Alternatives 1 and 2 in a Single Year ................................................................................... F-51

Table F-34: Proportional Impact to Bottom Habitat from Training Activities Under 

Alternatives 1 and 2 over Five Years ................................................................................... F-52

Table F-35: Proportional Impact to Bottom Habitat from Testing Activities Under 

Alternatives 1 and 2 over Five Years ................................................................................... F-53

Table F-36: Estimated Representative Marine Mammal Exposures from Direct Strike of a 

High Energy Laser by Area and Alternative in a Single Year ............................................... F-57

Table F-37: Estimated Representative Sea Turtle Exposures from Direct Strike of a High 

Energy Laser by Area and Alternative in a Single Year ....................................................... F-58

Table F-38: Estimated Representative Marine Mammal Exposures from Direct Strike of 

Military Expended Materials by Area and Alternative in a Single Year .............................. F-58

Table F-39: Estimated Representative Sea Turtle Exposures from Direct Strike of Military 

Expended Materials by Area and Alternative in a Single Year ............................................ F-59
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F-1 

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

APPENDIX F MILITARY EXPENDED MATERIAL AND DIRECT 

STRIKE IMPACT ANALYSIS

F.1 ESTIMATING THE IMPACT OF MILITARY EXPENDED MATERIALS AND 

UNDERWATER EXPLOSIONS ON ABIOTIC SUBSTRATES AS A HABITAT FOR 

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

This section discusses the methods and results for quantifying two scenarios under Alternative 1 and 

Alternative 2 of the Proposed Action: (1) the highly improbable worst-case scenario of all military 

expended materials or underwater explosions occurring on one particular substrate type, and (2) the 

unlikely, but slightly more realistic, scenario of uniform or proportional impact distribution within a 

particular area. Training and testing typically occurs in areas that are not called out or linked to specific 

activities for various reasons (e.g., flexibility and national security). Because training and testing 

activities would not be conducted under the No Action Alternative, it will not be discussed in this 

appendix. 

This section describes the calculation of the disturbance footprint (i.e., military expended material 

footprint or explosive crater footprint) of an instantaneous impact of military expended materials or 

explosions on the substrate. The actual instantaneous impact on the bottom will depend on the number 

and location of military expended materials expended and not recovered, which is likely much lower and 

more concentrated than either scenario being analyzed. Longer term impacts on the bottom are far 

more difficult to quantify – refer to the Habitats section of Chapter 3 (Section 3.5, Affected Environment 

and Environmental Consequences) for qualitative discussion. 

The analysis requires two data elements: (1) a tabular summary of the military expended material or 

crater (underwater explosions) footprints expected in training and testing areas, and (2) a tabular 

summary of analysis dimensions, which includes abiotic substrate areas. The data for (1) comes from the 

Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing (AFTT) action proponents and represents the most locational 

flexibility with regard to expenditure of military expended materials and underwater explosions. The 

data for both expended and recovered material is reported in Table F-1 through Table F-17 below. 

Appendix A of the AFTT Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)/Overseas Environmental Impact 

Statement (OEIS) provides basic descriptions of military expended materials and Chapter 3.0 (3.0.3.3.2, 

Explosive Stressors) provides basic descriptions of explosive categories. The data for number of military 

expended materials and underwater explosions are then multiplied by an estimate of the footprint size 

documented in Table F-1. The data for (2) comes from a compilation of abiotic substrate mapping 

presented in the Habitats section of Chapter 3 (Section 3.5-Habitats). 

To determine the potential level of disturbance of military expended materials on marine substrates, it 

was assumed that the impact footprint of the expended material on the seafloor is twice the size of its 

footprint (unless specified otherwise in Appendix F notes). By doubling the footprint, the results should 

more accurately reflect the potential disturbance to soft bottom habitats (i.e., to account for sediment 

plumes), but should overestimate disturbance to hard bottom habitats (i.e., because sediment plumes 

are not expected) based on mitigation requirements. Items with casings (e.g., small-, medium-, and 

large-caliber munitions; flares; sonobuoys; etc.) have their impact footprints further doubled to account 

for both the item and its casing. To be conservative, items and their casings were assumed to be the 

same size, although in reality the items are a smaller size in order to fit in their casing. 
Atlantic Fleet

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS 

F‐2

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Dir

Table F‐1: Categories and Footprints for Various Materials and Underwater Explosions

Material Group Material Category

Bottom

Frequency*

Crater

Footprint

(ft.2)

MEM

Size

(ft.2)

MEM

Footprint

(ft.2) Material Spec

Bomb

Bombs (Explosive) NA NA 8.1203 112.9048 The MEM footprint was calculated 

largest footprint in terms of mater

case is the Rockeye which disperse

Bombs (Non‐explosive) NA NA 8.1203 112.9048

Countermeasure

AcousticCountermeasures NA NA 0.31107 1.2432 Includes all type of non‐recoverabl

Chaff‐ Air Cartridge NA NA 0.0012 0.0022

Chaff is a radar reflector material m

strips cut in various lengths to elici

deceive enemy radars. Chaff‐Air is 

small cartridge.

Chaff‐Ship Cartridge NA NA 2.000 4.000 Chaff‐ship serves the same purpos

ship in cartridges.

Anti‐torpedo Torpedo NA NA 4.5424 9.0847

The Countermeasure Anti‐torpedo torpedo enclosed within All Up Ro

anti‐torpedo torpedo is a 6.75‐inch 

maneuverability hard‐kill torpedo 

and engage an incoming threat tor

Equipment consists of a nose sabo

muzzle cover, and breech mechani

and ultimately launch the anti‐torp

torpedo s are frequently recovered

recoverable for worst‐case.

Flares NA NA 1.2196 4.8782 Assumed to not have parachutes

Explosive Charge

0.5 lb. HE charges 50% 12 NA NA None

10 lb. HE charges 50% 85 NA NA None20 lb. HE charges 50% 135 NA NA None5 lb. HE charges 50% 54 NA NA None60 lb. HE charges 50% 281 NA NA None650 lb. HE charges 50% 14800.3763 25.7903 51.5806 Another name for an explosive min

on the footprint of a mine shape.

Line Charges 100% 4324 NA NA None
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017 

F-3 

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-1: Categories and Footprints for Various Materials and Underwater Explosions (continued)

Material Group Material Category

Bottom 

Frequency*

Crater 

Footprint 

(ft2)

MEM Size

(ft2)

MEM 

Footprint 

(ft2) Material Specific Notes

Missiles

Missiles (Explosive) NA NA 37.3669 74.7338 MEM size based on SM-6 

Missile (Non-explosive) NA NA 31.0011 62.0023 MEM size based on Tomahawk 

Rockets (Explosive) NA NA 0.7987 1.5974 MEM sized based on Hydra 70

Rockets (Nonexplosive) NA NA 0.7987 1.5974 MEM size based on Hydra 70. Also include flechette rockets. 

Rockets (Nonexplosive): Flechette NA NA 0.7987 1.5974 MEM size based on Hydra 70. Included flechette darts in 

warhead.

Other

Air-launched 

lightweight (Explosive) 

torpedo

NA NA 19.1199 38.2399 MEM size based on MK50/MK54

Air-launched 

lightweight (Nonexplosive) torpedoNA NA 19.1199 38.2399 MEM size based on MK50/MK54. Typically recovered

AMNS/EMNS 

Neutralizer (Explosive) 50% 430.5564 1.6286 3.2572 AMNS is air deployed whereas EMNS is ship deployed

AMNS Neutralizer

(Non-explosive) NA NA 0.1513 0.3026 The neutralizer itself is recovered, but the associated fiber optic cable and the can that holds the fiber optic cable is not.

Anchor (Expendable) NA NA 6.2495 12.5001 Associated primarily with mine shapes. 

Anchor (Recoverable) NA NA 6.2495 12.5001 Associated primarily with mine shapes.

Biodegradable Polymer NA NA NA NA

A substance composed of molecules that degrade as a result 

of microorganisms and/or enzymes. Footprint is not applicable 

because the material breaks up within a couple of hours, 

depending on the type of material out of which the polymer is 

made. Reference: Karlsson and Albertsson. 1998. 

Biodegradable polymers and environmental interaction. 

Polymer Engineering and Science 38(8): 1251-1253.

Bottom Placed 

Instruments NA NA 2.0000 4.000

Likely moored tracking beacons, so the footprint on the 

bottom would be approximately 2 square feet. It would weight 

approximately 50 pounds.
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Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017 

F-4 

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-1: Categories and Footprints for Various Materials and Underwater Explosions (continued)

Material Group Material Category

Bottom 

Frequency*

Crater 

Footprint 

(ft2)

MEM Size

(ft2)

MEM 

Footprint 

(ft2) Material Specific Notes

Buoy (Explosive) NA NA 0.9752 3.8987 Explosive buoys including mini-sound source and SUS. MEMsize based on Marine Marker.

Buoy (Non-explosive) NA NA 0.9752 3.8987

These buoys are separate from sonobuoys, and are included 

for DWADS (expendable) or IMPASS (recovered). MEM size 

based on Marine Marker. Can be expended or recovered. 

Concrete slugs NA NA 0.0011 0.0022 Assume similar in dimensions to a chaff cartridge

Endcaps & Pistons –

Non Chaff & Flare NA NA 0.0043 0.0086

Applies only to where it cannot be associated to another 

object (e.g., endcaps and pistons associated with chaff would 

be covered by 'chaff'). Used for testing. 

Endcaps –Chaff & Flare NA NA 0.00215 0.0043 Applies only to Chaff-Air and Flares. 1 Endcap is expended per 

chaff-air or flare. 

Flare O-Ring NA NA 0.0043 0.0086

Assumed similar 2-dimensional footprint as endcaps and 

pistons. Associated with flares. Assumed 1 Flare O-Ring per 

flare. 

Fiber Optic Can NA NA 0.0011 0.0022

Assumed similar 2-dimensional footprint as chaff-air cartridge. 

Associated with AMNS Neutralizer fiber optic cable. Can that 

holds fiber optic cable is expended. 

Bathythermograph -

Expended NA NA 0.0258 0.0516

An instrument that is deployed from a ship to record 

temperature and depth measurements. Small wires transmit 

the temperature data from the probe to the ship. This item is 

fairly standard in terms of footprint; these are off the shelf 

Commercial products. Reference: NOAA 2015. 

http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/goos/uot/xbt-what-is.php. 

Accessed November 3, 2015.

Fiber optic cables NA NA NA NA Associated with some rockets and AMNS neutralizers

Guidance wires NA NA 0 0

Fragments created for relatively small portion associated with 

explosive devices (associated with heavyweight torpedoes).

Bathythermograph – NA NA NA NA Single vertical wire
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017 

F-5 

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-1: Categories and Footprints for Various Materials and Underwater Explosions (continued)

Material Group Material Category

Bottom 

Frequency*

Crater 

Footprint 

(ft2)

MEM Size

(ft2)

MEM 

Footprint 

(ft2) Material Specific Notes

Expended Wire

Heavyweight 

(Explosive) torpedo NA NA 39.6155 79.2299 MEM size based on MK-48

Heavyweight torpedo 

accessories NA NA 0.1615 3.2367 MEM includes ballast weights, flex tubing

Heavyweight (Nonexplosive) torpedo NA NA NA NA Typically recovered

Illumination flares NA NA 1.2196 4.8782

Flares that have a large parachute; MEM size based on half the 

surface area of an 18 ft diameter parachute used with an LUU2 illumination flare.

Lightweight Torpedo 

Accessories NA NA 1.0107 2.0215 MEM includes ballast weights, flex tubing (parachute size not included)

Marine marker 0.9752 3.8987 MEM footprint based on two Navy marine markers (MK25 and 

MK58 

Mine (Explosive) 50% 14800.376 25.7903 51.5806 Another name for a 650 lb. HE explosive charge including 

material based on the footprint of a mine shape.

Parachute (Large) NA NA 283.9961 567.9932 MEM size based on diameter of LUU-2 illumination flare 

parachute (18 ft. diameter).

Parachute (Medium) NA NA 9.0417 18.0834 Associated with air-launched torpedoes

Small 

Decelerator/Parachute NA NA 2.8438 5.6876 Associated with launched sonobuoys

Sabot NA NA 1.2195 4.8782 An accessory used during projectile firing. Footprint similar in 

size to the projectile.

Sonobuoys

(Non-explosive) NA NA 1.2206 2.4413 Sonobuoys have an extra item footprint (half the dimensions of the sonobuoy) added in addition to the actual sonobuoy 

and casing to account for the items that are discarded from 

the sonobuoy following its release. MEM size does not include 

the associated Small Decelerator/Parachute (noted in table 

above)

Sonobuoys (Explosive) 0 NA 1.2206 2.4413
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Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017 

F-6 

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-1: Categories and Footprints for Various Materials and Underwater Explosions (continued)

Material Group Material Category

Bottom 

Frequency*

Crater 

Footprint 

(ft2)

MEM Size

(ft2)

MEM 

Footprint 

(ft2) Material Specific Notes

Sonobuoy wires NA NA NA NA One wire is associated with each sonobuoy 

Surface-Launched 

Lightweight (Explosive) 

Torpedo

0 NA 10.0782 20.1576 MEM size based on MK50/MK54

Surface-Launched 

Lightweight (NonExplosive) TorpedoNA NA 10.0782 20.1576 Typically recovered

Projectile

Grenades (Explosive) 0 NA 0.1044 0.2088 None

Large Caliber 

(Explosive) NA NA 1.0097 4.0386 Item assumed to have a projectile and casing

Large Caliber 

(Non-explosive) NA NA 1.0097 4.0386 Item assumed to have a projectile and casing

Large caliber (Casing 

only) NA NA 0.5048 1.0097 Used when the target is on land; no MEM from projectile

Medium Caliber 

(Explosive) NA NA 0.0560 0.2239 Item assumed to have a projectile and casing

Medium Caliber 

(Non-explosive) NA NA 0.0560 0.2239 Item assumed to have a projectile and casing

Small Caliber

(Non-explosive) NA NA 0.0301 0.1216 Item assumed to have a projectile and casing

Small Caliber (Casing 

only) NA NA 0.0151 0.0301 Used only for small caliber 'blanks'. All other small caliber rounds are included under NEPM

Kinetic Energy Round NA NA 0.5048 1.0097 Item assumed to only have a projectile (no casing) - size of 

Large Caliber round.

Target

Aerial Drones –

Expendable NA NA 294.6082 589.2164 MEM when specifically known it is an aerial drone; MEM size based on Firebee 

Aerial Drones –

Recovered NA NA 294.6082 589.2164 MEM when specifically known it is an aerial drone; MEM size based on Firebee. Typically recovered. 

Air Target – Expended NA NA 42.1622 84.3244 MEM when specifically known it is an air launched decoy.
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017 

F-7 

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-1: Categories and Footprints for Various Materials and Underwater Explosions (continued)

Material Group Material Category

Bottom 

Frequency*

Crater 

Footprint 

(ft2)

MEM Size

(ft2)

MEM 

Footprint 

(ft2) Material Specific Notes

(Non-Drone) MEM size based on dimensions of Tactical Air Launched Decoy 

or Miniature Air-Launched Decoy. 

Metal Plates NA NA 2.7782 5.5563

Charges are secured to a 20" X 20" X 1/2" ferrous metal plate 

The target unit (concrete blocks, metal plate, and any debris) 

is brought to the surface and analyzed.

Surface Target -

Expended NA NA 5.7522 11.5034 Includes remote controlled or towed targets

Surface Target -

Recovered NA NA NA NA Reported as recovered.

Surface Target (Mobile) 

- Expended NA NA 5.7522 11.5034 Includes remote controlled or towed targets

Surface Target 

(Stationary) - Expended NA NA 96.8752 193.7504 MEM when specifically known it is a stationary surface target.MEM size based on Killer Tomato. 

Subsurface Target 

(Mobile) - Expended NA NA 1.2206 2.4412 MEM when specifically known it is a sub-surface Motorized Autonomous Target

Mine Shape - Expended NA NA 25.7903 51.5807

Mine shapes that were specifically identified as nonrecoverable; Footprint based on size of explosive mine; size 

not including anchor

Mine Shape - Expended NA NA 25.7903 51.5807

Mine shape and associated anchor block that are recovered. 

The vast majority of practice mines have built-in anchors for 

placing on the bottom; relatively few are moored/floating, and 

none are drifting.

Ship Hulk NA NA 316136.0

367

632272.0

734 None. 

Note: * Bottom frequencies (%) are only listed for underwater explosions; crater footprints are only listed for material that may be detonated on the bottom. 

MEM = Military Expended Materials; AMNS/EMNS = Airborne Mine Neutralization System/ Expendable Mine Neutralization System; lb. = pound; HE = High Explosive 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Activities Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017 

F-8 

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Additionally, highly explosive munitions that explode either at the surface or in the water column were 

treated in the same manner as non-explosive practice munitions, although in reality, the explosions 

would result in smaller fragments reaching the substrate than expected by the fully intact non-explosive 

practice munitions. 

