Surface Warfare Spring 2020 Issue 66
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Authorization
Surface Warfare is published quarterly from appropriated funds by authority of the Chief of Naval Operations in accordance with NPPR P-35. The Secretary of the Navy has determined that this publication is necessary in the transaction of business required by law of the Department of the Navy. Use of funds for printing this publication has been approved by the Navy Publications and Printing Policy Committee. Reproductions are encouraged with proper citation. Controlled circulation. Postmaster: Send address changes to Surface Warfare, SURFPAC Public Affairs Office, 2841 Rendova Road, San Diego, CA 92155. Surface Warfare (USPS 104-170) (ISSN 0145-1073) is published by the Department of the Navy, Commander, Naval Surface Forces, 2841 Rendova Road, San Diego, CA 92155. Periodicals postage paid at San Diego, CA, and additional mailing offices.
Charter
Surface Warfare Magazine is the professional magazine of the surface warfare community. Its purpose is to educate its readers on surface warfare missions and programs, with a particular focus on U.S. surface ships and commands. This journal will also draw upon the Surface Force’s rich historical legacy to instill a sense of pride and professionalism among community members and to enhance reader awareness of the increasing relevance of surface warfare for our nation’s defense. The opinions and assertions herein are the personal views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Navy.
Surface Warfare Spring 2020 Issue 66
Contact:
Surface Warfare Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs Office, N01P 2841 Rendova Road San Diego, CA 92155 Phone: (619) 437-2735
Contributions and Feedback Welcome
Send articles, photographs (min. 300 dpi electronic) and feedback to: surface_warfare_maga@navy.mil
Commander, Naval Surface Forces Vice Adm. Rich Brown
Deputy Commander, Naval Surface Forces Rear Adm. Joey B. Dodgen Public Affairs Officer Cmdr. Patrick L. Evans Executive Editor MCCS Ahron Arendes Managing Editor Ted Townsend Layout and Design Ted Townsend
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Contents
2. Commander's Corner Surface Force News: 4. Sea Control Beyond the Strike Group: USS Detroit and USS Gridley Exercise Together
Feature Stories: 20. Resiliency: How to Shape Today’s Sailors for the Fight 22. USS Monterey Awarded Prestigious Arizona Memorial Trophy
6. Leadership Tips in Challenging Times
24. Toughness Equation
8. Moving Maintenance Forward: Detroit Completes Expeditionary Availability
26. USS Bataan's Command Resilience Team
10. Navy Accepts Delivery of Future USS Kansas City (LCS 22) 12. USS Little Rock Departs on Maiden Deployment 13. USS Detroit Gives Back in Jamaica 14. CNSP Hosts 2020 Command Senior Enlisted Leadership Symposium 15. Navy leverages workforce; delivers C-ISR capability rapidly to surface fleet
28. Warfare Tactics Instructor Named One of US Navy’s Top Instructors of 2019 Cover Stories: 32. The Surface Force: Owning Tomorrow’s Fight Today 36. CNSF Focuses on Manning, Training and Equipping at WEST 2020 40. USNA Class of 2020 Selects First Ships 42. Voices From the Fleet Life Lessons from the Sea
16. Navy's Newest Combat Simulator trains Paul Hamilton
44. History and Heritage: Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue
18. USS Fitzgerald Returns to Sea
48 Faces of Surface Warfare
Cover: Seaman Matthew Luera, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), prepares for well deck operations. Bataan, the flagship for the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alan L. Robertson
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Commander's Corner
First and foremost, I hope all of you are doing well as we work to protect the health of our personnel, minimize the spread of COVID-19 and posture our forces most effectively. As we work through this challenge, we cannot take our eye off of the ball. I want you to know that we are in this together. We’ve got each other’s backs, and nobody should suffer in silence. Still, we must continue to focus on manning, training, and equipping our surface fleet, while managing risk. To remain the world's premier surface force, our priority must be to protect the force and to prevent the spread of the virus while effectively balancing the risk to mission and continuing to operate safely at sea. When we do that, we will maintain the highest level of readiness and OWN THE FIGHT! In January, I had the honor again to address the Surface Navy Association (SNA) National Symposium in Washington, D.C. My address focused on “Owning Tomorrow’s Fight Today,” and it outlined three lines of effort toward the future:
If you haven’t read or watched my SNA speech, please do. Since then we’ve had a busy few months. In February, I testified on Capitol Hill before the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Subcommittees on Seapower & Projection Forces/Readiness in the Pacific. Our number one priority is current readiness. Bottom line, the Surface Type Commanders
provide combat ready ships and battle-minded crews to our Number Fleet Commanders. In March, we attended the WEST 2020 conference, where I was on a panel discussion on manning, training and equipping the Navy for Great Power Competition. Our number one TYCOM Role is current readiness of the Force. Our manning, training, and equipping objectives are unambiguous: we deploy ships that are manned to 92/95 fit/fill, fully certified, and CASREP free. In this era of renewed Great Power Competition, we must continue our legacy of toughness and resiliency. We are and we will remain the best. We will talk, we will look, and we will act like the elite professionals we are. We must instill toughness and resiliency in our Sailors as the foundation for battle-minded crews. We will continue to enhance our resiliency capabilities essential to prepare individuals and watch teams to fight and win. Remaining the world’s premier surface force requires collaboration at all levels. Although we’ve made significant progress that paves the way for long-term success, our efforts will not cease. Never being satisfied with past successes fosters an unrelenting drive to improve. That is the hallmark of premier organizations. With the continued support of Congress and our commitment to excellence, I am confident in the Navy’s ability to deploy combat ready ships with battle-minded crews when called upon to do so. *
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VADM. Richard Brown, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visits the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22). While aboard, Brown held an All Hands Call and discussed efforts to build combat ready ships and battle-minded crews while preparing for the high-end fight. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Benjamin K. Kittleson
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Surface Force News Sea Control Beyond the Strike Group: USS Detroit and USS Gridley Exercise Together By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW/IW) Devin Bowser, U.S. Fourth Fleet Public Affairs
The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) perform division tactics (DIVTACS) maneuvering exercises in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin Bowser
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“Executing DIVTACS requires clear and constant communications
between the bridge teams of both ships.We have to understand what the other ship is doing and what we can do to make sure each movement is conducted in a safe and smart fashion.”
ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7) and the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) completed division tactics (DIVTACS) and gunnery exercises while operating in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility, Jan. 4. Conducting DIVTACS enables junior ship handlers to experience operating in close proximity to other vessels. “Executing DIVTACS requires clear and constant communications between the bridge teams of both ships,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jordan Bradford, Detroit operations officer. “We have to understand what the other ship is doing and what we can do to make sure each movement is conducted in a safe and smart fashion.” According to Bradford, the bridge and combat information centers (CIC) of each ship send and receive coded signals that direct the coordinated movements of each vessel. “DIVTACS are essential to fleet movement,” said Lt. Angelia O’Toole, Detroit ship’s navigator. “Layered defense is a critical warfighting capability that we must continue to hone.” O’Toole said that having knowledge of the general scheme of maneuver beforehand provides a foundation that allows the bridge team to be confident in what is going to happen and gives a reference point from which to flex as new needs arise. “The junior officers involved gain a better appreciation for the handling characteristics of their own ship, while simultaneously learning how other ship classes maneuver,” said Bradford. “This level of understanding is vital when operating in strike groups or other ship formations.”
Junior officers from Detroit and Gridley were also afforded the opportunity to experience a new platform as they were cross-decked to each other’s respective ship. Cross-decking refers to the practice of a Sailor visiting another ship to gain knowledge of a different ship type. Bradford stated that allowing junior officers to experience alternate platforms provides an opportunity to expand the professional horizons of the fleet’s youngest mariners. “Experiencing a different class of ship at sea can allow junior officers to make more informed decisions about their future career choices as well as better understand the capabilities of different Navy ships,” said Bradford. “This more knowledgeable understanding is vital to any junior officers’ pursuit of their Surface Warfare Officer qualification.” O’Toole stated that being able to understand how a ship operates and maneuvers at close distances is an advantage to warfighting capabilities. “Detroit performed exemplary,” said O’Toole. “Even being 300 yards from the Gridley, there was never an uncomfortable moment. It truly was an outstanding performance by both ships.” According to Bradford, Detroit’s unique handling characteristics had to be accounted for during the execution of the training evolution. “Our bridge team did a phenomenal job and it really highlighted the value of the training provided to LCS Sailors at our ashore facilities,” said Bradford. “Thanks to their training, our officers knew exactly what to do and executed the event perfectly.” *
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Surface Force News
LEADERSHIP TIPS IN CHALLENGING TIMES By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mark D. Faram, Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHNGTON (NNS) -- These days, we have a new enemy to deal with. It’s COVID-19, known to us all as the coronavirus – a silent enemy invading quickly, threatening our security and way of life in ways we never imagined. These are challenging times that are testing not only our capability to do our mission but our capability to lead people in times of crisis. “You don’t manage people, you manage things,” said the late Rear Adm. Grace Hopper, a Navy information systems pioneer who stayed on active duty until age 79. “You lead people.” With that in mind, as leaders it’s important to keep some fundament principles in mind. *
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Surface Force News Moving Maintenance Forward: Detroit Completes Expeditionary Availability By U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet
“We overcame every challenge, supported each other, and trained together. We’re returning to San Diego carrying the proof that we’re stronger as a team.”
Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Tanner Gutierrez flushes a hose during fueling operations on the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7). Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin Bowser
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7) departed its maintenance and logistics hub in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba after a week-long planned maintenance availability (PMAV) period, Jan. 17. PMAV is a monthly process in the ship’s schedule conducted by littoral combat ships, in which a maintenance team assists with the completion of planned maintenance due to the ship’s minimally manned crew. Compared to other Navy ship platforms, the littoral combat ship has a relatively small crew. Labor and technical support during Detroit’s deployment is supplemented with civilian contractors who conduct most of the preventative maintenance schedule (PMS) work. “Maintenance is very important for the ship,” said Senior Chief Fire Controlman Ernest Johnson, Maintenance Materials Management Coordinator (3MC). “Just like a car that doesn’t get regular oil or filter changes, if you don’t maintain your equipment it breaks. It doesn’t last very long. So, it’s very important that we conduct all of our maintenance.” According to Johnson, the goal of each PMAV period is to complete all the scheduled maintenance within a week-long timeframe and make it possible for her to remain underway for her deployment. “When the contractors come onboard they only have a week, when normally we would have a month to complete the same maintenance,” said Johnson. The maintenance team completed over a thousand scheduled maintenance checks during this second PMAV. The addition of civilian contractors to the maintenance team is essential for project completion according to Johnson. “A maintenance availability of this size and scope done in this location challenged the crew and contractors alike,” said Lt. David Gryzwacz, Chief Engineer. “Through long hours, careful planning and dedicated teamwork, Detroit successfully completed the second OCONUS (outside continental United States) PMAV of her maiden deployment. I’m very proud of the tenacity and professionalism displayed by the ship’s engineering department.” U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet employs maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, fortify the ability of U.S. forces to work together with partner nations, and build enduring partnerships with the ultimate goal of enhancing regional security and promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions. *
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Surface Force News Navy Accepts Delivery of Future USS Kansas City (LCS 22) By PEO Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC) Public Affairs
MOBILE, Ala. – The Navy accepted delivery of the future USS Kansas City (LCS 22) on February 12 during a ceremony at Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama. Kansas City is the 21st littoral combat ship (LCS) delivered to the Navy and the 11th the Independence variant to join the fleet. Delivery marks the official transfer of the ship from the shipbuilder to the Navy. It is the final milestone prior to commissioning, which is planned for later this year. “This is a tremendous day for the Navy and our country with the delivery of the future USS Kansas City,” said LCS Program Manager Capt. Mike Taylor. “I look forward to celebrating the commissioning of this great ship alongside the crew later this year. Kansas City will play an essential role in carrying out our nation’s future maritime strategy.” Four additional Independence-variant ships are under construction at Austal USA: Oakland (LCS 24), Mobile (LCS 26), Savannah (LCS 28) and Canberra (LCS 30). Four additional ships are awaiting the start of construction. The Navy’s first USS Kansas City was to have been a World War II heavy
The LCS is a high speed, agile, shallow draft, mission-focused surface combatant of the U.S. Navy designed for operations in the littoral environment, yet fully capable of open ocean operations. Photos Courtesy of Austal USA
cruiser, but the ship was never completed. A Wichitaclass replenishment oiler bore the name USS Kansas City (AOR-3) from 1967 to 1994 and took part in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. The LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, while capable of open-ocean tasking and winning against 21stcentury coastal threats such as submarines, mines, and swarming small craft. The LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control and deterrence. The future USS Kansas City is the second LCS delivered to the Navy in 2020. The future USS St. Louis (LCS 19) was delivered February 6. Three more—MinneapolisSt. Paul (LCS 21), Oakland (LCS 24) and Mobile (LCS 26) — are planned for delivery later this year. *
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Surface Force News USS Little Rock Departs on Maiden Deployment By Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two Public Affairs MAYPORT, Florida (NNS) -- Beginning its maiden deployment, USS Little Rock (LCS 9) departed its Mayport, Florida, homeport Feb. 6 for the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, where the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship will operate. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet employ forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, fortify the ability of U.S. forces to work with partner nations, and build enduring partnerships, with the goal of enhancing regional security and promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean and the Central and South American regions. Little Rock is expected to conduct operations in support of the multinational Campaign MARTILLO targeting illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters along Central America. The ship’s operations will involve practical exercises and exchanges with partner nations in support of Campaign MARTILLO, launched in January 2012. Little Rock will also support 4th Fleet interoperability and reinforce the U.S position as the regional partner of choice. This deployment will be the third to this region and third to include a Freedom-variant LCS in support of Joint Interagency Task Force South’s Campaign MARTILLO. The first deployment was made by USS Freedom (LCS 1) in 2010, followed by USS Detroit (LCS 7) in October 2019. Little Rock will also demonstrate its operational capabilities and allow the Navy to evaluate crew rotation and maintenance plans. While in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions, the ship will rotate deployments of two crews, Blue and Gold, who will rotate aboard every four to five months, maintaining consistency and allowing a continuous presence in the region. Little Rock will initially be manned by its Gold Crew of more than 90 Sailors, including surface warfare mission-package personnel; a U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement detachment; and an aviation detachment, who will operate an embarked MH-60 helicopter and MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Takeoff Unmanned Vehicles. "I expect this deployment to offer a great opportunity to work together with regional partners throughout Southern Command [AOR]," said Cmdr. Brad Long, USS Little Rock Gold Crew’s commanding officer. “We hope to advance and strengthen these partnerships to enhance the security in that region.” An LCS is a fast, agile and networked surface combatant, optimized for littoral zones. The primary missions for the LCS include countering threats from diesel submarines, littoral mines and attacks by small surface craft, to assure maritime access for joint forces. The strength of the LCS lies in its innovative modular design, which increases operational flexibility. USS Little Rock was commissioned Dec. 16, 2017, and is the second ship named for the Arkansas capital city. *
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USS Detroit Gives Back in Jamaica By U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs
OCHO RIOS, Jamaica (NNS) (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to USS Detroit (LCS 7) participated in two community relations events during a port visit to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Dec. 20. At Ocho Rios Primary School and New Providence School, in Kingston, Detroit Sailors delivered sporting equipment including cricket balls and bats, soccer equipment and a ping-pong table, and joined in a soccer game with the children. “Through personal interactions, Sailors are able to form lasting bonds with the citizens, schools and organizations,” said Cmdr. Jimmy Lawton, executive officer. “They're able to provide services, share our customs and embrace the local culture of the host nation.” “It was a humbling experience to be able to spend time with the children at the Providence School in Kingston,” said Lt. j.g. Ashanti Kennedy. “It was a lot of fun and very enjoyable. Hopefully we'll have the opportunity to visit again and continue to be involved.” Lawton said that by working alongside the citizens of the host nation, Sailors better understand the challenges and adversities within the local community. “This port visit was an opportunity to work in unison with the local community
to build partnerships. Community relation projects such as these allow us to show that, even though we are from various parts of the world, we can come together with one common goal," Lawton said.
