Navy sub base showing off its 'guns'

GROTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- In the push to be ever-prepared, the Navy Sub Base in Groton is showing off its 'guns' in a new state of the art training facility.

Friday officials cut the ribbon on a brand new gun training facility. The range will be used by the Coast Guard, National Guard and local law enforcement officers.

Outside the fanfare and dedication, inside it was down to business.

"This allows us to do our tactical parts of our qualifications that we have to do," a speaker said.

The submarine base's new $11 million solar powered small arms range is a far cry from the current range, which while covered doesn't provide much other protection from the elements for young sailors.

"I want them to have sea stories that are talking about missions and about operations," said Capt. Mark Van Ye, Regional Support Group commander, "not about freezing to death trying to qualify a weapon."

The new range provides high tech training in 20 indoor lanes.

"As you can see each one has a target," said Van Le. "The targets can advance with the shooters."

Targets don't just move forward and backward, but side to side as well, adding to the challenge for trainees.

The facility allows shooters to not only train from behind the red line, but also to go behind a barrier so they can practice taking aim while also taking cover.

Weapons training and live firing from pistols, rifles, shotguns and M60 machine guns. The firing range will allow sailors and other law enforcement officers to take aim in an environment targeting all skill levels.