The data for analysis dimensions (data element 2) comes from the Aquatic Habitat Database technical 

report and supporting databases (U.S. Department of the Navy, 2016), in addition to spatial data 

depicting training and testing areas. 

The combined analysis dimensions data was used to create a table of substrate category acreage by 

training and testing areas, and large marine ecosystems. Within the AFTT Study Area, there are acreages 

of substrate that are included under Protective Measures Assessment Protocol categories from the 

Phase II AFTT EIS/OEIS. These Protective Measures Assessment Protocol categories indicate the amount 

of mapped substrate that may be protected by Navy mitigation measures. However, the Protective 

Measures Assessment Protocol areas were not excluded from the quantitative impacts analysis due to 

how Protective Measures Assessment Protocol is implemented. For more information on the substrates 

protected under the Protective Measures Assessment Protocol see Chapter 5 (Mitigation). 

The percentage of impacted substrate (Scenario 1) was calculated by totaling the impact footprint of 

individual activities divided by the total area of a given substrate in the training or testing area for which 

the impacts could occur. The results are provided in Table F-18 through Table F-26. 

Assumptions used in the Scenario 1 analysis included: 

 Areas of unknown substrate type were not included in the analysis. 

 The analysis focused on substrates that are likely to have habitat for sedentary benthic 

organisms; therefore, areas that are not likely to have substrate inhabited by these organisms 

(i.e., the Atlantic Basin and Abyssal Zone open ocean areas) were excluded from the analysis. 

 Artificial substrate was removed from the analysis because it was inconsistently mapped or 

mapped with a degree of uncertainty considered too high for quantitative analysis. 

The above assumptions also applied to Scenario 2 (Proportional Impacts), which used the proportion of 

a substrate type in an analysis dimension (i.e., training or testing area) multiplied by the total military 

expended material or crater footprints. The resulting acres indicated the impact area expected if the 

military expended materials or bottom explosions were distributed uniformly across the training or 

testing area. In other words, a majority proportion of the military expended material footprint would 

impact soft substrate if the majority of the analysis dimension was soft substrate. The results are 

provided in Tables F-27 through Table F-30. This scenario is considered more realistic than Scenario 1, 

yet still unlikely as it does not account for areas of concentrated training, nor does it account for the 

clumping of military expended materials and explosives in a particular area and over a particular 

substrate type where a training or testing activity occurs. 

F.1.1 MILITARY EXPENDED AND RECOVERED MATERIAL – TRAINING ACTIVITIES 

Tables F-2 through F-14 show military expended and recovered materials and impact footprints within 

the AFTT Study Area for both a Single Year and Five Year totals.
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Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017 

F-9 

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-2: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials Proposed for Use During Training Activities in a Single Year Under Alternatives 1 and 2 

Military Expended Materials

Size

(ft.

2

)

Impact 

Footprint

(ft.

2

)

Range Complex

Northeast VACAPES Navy Cherry Point JAX Key West GOMEX Other AFTT Area SINKEX Area

Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac)

Bombs

Bombs (Explosive) 8.1203 112.9048 0 0.0000 76 0.1970 0 0.0000 50 0.1296 0 0.0000 4 0.0104 0 0.0000 12 0.0311

Bombs (Non-Explosive) 8.1203 112.9048 0 0.0000 2,248 5.8267 596 1.5448 1,366 3.5406 0 0.0000 270 0.6998 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Projectiles

Small-Caliber (Non-Explosive) 0.0301 0.1216 36,600 0.1022 3,806,350 10.6256 833,675 2.3272 1,436,275 4.0094 0 0.0000 237,500 0.6630 200,000 0.5583 0 0.0000

Small-Caliber (Casing Only) 0.0151 0.0301 0 0.0000 3,400 0.0023 0 0.0000 1,000 0.0007 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Medium-Caliber (Explosive) 0.056 0.2239 0 0.0000 65,312 0.3357 23,200 0.1192 58,952 0.3030 0 0.0000 6,250 0.0321 1,350 0.0069 0 0.0000

Medium Caliber (Non-Explosive) 0.056 0.2239 1,000 0.0051 800,769 4.1160 358,574 1.8431 439,234 2.2577 56,000 0.2878 32,000 0.1645 21,250 0.1092 0 0.0000

Large-Caliber (Explosive) 1.0097 4.0386 0 0.0000 2,998 0.2780 756 0.0701 1,160 0.1075 0 0.0000 260 0.0241 96 0.0089 200 0.0185

Large-Caliber (Non-Explosive) 1.0097 4.0386 0 0.0000 3,802 0.3525 1,134 0.1051 1,388 0.1287 0 0.0000 638 0.0592 196 0.0182 0 0.0000

Large-Caliber (Casing only) 0.5048 1.0097 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 960 0.0223 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Missiles

Missiles (Explosive) 37.6691 74.7338 4 0.0069 155 0.2659 106 0.1819 136 0.2333 8 0.0137 8 0.0137 0 0.0000 4 0.0069

Rockets (Explosive) 0.7987 1.5974 0 0.0000 1,254 0.0460 76 0.0028 1,330 0.0488 0 0.0000 76 0.0028 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Rockets (Non-Explosive) 0.7987 1.5974 0 0.0000 2,708 0.0993 289 0.0106 2,996 0.1099 0 0.0000 289 0.0106 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Rockets (Non-Explosive): Flechette 0.7987 1.5974 0 0.0000 143 0.0052 15 0.0006 158 0.0058 0 0.0000 15 0.0006 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Countermeasures

Chaff-Air Cartridges 0.0011 0.0022 0 0.0000 2,080 0.0001 25,760 0.0013 47,840 0.0024 48,000 0.0024 288 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Chaff - Ship Cartridges 2.0000 4.0000 0 0.0000 264 0.0242 480 0.0441 516 0.0474 0 0.0000 120 0.0110 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Flares 1.2196 4.8782 0 0.0000 1,000 0.1120 22,300 2.4973 38,000 4.2555 31,000 3.4716 1,840 0.2061 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Targets

Air Target - Expended (Non-Drone) 42.1622 84.3245 4 0.0077 78 0.1510 85 0.1645 65 0.1258 8 0.0155 8 0.0155 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Surface Target - Expended 5.7522 11.5034 2 0.0005 1,215 0.3209 598 0.1579 775 0.2047 0 0.0000 51 0.0135 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Surface Target (Stationary)-Expended 96.8752 193.7504 0 0.0000 4 0.0178 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Mine Shapes - Expended 25.7903 51.5807 0 0.0000 292 0.3458 24 0.0284 60 0.0710 8 0.0095 60 0.0710 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Ship Hulk 316,136 632,272 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 1 14.5150

Other

Grenades (Explosive) 0.1044 0.2088 56 0.0003 70 0.0003 28 0.0001 28 0.0001 0 0.0000 28 0.0001 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

AMNS Neutralizer (Explosive) 1.6286 3.2572 0 0.0000 62 0.0046 1 0.0001 2 0.0001 0 0.0000 22 0.0016 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Compression Pad/Piston 0.0043 0.0086 0 0.0000 1,000 0.0002 22,300 0.0044 38,000 0.0075 31,000 0.0061 1840 0.0004 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Concrete Slugs 0.0011 0.0022 0 0.0000 14 0.0000 1 0.0000 1 0.0000 6 0.0000 1 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Endcaps 0.0022 0.0043 0 0.0000 3,120 0.0003 48,108 0.0047 85,888 0.0085 79,008 0.0078 2,128 0.0002 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Fiber Optic Can 0.0011 0.0022 0 0.0000 62 0.0000 1 0.0000 2 0.0000 0 0.0000 22 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Flare O-Ring 0.0043 0.0086 0 0.0000 1,040 0.0002 22,348 0.0044 38,048 0.0075 31,008 0.0061 1,840 0.0004 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Illumination Flare 1.2196 4.8782 0 0.0000 40 0.0045 48 0.0054 48 0.0054 8 0.0009 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Heavyweight Torpedo (Explosive) 39.6155 79.2299 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 1 0.0018

Heavyweight Torpedo Accessories 0.1615 3.2367 24 0.0018 8 0.0006 0 0.0000 48 0.0036 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 1 0.0001

Lightweight Torpedo Accessories 1.1011 2.0215 0 0.0000 13 0.0006 0 0.0000 44 0.0020 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Marine Marker 0.9752 3.8987 192 0.0172 10,196 0.9126 332 0.0297 1,263 0.1130 0 0.0000 303 0.0271 24 0.0021 0 0.0000

Parachutes - Medium 9.0417 18.0834 0 0.0000 8 0.0033 0 0.0000 28 0.0116 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Parachutes - Large 283.9961 567.9932 0 0.0000 40 0.5216 48 0.6259 48 0.6259 8 0.1043 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Total 37,882 0.14 4,709,821 24.57 1,361,843 9.80 2,194,749 16.37 276,062 3.93 285,861 2.03 222,916 0.70 219 14.57

Notes: * Calculation for “Impact (ac)” Column = ([Impact Footprint] x [Number]) / 43560

 ac=acre; ft.2=square feet; GOMEX= Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; Other AFTT Area = Location outside east coast Range Complexes and other defined areas; VACAPES=Virginia Capes

 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017 

F-10

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

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Atlantic Fleet 

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F-11

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-3: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials Proposed for Use During Training Activities in a Single Year Under Alternatives 1 and 2Inland Waters

Location

Military Expended Materials

Projectiles Targets Other Countermeasure

Small Caliber 

(Non-explosive) Mine Shapes Concrete Slugs Marine Marker Flare O-Ring

Compression 

Pad/Piston Flare

Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac)

Boston, MA 0 0.0000 4 0.0047 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Narragansett Bay, RI 8,320 0.0232 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 65 0.0058 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Earle, NJ 0 0.0000 4 0.0047 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Delaware Bay, DE 0 0.0000 4 0.0047 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Wilmington, DE 0 0.0000 4 0.0047 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Hampton Roads, VA 0 0.0000 8 0.0095 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

James River and Tributaries, VA 102,000 0.2847 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 660 0.0591 20,400 0.0040 20,400 0.0040 20,400 2.2846

York River, VA 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 20 0.0018 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Lower Chesapeake Bay, VA 28,800 0.0804 0 0.0000 6 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Morehead City, NC 0 0.0000 4 0.0047 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Cooper River, SC 5,100 0.0142 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Savannah, GA 0 0.0000 4 0.0047 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Kings Bay, GA 0 0.0000 4 0.0047 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Mayport, FL 0 0.0000 4 0.0047 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Port Canaveral, FL 12,800 0.0357 4 0.0047 0 0.0000 60 0.0054 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Tampa, FL 0 0.0000 4 0.0047 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Beaumont, TX 0 0.0000 8 0.0095 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Corpus Christi, TX 0 0.0000 4 0.0047 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Note: * Calculation for “Impact (ac)” Column = ([Impact Footprint] x [Number]) / 43560

 ac=acres
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-4: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials Proposed for Use During Training Activities in a Single Year with Differences between 

Alternatives 1 and 2 

Military Expended Materials

Size

(ft.

2

)

Impact 

Footprint

(ft.

2

)

Range Complex

Other Training 

Locations

Northeast VACAPES Navy Cherry Point JAX Key West GOMEX Other AFTT Area

Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac)

Alternative 1

Countermeasures

Acoustic Countermeasures 0.3311 1.2432 84 0.0024 41 0.0012 14 0.0004 164 0.0047 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 88 0.0025

Targets

Subsurface Target (Mobile) - Expended 1.2206 2.4413 100 0.0056 291 0.0164 81 0.0045 1,108 0.0621 0 0.0000 3 0.0001 178 0.0100

Other

Buoy (Non-Explosive) 0.9752 3.8987 0 0.0000 24 0.0021 17 0.0015 116 0.0104 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Sonobuoys (Non-Explosive) 1.2207 2.4413 3,132 0.1755 8,394 0.4404 2,987 0.1674 30,504 1.7096 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 496 0.0278

Bathythermograph - Expended 0.2771 0.5554 139 0.0018 329 0.0042 85 0.0011 1,171 0.0149 0 0.0000 3 0.0000 154 0.0020

Small Decelerator/Parachute 2.8438 5.6876 3,132 0.4089 8,394 1.096 2,987 0.3900 30,504 3.9829 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 496 0.0648

Total 6,579 0.5935 17,031 1.5457 6,115 0.5597 63,215 5.7517 0 0.0000 6 0.0001 1,380 0.1040

Alternative 2

Countermeasures

Acoustic Countermeasures 0.3311 1.2432 84 0.0024 51 0.0015 24 0.0007 184 0.0053 0 0.0000 6 0.0002 88 0.0025

Targets

Subsurface Target (Mobile) - Expended 1.2206 2.4413 102 0.0057 401 0.0225 108 0.0061 1,328 0.0744 0 0.0000 5 0.0003 178 0.0100

Other

Buoy (Non-Explosive) 0.9752 3.8987 0 0.0000 34 0.0030 22 0.0020 186 0.0166 0 0.0000 16 0.0014 0 0.0000

Sonobuoys (Non-Explosive) 1.2207 2.4413 3,132 0.1755 8,394 0.4404 2,987 0.1674 30,504 1.7096 0 0.0000 785 0.0440 496 0.0278

Bathythermograph - Expended 0.2771 0.5554 142 0.0018 439 0.0056 113 0.0014 1,391 0.0177 0 0.0000 128 0.0016 154 0.0020

Small Decelerator/Parachute 2.8438 5.6876 3,132 0.4089 8,394 1.096 2,987 0.3900 30,504 3.9829 0 0.0000 785 0.1025 496 0.0648

Total 6,584 0.5936 17,271 1.5544 6,175 0.5621 63,725 5.7731 0 0.0000 1,725 0.1500 1,380 0.1040

Note: * Calculation for “Impact (ac)” Column = ([Impact Footprint] x [Number]) / 43560

 ac=acre; ft.2=square feet; GOMEX= Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; Other AFTT Area = Location outside east coast Range Complexes and other defined areas; VACAPES=Virginia Capes

 Blue shading indicated numbers and impacts of MEM that differ between Alternatives 1 and 2. 
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-5: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials Proposed for Use DuringTraining Activities in Five Years Under Alternatives 1 and 2 

Military Expended Materials

Size

(ft2)

Impact 

Footprint

(ft2)

Range Complex

Northeast VACAPES Navy Cherry Point JAX Key West GOMEX Other AFTT Area SINKEX Area

Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac)

Bombs

Bombs (Explosive) 8.1203 112.9048 0 0.0000 380 0.9849 0 0.0000 250 0.6480 0 0.0000 20 0.0518 0 0.0000 60 0.1555

Bombs (Non-Explosive) 8.1203 112.9048 0 0.0000 11,240 29.1334 2,980 7.7240 6,830 17.7029 0 0.0000 1,350 3.4991 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Projectiles

Small-Caliber (Non-Explosive) 0.0301 0.1216 183,000 0.5109 19,031,750 53.1281 4,168,375 11.6362 7,181,375 20.0472 0 0.0000 1,187,500 3.3150 1,000,000 2.7916 0 0.0000

Small-Caliber (Casing Only) 0.0151 0.0301 0 0.0000 17,000 0.0117 0 0.0000 5,000 0.0035 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Medium-Caliber (Explosive) 0.056 0.2239 0 0.0000 326,560 1.6785 116,000 0.5962 294,760 1.5151 0 0.0000 31,250 0.1606 6,750 0.0347 0 0.0000

Medium Caliber (Non-Explosive) 0.056 0.2239 5,000 0.0257 4,003,845 20.5799 1,792,870 9.2154 2,196,170 11.2884 280,000 1.4392 160,000 0.8224 106,250 0.5461 0 0.0000

Large-Caliber (Explosive) 1.0097 4.0386 0 0.0000 14,990 1.3898 3,780 0.3505 5,800 0.5377 0 0.0000 1,300 0.1205 480 0.0445 1,000 0.0927

Large-Caliber (Non-Explosive) 1.0097 4.0386 0 0.0000 19,010 1.7625 5,670 0.5257 6,940 0.6434 0 0.0000 3,190 0.2958 980 0.0909 0 0.0000

Large-Caliber (Casing only) 0.5048 1.0097 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 4,800 0.1113 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Missiles

Missiles (Explosive) 37.6691 74.7338 20 0.0343 775 1.3296 530 0.9093 680 1.1666 40 0.0686 40 0.0686 0 0.0000 20 0.0343

Rockets (Explosive) 0.7987 1.5974 0 0.0000 6,270 0.2299 380 0.0139 6,650 0.2439 0 0.0000 380 0.0139 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Rockets (Non-Explosive) 0.7987 1.5974 0 0.0000 13,537 0.4964 1,444 0.0530 14,981 0.5494 0 0.0000 1,444 0.0530 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Rockets (Non-Explosive): Flechette 0.7987 1.5974 0 0.0000 713 0.0261 76 0.0028 789 0.0289 0 0.0000 76 0.0028 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Countermeasures

