JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Navy sailors in Jacksonville are learning to steer billion dollar ships with a simulator in Mayport.
The U.S. Navy gave Action News Jax an inside look at the simulator, which saves taxpayers millions of dollars in fuel costs and is a safer alternative than learning on a real ship.
Sailors practice risky exercises, from towing another ship to navigating in dangerous weather conditions.
In one simulation, a person fell overboard and was floating in the water.
Sailors had to turn the ship around and rescue the person.
Capt. Daniel Gillen said the simulator is similar to a video game.
“This simulator gives us an opportunity to practice electronically because our underway time is very valuable,” Gillen said.
Any kind of ship can be simulated.
Anika Herrmann came to the states from the German navy to see how a larger navy operates.
She trains young officers and said using the simulator is safer for the ships and sailors.
There are several simulators around the world but Naval Station Mayport houses the only one in Florida.
Cox Media Group