“Through personal interactions, Sailors are able to form lasting bonds with the citizens, schools and organizations.” The Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7) departed its homeport of Mayport, Florida, for the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility on its maiden deployment Oct. 31. While deployed to the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility, USS Detroit, with embarked helicopter and USCG law enforcement detachment, will support Joint Interagency Task Force South’s mission, which includes counter-drug patrols and detection and monitoring of illicit traffic in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. *
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Surface Force News
CNSP Hosts 2020 Command Senior Enlisted Leadership Symposium Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex Corona
NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS BASE CORONADO, Calif. – Force Master Chief James Osborne, the top enlisted Sailor for Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP), hosted the annual CNSP Command Senior Enlisted Leadership Symposium for more than 120 senior enlisted leaders from the surface fleet at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Jan. 27-30. A panel of guest speakers featuring Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith, U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief James Honea, U.S. Naval Forces EuropeAfrica Fleet Master Chief Derrick Walters and other senior enlisted leaders discussed motivating Sailors, reinforcing standards, and the value of the enlisted Sailor, both past and present. “We as a Chiefs Mess have to ask ourselves: have we done our part to prepare our Sailors for any challenge that we are presented with in the future?” said Smith. “Our Sailors need to be resilient and ready to fight.” Smith spoke about the importance of keeping Sailors battle ready and how command leadership needs to lay the groundwork for successful integration of combat readiness. “We need to know how our Sailors will respond when they get the call and it’s time to serve their country in the highest
capacity,” said Smith. “It falls on us as chiefs to prepare them. We need to have those talks and knee-to-knee discussions to help them with what they are going through and prepare them to defend our nation.” Smith and Honea also talked about the importance of remembering the sacrifices of previous service members. “In the 32 years that I have been in the Navy I never thought I would see the day that an aircraft carrier would get named after an enlisted Sailor, Doris Miller,” said Honea. “He didn’t wake up that day thinking he was going to be a hero and that is the type of mindset our Sailors need to have.” Honea said that the young Sailors today are prime examples of how Miller’s memory can live on. “Our Sailors need to be reminded that they are Sailors just like Miller and should be confident in their ability to bring the fight to enemy,” said Honea. “We as leadership need to translate this message to them and it begins at the deck plate level. They need to know that they are winners and are on the winning team.” Battle readiness, a central theme for Vice Adm. Richard Brown, the commander of the Navy’s surface force, permeated many of the discussions and the Navy’s senior enlisted leadership were charged with giving their Sailors the confidence they need to perform at the highest level. “At the end of the day this is about the Chiefs Mess and leadership up, down, and across,” said Rear Adm. Chris Engdahl, president, board of inspection and survey. “Our enlisted core is an asymmetric advantage we have. You are the influencers and for you, as the command master chiefs, material matters.” As these senior enlisted leaders continue to face challenges presented by the new wave of warfighting, the ideals and values they’ve gained at this symposium are crucial to instill in junior Sailors. "After four days of open forums and discussions with three of our most senior enlisted leaders, numbered fleet command master chiefs, command master chiefs from our Marine Corps components and my counterpart for the Atlantic Fleet, Force Master Chief Kevin Goodrich, I am confident in the senior enlisted leaders in our surface warfare community as we lean forward with Vice Adm. Brown's message to the Fleet that we ARE battle-minded crews and combat ready ships and we ARE prepared to fight TODAY," said Osborne. *
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Navy leverages workforce; delivers C-ISR capability rapidly to surface fleet By NAVSEA Office of Corporate Communication
The U.S. Navy recently installed the first Optical Dazzling Interdictor, Navy (ODIN), a laser weapon system that allows a ship to counter unmanned aerial systems. The first system was installed on the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105), during her recently completed Dry-Docking Selected Restricted Availability. ODIN’s development, testing and production was done by Navy subject matter experts at Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Dahlgren Division in support of Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems. Their work on the laser weapon system known as LaWS, positioned them to be designated as the design and production agent for ODIN. During his recent visit on USS Dewey, Mr. James F. Geurts, assistant secretary of the Navy for research development and acquisition (ASN (RDA)) was impressed with the rapid progress made by the team. Geurts stated, “This is a great example of our organic talent at the warfare centers all working together with ship’s company to
deliver a system which will provide game-changing capability. Bravo Zulu to the entire ODIN team on being mission-focused and delivering lethal capability to the warfighter.” Going from an approved idea to installation in two and a half years, ODIN’s install on Dewey will be the first operational employment of the standalone system that functions as a dazzler. The system allows the Navy to rapidly deploy an important, new capability to the Navy’s surface force in combating UAS threats. UAS production and employment has increased significantly, and ODIN was developed to counter these threats. “The Pacific Fleet Commander identified this urgent Counter-Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance need and the Chief of Naval Operations directed us to fill it as quickly as possible,” said Cmdr. David Wolfe, Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems Directed Energy office. “The NSWC Dahlgren Division team did an amazing job addressing challenges and keeping our accelerated schedule on track and moving forward to deliver this capability.” Within the next couple of years, the ODIN program will have all units operational within the fleet providing a safer and more technically advanced capability to the US Navy. Lessons learned from ODIN’s installation on Dewey will inform installation on future vessels and further development and implementation of Surface Navy Laser Weapon Systems. *
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Surface Force News Navy's Newest Combat Simulator trains Paul Hamilton By Center for Surface Combat Systems
The Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) launched its first training event inside the Navy’s newest combat simulator, the On Demand Trainer (ODT), onboard Naval Base San Diego and Naval Station Norfolk, Jan. 6. The portable AEGIS trainer has been delivered to both coasts and doubles down efforts to increase combat lethality across the waterfront. The combat watchstanders of USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) and USS Gettysburg (CG 64) were the first to pilot the new virtual trainer. The 40foot mobile trainer is designed to provide Sailors, like those aboard Paul Hamilton and Gettysburg, high-end tactical training. The ODT succeeds in keeping combat watchstanders proficient during extended maintenance availabilities when a ship’s AEGIS suite might be secured for upgrades. It also provides the unique opportunity to train and qualify new watchstanders in preparation for upcoming patrols.