Chaff-Air Cartridges 0.0011 0.0022 0 0.0000 10,400 0.0005 128,800 0.0065 239,200 0.0121 240,000 0.0121 1,440 0.0001 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Chaff - Ship Cartridges 2.0000 4.0000 0 0.0000 1,320 0.1212 2,400 0.2204 2,580 0.2369 0 0.0000 600 0.0551 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Flares 1.2196 4.8782 0 0.0000 5,000 0.5599 111,500 12.4867 190,000 21.2777 155,000 17.3581 9,200 1.0303 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Targets

Air Target - Expended (Non-Drone) 42.1622 84.3245 20 0.0387 390 0.7550 425 0.8227 325 0.6291 40 0.0774 40 0.0774 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Surface Target - Expended 5.7522 11.5034 10 0.0026 6,075 1.6043 2,990 0.7896 3,875 1.0233 0 0.0000 255 0.0673 15 0.0040 0 0.0000

Surface Target (Stationary) - Expended 96.8752 193.7504 0 0.0000 20 0.0890 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Ship Hulk 316,136 632,272 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 5 72.5748

Other

Grenades (Explosive) 0.1044 0.2088 280 0.0013 350 0.0017 140 0.0007 140 0.0007 0 0.0000 140 0.0007 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Compression Pad/Piston 0.0043 0.0086 0 0.0000 5,000 0.0010 111,500 0.0220 190,000 0.0375 155,000 0.0306 9,200 0.0018 0 0.0000 0.0000

Concrete Slugs 0.0011 0.0022 0 0.0000 70 0.0000 5 0.0000 5 0.0000 30 0.0000 5 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Endcaps 0.0022 0.0043 0 0.0000 15,600 0.0015 240,540 0.0237 429,440 0.0424 395,040 0.0390 10,640 0.0011 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Flare O-Ring 0.0043 0.0086 0 0.0000 5,200 0.0010 111,740 0.0221 190,240 0.0376 155,040 0.0306 9,200 0.0018 0 0.0000 0.0000

Illumination Flare 1.2196 4.8782 0 0.0000 200 0.0224 240 0.0269 240 0.0269 40 0.0045 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Heavyweight Torpedo (Explosive) 39.6155 79.2299 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 5 0.0091

Heavyweight Torpedo Accessories 0.1615 3.2367 120 0.0089 40 0.0030 0 0.0000 240 0.0178 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 5 0.0004

Lightweight Torpedo Accessories 1.1011 2.0215 0 0.0000 65 0.0030 0 0.0000 220 0.0102 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Marine Marker 0.9752 3.8987 0 0.0000 50,980 4.5628 1,660 0.1486 6,315 0.5652 0 0.0000 1,515 0.1356 120 0.0107 0 0.0000

Parachutes - Medium 9.0417 18.0834 0 0.0000 40 0.0166 0 0.0000 140 0.0581 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Parachutes - Large 283.9961 567.9932 0 0.0000 200 2.6079 240 3.1294 240 3.1294 40 0.5216 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Total 188,450 0.6225 23,547,020 121.1018 6,809,085 48.8375 10,973,425 81.4800 1,380,270 19.5818 1,428,785 9.7747 1,114,595 3.5224 1,095 72.8669

Note: * Calculation for “Impact (ac)” Column = ([Impact Footprint] x [Number]) / 43560

 ac=acre; ft.2=square feet; GOMEX= Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; Other AFTT Area = Location outside east coast Range Complexes and other defined areas; VACAPES=Virginia Capes
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-6: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials Proposed for Use During Training Activities in Five Years Under Alternatives 1 and 2 – Inland 

Waters

Location

Military Expended Materials

Projectiles Other Countermeasure

Small Caliber 

(non-explosive) Concrete Slugs Marine Marker Flare O-Ring

Compression 

Pad/Piston Flare

Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac)

Boston, MA 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Narragansett Bay, RI 41,600 0.1161 0 0.0000 325 0.0291 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Earle, NJ 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Delaware Bay, DE 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Wilmington, DE 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Hampton Roads, VA 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

James River and Tributaries, VA 510,000 1.4237 0 0.0000 3,300 0.2954 102,000 0.0201 102,000 0.0201 102,000 11.4228

York River, VA 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 100 0.0090 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Lower Chesapeake Bay, VA 144,000 0.4020 30 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Morehead City, NC 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Cooper River, SC 255,000 0.7118 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Savannah, GA 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Kings Bay, GA 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Mayport, FL 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Port Canaveral, FL 64,000 0.1787 0 0.0000 300 0.0269 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Tampa, FL 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Beaumont, TX 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Corpus Christi, TX 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Note: * Calculation for “Impact (ac)” Column = ([Impact Footprint] x [Number]) / 43560

 ac=acre
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-7: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials Proposed for Use During Training Activities in Five Years with Differences between Alternatives 1 and 2 

Military Expended Materials

Size

(ft.

2

)

Impact 

Footprint

(ft.

2

)

Range Complex

Northeast VACAPES Navy Cherry Point JAX Key West GOMEX Other AFTT Area

Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac)

Alternative 1 

Countermeasures

Acoustic Countermeasures 0.3311 1.2432 420 0.0120 205 0.0059 70 0.0020 802 0.0229 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 441 0.0126

Targets

Mine Shapes -Expended 25.7903 51.5807 0 0.0000 1,456 1.7241 120 0.1421 292 0.3458 40 0.0474 292 0.3458 0 0.0000

Subsurface Target (Mobile)-Expended 1.2206 2.4413 498 0.0279 1,455 0.0815 403 0.0226 5,540 0.3105 0 0.0000 13 0.0007 891 0.0499

Other

AMNS Neutralizer (Explosive) 1.6286 3.2572 0 0.0000 306 0.0229 5 0.0004 6 0.0004 0 0.0000 106 0.0079 0 0.0000

Buoy (Non-Explosive) 0.9752 3.8987 0 0.0000 114 0.0102 73 0.0065 550 0.0492 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Fiber Optic Can 0.0011 0.0022 306 0.0000 5 0.0000 6 0.0000 0 0.0000 16 0.0000 0 0.0000

Sonobuoys (Non-Explosive) 1.2207 2.4413 15,660 0.8777 41,787 2.3419 14,542 0.8150 150,741 8.4482 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 2,480 0.1390

Bathythermograph Expended 0.2771 0.5554 695 0.0089 1,640 0.0209 422 0.0054 5,490 0.0700 0 0.0000 13 0.0002 771 0.0098

Small Decelerator/Parachute 2.8438 5.6876 15,660 2.0447 41,787 5.4561 14,542 1.8987 150,741 19.6822 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 2,480 0.3238

Total 32,893 2.9674 87,296 9.4993 29,902 2.8666 312,408 28.7649 40 0.0474 439 0.3546 6,903 0.5202

Alternative 2

Countermeasures

Acoustic Countermeasures 0.3311 1.2432 420 0.0120 255 0.0073 120 0.0034 820 0.0234 0 0.0000 30 0.0009 441 0.0126

Targets

Mine Shapes -Expended 25.7903 51.5807 0 0.0000 1,460 1.7288 120 0.14 300 0.3552 40 0.0474 300 0.3552 0 0.0000

Subsurface Target (Mobile)-Expended 1.2206 2.4413 510 0.0286 2,005 0.1124 540 0.0303 6,640 0.3721 0 0.0000 25 0.0014 891 0.0499

Other

AMNS Neutralizer (Explosive) 1.6286 3.2572 0 0.0000 310 0.0232 5 0.0004 10 0.0007 0 0.0000 110 0.0082 0 0.0000

Buoy (Non-Explosive) 0.9752 3.8987 0 0.0000 170 0.0152 110 0.0098 930 0.0832 0 0.0000 80 0.0072 0 0.0000

Fiber Optic Can 0.0011 0.0022 310 0.0000 5 0.0000 10 0.0000 0 0.0000 110 0.0000 0 0.0000

Sonobuoys (Non-Explosive) 1.2207 2.4413 15,660 0.8777 41,970 2.3522 14,935 0.8370 152,520 8.5479 0 0.0000 3,925 0.2200 2,480 0.1390

Bathythermograph Expended 0.2771 0.5554 708 0.0090 2,193 0.0280 563 0.0072 6,953 0.0887 0 0.0000 640 0.0082 771 0.0098

Small Decelerator/Parachute 2.8438 5.6876 15,660 2.0447 41,970 5.4800 14,935 1.9501 152,520 19.9144 0 0.0000 3,925 0.5125 2,480 0.3238

Total 32,918 2.9682 88,883 9.5828 31,053 2.9541 318,943 29.2215 40 0.0474 9,145 1.1135 6,903 0.5202

Note: * Calculation for “Impact (ac)” Column = ([Impact Footprint] x [Number]) / 43560

 ac=acre; AMNS = Airborne Mine Neutralization System; ft.2=square feet; GOMEX= Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; Other AFTT Area = Location outside east coast Range Complexes and other defined areas; VACAPES=Virginia Capes 

 Blue shading indicated numbers and impacts of MEM that differ between Alternatives 1 and 2.

 
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F‐8: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials

Proposed for Use During Training Activities in Five Years with

Differences between Alternatives 1 and 2Inland Waters

Location

Military Expended Materials

Targets

Mine Shapes

Number

Impact  

(ac)

Alternative 1

Boston, MA 12 0.0142

Earle, NJ 12 0.0142

Delaware Bay, DE 12 0.0142

Wilmington, DE 12 0.0142

Hampton Roads, VA 24 0.0284

Morehead City, NC 24 0.0284

Savannah, GA 12 0.0142

Kings Bay, GA 12 0.0142

Mayport, FL 12 0.0142

Port Canaveral, FL 24 0.0284

Tampa, FL 12 0.0142

Beaumont, TX 24 0.0284

Corpus Christi, TX 12 0.0142

Alternative 2

Boston, MA 20 0.0237

Earle, NJ 20 0.0237

Delaware Bay, DE 20 0.0237

Wilmington, DE 20 0.0237

Hampton Roads, VA 40 0.0474

Morehead City, NC 40 0.0474

Savannah, GA 20 0.0237

Kings Bay, GA 20 0.0237

Mayport, FL 20 0.0237

Port Canaveral, FL 40 0.0474

Tampa, FL 20 0.0237

Beaumont, TX 40 0.0474

Corpus Christi, TX 20 0.0237

Note: * Calculation for “Impact (ac)” Column = ([Impact Footprint] x [Number]) / 43560; ac=acre

           Blue shading indicated numbers and impacts of MEM that differ between Alternatives 1 and 2.

       
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-9: Number of Recovered Materials Proposed for Use During Training Activities In a Single Year Under 

Alternatives 1 and 2 

Recovered Materials

Range Complex

Other Training 

Locations

Northeast VACAPES

Navy Cherry 

Point JAX Key West GOMEX Other AFTT Area

Number Number Number Number Number Number Number

Other

Air-Launched Lightweight Torpedo (Non-Explosive) 0 8 0 28 0 0 0

Buoy (Non-Explosive)-Recovered 0 15 4 4 0 0 0

Heavyweight Torpedo (Non-explosive) 24 8 0 48 0 0 0

Surface-Launched Lightweight Torpedo (Non-Explosive) 0 5 0 16 0 0 0

Unmanned Aerial System 0 12 12 384 0 0 24

Targets 

Air Targets -Recovered 0 120 40 75 70 0 0

Aerial Drones - Recovered 4 82 60 69 8 8 0

Sub-surface Target-Recovered 6 7 0 116 0 0 0

Surface Target – Recovered 0 2,657 745 1,534 0 0 194

Total 323 2,914 861 2,174 78 230 218

Note: ac=acre; GOMEX= Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; Other AFTT Area = Location outside east coast Range Complexes and other defined areas; VACAPES=Virginia Capes

Table F-10: Number and Impacts* of Recovered Bottom Placed Materials Proposed for Use During Training Activities In a Single Year Under

Alternatives 1 and 2 

Recovered Materials

Size

(ft.

2

)

Impact 

Footprint

(ft.

2

)

Range Complex Other Training Locations

Northeast VACAPES Navy Cherry Point JAX Key West GOMEX NSWC Panama City

Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac)

Mine Shape (Non-explosive) 25.7903 51.5807 0 0.0000 21,038 24.9117 4,998 5.9183 4,946 5.8567 6 0.0071 1,523 1.8034 2,928 3.4671

Metal Plates 2.7782 5.5563 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 5 0.0006 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Bottom Placed Instruments 2.0000 4.0000 0 0.0000 96 0.0088 0 0.0000 48 0.0044 48 0.0044 96 0.0088 0 0.0000

Total 0 0.0000 21,134 24.9205 4,998 5.9183 4,994 5.8611 59 0.0121 1,619 1.8122 2,928 3.4671

Note: * Calculation for “Impact (ac)” Column = ([Impact Footprint] x [Number]) / 43560

 ac=acre; ft.2=square feet; GOMEX= Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; Other AFTT Area = Location outside east coast Range Complexes and other defined areas; VACAPES=Virginia Capes

Table F-11: Number and Impacts* of Recovered Bottom Placed Materials Proposed for 

Use During Training Activities in a Single Year Under Alternatives 1 and 2 - Inland 

Waters

Location

Military Recovered Materials

Projectiles Targets

Metal Plates

Mine Shapes

(Non-Explosive)

Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac)

Lower Chesapeake Bay, VA 6 0.0008 6 0.0071

Note: * Calculation for “Impact (ac)” Column = ([Impact Footprint] x [Number]) / 43560; ac=acre
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-12: Number of Recovered Materials Proposed for Use During Training Activities In Five Years Under Alternatives 1 and 2 

Recovered Materials

Range Complex Other Training 

Locations

Northeast VACAPES Navy Cherry 

Point JAX Key West GOMEX Other AFTT Area

Number Number Number Number Number Number Number

Other

Air-Launched Lightweight Torpedo (Non-Explosive) 0 40 0 140 0 0 0

Buoy (Non-Explosive) - Recovered 0 75 20 20 0 0 0

Heavyweight Torpedo (Non-explosive) 120 40 0 240 0 0 0

Surface-Launched Lightweight Torpedo (Non-Explosive) 0 25 0 80 0 0 0

Unmanned Aerial System 0 60 60 1,920 0 0 120

Targets 

Air Targets -Recovered 20 410 300 345 40 40 0

Aerial Drones - Recovered 0 600 200 375 350 0 0

Sub-surface Target-Recovered 30 35 20 80 0 0 0

Surface Target – Recovered 0 13,285 3,725 7,670 0 1,110 970

Total 170 14,570 4,325 10,850 390 1,150 1,090

Note: ac=acre; GOMEX= Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; Other AFTT Area = Location outside east coast Range Complexes and other defined areas; VACAPES=Virginia Capes

Table F-13: Number and Impacts* of Recovered Bottom Placed Materials Proposed for Use During Training Activities In Five Years Under Alternatives 1 and 2 

Recovered Materials

Size

(ft.

2

)

Impact 

Footprint

(ft.

2

)

Range Complex

Other Training 

Locations

Northeast VACAPES Navy Cherry Point JAX Key West GOMEX NSWC Panama City

Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac)

Mine Shape (Non-explosive) 25.7903 51.5807 0 0.0000 105,190 124.5586 24,990 29.5914 24,730 29.2835 30 0.0355 7,615 9.0171 14,640 17.3357

Metal Plates 2.7782 5.5563 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 25 0.0032 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Bottom Placed Instruments 2.0000 4.0000 0 0.0000 480 0.0441 0 0.0000 240 0.0220 240 0.0220 480 0.0441 0 0.0000

Total 0 0.0000 105,670 124.6027 24,990 29.5914 24,970 29.3055 295 0.0607 8,095 9.0612 14,640 17.3357

Note: * Calculation for “Impact (ac)” Column = ([Impact Footprint] x [Number]) / 43560

 ac=acre; ft.2=square feet; GOMEX= Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; Other AFTT Area = Location outside east coast Range Complexes and other defined areas; VACAPES=Virginia Capes

Table F-14: Number and Impacts* of Recovered Bottom Placed Materials Proposed 

for Use During Training Activities in Five Years Under Alternatives 1 and 2 - Inland 

Waters

Location

Recovered Materials

Projectiles Targets

Metal Plates

Mine Shapes

(Non-Explosive)

Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac)

Lower Chesapeake Bay, VA 30 0.0038 30 0.0355

Note: * Calculation for “Impact (ac)” Column = ([Impact Footprint] x [Number]) / 43560; ac=acre
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

F.1.2 MILITARY EXPENDED AND RECOVERED MATERIALS – TESTING ACTIVITIES

Tables F‐15 through F‐22 show military expended and recovered materials and impact footprints within

the AFTT Study Area for both Single Year and Five Year totals.
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-15: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials Proposed for Use During Testing Activities in a Single Year Under Alternatives 1 and 2 

Military Expended Materials

Size

(ft.

2

)

Impact 

Footprint

(ft.

