Special Operations Forces may train aboard a DDS at one of two specially outfitted training facilities at the SDV Team locations. Each training facility has the capacity for conducting wet, pressurized training of DDS operators. With all fiberglass fairings removed, this Dry Deck Shelter reveals its three internal compartments. Normally SDV Teams perform preventative maintenance with standard maintenance requirement cards. Restricted availabilities are conducted every 18-26 months, usually at the depot level but occasionally by the SDV Teams themselves.
Regular overhauls occur every ten years at the depot level.
These are complete overhauls during which the depot removes, refurbishes, and reinstalls all components. Several hulls of the Virginia Class Attack Submarine will serve as DDS hosts as well. All Virginia Class submarines will also contain an integral Lock-Out Trunk capable of deploying nine divers and their equipment. Class submarines may also become host platforms. With an expected service life of at least 40 years, Dry Deck Shelters will likely continue to support the missions of Seal Delivery Vehicle deployment and Mass Swimmer Lock-Out, serving both the Special Operations Forces and submarine warfare specialties for many years to come.