“At CSCS, our primary mission is to train Sailors how to fight and to win,” said Capt. Dave Stoner, CSCS commanding officer. “Tactical proficiency requires year-round preparation and the ODT is a portable training tool designed to keep those tactical skills sharp and in turn, improve combat readiness by providing better trained, better qualified Sailors to the fight.” Paul Hamilton completed a two-day curriculum consisting of realistic air defense scenarios in the U.S. 5th and U.S. 7th Fleet areas of operation. “I’m fresh out of radar school,” said Fire Controlman Aegis 3rd Class Katie Simmons. “With the ODT, I picked up right where I left off. After just two days, I’m already more comfortable with the console.” CSCS often hosts warships for Advance Warfare Training one to two years after its deployment. “While a ship is upgraded during that time, many of its most experienced watchstanders will transfer,” explained CSCS Det San Diego’s Warfare Tactics Instructor Lt. Aaron Van Driessche. “We are now looking to exploit those transition years. More upfront opportunities to train as a team like this will deliver a better ship to the Navy and tougher fight to the enemy.” With six mounted consoles and a pair of large screen displays, the ODT is designed to virtualize the combat suite of today’s cruisers and destroyers. Software
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Millar
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“The On Demand Trainer is a portable training tool designed to keep those tactical skills sharp and in turn, improve combat readiness by providing better trained, better qualified Sailors to the fight.”
applications also allow the ODT to be reconfigured between the various AEGIS baselines and builds of the current surface inventory. As follow-on builds are introduced to the Fleet in continued AEGIS Speed to Capability (ASTOC) upgrades, those same tactical codes will be installed in the ODT for immediate use. “This is exactly what the fleet needs,” said Lt. j.g. Anthony Kloszewski, an anti-air warfare coordinator assigned to Paul Hamilton. “Our short time in the lab has already proven valuable. Whether you are shaking off rust as a seasoned watchteam or trying to build
a new watchteam from the ground up, the ODT is your new venue for proficiency.” The ODT will be located onboard Naval Base San Diego and Naval Station Norfolk through the end of March before being transported to follow-on fleet concentration areas. CSCS is a global organization of professional military and civilian educators and support personnel focused on training the Surface Navy to fight and win. CSCS trains over 36,000 U.S. and Allied Sailors a year to operate, maintain and employ weapons, sensors, communications, combat systems and deck equipment of surface warships to build Combat Ready Ships with Battle Minded Crews. *
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Surface Force News USS Fitzgerald Returns to Sea By NAVSEA Public Affairs
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) is underway to conduct comprehensive at-sea testing, marking a significant step in her return to warfighting readiness. The ship departed Huntington Ingalls Industries-Ingalls Shipbuilding's Pascagoula shipyard at approximately 6:30 a.m. (CDT) to conduct a series of demonstrations to evaluate that the ship's onboard systems meet or exceed Navy performance specifications. Among the systems that will be tested are navigation, damage control, mechanical and electrical systems, combat systems, communications, and propulsion.
The US Navy’s guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) is underway to conduct comprehensive at-sea testing, marking a significant step in her return to warfighting readiness. Photo by Lt. j.g. Joshua Brown
The underway reflects nearly two years' worth of effort in restoring and modernizing one of the Navy's most capable warships after it was damaged during a collision in 2017 that claimed the lives of seven Sailors. "Since we launched the ship this past April our efforts have focused on restoring ship systems, conducting pier side tests and readying the ship for sea," said Rear Adm. Tom Anderson, NAVSEA director Surface Ship Maintenance and Modernization and commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Center. "The government and industry team has been working hand-in-hand on this exceptionally complex effort, with a common purpose of returning Fitzgerald to sea and ultimately back to the Fleet."
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Upon Fitzgerald's return to the shipyard, crew training and certifications will commence as final work items are completed in support of the ship's sail away later this spring. "We are excited to take the next step to get Fitzgerald back out to sea where the ship belongs. My crew is looking forward to moving onboard the ship and continuing our training to ensure we are ready to return to the fleet," said Cmdr. Scott Wilbur, Fitzgerald's commanding officer.