2

)

Range Complex Testing Ranges

Northeast VACAPES Navy Cherry Point JAX Key West GOMEX NUWC Newport SFOMF NSWC Panama City

Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac)

Bombs

Bombs (Explosive) 8.1203 112.9048 0 0.0000 2 0.0052 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Bombs (Non-Explosive) 8.1203 112.9048 0 0.0000 964 2.4986 0 0.0000 12 0.0311 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Projectiles

Small-Caliber (Non-Explosive) 0.0301 0.1216 4,800 0.0134 77,800 0.2172 4,800 0.0134 4,800 0.0134 4,800 0.0134 17,800 0.0497 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 7,000 0.0195

Medium-Caliber (Explosive) 0.056 0.2239 3,860 0.0198 17,270 0.0888 3,360 0.0173 14,860 0.0764 3,360 0.0173 3,360 0.0173 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Medium Caliber (Non-Explosive) 0.056 0.2239 9,060 0.0466 239,660 1.2319 8,160 0.0419 237,360 1.2200 32,660 0.1679 22,860 0.1175 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 5,100 0.0262

Large-Caliber (Explosive) 1.0097 4.0386 132 0.0122 3,263 0.3025 132 0.0122 6,276 0.5819 832 0.0771 923 0.0856 0 0.0000 4 0.0004 100 0.0093

Large-Caliber (Non-Explosive) 1.0097 4.0386 1,761 0.1633 8,147 0.7553 1,440 0.1335 14,524 1.3466 3,190 0.2958 2,774 0.2572 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 280 0.0260

Kinetic Energy Round 0.5048 1.0100 35,003 0.8116 35,003 0.8116 35,003 0.8116 350,003 8.1153 35,003 0.8116 35,003 0.8116 4 0.0001 4 0.0001 4 0.0001

Missiles

Missiles (Explosive) 37.6691 74.7228 10 0.0172 176 0.3019 0 0.0000 70 0.1201 0 0.0000 12 0.0206 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Missiles (Non-Explosive) 31.0011 62.0023 24 0.0342 899 1.2796 24 0.0342 136 0.1936 31 0.0441 24 0.0342 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Rockets (Explosive) 0.7987 1.5974 0 0.0000 206 0.0076 0 0.0000 200 0.0073 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Rockets (Non-Explosive) 0.7987 1.5974 0 0.0000 746 0.0274 0 0.0000 406 0.0149 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Rockets (Non-Explosive): Flechette 0.7987 1.5974 0 0.0000 249 0.0091 0 0.0000 135 0.0050 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Countermeasures

Acoustic Countermeasures 0.3311 1.2432 842 0.0240 1,038 0.0296 764 0.0218 1,330 0.0380 0 0.0000 836 0.0239 64 0.0018 100 0.0029 0 0.0000

Chaff - Air Cartridge 0.0011 0.0022 0 0.0000 20,595 0.0010 0 0.0000 400 0.0000 0 0.0000 1,200 0.0001 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Chaff - Ship Cartridge 2.0000 4.0000 144 0.0132 1,019 0.0936 144 0.0132 480 0.0441 144 0.0132 144 0.0132 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Anti-Torpedo Torpedo 4.524 9.0847 142 0.0296 160 0.0334 42 0.0088 156 0.0325 0 0.0000 142 0.0296 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Flares 1.2196 4.8782 0 0.0000 20,195 2.2616 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 600 0.0672 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Targets

Aerial Drones - Expended 294.6082 589.2164 6 0.0812 480 6.4927 6 0.0812 174 2.3536 6 0.0812 6 0.0812 6 0.0812 6 0.0812 6 0.0812

Air Targets - Expended 42.1622 84.3245 60 0.1161 60 0.1161 60 0.1161 60 0.1161 60 0.1161 70 0.1355 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Surface Target - Expended 5.7522 11.5034 110 0.0290 400 0.1056 110 0.0290 227 0.0599 110 0.0290 121 0.0320 13 0.0034 13 0.0034 13 0.0034

Surface Target (Mobile) - Expended 1.2206 2.4413 1 0.0001 1 0.0001 1 0.0001 1 0.0001 1 0.0001 1 0.0001 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Surface Target (Stationary) - Expended 96.8752 193.7504 61 0.2713 61 0.2713 61 0.2713 61 0.2713 61 0.2713 61 0.2713 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Subsurface Target (Mobile)-Expended 5.7522 11.5034 100 0.0264 105 0.0277 0 0.0000 265 0.0700 0 0.0000 100 0.0264 240 0.0634 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Mine Shapes-Expended 25.7903 51.5807 5,600 6.6311 3,172 3.7561 0 0.0000 1,595 1.8887 0 0.0000 2,754 3.2611 342 0.4050 885 1.0480 4,309 5.1024

Other

Air-Launched Lightweight Torpedo (Explosive) 19.1199 38.2399 1 0.0009 1 0.0009 1 0.0009 1 0.0009 1 0.0009 1 0.0009 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Anchor - Expendable 6.2495 12.5001 3,600 1.0331 1,800 0.5165 0 0.0000 100 0.0287 0 0.0000 1,923 0.5518 206 0.0591 87 0.0250 0 0.0000

Bathythermograph Expended 0.2771 0.5554 1,834 0.0234 1,019 0.0130 315 0.0040 637 0.0081 10 0.0001 978 0.0125 0 0.0000 4 0.0001 0 0.0000

Compression Pad/Piston 0.0043 0.0086 0 0.0000 20,195 0.0040 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 600 0.0001 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Concrete Slugs 0.0011 0.0022 38 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 38 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Endcaps and Pistons - Non Chaff & Flare 0.0043 0.0860 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 379 0.0007 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Endcaps 0.0022 0.0043 0 0.0000 40,790 0.0040 0 0.0000 400 0.0000 0 0.0000 1,800 0.0002 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Fiber Optic Can 0.0011 0.0022 0 0.0000 430 0.0000 0 0.0000 100 0.0000 0 0.0000 200 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 412 0.0000

Flare O-Ring 0.0043 0.0086 0 0.0000 20,195 0.0040 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 600 0.0001 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Heavyweight Torpedo (Explosive) 39.6155 79.2299 1 0.0018 1 0.0018 1 0.0018 1 0.0018 1 0.0018 1 0.0018 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Heavyweight Torpedo Accessories 0.1615 3.2367 191 0.0142 221 0.0164 53 0.0039 235 0.0175 3 0.0002 187 0.0139 60 0.0045 34 0.0025 0 0.0000

Lightweight Torpedo Accessories 1.1011 2.0215 196 0.0091 409 0.0190 120 0.0056 497 0.0231 2 0.0001 196 0.0091 60 0.0028 0 0.0000 252 0.0117

Sabot 1.2196 4.8782 35,003 3.9199 35,003 3.9199 35,003 3.9199 35,003 3.9199 35,003 3.9199 35,003 3.9199 383 0.0429 4 0.0004 4 0.0004

Sonobuoy (Explosive) 1.2207 2.4413 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 72 0.0040 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Surface-Launched Lightweight Torpedo (Explosive) 10.0782 20.1576 5 0.0023 5 0.0023 1 0.0005 5 0.0023 1 0.0005 5 0.0023 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 12 0.0056

Parachutes (Medium) 9.0417 18.0834 33 0.0137 196 0.0814 33 0.0137 224 0.0930 2 0.0008 33 0.0137 60 0.0249 0 0.0000 252 0.1046

Total 102,618 13.36 551,936 25.31 89,634 5.56 670,734 20.70 115,353 5.87 130,356 9.86 1,817 0.69 1,141 1.16 17,744 5.4

Note: * Calculation for “Impact (ac)” Column = ([Impact Footprint] x [Number]) / 43560

 ac=acre; ft.2=square feet; GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; NSWC Panama City=Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City; NUWC Newport=Naval Undersea Warfare Center Newport; SFOMF=South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility; VACAPES=Virginia Capes

 
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Table F-16: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials Proposed for Use During Testing Activities in a Single Year with Differences between Alternatives 1 and 2 

Military Expended Materials

Size

(ft.

2

)

Impact 

Footprint

(ft.

2

)

Range Complex Testing Ranges

Northeast VACAPES Navy Cherry Point JAX Key West GOMEX NUWC Newport SFOMF NSWC Panama City

Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac)

Alternative 1

Other

Sonobuoys (Non-Explosive) 1.2207 2.4413 9,190 0.5150 8,678 0.4864 2,558 0.1434 6,344 0.3555 3,906 0.2189 4,646 0.2604 1,200 0.0673 32 0.0018 192 0.0108

AMNS Neutralizer (Explosive) 1.6286 3.2572 0 0.0000 250 0.0187 0 0.0000 50 0.0037 0 0.0000 100 0.0075 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 328 0.0245

Buoy (Explosive) 0.97521 3.8987 709 0.0635 575 0.0515 337 0.0302 398 0.0356 705 0.0631 351 0.0314 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Mines (Explosive) 25.7903 51.5807 0 0.0000 10 0.0118 0 0.0000 8 0.0095 0 0.0000 16 0.0189 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 4 0.0047

Small Decelerator/Parachute 2.8438 5.6876 9,190 1.0040 8,678 1.1331 2,558 0.3340 6,344 0.8283 3,906 0.5100 4,646 0.6066 1,200 0.1567 32 0.0042 192 0.0251

Total 19,089 1.5825 18,191 1.7014 5,453 0.5075 13,144 1.2327 8,517 0.7920 9,759 0.9248 2,400 0.2239 64 0.0060 716 0.0651

Alternative 2

Other

Sonobuoys (Non-Explosive) 1.2207 2.4413 9,410 0.5274 8,758 0.4908 2,638 0.1478 6,744 0.3780 3,906 0.2189 4,646 0.2604 1,200 0.0673 32 0.0018 192 0.0108

AMNS Neutralizer (Explosive) 1.6286 3.2572 0 0.0000 255 0.0191 0 0.0000 50 0.0037 0 0.0000 100 0.0075 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 333 0.0249

Buoy (Explosive) 0.97521 3.8987 724 0.0648 580 0.0519 342 0.0305 423 0.0379 705 0.0631 351 0.0314 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Mines (Explosive) 25.7903 51.5807 0 0.0000 15 0.0178 0 0.0000 8 0.0095 0 0.0000 16 0.0189 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 9 0.0107

Small Decelerator/Parachute 2.8438 5.6876 9,410 1.2287 8,758 1.1435 2,638 0.3444 6,744 0.8805 3,906 0.5100 4,646 0.6066 1,200 0.1567 32 0.0042 192 0.0251

Total 19,544 1.8208 18,366 1.7231 5,618 0.5227 13,969 1.3096 8,517 0.7920 9,759 0.9248 2,400 0.2240 64 0.0060 726 0.0714

Note: * Calculation for “Impact (ac)” Column = ([Impact Footprint] x [Number]) / 43560

 ac=acre; AMNS = Airborne Mine Neutralization System; ft.2=square feet; GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; NSWC Panama City=Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City; NUWC Newport=Naval Undersea Warfare Center Newport; SFOMF=South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility; VACAPES=Virginia Capes 

 Blue shading indicated numbers and impacts of MEM that differ between Alternatives 1 and 2. 
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Table F-17: Number and Impacts* of Military Expended Materials Proposed for Use During Testing Activities in Five Years Under Alternatives 1 and 2 

Military Expended Materials

Size

(ft.

2

)

Impact 

Footprint

(ft.

2

)

Range Complex Testing Ranges

Northeast VACAPES Navy Cherry Point JAX Key West GOMEX NUWC Newport SFOMF NSWC Panama City

Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac)

Bombs

Bombs (Explosive) 8.1203 112.9048 0 0.0000 10 0.0259 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Bombs (Non-Explosive) 8.1203 112.9048 0 0.0000 4,820 12.4931 0 0.0000 60 0.1555 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Projectiles

Small-Caliber (Non-Explosive) 0.0301 0.1216 24,000 0.0670 389,000 1.0859 24,000 0.0670 24,000 0.0670 24,000 0.0670 89,000 0.2484 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 35,000 0.0977

Large-Caliber (Explosive) 1.0097 4.0386 660 0.0612 16,315 1.5126 660 0.0612 31,880 2.9557 4,160 0.3857 4,615 0.4279 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 500 0.0464

Large-Caliber (Non-Explosive) 1.0097 4.0386 8,805 0.8163 40,735 3.7767 7,200 0.6675 72,620 6.7329 15,950 1.4788 13,870 1.2859 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 1,400 0.1298

Kinetic Energy Round 0.5048 1.0100 175,017 4.0580 175,017 4.0580 175,017 4.0580 175,017 4.0580 175,017 4.0580 175,017 4.0580 17 0.0004 17 0.0004 17 0.0004

Countermeasures

Acoustic Countermeasures 0.3311 1.2432 4,210 0.1202 5,190 0.1481 3,820 0.1090 6,651 0.1898 0 0.0000 4,180 0.1193 320 0.0091 500 0.0143 0 0.0000

Chaff-Air Cartridges 0.0011 0.0022 0 0.0000 102,975 0.0052 0 0.0000 2,000 0.0001 0 0.0000 6,000 0.0003 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Chaff - Ship Cartridges 2.0000 4.0000 720 0.0661 5,095 0.4679 720 0.0661 2,400 0.2204 720 0.0661 720 0.0661 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Anti-Torpedo Torpedo 4.524 9.0847 710 0.1481 800 0.1668 210 0.0438 780 0.1627 0 0.0000 710 0.1481 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Flares 1.2196 4.8782 0 0.0000 100,975 11.3080 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 3,000 0.3360 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Targets

Aerial Drones - Expendable 294.6082 589.2164 0 0.0000 2,397 4.0279 28 0.3787 868 11.7410 28 0.3787 28 0.3787 28 0.3787 28 0.3787 28 0.3787

Air Target - Expended (Non-Drone) 42.1622 84.3245 300 0.5807 300 0.5807 300 0.5807 300 0.5807 300 0.5807 350 0.6775 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Surface Target (Stationary) - Expended 96.8752 193.7504 305 1.3566 305 1.3566 305 1.3566 305 1.3566 305 1.3566 305 1.3566 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Surface Target (Mobile) - Expended 5.7522 11.5034 4 0.0011 4 0.0011 4 0.0011 4 0.0011 4 0.0011 4 0.0011 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Mine Shapes -Expended 25.7903 51.5807 28,000 33.1556 15,860 18.7803 0 0.0000 7,975 9.4434 0 0.0000 13,772 16.3078 1,710 2.0249 4,423 5.2374 21,545 25.5121

Subsurface Target (Mobile)-Expended 1.2206 2.4413 500 0.0280 525 0.0294 0 0.0000 1,325 0.0743 0 0.0000 500 0.0280 1,200 0.0673 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Other

Air-Launched Lightweight Torpedo (Explosive) 19.1199 38.2399 3 0.0026 3 0.0026 3 0.0026 3 0.0026 3 0.0026 3 0.0026 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Anchor 6.2495 12.5001 18,000 5.1653 9,000 2.5827 0 0.0000 501 0.1438 0 0.0000 9,614 2.7589 1,026 0.2944 433 0.1243 0 0.0000

Compression Pad/Piston 0.0043 0.0086 0 0.0000 100,975 0.0199 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 3,000 0.0006 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Concrete Slugs 0.0011 0.0022 190 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 190 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Endcaps 0.0022 0.0043 0 0.0000 203,950 0.0201 720 0.0001 2,000 0.0002 0 0.0000 9,000 0.0009 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Endcaps and Pistons - Non Chaff & Flare 0.0043 0.0860 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 1,895 0.0037 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Flare O-Ring 0.0043 0.0086 0 0.0000 100,975 0.0199 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 3,000 0.0006 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Heavyweight Torpedo (Explosive) 39.6155 79.2299 4 0.0073 4 0.0073 4 0.0073 4 0.0073 4 0.0073 4 0.0073 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Heavyweight Torpedo Accessories 0.1615 3.2367 950 0.0706 1,100 0.0817 260 0.0193 1,170 0.0869 10 0.0007 930 0.0691 300 0.0223 170 0.0126 0 0.0000

Sabot 1.2196 4.8782 175,017 19.5998 175,017 19.5998 175,017 19.5998 175,017 19.5998 175,017 19.5998 175,017 19.5998 1,912 0.2141 17 0.0019 17 0.0019

Sonobuoy (Explosive) 1.2207 2.4413 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 360 0.0202 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Surface-Launched Lightweight Torpedo (Explosive) 10.0782 20.1576 22 0.0102 22 0.0102 2 0.0009 22 0.0102 2 0.0009 22 0.0102 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 60 0.0278

Total 437,417 65.3148 1,451,369 82.1687 388,270 27.0199 504,902 57.5900 395,880 28.0043 512,851 47.8898 8,408 3.0150 5,588 5.7696 58,567 26.1947

Note: * Calculation for “Impact (ac)” Column = ([Impact Footprint] x [Number]) / 43560

 ac=acre; ft.2=square feet; GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; NSWC Panama City=Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City; NUWC Newport=Naval Undersea Warfare Center Newport; SFOMF=South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility; VACAPES=Virginia Capes

 
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Table F-18: Number of Recovered Materials Proposed for Use During Testing Activities in a Single Year Under Alternatives 1 and 2 

Recovered Materials

Range Complexes Testing Ranges

Northeast VACAPES

Navy Cherry 

Point JAX Key West GOMEX

NUWC 

Newport SFOMF

NSWC Panama 

City

Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number

Other 

Air-Launched Lightweight Torpedo (Non-Explosive) 33 196 33 224 1 33 0 0 0

AMNS/EMNS Neutralizer (Recovered) Alternative 1 0

180 0

50 0 100 0 0

84

Alternative 2 195 0 99

Heavyweight Torpedo (Non-Explosive) 190 220 52 234 2 186 60 34 0

Surface-Launched Lightweight Torpedo (Non-Explosive) 17 49 45 113 1 17 60 0 240

Unmanned Aerial System 30 1,563 0 48 48 48 360 84 84

Unmanned Surface Vehicle 0 0 0 0 0 0 660 0 0

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle 540 270 10 34 0 311 69 8 10

Unmanned Vehicle 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5

Targets 

Air Targets 76 76 76 76 76 86 1,003 28 28

Aerial Drone - Recovered 6 243 9 11 0 2 0 0 0

Subsurface Target - Recovered 125 351 8 283 31 305 901 235 0

Subsurface Target (Stationary) - Recovered 13,680 6,700 3,200 9,600 0 3,500 30 0 0

Surface Target - Recovered 274 870 270 704 298 398 1,244 137 36

Total 14,971 10,913 3,703 11,377 457 4,986 4,387 526 586

Note: AMNS/EMNS = Airborne Mine Neutralization System/Expendable Mine Neutralization System; GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; NSWC Panama City=Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City; NUWC Newport=Naval Undersea Warfare Center Newport;

 SFOMF=South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility; VACAPES=Virginia Capes

 Blue shading indicated numbers and impacts of MEM that differ between Alternatives 1 and 2.

Table F-19: Number and Impacts* of Recovered Bottom Placed Materials Proposed for Use During Testing Activities in a Single Year Under Alternatives 1 and 2 

Recovered Materials

Size

(ft.

2

)

Impact 

Footprint

(ft.

2

)

Range Complexes Testing Ranges

Northeast VACAPES Navy Cherry Point JAX Key West GOMEX NUWC Newport SFOMF NSWC Panama City

Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac)

Anchor (Recovered) 6.2495 12.5001 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 225 0.0646 0 0.0000

Bottom Placed Instruments 2.0000 4.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 600 0.5510 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Mine Shape (Non-explosive) 25.7903 51.5807 0 0.0000 919 1.0882 1,200 1.4210 21,802 25.8164 0 0.0000 894 1.0586 825 0.9769 0 0.0000 27,747 32.8560

Total 0 0.0000 919 1.0882 1,200 1.4210 21,802 25.8164 0 0.0000 894 1.0586 1,425 1.5279 225 0.0646 27,747 32.8560

Note: * Calculation for “Impact (ac)” Column = ([Impact Footprint] x [Number]) / 43560

 ac=acre; ft.2=square feet; GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; NSWC Panama City=Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City; NUWC Newport=Naval Undersea Warfare Center Newport; SFOMF=South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility; VACAPES=Virginia Capes

 
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-20: Number of Recovered Materials Proposed for Use During Testing Activities in Five Years Under Alternatives 1 and 2 

Recovered Materials

Range Complexes Testing Ranges

Northeast VACAPES

Navy Cherry 

Point JAX Key West GOMEX

NUWC 

Newport SFOMF

NSWC Panama 

City

Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number

Other 

Air-Launched Lightweight Torpedo 

(Non-Explosive)

Alternative 1

163

735

163

1,049

3 163 0 0 0

Alternative 2 978 1,118

AMNS Neutralizer 

(Non-Explosive)

Alternative 1 0

740

0 250 0 500 0 0

364

Alternative 2 975 495

Heavyweight Torpedo (Non-Explosive) 947 1,097 257 1,167 7 927 300 170 0

Surface-Launched Lightweight Torpedo (Non-Explosive) 82 242 222 562 2 82 300 0 1,200

Unmanned Aerial System 150 7,815 0 240 240 240 1,800 420 420

Unmanned Surface Vehicle 0 0 0 0 0 0 3,300 0 0

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle 3,700 1,350 50 464 0 1,555 342 38 50

Unmanned Vehicle 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25

Targets 

Air Target - Recovered 379 379 379 379 379 429 5,014 139 139

Aerial Drone-Recovered 30 1,215 45 55 0 10 0 0 0

Subsurface Target - Recovered Alternative 1 378

1,092

38

1,338 59 1,518

4,504 1,173 0

Alternative 2 1,754 1,413 155 1,524

Subsurface Target (Stationary)- Recovered 68,400 33,500 16,000 48,000 0 17,500 150 0 0

Surface Target Alternative 1 1,368

4,256

1,348

3,452

1,488 1,988 6,220 686 178 Alternative 2 4,348 3,520

Total 75,597 60,476 18,502 63,007 2,333 26,436 21,930 2,626 2,871

Note: AMNS=Airborne Mine Neutralization System; GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; NSWC Panama City=Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City; NUWC Newport=Naval Undersea Warfare Center 

Newport; SFOMF=South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility; VACAPES=Virginia Capes

 Blue shading indicated numbers and impacts of MEM that differ between Alternatives 1 and 2.

Table F-21: Number of Recovered Materials Proposed for 

Use During Testing Activities in Five Years Under 

Alternatives 1 & 2Inland Waters

Location

Targets

Air Target

Number

Little Creek, VA 210

Norfolk, VA 210
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

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Atlantic Fleet 

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F-39

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-22: Number and Impacts* of Recovered Bottom Placed Materials Proposed for Use During Testing Activities in Five Years as Part of Alternatives 1 and 2

Recovered Materials

Size

(ft.

2

)

Impact 

Footprint

(ft.

2

)

Range Complexes Testing Ranges

Northeast VACAPES Navy Cherry Point JAX Key West GOMEX NUWC Newport SFOMF NSWC Panama City

Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac) Number

Impact 

(ac)

Anchors 6.2495 12.5001 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 1,125 0.3228 0 0.0000

Bottom Placed Instruments 2.0000 4.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 3,000 0.2754 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

Mine Shape

(Non-explosive)

Alternative 1 25.7903 51.5807 0 0.0000

3,907 4.6264

6,000 7.1048 109,010 129.0820 0 0.0000 4,470 5.2931 4,125 4.8845 0 0.0000

138,211 163.6598

Alternative 2 4,595 5.4411 138,735 164.2803

Total Alternative 1

0 0.0000

3,907 4.6924

6,000 7.1048 109,010 129.0820 0 0.0000 4,470 5.2931 7,125 5.1599 1,125 0.3228

138,211 163.6598

Alternative 2 4,595 5.4411 138,735 164.2803

Note: * Calculation for “Impact (ac)” Column = ([Impact Footprint] x [Number]) / 43560

 ac=acre; ft.2=square feet; GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; NSWC Panama City=Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City; NUWC Newport=Naval Undersea Warfare Center Newport; SFOMF=South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility; VACAPES=Virginia Capes

 Blue shading indicated numbers and impacts of MEM that differ between Alternatives 1 and 2.

 
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

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Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

F-41

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

F.2 IMPACTS TO ABIOTIC SUBSTRATE – TRAINING AND TESTING ACTIVITIES

Tables F-23 through Tables F-35 show impacts to abiotic substrate within the AFTT Study Area for both 

Single Year and Five Year totals. 

Table F-23: Potential Impact from Explosives On or Near the Bottom for Training Activities Under 

Alternative 1 and 2 in a Single Year 

Training 

Areas

Net 

Explosive 

Weight

(lb.)

Number 

of 

Charges

Total 

Impact 

Footprint

(ac)

Hard Substrate Intermediate Substrate Soft substrate

ac

% 

Impact ac

% 

Impact ac

% 

Impact

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

VACAPES RC

10 224 2.3524

559,734

0.000420

1,874,186

0.000126

22,262,693

0.000011

20 296 4.9372 0.000882 0.000263 0.000022

60 4 0.1389 0.000025 0.000007 0.000001

AMNS 

Neutralizer

62 0.3064 0.000055 0.000016 0.000001

Total 7.7349 0.001382 0.000413 0.000035

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Lower 

Chesapeake 

Bay

5 12 0.0801

0

0

2,134

0.003752

362,740

0.000022

Total 0.0801 0 0.003752 0.000022

Northeast and Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Navy Cherry 

Point RC 

10 4 0.0420

1,081,358

0.000004

214,657

0.000020

14,611,417

0.000000

20 12 0.2002 0.000019 0.000093 0.000001

AMNS 

Neutralizer 1 0.0049 0.000000 0.000002 0.000000

Total 0.247108 0.000023 0.000115 0.000001

Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

JAX RC

0.5 2 0.0030

9,306,697

0.000000

6,530,477

0.000000

26,485,602

0.000000

10 8 0.0840 0.000001 0.000001 0.000000

20 12 0.2002 0.000002 0.000003 0.000001

AMNS 

Neutralizer 2 0.0099 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000

Total 0.297049 0.000003 0.000004 0.000001

Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem

Key West RC

5 10 0.0667

4,493,152

0.000002

1,472,965

0.000005

14,163,039

0.000001

10 4 0.0420 0.000001 0.000003 0.000000

20 8 0.1334 0.000003 0.000009 0.000001

Total 0.242100 0.000006 0.000016 0.000002

Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem

GOMEX RC

0.5 2 0.0030

2,955,100

0.000000

3,418,643

0.000000

56,370,160

0.000000

10 4 0.0420 0.000001 0.000001 0.000000

20 12 0.2002 0.000007 0.000006 0.000000

AMNS 

Neutralizer 22 0.1087 0.000003 0.000003 0.000000

Total 0.353895 0.000012 0.000010 0.000000

Note: ac=acre; AMNS=Airborne Mine Neutralization System; GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; lb.=pounds; RC=Range Complex; 

VACAPES=Virginia Capes
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

F-42

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-24: Potential Impact from Explosives On or Near the Bottom for Testing Activities 

Under Alternative 1 in a Single Year 

Training Areas

Net Explosive 

Weight 

(lb.)

Number of 

Charges

Total Impact 

Footprint 

(ac)

Hard Substrate Intermediate Substrate Soft substrate

ac

% 

Impact ac

% 

Impact ac

% 

Impact

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

VACAPES RC

650 10 1.6988

559,734

0.0003035

1,874,186

0.0000906

22,262,693

0.0000076

AMNS 

Neutralizer 250 1.2355 0.0002207 0.0000659 0.0000055

Total 2.9343 0.0005242 0.0001566 0.0000132

Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

JAX RC

650 8 1.3591

9,306,697

0.0000146

6,530,477

0.0000208

26,485,602

0.0000051

AMNS 

Neutralizer 50 0.2471 0.0000027 0.0000038 0.0000009

Total 1.6062 0.0000173 0.0000246 0.0000061

Gulf Of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem

GOMEX RC

650 16 2.7182

2,955,100

0.0000920

3,418,643

0.0000795

56,370,160

0.0000048

AMNS 

Neutralizer 100 0.4942 0.0000167 0.0000145 0.0000009

Total 3.2124 0.0001087 0.0000940 0.0000057

NSWC Panama 

City Testing 

Range

650 4 0.6795

1,260,458

0.0000539

2,368,180

0.0000287

15,776,970

0.0000043

AMNS 

Neutralizer 328 1.6201 0.0001285 0.0000684 0.0000103

Line Charge 4 4.2739 0.0003391 0.00018047 0.0000271

Total 6.5736 0.0005215 0.0002776 0.0000417

Note: ac=acre; AMNS=Airborne Mine Neutralization System; GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; lb.=pounds; NSWC Panama City=Naval

Surface Warfare Center Panama City; RC=Range Complex; VACAPES=Virginia Capes

 Blue shading indicated numbers and impacts of MEM that differ between Alternatives 1 and 2
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

F-43

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-25: Potential Impact from Explosives On or Near the Bottom for Testing Activities Under

Alternative 2 in a Single Year

Training Areas

Net Explosive 

Weight 

(lb.)

Number of 

Charges

Total Impact 

Footprint 

(ac)

Hard Substrate Intermediate Substrate Soft substrate

ac

% 

Impact ac

% 

Impact ac

% 

Impact

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

VACAPES RC

650 15 2.5483

559,734

0.0004553

1,874,186

0.0001360

21,573,934

0.0000118

AMNS 

Neutralizer 255 1.2602 0.0002251 0.0000672 0.0000058

Total 3.8085 0.0006804 0.0002032 0.0000177

Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

JAX RC

650 8 1.3591

9,306,697

0.0000146

6,530,477

0.0000208

26,485,602

0.0000051

AMNS 

Neutralizer 50 0.2471 0.0000027 0.0000038 0.0000009

Total 1.6062 0.0000173 0.0000246 0.0000061

Gulf Of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem

GOMEX RC

650 16 2.7182

2,955,100

0.0000920

3,418,643

0.0000795

56,370,160

0.0000048

AMNS 

Neutralizer 100 0.4942 0.0000167 0.0000145 0.0000009

Total 3.2124 0.0001087 0.0000940 0.0000057

NSWC Panama City 

Testing Range

650 9 1.5290

1,260,458

0.0001213

2,368,180

0.0000646

15,776,970

0.0000097

AMNS 

Neutralizer 333 1.6457 0.0001306 0.0000695 0.0000104

Line Charge 4 4.2739 0.0003391 0.0001805 0.0000271

Total 13.8733 4,215,558 0.0005909 5,786,823 0.0003145 72,147,130 0.0000472

Note: ac=acre; AMNS=Airborne Mine Neutralization System; GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; lb.=pounds; NSWC Panama City=Naval Surface Warfare 

Center Panama City; RC=Range Complex; VACAPES=Virginia Capes

 Blue shading indicated numbers and impacts of MEM that differ between Alternatives 1 and 2
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

F-44

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-26: Potential Impact from Explosives On or Near the Bottom for Training Activities 

under Alternatives 1 and 2 Over Five Years

Training 

Areas

Net 

Explosive 

Weight

(lb.)

Number 

of 

Charges

Total 

Impact 

Footprint

(ac)

Hard Substrate Intermediate Substrate Soft substrate

ac

% 

Impact ac

% 

Impact ac

% 

Impact

Alternative 1 

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

VACAPES RC

10 1,120 11.7622

559,734

0.0021014

1,874,186

0.0006276

22,262,693

0.0000528

20 1,480 24.6858 0.0044103 0.0013171 0.0001109

60 20 0.6944 0.0001241 0.0000371 0.0000031

AMNS 

Neutralizer 306 1.5123 0.0002702 0.0000807 0.0000068

Total 38.6547 0.0069059 0.0020625 0.0001736

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Lower 

Chesapeake 

Bay

5 60 0.4003

0

0

2,134

0.0187582

362,740

0.0001104

Total 0.4003 0 0.0187582 0.0001104

Northeast and Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Navy Cherry 

Point RC

10 20 0.2100

1,081,358

0.000019

214,657

0.0000978

14,611,417

0.0000014

20 60 1.0008 0.000093 0.0004662 0.0000068

AMNS 

Neutralizer 5 0.0247 0.000002 0.0000115 0.0000002

Total 1.235500 0.000114 0.0005756 0.0000085

Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

JAX RC

0.5 6 0.0089

9,306,697

0.0000001

6,530,477

0.0000001

26,485,602

0.0000000

10 40 0.4201 0.0000045 0.0000064 0.0000016

20 60 1.0008 0.0000108 0.0000153 0.0000038

AMNS 

Neutralizer 6 0.0297 0.0000003 0.0000005 0.0000001

Total 1.459500 0.0000157 0.0000223 0.0000055

Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem

Key West RC 

5 50 0.3336

4,493,152

0.0000074

1,472,965

0.0000226

14,163,039

0.0000024

10 20 0.2100 0.0000047 0.0000143 0.0000015

20 40 0.6672 0.0000148 0.0000453 0.0000047

Total 1.210800 0.0000269 0.0000822 0.0000085

Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem

GOMEX RC

0.5 6 0.0089

2,955,100

0.0000003

3,418,643

0.0000003

56,370,160

0.0000000

10 20 0.2100 0.0000071 0.0000061 0.0000004

20 60 1.0008 0.0000339 0.0000293 0.0000018

AMNS 

Neutralizer 106 0.5239 0.0000177 0.0000153 0.0000009

Total 1.743600 0.000059 0.0000510 0.0000031
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

F-45

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-26: Potential Impact from Explosives On or Near the Bottom for Training Activities under 

Alternatives 1 and 2 Over Five Years (continued)

Training 

Areas

Net 

Explosive 

Weight

(lb.)