After receiving its full complement of basic and advanced phased training, as well as crew and ship certifications, the USS Fitzgerald will return to the Fleet mission-ready with the improved capability and lethality required to successfully support highend operations. Naval Sea Systems Command is the largest of the Navy's five systems commands. NAVSEA engineers, builds, buys and maintains the Navy's ships, submarines and combat systems to meet the fleet's current and future operational requirements. *
“Since we launched the ship this past April our efforts have focused on restoring ship systems, conducting pier side tests and readying the ship for sea.�
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Resiliency: How to Shape Today’s Sailors for the Fight Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex Corona – Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
Deployment. Family. Relationships. Advancement. Stress. These are everyday challenges that Sailors today face in the fight to build resiliency. Faced with long deployments, time away from family, friends, and loved ones and job-related stress, each Sailor embarks on a daily crusade. Each day underway, in port, or on shore duty the myriad challenges seem to multiply. According to Capt. Tara Smith, force mental health advisor at Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, there’s sometimes a stigma attached with seeking mental health help, a lack of privacy, trust in leadership and presumed military reporting requirements. “All of us face challenges and learn that we can overcome most,” said Smith. “Becoming resilient means knowing your limits, who you can turn to for help and being humble enough to let others help you.” Smith pointed out steps Sailors can take to build their resilience and how important those steps are in keeping the right mindset. “Basic preventive maintenance is a must for all of our men and women in uniform,” said Smith. “Our Sailors need to eat well as often as they can, try to exercise regularly, get adequate sleep, and build a social support structure. If you are lacking in one area make sure you support it with strength in another. Pump yourself up and be your own biggest supporter.” Smith does not want the more experienced generation of Sailors to think that resiliency only applies to junior Sailors. “Resiliency isn’t just a buzzword for millennials,” said Smith. “In my 21 years of service I was rarely fully prepared for each new tour and the challenges it presented. In each command, it’s important to seek out new mentors, regardless of rank, and for leadership to be strong, humble and care for their junior Sailors.” Smith remembers an interaction she had with chief aircrew survival equipmentman Jeremy Kelsey, who is now known Navy-wide for sharing
his story of overcoming a chaotic childhood only to attempt to take his own life. “I used to travel with chief Kelsey who told his personal stories to thousands of Sailors during resiliency summits,” said Smith. “When Kelsey was a child he was horribly abused by his stepfather. He kept it to himself his entire life, and when he joined the Navy it was the first time in his life that things were normal.” Smith said Kelsey didn’t know how to handle a life without chaos, so he created his own. As a young second class petty officer, he was spiraling out of control and he tried to take his own life, but fortunately there was someone around the corner to stop him. “He was miraculously found by a fellow Sailor who came to drop off something he had borrowed,” said Smith. “His chain of command didn’t give up on him and ensured he got all the resources he needed to cope with his new life. His negative behaviors were learned as a way to cope with the abuse. He wasn’t a bad person and no one was hurting him anymore. He could finally stop hurting himself. This is the power of engaged, caring, and resilient leadership.” The power of this story and others is shared throughout the various programs the Navy offers to help Sailors in need. Chaplains, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation, Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions, Friends of Bill, Deployed Resiliency Counselors, Embedded Mental Health professionals, Military and
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Family Life Consultants, Fleet and Family Support Centers, Military One Source, and many others are all out there to help the modern Sailor. “All of these programs greatly contribute to resiliency of our Sailors, but it is truly the people who run these programs that can make the difference” said Capt. John Hakanson, force chaplain of Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Hakanson said resiliency and the state of someone’s mental health go hand-in-hand with individuals and leadership. “People don’t realize mental health is work,” said Hakanson. “Coaching by strong Sailors produces the ability to withstand greater stressors for those who are struggling with the day-to-day grind of military life. It is up to leaders to break down the barriers of the stigma attached to seeking mental health professionals.”
health status you won’t return to active duty. This simply isn’t true.” According to the Navy’s Suicide Prevention Office, .0029 percent of all security clearances are revoked for psychological reasons. According to Smith, 28 percent of Surface Force Sailors have sought some type of mental health treatment, and the vast majority return to work with no disruption to their careers. “Navy culture is changing and more Sailors are seeking help and returning to work stronger than before,” said Smith. “Unfortunately, barriers remain. Sailors are primarily too proud to ask for help and
Hakanson feels that it is important for Sailors to take the time to imagine the kinds of difficult scenarios they may face in the military and in the real world. “Sailors have to play out the worst-case scenarios in their heads and ask themselves, how would I respond?” said Hakanson. “From a death in the family to a missile hitting their ship, it’s important for them to think about these things. That way, if it does ever happen they are better prepared.” When these types of devasting situations happen in a Sailor’s life, it is important they are able to bounce back and stay in the fight. “The best part of my job is the privilege of Sailors trusting me with their stories and allowing me to help them at the most vulnerable points in their lives,” said Smith. “When they recover and bounce back, it makes me love my career choice. I think there is a misconception that because of a mental
would rather try to solve their own problems.” From the newest Sailor at the command to the admiral in charge of the strike group, the struggle for resiliency, the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties, is ongoing. The stigma attached to seeking help is becoming less prevalent, but Sailors need to be their own biggest advocate. Sailors demonstrate their strength daily basis completing the command’s mission and being there for one another regardless of the personal sacrifice. Although the workdays can be long and the rewards minimal, each Sailor has an unparalleled tenacity that they must never forget. *
“Becoming resilient means knowing your limits, who you can turn to for help and being humble enough to let others help you.”
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Story and photos by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacob Milham, Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic
“If you have your back against the wall, you want the best and toughest there with you.”