Number 

of 

Charges

Total 

Impact 

Footprint

(ac)

Hard Substrate Intermediate Substrate Soft substrate

Acre

% 

Impact Acre

% 

Impact Acre

%

Impact

Alternative 2

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

VACAPES RC

10 1,120 11.7622

559,734

0.00210139

1,874,186

0.0006276

22,262,693

0.0000528

20 1,480 24.6858 0.00441027 0.0013171 0.0001109

60 20 0.6944 0.00012406 0.0000371 0.0000031

AMNS 

Neutralizer 310 1.5321 0.00027371 0.0000817 0.0000069

Total 38.6745 0.00690944 0.0020635 0.0001737

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Chesapeake 

Bay Area 5 60 0.4003

0

0

2,134

0.0187582

362,740

0.0001104

Total 0.4003 0 0.0187582 0.0001104

Navy Cherry 

Point RC

10 20 0.2100

1,081,358

0.000019

214,657

0.0000978 0.0000014

20 60 1.0008 0.000093 0.0004662

14,611,417

0.0000068

AMNS 

Neutralizer 5 0.0247 0.000002 0.0000115 0.0000002

Total 1.235500 0.000114 0.0005756 0.0000085

Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

JAX RC

0.5 10 0.0148

9,306,697

0.0000002

6,530,477

0.0000002

26,485,602

0.0000001

10 40 0.4201 0.0000045 0.0000064 0.0000016

20 60 1.0008 0.0000108 0.0000153 0.0000038

AMNS 

Neutralizer 10 0.0494 0.0000005 0.0000008 0.0000002

Total 1.485100 0.0000160 0.0000227 0.0000056

Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem

Key West RC

5 50 0.3336

4,493,152

0.0000074

1,472,965

0.0000226

14,163,039

0.0000024

10 20 0.2100 0.0000047 0.0000143 0.0000015

20 40 0.6672 0.0000148 0.0000453 0.0000047

Total 1.210800 0.0000269 0.0000822 0.0000085

Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem

GOMEX RC

0.5 10 0.0148

2,955,100

0.0000005

3,418,643

0.0000004

56,370,160

0.0000000

10 20 0.2100 0.0000071 0.0000061 0.0000004

20 60 1.0008 0.0000339 0.0000293 0.0000018

AMNS 

Neutralizer 110 0.5436 0.0000184 0.0000159 0.0000010

Total 1.769200 0.0000599 0.0000518 0.0000031

Note: ac=acre; AMNS=Airborne Mine Neutralization System; GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; lb.=pounds; RC=Range Complex; 

VACAPES=Virginia Capes

 Blue shading indicated numbers and impacts of MEM that differ between Alternatives 1 and 2.
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

F-46

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-27: Potential Impact from Explosives On or Near the Bottom for Testing Activities 

under Alternatives 1 and 2 Over Five Years

Testing 

Areas

Net 

Explosive 

Weight 

(lb.)

Number 

of 

Charges

Total 

Impact 

Footprint 

(ac)

Hard Substrate Intermediate Substrate Soft substrate

Acre

% 

Impact Acre

% 

Impact Acre

% 

Impact

Alternative 1

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

VACAPES 

RC

650 50 8.4942

559,734

0.00151754

1,874,186

0.0004532

22,262,693

0.0000382

AMNS 

Neutralizer 1090 5.3869 0.0009624 0.0002874 0.0000242

Total 13.8811 0.00247995 0.0007406 0.0000624

Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

JAX RC

650 40 6.7954

9,306,697

0.0000730

6,530,477

0.0001041

26,485,602

0.0000257

AMNS 

Neutralizer 250 1.2355 0.0000133 0.0000189 0.0000047

Total 8.0309 0.0000863 0.0001230 0.0000303

Gulf Of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem

GOMEX 

RC

650 80 13.5908

2,955,100

0.0004599

3,418,643

0.0003975

56,370,160

0.0000241

AMNS 

Neutralizer 500 2.4711 0.0000836 0.0000723 0.0000044

Total 16.0619 0.0005435 0.0004698 0.0000285

NSWC 

Panama 

City 

Testing 

Range

650 20 3.3977

1,260,458

0.0002696

2,368,180

0.0001435

15,776,970

0.0000215

AMNS 

Neutralizer 1584 7.8283 0.0006211 0.0003306 0.0000496

Line 

Charge 20 21.3697 0.0016954 0.0009024 0.0001354

Total 32.5957 0.0025860 0.0013764 0.0002066

Alternative 2

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

VACAPES 

RC

650 75 12.7414

559,734

0.0022763

3

1,874,186

0.0006798

22,262,693

0.0000572

AMNS 

Neutralizer 1275 6.3012 0.00112575

0.0003362 0.0000283

Total 19.0426 0.0034021 0.0010160 0.0000855

Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

JAX RC

650 40 6.7954

9,306,697

0.0000730

6,530,477

0.0001041

26,485,602

0.0000257

AMNS 

Neutralizer 250 1.2355 0.0000133 0.0000189 0.0000047

Total 8.0309 0.0000863 0.0001230 0.0000303

Gulf Of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem

GOMEX 

RC

650 80 13.5908

2,955,100

0.0004599

3,418,643

0.0003975

56,370,160

0.0000241

AMNS 

Neutralizer 500 2.4711 0.0000836 0.0000723 0.0000044

Total 16.0619 0.0005435 0.0004698 0.0000285

NSWC 

Panama 

City 

Testing 

Range

650 45 7.6448

1,260,458

0.0006065

2,368,180

0.0003228

15,776,970

0.0000485

AMNS 

Neutralizer 1665 8.2286 0.0006528 0.0003475 0.0000522

Line 

Charge 20 21.3697 0.0016954 0.0009024 0.0001354

Total 69.3668 0.0029547 0.0015726 0.0002361

Note: ac=acre; AMNS=Airborne Mine Neutralization System; GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; lb.=pounds; NSWC Panama City=Naval 

Surface Warfare Center Panama City; RC=Range Complex; VACAPES=Virginia Capes

 Blue shading indicated numbers and impacts of MEM that differ between Alternatives 1 and 2
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

F-47

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-28: Potential Impact of Military Expended Materials from Training Activities on 

Each Substrate Type in a Single Year 

Training Areas

Percent Impact to 

Hard Bottom

Percent Impact to Intermediate 

Bottom

Percent Impact to 

Soft Bottom

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 1 Alternative 2

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

Northeast RC 0.00002989 0.0000299 0.000011859 0.0000119 0.000002358

VACAPES RC 0.00472 0.001408 0.001409 0.00011860

Northeast and Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Lower Chesapeake Bay 0 0 0

Northeast and Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Navy Cherry Point RC 0.0010025 0.001027 0.0050503 0.005051 0.00007420 0.00007421

Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

JAX RC 0.0002433 0.0002435 0.0003467 0.000347 0.00008548 0.00008556

Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystems

Key West RC 0.00008737 0.0002665 0.00002772

Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem

GOMEX RC 0.00007273 0.000078 0.00006287 0.00006725 0.00000381 0.00000408

Abyssal Zone

Other AFTT Area 0 0 0.00000335

SINKEX Area 0 0 0.00003118

Note: GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; RC=Range Complex; SINKEX = Sinking Exercise; VACAPES=Virginia Capes

 Blue shading indicated numbers and impacts of MEM that differ between Alternatives 1 and 2

Table F-29: Potential Impact of Military Expended Materials from Testing Activities on 

Each Substrate Type in a Single Year

Testing Areas

Percent Impact to 

Hard Bottom

Percent Impact to 

Intermediate Bottom

Percent Impact to 

Soft Bottom

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 1 Alternative 2

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

Northeast RC 0.00049380 0.00049550 0.00019590 0.00019660 0.00003895 0.00003909

VACAPES RC 0.00444900 0.00445300 0.00132860 0.00132980 0.00011185 0.00011194

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

NUWC Newport Testing 

Range 0.00038630 0.00004579 0.00001033

Northeast and Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Navy Cherry Point RC 0.00028600 0.00028740 0.00144100 0.00144800 0.00002116 0.00002127

Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

JAX RC 0.00012840 0.00012920 0.00018290 0.00018410 0.00004511 0.00004540

Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem 

SFOMF 0.00036250 0.03811000 0.00128500

Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystems

Key West RC 0.00008227 0.00025100 0.00002610

Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem

GOMEX RC 0.00026380 0.00022800 0.00001383

NSWC Panama City Testing 

Range 0.00042400 0.00042240 0.00022570 0.00022590 0.00003387 0.00003391

Note: GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; NSWC=Naval Surface Warfare Center; NUWC=Naval Undersea Warfare Center; ; 

RC=Range Complex; SFOMF = South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility

 Blue shading indicated numbers and impacts of MEM that differ between Alternatives 1 and 2
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-30: Potential Impact of Military Expended Materials from Training 

Activities on Each Substrate Type over Five Years

Training Areas

Percent Impact to 

Hard Bottom

Percent Impact to 

Intermediate Bottom

Percent Impact to 

Soft Bottom

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 1 Alternative 2

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

Northeast RC 0.0001495 0.0001495 0.0000593 0.0000593 0.0000118 0.0000018

VACAPES RC 0.024 0.00704 0.007045 0.00059270 0.00059310

Northeast and Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Lower Chesapeake Bay 0 0.00000007 0

Northeast and Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Navy Cherry Point RC 0.005006 0.005014 0.02522 0.02526 0.00037050 0.00037110

Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

JAX RC 0.001213 0.001218 0.001728 0.001735 0.00042610 0.00042780

Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystems

Key West RC 0.0004369 0.001333 0.00013860

Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem

GOMEX RC 0.00036331 0.00038899 0.00031405 0.00033625 0.00001905 0.00002039

Abyssal Zone

Other AFTT Area 0 0 0.00001680

SINKEX Area 0 0 0.00015590

Note: GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; NSWC=Naval Surface Warfare Center; NUWC=Naval Undersea Warfare Center; 

Other AFTT Area = Location outside east coast Range Complexes and other defined areas; RC=Range Complex; SINKEX = 

Sinking Exercise

 Blue shading indicated numbers and impacts of MEM that differ between Alternatives 1 and 2
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F-49

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-31: Potential Impact of Military Expended Materials from Testing Activities on 

Each Substrate Type over Five Years

Testing Areas

Percent Impact to 

Hard Bottom

Percent Impact to Intermediate 

Bottom

Percent Impact to 

Soft Bottom

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 1 Alternative 2

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

Northeast RC 0.002445 0.002478 0.000970 0.000983 0.000193 0.000195

VACAPES RC 0.022031 0.022263 0.006580 0.006649 0.000554 0.000560

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

NUWC Newport Testing 

Range 0.001931 0.000229 0.000052

Northeast and Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Navy Cherry Point RC 0.783671 0.001437 0.007184 0.007239 0.000106 0.000106

Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

JAX RC 0.000636 0.000646 0.000906 0.000921 0.000223 0.000227

Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem 

SFOMF 0.001812 0.190547 0.006424

Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystems

Key West RC 0.000410 0.000411 0.001249 0.001255 0.000130 0.000131

Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem

GOMEX RC 0.001310 0.001319 0.001132 0.001140 0.000069 0.000069

NSWC Panama City Testing 

Range 0.002120 0.002122 0.001128 0.001130 0.000169 0.000170

Note GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; NSWC=Naval Surface Warfare Center; NUWC=Naval Undersea Warfare Center; RC=Range 

Complex; SFOMF = South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility;

 Blue shading indicated numbers and impacts of MEM that differ between Alternatives 1 and 2
Atlantic Fleet 

Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

F-50

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-32: Proportional Impact to Bottom Habitat from Training Activities Under Alternatives 1 

and 2 in a Single Year

Training Areas

Impact to Hard Bottom

Impact to Intermediate 

Bottom Impact to Soft Bottom

Impact to Unknown 

Bottom

MEM 

Footprint

(ac)

Explosive 

Footprint

(ac)

MEM 

Footprint

(ac)

Explosive 

Footprint

(ac)

MEM 

Footprint

(ac)

Explosive 

Footprint

(ac)

MEM 

Footprint

(ac)

Explosive 

Footprint

(ac)

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

Northeast Alternative 1 0.045310

0.11421

0

0.57441

0 0.000057 0

Alternative 2 0.04532 0.11423 0.57454

VACAPES Alternative 1 0.597657 0.175056 2.001162 0.586148 23.770983 6.962617 0 0

Alternative 2 0.597848 2.001803 23.778601

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Lower Chesapeake 

Bay 

Alternative 1

0 0 0.000004 0.000442 0.000718 0.075073 0.000001 0.000092

Alternative 2

Northeast and Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Navy Cherry Point Alternative 1 0.7359810.016775

0.146098

0.003330

9.944648

0.226665 0 0

Alternative 2 0.736140 0.146129 9.946793

Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

JAX Alternative 1 4.974781 0.065249 3.490787 0.045785 14.157555 0.185689 0 0

Alternative 2 4.979482 3.494085 14.170934

Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystems

Key West

Alternative 1

0.822796 0.050689 0.269733 0.016617 2.593566 0.159779 0.242469 0.014938 Alternative 2

Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem

GOMEX

Alternative 1 0.101346

0.016618

0.117244

0.019225

1.933235

0.316999

0.000033

0.000005 Alternative 2 0.108383 0.125384 2.067464 0.000036

Abyssal Zone

Other AFTT Alternative 10 0 0 0 0.0475608 0 0.760309 0

Alternative 2

SINKEX Area

Alternative 1

0 0 0 0 10.164693 0 4.40833 0

Alternative 2

Note: ac=acre; GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; MEM = Military Expended Materials; NSWC=Naval Surface Warfare Center; NUWC=Naval 

Undersea Warfare Center; Other AFTT Area = Location outside east coast Range Complexes and other defined areas; RC=Range Complex; 

SINKEX = Sinking Exercise

 Blue shading indicated numbers and impacts of MEM that differ between Alternatives 1 and 2
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-33: Proportional Impact to Bottom Habitat from Testing Activities Under Alternatives 1 

and 2 in a Single Year

Training Areas

Impact to Hard Bottom

Impact to Intermediate 

Bottom Impact to Soft Bottom Impact to Unknown Bottom

MEM 

Footprint

(ac)

Explosive 

Footprint

(ac)

MEM 

Footprint

(ac)

Explosive 

Footprint

(ac)

MEM 

Footprint

(ac)

Explosive 

Footprint

(ac)

MEM 

Footprint

(ac)

Explosive 

Footprint

(ac)

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

Northeast RC

Alternative 1 0.748575

0

1.886734

0

9.489532

0

0.000941

0

Alternative 2 0.751188 1.893320 9.522659 0.000944

VACAPES RC

Alternative 1 0.563561 0.066411 1.886998 0.222366 22.414872 2.641399

0 0

Alternative 2 0.564052 0.086194 1.888640 0.288608 22.434380 3.428258

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

NUWC Newport 

Testing Range

Alternative 1

0.007991 0 0.151772 0 0.672726 0 0.004980 0

Alternative 2

Northeast and Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Navy Cherry 

Point RC

Alternative 1 0.209937

0

0.041674

0

2.836683

0 0 0

Alternative 2 0.210980 0.041881 2.850788

Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone 

JAX RC

Alternative 1 2.624418

0.352843

1.841545

0.247589

7.468739

1.004144

0.000000

0.000000

Alternative 2 2.641308 1.853396 7.516804 0.000000

Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

SFOMF 

Alternative 1

0.934114 0 0.008884 0 0.263547 0.000032 0

Alternative 2

Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystems

Key West RC

Alternative 1

0.773768 0 0.253660 0 2.439023 0 0.228021 0

Alternative 2

Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem

GOMEX RC

Alternative 1

0.366057 0.150862 0.423478 0.174527 6.982745 2.877781 0.000120 0.000050

Alternative 2

NSWC Panama 

City Testing 

Range

Alternative 1 0.345426 0.424939 0.648994 0.798385 4.323641 5.318893

0.000061

0.000075

Alternative 2 0.345833 0.481438 0.649759 0.904537 4.328734 6.026086 0.000085

Note: ac=acre; GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; MEM = Military Expended Materials; NSWC=Naval Surface Warfare Center; 

NUWC=Naval Undersea Warfare Center; Other AFTT Area = Location outside east coast Range Complexes and other defined areas; 

RC=Range Complex; SINKEX = Sinking Exercise

 Blue shading indicated numbers and impacts of MEM that differ between Alternatives 1 and 2
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Training and Testing Draft EIS/OEIS June 2017

F-52

Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-34: Proportional Impact to Bottom Habitat from Training Activities Under Alternatives 1 

and 2 over Five Years

Training Areas

Impact to Hard Bottom

Impact to Intermediate 

Bottom Impact to Soft Bottom

Impact to Unknown 

Bottom

MEM 

Footprint

(ac)

Explosive 

Footprint

(ac)

MEM 

Footprint

(ac)

Explosive 

Footprint

 (ac)

MEM 

Footprint

(ac)

Explosive 

Footprint

(ac)

MEM 

Footprint

(ac)

Explosive 

Footprint

(ac)

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

Northeast RC Alternative 1 0.226561 0

0.571032 02.872069 00.000285 0

Alternative 2 0.226614 0.571166 2.872740 0.000285

VACAPES RC Alternative 1 2.987384 0.874833 10.002798 2.929244 118.819124 34.795292 0 0

Alternative 2 2.989241 0.875280 10.009017 2.930742 118.893003 34.813086

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Lower 

Chesapeake Bay 

Alternative 1

0 0 0.000021 0.002209 0.003590 0.003590 0 0

Alternative 2

Northeast and Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Navy Cherry 

Point RC

Alternative 1 3.674852

0.083875

0.729485

0.016650

49.654945

1.133327 0 0

Alternative 2 3.680700 0.730646 49.733967

Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

JAX RC Alternative 1 24.797111 0.320599 17.400046 0.224963 70.569223 0.912381 0 0

Alternative 2 24.897412 0.326244 17.470427 0.228924 70.854668 0.928447

Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystems

Key West RC

Alternative 1

4.113978 0.253446 1.348663 0.083086 12.967828 0.798895 1.212344 0.074688 Alternative 2

Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem

GOMEX RC

Alternative 1 0.506272 0.081883 0.585687 0.094728 9.657419 1.561971 0.000166 0.000027

Alternative 2 0.541915 0.083090 0.626921 0.096124 10.337320 1.584993 0.000178 0.000027

Abyssal Zone

Other AFTT Alternative 1 0 0 0 0 0.237804 0 3.801546 0

Alternative 2

SINKEX Area

Alternative 1

0 0 0 0 50.823465 0 22.041663 0

Alternative 2

Note: ac=acre; GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; MEM = Military Expended Materials; NSWC=Naval Surface Warfare Center; NUWC=Naval 

Undersea Warfare Center; Other AFTT Area = Location outside east coast Range Complexes and other defined areas; RC=Range Complex; 

SINKEX = Sinking Exercise

 Blue shading indicated numbers and impacts of MEM that differ between Alternatives 1 and 2
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-35: Proportional Impact to Bottom Habitat from Testing Activities Under

Alternatives 1 and 2 over Five Years

Training Areas

Impact to Hard Bottom

Impact to Intermediate 

Bottom Impact to Soft Bottom

Impact to Unknown 

Bottom

MEM 

Footprint

(ac)

Explosive 

Footprint

(ac)

MEM 

Footprint

(ac)

Explosive 

Footprint

 (ac)

MEM 

Footprint

(ac)

Explosive 

Footprint

(ac)

MEM 

Footprint

(ac)

Explosive 

Footprint

(ac)

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone

Northeast RC Alternative 1 3.7068310

9.342822

0

46.990735

0

0.004659

0

Alternative 2 3.755942 9.466600 47.613293 0.004721

VACAPES RC

Alternative 1 2.790877 0.314158 9.344825 1.051910 111.003336 12.495209

0 0

Alternative 2 2.820258 0.430971 9.443200 1.443041 112.171899 17.141291

Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

NUWC Newport 

Testing Range

Alternative 1

0.089956 0 0.758862 0 3.363629 0 0.024902 0

Alternative 2

Northeast and Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

Navy Cherry 

Point RC

Alternative 1 1.046931

0

0.207824

0

14.146236

0 0 0

Alternative 2 1.054902 0.209406 14.253939

Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Abyssal Zone 

JAX RC

Alternative 1 12.998343

1.764216

9.120892

1.237944

36.991525

5.020720 0 0

Alternative 2 13.206538 9.266982 37.584022

Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem

SFOMF 

Alternative 1

4.670572 0 0.044422 0 1.317736 0 0.000160 0

Alternative 2

Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystems

Key West RC Alternative 1 3.851870 0

1.262737 012.141628 01.135104 0

Alternative 2 3.868838 1.268300 12.195114 1.140104

Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem

GOMEX RC

Alternative 1 1.817717

0.754311

2.102848

0.872634167

34.673953

14.388903

0.000598

0.000248 Alternative 2 1.830287 2.117389 34.913723 0.000602

NSWC Panama 

City Testing 

Range

Alternative 1 1.726857 2.106805 3.244461 3.958317 21.614811 26.370563 0.000307 0.000374

Alternative 2 1.729163 2.407190 3.248793 4.522687 21.643669 30.130432 0.000307 0.000427

Note: ac=acre; GOMEX=Gulf of Mexico; JAX=Jacksonville; MEM = Military Expended Materials; NSWC=Naval Surface Warfare Center; NUWC=Naval 

Undersea Warfare Center; Other AFTT Area = Location outside east coast Range Complexes and other defined areas; RC=Range Complex; SINKEX = 

Sinking Exercise

 Blue shading indicated numbers and impacts of MEM that differ between Alternatives 1 and 2

F.3 STATISTICAL AND PROBABILITY ANALYSIS FOR ESTIMATING DIRECT STRIKE 

IMPACT AND NUMBER OF POTENTIAL EXPOSURES FROM MILITARY 

EXPENDED MATERIALS

This section discusses the methods and results for calculating the probability of a direct strike of an 

animal from any military items from the proposed training and testing activities falling toward (or 

directed at) the sea surface. For the purposes of this section, military items include non-explosive 

practice munitions, sonobuoys, acoustic countermeasures, targets, and high-energy lasers. Only marine 

mammals and sea turtles will be analyzed using these methods because animal densities are necessary 

to complete the calculations, and density estimates are currently only available for marine mammals 

and sea turtles within the Study Area. The analysis conducted here does not account for explosive 

munitions because impacts from explosives are analyzed within the Navy Acoustic Effects Model as 

described in the Quantifying Acoustic Impacts on Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles: Methods and 

Analytical Approach for Phase III Training and Testing (U.S. Department of the Navy, 2017). 
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

F.3.1 DIRECT IMPACT ANALYSIS 

A probability was calculated to estimate the impact probability (P) and number of exposures (T) 

associated with direct impact of military items on marine animals on the sea surface within the specified 

training or testing area (R) in which the activities are occurring. The statistical probability analysis is 

based on probability theory and modified Venn diagrams with rectangular “footprint” areas for the 

individual animal (A) and total impact (I) inscribed inside the training or testing area (R). The analysis is 

over-predictive and conservative, in that it assumes: (1) that all animals would be at or near the surface 

100 percent of the time, when in fact, marine mammals spend the majority of their time underwater, 

and (2) that the animals are stationary, which does not account for any movement or any potential 

avoidance of the training or testing activity. 

1. A = length*width, where the individual animal’s width (breadth) is assumed to be 20 percent of 

its length for marine mammals and 112 percent of its length for sea turtles. This product for A is 

multiplied by the number of animals Na in the specified training or testing area (i.e., product of 

the highest average month animal density [D] and training or testing area [R]: Na = D*R) to 

obtain the total animal footprint area (A*Na = A*D*R) in the training or testing area. As a 

conservative scenario, the total animal footprint area is calculated for the species with the 

highest average month density in the training or testing area with the highest use of military 

items within the entire Study Area. 

2. I = Nmun*length*diameter, where Nmun = total annual number of military items for each type, 

and “length” and “diameter” refer to the individual military equipment dimensions. For each 

type, the individual impact footprint area is multiplied by the total annual number of military 

items to obtain the type-specific impact footprint area (I = Nmun*length*diameter). Each 

training or testing activity uses one or more different types of military items, each with a specific 

number and dimensions, and several training and testing activities occur in a given year. When 

integrating over the number of military items types for the given activity, and then over the 

number of activities in a year, these calculations are repeated (accounting for differences in 

dimensions and numbers) for all military items types used, to obtain the type-specific impact 

footprint area (I). These impact footprint areas are summed over all military items types for the 

given activity, and then summed (integrated) over all activities to obtain the total impact 

footprint area resulting from all activities occurring in the training or testing area in a given year. 

As a conservative scenario, the total impact footprint area is calculated for the training or 

testing area with the highest use of military items within the entire Study Area. 

Though marine mammals and sea turtles may not be randomly distributed in the environment, a 

random point calculation was chosen due to the intensive data needs that would be required for a 

calculation that incorporated more detailed information on an animal’s or military item’s spatial 

occurrence. 

The analysis is expected to provide an overestimation of the probability of a strike for the following 

reasons: (1) it calculates the probability of a single military item (of all the items expended over the 

course of the year) hitting a single animal at its species’ highest seasonal density, (2) it does not take 

into account the possibility that an animal may avoid military activities, (3) it does not take into account 

the possibility that an animal may not be at the water surface, (4) it does not take into account that 

most projectiles fired during training and testing activities are fired at targets, and so only a very small 

portion of those projectiles that miss the target would hit the water with their maximum velocity and 

force, and (5) it does not quantitatively take into account the Navy avoiding animals that are sighted 
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

through the implementation of mitigation measures (for consideration of mitigation during analysis see 

Sections 3.7.3.4 [Marine Mammals] and 3.8.3.4 [Reptiles]). 

The likelihood of an impact is calculated as the probability (P) that the animal footprint (A) and the 

impact footprint (I) will intersect within the training or testing area (R). This is calculated as the area 

ratio A/R or I/R, respectively. Note that A (referring to an individual animal footprint) and I (referring to 

the impact footprint resulting from the total number of military items Nmun) are the relevant quantities 

used in the following calculations of single-animal impact probability [P], which is then multiplied by the 

number of animals to obtain the number of exposures (T). The probability that the random point in the 

training or testing area is within both types of footprints (i.e., A and I) depends on the degree of overlap 

of A and I. The probability that I overlaps A is calculated by adding a buffer distance around A based on 

one-half of the impact area (i.e., 0.5*I), such that an impact (center) occurring anywhere within the 

combined (overlapping) area would impact the animal. Thus, if Li and Wi are the length and width of the 

impact footprint such that Li*Wi = 0.5*I and Wi/Li = La/Wa (i.e., similar geometry between the animal 

footprint and impact footprint), and if La and Wa are the length and width (breadth) of the individual 

animal such that La*Wa = A (= individual animal footprint area), then, assuming a purely static, 

rectangular scenario (Scenario 1), the total area Atot = (La + 2*Li)*(Wa + 2*Wi), and the buffer area Abuffer = 

Atot – La*Wa. 

Four scenarios were examined with respect to defining and setting up the overlapping combined areas 

of A and I: 

1. Scenario 1: Purely static, rectangular scenario. Impact is assumed to be static (i.e., direct impact 

effects only; non-dynamic; no explosions or scattering of military items after the initial impact). 

Hence the impact footprint area (I) is assumed to be rectangular and given by the product of 

military items length and width (multiplied by the number of military items). 

Atot = (La + 2*Li)*(Wa + 2*Wi) and Abuffer = Atot – La*Wa. 

2. Scenario 2: Dynamic scenario with end-on collision, in which the length of the impact footprint 

(Li) is enhanced by Rn = 5 military items lengths to reflect forward momentum. 

Atot = (La + (1 + Rn)*Li)*(Wa + 2*Wi) and Abuffer = Atot – La*Wa. 

3. Scenario 3: Dynamic scenario with broadside collision, in which the width of the impact 

footprint (Wi) is enhanced by Rn = 5 military items lengths to reflect forward momentum. 

Atot = (La + 2*Wi)*(Wa + (1 + Rn)*Li) and Abuffer = Atot – La*Wa. 

4. Scenario 4: Purely static, radial scenario, in which the rectangular animal and impact footprints 

are replaced with circular footprints while conserving area. Define the radius (Ra) of the circular 

individual animal footprint such that π*Ra

2

 = La*Wa, and define the radius (Ri) of the circular 

impact footprint such that π *Ri

2

 = 0.5*Li*Wi = 0.5*I. Then Atot = π *(Ra + Ri)

2

 and Abuffer = 

Atot – π *Ra

2

(where π = 3.1415927). 

Static impacts (Scenarios 1 and 4) assume no additional aerial coverage effects of scattered military 

items beyond the initial impact. For dynamic impacts (Scenarios 2 and 3), the distance of any scattered 

military items must be considered by increasing the length (Scenario 2) or width (Scenario 3), depending 

on orientation (broadside versus end-on collision), of the impact footprint to account for the forward 

horizontal momentum of the falling object. Forward momentum typically accounts for five object 

lengths, resulting in a corresponding increase in impact area. Significantly different values may result 

from the static and dynamic orientation. Both of these types of collision conditions can be calculated 

each with 50 percent likelihood (i.e., equal weighting between Scenarios 2 and 3, to average these 

potentially different values). 
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Impact probability P is the probability of impacting one animal with the given number, type, and 

dimensions of all military items used in training or testing activities occurring in the area per year, and is 

given by the ratio of total area (Atot) to training or testing area (R): P = Atot/R. Number of exposures is 

T = N*P = N*Atot/R, where N = number of animals in the training or testing area per year (given as the 

product of the animal density [D] and range size [R]). Thus, N = D*R and hence T = N*P = N*Atot/R = 

D*Atot. Using this procedure, P and T were calculated for each of the four scenarios, for Endangered 

Species Act (ESA)-listed marine mammals and the marine mammal and sea turtle species with the 

highest average month density (used as the annual density value) and for each military item type. The 

scenario-specific P and T values were averaged over the four scenarios (using equal weighting) to obtain 

a single scenario -averaged annual estimate of P and T. The potential numbers of exposures (T) are 

reported in Table F-36 through Table F-39. 

F.3.2 PARAMETERS FOR ANALYSIS

Impact probabilities (P) and number of exposures (T) were estimated by the analysis for the following 

parameters: 

1. Two action alternatives: Alternative 1 and Alternative 2. Animal densities, animal dimensions, 

and military item dimensions are the same for the two action alternatives. 

2. Two training or testing areas: Virginia Capes (VACAPES) and Jacksonville (JAX) Range Complexes. 

Areas are approximately 28,000 square nautical miles (NM2) and 50,000 NM2, respectively. 

These two training and testing areas were chosen because they constitute the areas with the 

highest estimated numbers and concentrations of military expended materials for both 

alternatives, and would, thus, provide a reasonable comparison for all other areas with fewer 

expended materials. 

3. The following types of non-explosive munitions or other items: 

 Small-caliber projectiles: up to and including .50 caliber rounds 

 Medium-caliber projectiles: larger than .50 caliber rounds but smaller than 57 

millimeters (mm) projectiles 

 Large-caliber projectiles: includes projectiles greater than or equal to a 57 mm 

projectile

 Missiles: includes rockets and jet-propelled munitions 

 Bombs: Non-explosive practice bombs and mine shapes, ranging from 10 to 2,000 lbs 

 Torpedoes: includes all lightweight torpedoes 

 Sonobuoys: includes all sonobuoys 

 Targets: includes expended airborne and surface, as well as mine shapes 

 Lightweight torpedo accessories: includes all accessories that are dropped along with 

the torpedo (nose cap, air stabilizer, etc.) 

 Anchors: includes blocks used to anchor mine shapes to the seafloor 

 Acoustic countermeasures: includes aircraft deployed acoustic countermeasures 

 High Energy Lasers: includes high energy laser weapons that are directed at a surface 

target 

 Expended Bathythermographs: small sensor deployed from ships 

4. Animal species of interest: The six species of Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed marine 

mammals and the non-ESA listed marine mammal species with the highest average month 
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

density in the training and testing areas of interest. The sea turtle species with the highest 

average month density in the training and testing areas of interest. 

F.3.3 INPUT DATA

Input data for the direct strike analysis include animal species likely to be in the area and military items 

proposed for use under each of the two action alternatives. Animal species data include: (1) species 

identification and status (i.e., threatened, endangered, or neither), (2) highest average month density 

estimate each species of interest, and (3) adult animal dimensions (length and width) for the species 

with the highest density. The animal’s dimensions are used to calculate individual animal footprint areas 

(A = length*width), and animal densities are used to calculate the number of exposures (T) from the 

impact probability (P): T = N*P. Military items data include: (1) military items category (e.g., projectile, 

bomb, rocket, target), (2) military items dimensions (length and width), and (3) total number of military 

items used annually. 

Military items input data, specifically the quantity (e.g., numbers of bombs, and rockets), are different in 

magnitude between the two action alternatives. All animal species input data, the military items 

identification and category, and military items dimensions are the same for the two alternatives, only 

the quantities (i.e., total number of military items) are different. 

F.3.4 OUTPUT DATA

Estimates of impact probability (P) and number of exposures (T) for a given species of interest were 

made for the specified training or testing area with the highest annual number of military items used for 

each of the two action alternatives. The calculations derived P and T from the highest annual number of 

military items used in the Study Area for the given alternative. Differences in P and T between the 

alternatives arise from different numbers of events (and therefore military items) for the two 

alternatives. 

Results for marine mammals and sea turtles are presented in Tables F-36 through F-39.