As selected by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), the crew of USS Monterey (CG 61) was awarded the USS Arizona Memorial Trophy today during an onboard ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. Representing the CNO and on hand to present the coveted trophy to the 2017-2018 winner was the newly-appointed Director, Navy Staff, Andrew Haeuptle. He said that Monterey has proven their operational value to the fleet time and time again. “If you have your back against the wall, you want the best and toughest there with you,” said Haeuptle. “This ship and this crew are that and I cannot wait to see what the future of this crew is.” Consistent with the mission of USS Arizona (BB 39), the trophy is awarded every two years to the best performing, combat-ready crew among ships of the surface force with primary missions in strike warfare, surface fire support, and anti-surface warfare. The CNO announced that the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser earned the award last May. “This award is only made possible by those on the deckplates,” said Capt. Anthony Littmann, Monterey commanding officer. “Along with our other awards, this will be placed on the mess decks where it belongs. There it will be a reminder of what this crew has done right and will continue to do.” Throughout 2017 and 2018, Monterey consistently demonstrated superb combat readiness in three specific warfare characteristics: operational readiness, operational performance, and miscellaneous achievements contributing to readiness. As the first ship ordered to surge deploy as part of the Optimized Fleet Readiness Program (OFRP), with less than 48 days’ notice, Monterey
executed and achieved mission success deploying to Fifth and Sixth Fleets from October 2017 to May 2018. Despite this high operational tempo, Monterey maintained operational readiness and received her fourth consecutive Retention Excellence Award in 2018, the Secretary of the Navy Energy Excellence Award for fiscal year 2018, and numerous command excellence awards in 2017. She executed more than 90 Tier-One Tomahawk Land Attack Missile strike scenarios and established herself as the premier firing unit in the Navy and during Operation Steadfast Protector, led coalition strike operations against chemical weapons research, production, and storage sites in Syria in the absence of a carrier strike group. “From returning after deployment to the maintenance and getting back on the waterfront, the crew has maintained its’ initiative and integrity,” said Lt. Cmdr. Zach Holliday, Monterey combat systems officer. “That is what I think will carry the team on to do more great things for the Navy.” The fourth ship to be so named, Monterey is homeported in Norfolk, and commemorates the Mexican-American War battle of the same name. She is the 16th Aegis cruiser to join the fleet being commissioned June 16, 1990 in Mayport, Fla. *
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By Petty Officer 1st Class Kathryn Macdonald, USS Bataan
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“We have every rank on the ship represented from very junior to captains. It helps us better understand the issues affecting our sailors that senior personnel may not understand.”
Leadership and command program coordinators of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), have come together to create Bataan’s Command Resilience Team (CRT). The CRT includes Bataan’s leadership, starting with Executive Officer Capt. Bryan Carmichael, who leads the team, as well as department heads, and departmental leading chief petty officers. “Resiliency is the ability to work through problems and still be able to fully function to support the team,” said Carmichael. “Using the resources available to keep you in the fight and focused on the mission, while fulfilling your duties as a leader, Sailor, brother, sister, mother, father, son or daughter.” The CRT also includes representatives from command-wide programs and associations, such as the Command Managed Equal Opportunity (CMEO) program manager, who is responsible for training CRT members and managing the command climate assessment process, as well as the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) , the Second Class Petty Officer Association, the First Class Petty Officer Association, the Command Career Counselors, the Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor (DAPA), and many more. “We have every rank on the ship represented from very junior to captains,” said Carmichael. “It helps us better understand the issues affecting our sailors that senior personnel may not understand. The information from the team is not filtered and because of that we can help identify root causes of issues and try to work solutions without wasting a lot of time.”
Before the Command Resiliency Team started, there was the Command Assessment Team. “Their only job was to conduct the command climate assessment,” said Senior Chief Fire Controlman Israel James, the Command Climate Specialist. “The Navy looked at the program and thought, ‘We can add all these different programs that take care of sailors, we can put them in one spot and they can cross-connect, and we can see if they can figure out causes for concerns across the command.’ If we can get ahead of it using each individual program as it relates to each other, we can be more proactive than reactive.’” The team is designed with the idea to provide the commander with information and insight into the concerns of command personnel. They provide commanders with visibility of resilience trends across the command and a means to improve support programs and enhance overall command readiness. “The CRT multiples what was already there,” said James. “Sailors know they can talk to the DAPA, talk to the chaplain, or the DRC, but when Sailors understand that all these programs are talking together to address their concerns – whatever the root causes are – it only benefits them more.” *
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Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) announced Lt. Aaron Van Driessche, an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI), as its 2019 Military Instructor of the Year (MIOY) at a ceremony onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, Jan. 23. Van Driessche represented the Officer category in the MyNavy HR force development domain and rose through a number of competitions to represent the nation’s top achievers. Van Driessche, one of over 8,000 Navy and Marine Corps instructors is the first Surface Warfare WTI to achieve the honor of being selected as the United States Navy’s MyNavy HR domain top officer instructor. Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad, NETC commander, presented Navy and Marine Corps Commendation
Medals to Van Driessche and the other MIOY category winners. “As we recognize the outstanding contributions of these individuals, it is also fitting to reflect upon the critical role each of them plays in support of fleet readiness,” said Cozad. “Your hard work and professionalism produce the best Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen in the world. I truly appreciate your personal commitment in meeting the continuous and evolving needs of our Navy and Marine Corps team.” Van Driessche graduated IAMD