Table F-36: Estimated Representative Marine Mammal Exposures from 

Direct Strike of a High Energy Laser by Area and Alternative in a Single Year

Northeast United States Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Gulf Stream Open Ocean Area

VACAPES Range Complex

Species

Training Testing

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 1 Alternative 2

North Atlantic Right Whale 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000

Sei Whale 0.000000 0.000000 0.000001 0.000001

Fin Whale 0.000001 0.000001 0.000005 0.000005

Blue Whale 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000 0.000000

Sperm Whale 0.000002 0.000002 0.000010 0.000010

Short Beaked Common 

Dolphin

0.000007 0.000007 0.000140 0.000140

Note: VACAPES=Virginia Capes 
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-37: Estimated Representative Sea Turtle Exposures from Direct Strike 

of a High Energy Laser by Area and Alternative in a Single Year

Northeast United States Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Gulf Stream Open Ocean Area

VACAPES Range Complex

Species Training Testing

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 1 Alternative 2

Loggerhead Sea Turtle 0.000008 0.000008 0.000136 0.000136

Note: VACAPES=Virginia Capes 

Table F-38: Estimated Representative Marine Mammal Exposures from Direct 

Strike of Military Expended Materials by Area and Alternative in a Single Year

Northeast United States Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Gulf Stream Open Ocean Area

VACAPES Range Complex

Species Training Testing

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 1 Alternative 2

North Atlantic Right Whale 0.000071 0.000071 0.000032 0.000032

Sei Whale 0.000295 0.000295 0.000132 0.000132

Fin Whale 0.001450 0.001450 0.000655 0.000655

Blue Whale 0.000003 0.000003 0.000001 0.000001

Sperm Whale 0.003516 0.003517 0.001581 0.001581

Short Beaked Common 

Dolphin 0.079457 0.079474 0.035275 0.035275

Southeast United States Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Gulf Stream Open Ocean Area

JAX Range Complex

Species Training Testing

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 1 Alternative 2

North Atlantic Right Whale 0.000217 0.000022 0.000543 0.000544

Sei Whale 0.000015 0.000015 0.000039 0.000039

Fin Whale 0.000016 0.000016 0.000040 0.000041

Blue Whale 0.000001 0.000001 0.000003 0.000003

Sperm Whale 0.000051 0.000051 0.000126 0.000127

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin 0.007223 0.007231 0.018350 0.018362

Note: JAX=Jacksonville; VACAPES=Virginia Capes 
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

Table F-39: Estimated Representative Sea Turtle Exposures from Direct Strike of 

Military Expended Materials by Area and Alternative in a Single Year

Northeast United States Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Gulf Stream Open Ocean Area

VACAPES Range Complex

Species

Training Testing

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 1 Alternative 2

Loggerhead Sea Turtle 0.075879 0.075895 0.033703 0.033712

Southeast United States Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem and Gulf Stream Open Ocean Area

JAX Range Complex

Species Training Testing

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 1 Alternative 2

Loggerhead Sea Turtle 0.025516 0.025545 0.064775 0.064818

Note: JAX=Jacksonville; VACAPES=Virginia Capes

F.4 POISSON PROBABILITY OF DIRECT VESSEL STRIKE WITH MARINE MAMMALS

In order to assess the probability of a Navy vessel striking a marine mammal during future training and 

testing activities, the Navy considered data on vessel usage within the Study Area (steaming days) and 

past ship strike records from the time period beginning in 2009. The Navy determined that data 

beginning in 2009 would be the most representative for predicting the potential for future vessel strikes, 

because this year coincided with when the Navy’s mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements 

became standardized across the Fleets with the issuance of Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) 

permits for sonar and explosive usage in at-sea Navy ranges. 

Between 2007 and 2009, the Navy developed and distributed additional training, mitigation, and 

reporting tools to Navy operators to improve marine mammal protection and to ensure compliance with 

upcoming permit requirements. In 2007, the Navy implemented the Marine Species Awareness Training, 

which is designed to improve the effectiveness of visual observations for marine resources, including 

marine mammals and sea turtles. In subsequent years, the Navy issued refined policy guidance 

regarding marine mammal incidents (e.g., ship strikes) in order to collect the most accurate and detailed 

data possible in response to a possible incident. For over a decade, the Navy has implemented the 

Protective Measures Assessment Protocol software tool, which provides operators with notification of 

the required mitigation and a visual display of the planned training or testing activity location overlaid 

with relevant environmental data (see Chapter 5.1 for more detail). 

Similar mitigation, reporting and monitoring requirements have been in place since 2009 and are 

expected to continue into the future. Therefore, the conditions affecting the potential for ship strikes 

are the most consistent across this time frame. As a result, data from the past eight years (i.e., 2009 to 

2016) are used to calculate the probability of a Navy vessel striking a whale during proposed training 

and testing activities in the Study Area. The level of vessel use and the manner in which the Navy trains 

and tests in the future is expected to be consistent with this time period. 

In the AFTT Study Area, there were a total of three reported Navy vessel whale strikes from 2009-2016.

During this same time period there were a total of 39,040 steaming days of vessel use within the Study 

Area. Therefore, there was an average strike rate of 0.00008 strikes per steaming day. Based on the 

annual average from 2009-2016, the Navy estimates that 34,160 steaming days will occur between 2017 

and 2023, extending through the end of the anticipated MMPA authorization. These values were used to 

determine the rate parameters to calculate a series of Poisson probabilities (a Poisson distribution is 

often used to describe random occurrences when the probability of an occurrence is small, e.g., count 
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Appendix F Military Expended Material and Direct Strike Impact Analysis

data such as cetacean sighting data, or in this case strike data, are often described as a Poisson or overdispersed Poisson distribution). In modeling strikes as a Poisson process, we assume this strike rate for 

the future and we use the Poisson distribution to estimate the number of strikes over a defined time 

period in the future: 

P(nǀμ) is the probability of observing n events in some time interval, when the expected number of 

events in that time interval is u. As stated previously, the Navy estimates that 34,160 steaming days 

could occur during this period (2017-2023); given a strike rate of 0.00008 strikes per steaming day the 

expected number of strikes over the period 2017-2023 equals 2.63 strikes. To estimate zero occurrences 

(in this case, no whales being struck), the formula P(0)=e-μ would apply. Assuming the estimated number 

of strikes over the next 7 years, the equation yields a value of P(0) = 0.0721. The resulting probabilities 

of one through five strikes over the next 7 years covering through the end of the anticipated MMPA 

authorization are: 

1. P(1) = (0.0721 * 2.63^1)/1 = 0.190 (or a 19 percent probability of striking one whale in the 7 year 

period from 2017-2023) 

2. P(2) = (0.0721 069 * 2.63^ 2)/2 = 0.250 (or a 25 percent probability of striking two whales in the 

7 year period from 2017-2023) 

3. P(3) = (0.0721 * 2.63^ 3)/6 = 0.218 (or a 22 percent probability of striking three whales in the 7 

year period from 2017-2023) 

4. P(4) = (0.0721 * 2.63^ 4)/24 = 0.143 (or a 14 percent probability of striking four whales in the 7 

year period from 2017-2023) 

5. P(5) = (0.0721 * 2.63^ 5)/120 = 0.075 (or an 8 percent probability of striking five whales in the 7 

year period from 2017-2023) 
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Appendix F:References

References 

U.S. Department of the Navy. (2016). Building and Maintaining a Comprehensive Database and 

Prioritization Scheme for Overlapping Habitat Data. 

U.S. Department of the Navy (2017). Quantifying Acoustic Impacts on Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles: 

Methods and Analytical Approach for Phase III Training and Testing. Technical report prepared 

by Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego and Naval Undersea Warfare 

Center, Division Newport. 
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Appendix G Federal Register Notices

APPENDIX G

Federal Register Notices 
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List of Tables 

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Appendix G Federal Register Notices

APPENDIX G FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICES 
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G-2 

Appendix G Federal Register Notices
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Appendix G Federal Register Notices
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G-4 

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Appendix H Public Comment Responses

Appendix H

Public Comment Responses 
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2 Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement 

3 Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing Activities 

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS

5 APPENDIX H PUBLIC COMMENT RESPONSES ________________________________ H-1

6

7 List of Figures 

8 This section does not contain figures. 

9 List of Tables 

10 This section does not contain tables. 
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Appendix H Public Comment Responses

APPENDIX H PUBLIC COMMENT RESPONSES 

[Placeholder: Public Comments appendix will be provided in the Final EIS, after comments are received 

on the Public Draft EIS] 
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Appendix I Geographic Information System Data Sources

APPENDIX I

Geographic Information System Data Sources   
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List of Figures 

This section does not contain figures. 

List of Tables 

Table I-1: Data Sources by Feature/Layer ................................................................................................... I-1
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Appendix I Geographic Information System Data Sources 

Appendix I 

Geographic Information System Data Sources 

Table I-1: Data Sources by Feature/Layer 

Feature/Layer Applicable 

Figures Data Source References

AFTT Study Area Multiple 

Figures (Global)

Department of the Navy (2016)

Navy POC: Jonathan Crain

Jonathan.crain@navy.mil

Military 

Training/Range/Operatio

n Areas

Multiple 

Figures (Global)

Department of the Navy (2016)

Navy POC: David Urbik

David.urbik@navy.mil

Special Use Airspace Multiple 

Figures (Global) NGA Digital Aeronautical Flight Information File (DAFIF) (2010).

Large Marine Ecosystems Multiple 

Figures (Global)

NOAA-Fisheries, US LME Program, Narragansett Laboratory 

Kenneth.Sherman@NOAA.gov 

www.lme.noaa.gov

Open Ocean Areas Multiple 

Figures (Global)

NOAA-Fisheries, US LME Program, Narragansett Laboratory 

Kenneth.Sherman@NOAA.gov 

www.lme.noaa.gov

Bay or Inland Water Multiple 

Figures (Global)

Department of the Navy (2015)

Navy POC: David Urbik

David.urbik.ctr@navy.mil

Navy Contractor Shipyard Multiple 

Figures (Global)

Department of the Navy (2015)

Navy POC: David Urbik

David.urbik.ctr@navy.mil

Navy Port or Pierside 

Location

Multiple 

Figures (Global)

Department of the Navy (2015)

Navy POC: David Urbik

David.urbik.ctr@navy.mil

Bathymetry and Ocean 

Base Map

3.0-3, 3.0-4, 

3.0-5, 3.0-6, 

Amante, C. and B.W. Eakins, 2009. ETOPO1 1 Arc-Minute Global 

Relief Model: Procedures, Data Sources and Analysis. NOAA 

Technical Memorandum NESDIS NGDC-24. National Geophysical 

Data Center, NOAA. doi:10.7289/V5C8276M [2017]

Major Ocean Current 3.0-7

Department of the Navy (2015)

Navy POC: David Urbik

David.urbik.ctr@navy.mil

Sea Surface Temperature 3.0-8

Appendix JNOAA Optimum Interpolation (OI) Sea Surface 

Temperature (SST) V2 (2016).

NCEP/NWS/NOAA. Climate Modeling Branch 

W/NP24http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/psd/data/gridded/data.noaa

.oisst.v2.html#references

Vessel Traffic Density 3.0-10 Mintz 2012.

Ozone, PM2.5, and PM10 

Nonattainment/ 

Maintenance Areas

3.1-1, 3.1-2, 

3.1-3. 3.1-4

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:

Ozone 2014; PM2.5 – 2015; PM 10 

Nonattainment/Maintenance Areas – 2013
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Appendix I Geographic Information System Data Sources 

Table I-1: Data Sources by Feature/Layer (continued)

Feature/Layer Applicable 

Figures Data Source References

Sediment Quality 3.2-2, 3.2-3, 

3.2-4

(EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys

https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/datanational-aquatic-resource-surveys

2010)

Water Quality 3.2-6, 3.2-7, 

3.2-8

(EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys

https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/datanational-aquatic-resource-surveys

2010)

Seagrass/Essential Fish 

Habitat

3.3-2; 3.3-3; 

3.3-4

Department of the Navy (2016)

Johnson’s Seagrass 

Critical Habitat 3.3-1

NOAA, 2000. (USFWS Critical Habitat Portal: 

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/table/critical-habitat.html )

Reef Habitat

3.5-1, 3.5-2, 

3.5-3, 3.5-4, 

3.5-5, 3.5-6, 

3.5-7, 3.5-8

(National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean 

Science, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the 

University of Hawaii, BAE Systems Spectral Solutions and 

Analytical Laboratories of Hawaii, LLC, 2007)

Bottom Substrate

3.5-1, 3.5-2, 

3.5-3, 3.5-4, 

3.5-5

(United States Navy 2016)

Towers (AF and Navy) 3.5-5, 3.5-6, 

3.5-8

(United States Navy 2016)

Oil and Gas platforms 3.5-5, 3.5-6, 

3.5-8, 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (Minerals Management 

Service) 2006

Oil and Gas Pipelines 3.11-3

Department of the Navy (2015)

Navy POC: Jonathan Crain

Jonathan.crain@navy.mil

Shipwrecks 3.5-5, 3.5-6, 

3.5-7, 3.5-8 

NOAA Automated Wreck and Obstruction Information System 

[AWOIS] (2002)

Veridian Corporation (2001)

National Registry of Historic Places (2016)

North Atlantic Right 

Whale Critical Habitat

3.7-3, 5.4-4, 

5.4-5

(NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, 2016)

Smalltooth Sawfish 

Critical Habitat 3.6-2 NMFS, Office of Protected Resources, October 2009

Atlantic Sturgeon 

Proposed Critical Habitat 3.6-1, 3.6-2

(NOAA NMFS

http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/maps_gis_data/protected_resources/

critical_habitat/geodata/proposed_atlantic_sturgeon_critical_ha

bitat_ln.htm

2016)

Gulf Sturgeon Critical 

Habitat 3.6-5 National Coastal Data Development Center, 2003

Loggerhead Turtle Critical 

Habitat

3.8-6, 3.8-7, 

3.8-8

(NOAA Fisheries

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/turtles/criticalhabitat_log

gerhead.htm

2014)

Hawksbill Turtle Critical 

Habitat 3.8-5

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National 

Marine Fisheries Service, 1998
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Appendix I Geographic Information System Data Sources 

Table I-1: Data Sources by Feature/Layer (continued)

Feature/Layer Applicable 

Figures Data Source References

Green Turtle Critical 

Habitat 3.8-4

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National 

Marine Fisheries Service, 1998

Leatherback Turtle 

Critical Habitat 3.8-9

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National 

Marine Fisheries Service, 1979

American Crocodile 3.8-10 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2003

Piping Plover Critical 

Habitat

3.9-1; 3.9-2; 

3.9-3

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2009

NRHP Eligible or Listed

Resources/Sovereign 

Immunity, Shipwrecks

3.10-4, 3.10-5, 

3.10-6 

(NOAA’s Automated Wreck and Obstruction Information System 

[AWOIS] 2002; Google Earth 2010)

Bureau of Ocean Energy 

Management Planning 

Areas

3.11-1

(Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 

http://www.boem.gov/Maps-and-GIS-Data/

2016)

Commercially Used 

Waterways 3.11-4

Research and Innovative Technology Administration’s Bureau of 

Transportation Statistics (RITA/BTS) National Transportation 

Atlas Database (2007). National Waterway Network

Ports 3.11-4 NGA (2016). World Port Index

Danger Zones and 

Restricted Areas

3.11-15, 3.11-

16, 3.11-17

(Title 33-Navigation and Navigable Waters, Chapter II-Corps of 

Engineers, Department of the Army, Department of Defense, Part 

334-Danger Zone and Restricted Area Regulations 2005) 

Fish locations

3.6-1, 3.5-2, 

3.6-3, 3.6-4, 

3.6-5

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 

Marine Resources Division (2005)

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (2004, 2005)

Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (2001, 2004)

Gusey (1981)

Coastal Outdoors (2001)

Delaware Division of Natural Resources and Environmental 

Control (2005)

North Carolina Department of Marine Fisheries (2005)

Ocean City Reef Foundation (2005)

Virginia Marine Resources Commission (2005)

Delaware Division of Fish and WIldlife (2008)

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife (2002),

NOAA (2002)

New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (2004) Treasure 

Expeditions (2004).

Source maps (scanned): Freeman and Walford (1974a, 1974b, 

1974c) and Screamingreel (2003).

Biologically Important 

Areas for Cetaceans 5.4-4, 5.4-5 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 2015)

National Marine 

Sanctuaries 6.1-4, 6.1-5 (NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries, 2004)

Marine Protected Area 6.1-1. 6.1-2. 

6.1-3

(NOAA National Marine Protected Areas Center, 2015)

Notes: AUTEC = Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center, EPA = Environmental Protections Agency, MRA = Marine 

Resources Assessment, NGA = National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, NMFS = National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA 

= National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. = United States, OPAREA = Operating Area, VACAPES = Virginia 

Capes, HAPC = Habitat Area of Particular Concern, AWOIS = Automated Wreck and Obstruction Information System, 

NRHP = National Register of Historic Places, , OCS = Office of Coast Survey
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APPENDIX J

Agency Correspondence 
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9 List of Tables 

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APPENDIX J AGENCY CORRESPONDENCE 

Appendix J contains correspondence between the Navy and federal or state agencies with respect to 

cooperating agency status. 
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