WTI class 18010 in 2018 as the “Top Tactician” before reporting to the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) Detachment San Diego for his WTI production tour. At CSCS, he leads the predeployment Advanced Warfare Training curriculum for all Aegis cruisers and destroyers assigned to U.S. 3rd Fleet. Appointed as the execution lead for the Combined Integrated Air & Missile Defense (IAMD) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Trainer (CIAT), Van Driessche became the U.S. Navy’s driving force in delivering the most sophisticated tactical training to the Surface community. In 2019 alone, his team trained more than 1,100 combat watchstanders and more than one third have since deployed worldwide. “Aaron is a great example of positioning our WTI patch-wearers to make the most meaningful impact,” said Rear Adm. Scott Robertson, Commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC). “We are strategically detailing our community of WTI talent to fleet concentration areas and learning sites to provide the tactical training our combat teams deserve.” Van Driessche also represents SWMDC during Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) exercises, missile exercises, Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP) development, and SMWDC curriculums like the Force Air Defense Officer (FADO) course. “WTIs like Aaron will continue to lead a culture shift towards tactical excellence. Learning sites like CSCS are centers of gravity in that effort,” Robertson added. “It’s an honor to be nominated among so many talented instructors across the Services,” said Van Driessche. “I am blessed to represent the collective effort of SMWDC and CSCS that together have spearheaded every effort to develop and deliver realistic and relevant tactical training. The Surface Navy remains charged with
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‘turning readiness into lethality at a moment’s notice’. Our responsibility as Warfare Tactics Instructors is to ensure our deploying teams have the tools and talent to do just that.” Van Driessche received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal in August 2019 in recognition for his ‘extraordinary heroism’ during 2017 rescue efforts immediately following the tragic USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) collision. “Chaos had a way of stripping us down to our barest instincts,” said Van Driessche. “Our most effective Sailors fell back onto the instincts they developed in training repetition. With nothing to fall back on, the only other human option is to feel lost and overwhelmed, but those young Sailors who valued training or had leaders who enforced a culture of training saved the ship. I won’t forget that, as a WTI, that’s the example
I keep coming back to; the collision and damage control aftermath has affected the way I instruct more than anything else. Regardless of the curriculum, we have to make every training opportunity count and train like their ship will depend on it – only once those instincts are deep in our bone marrow can we say that the training mission is complete.” SMWDC is a subordinate command of Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and exists to increase the lethality and tactical proficiency of the Surface Force across all domains. SMWDC headquarters is at Naval Base San Diego with four divisions in Virginia and California focused on IAMD, Anti-Submarine Warfare/Surface Warfare, Amphibious Warfare, and Mine Warfare. * SWOs interested in professional growth and development with opportunities to increase the Fleet’s readiness and lethality can email the WTI program managers at SWO_WTI@navy.mil.
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle Carlstrom
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Seaman Rakeem Williams, from Goldsboro, N.C., stands watch during a lightning storm aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26). Sailors and Marines of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are embarked on USS John P. Murtha on a regularly-scheduled deployment.
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THE SURFACE FORCE: OWNING TOMORROW’S FIGHT TODAY By Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
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The U.S. Navy has “the premier surface force in the world— second to none—that controls the seas and provides the Nation with combat naval power when and where needed.” That was the message Vice Adm. Rich Brown, Commander, Naval Surface Forces (CNSF), delivered to naval leaders, government officials, and members of private industry during the first day of the 32nd Annual Surface Navy Association (SNA) Symposium in Arlington, Va., Jan. 14. The symposium is a professional development event that provides an opportunity to highlight the Surface Navy’s vision for the future. Brown drew upon U.S. Naval heritage,
current initiatives, and future lines of effort in support of the theme of this year’s symposium: “Owning Tomorrow’s Fight Today.” “It’s all about readiness to fight,” said Brown during his remarks. “We are once again in Great Power Competition, and that competition requires us to operate forward, control the seas, and always be ready. To do that we must own tomorrow’s fight today.” Three Lines of Effort Toward the Future During his address, Brown outlined three major lines of effort for the Surface Force in 2020.
Three Lines of Effort Toward the Future
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Building on Navy Legacy
During his address, Brown told the story of the crew of USS Johnston (DD 557) and their fighting captain, Ernie Evans during the landings of the Leyte Gulf campaign of World War II. “Ernie Evans was a fighting captain who had prepared his ship and his crew for the fight, and they owned it that day! That is our legacy,” Brown said. Current initiatives and policies are in place to build on that legacy, Brown shared, in order to generate combat ready ships and battle-minded crews. “Our presence in contested areas of the ocean must be coupled with credible, combat effectiveness,” said Brown. “As peer competitors advance in capability, we must take action to remain a step ahead. We cannot go backwards. We must identify our future warfighting needs and take action with urgency to deliver them when needed.”
New Warfighting Concepts and Capabilities
One initiative to help identify future warfighting is Surface Development Squadron (SURFDEVRON) One. Established by CNSF in May 2019, SURFDEVRON One supports fleet experimentation to accelerate delivery of new warfighting concepts and capabilities to the fleet. “To ensure we remain the premier surface force, we are investing today for tomorrow’s fight. Flight III DDGs, FFG(X), a full inventory of SM-6, SPY 6, Maritime Strike Tomahawk, integrated combat systems, large and medium unmanned surface vessels, and lasers on ships. SURFDEVRON One’s charge is to figure out how best to employ these new systems and capabilities,” Brown said. In addition to SURFDEVRON One’s future experimentation, Brown outlined current efforts already underway to increase lethality as fast as possible. “For example,” Brown stated, “USS America (LHA 6) completed her (Composite Training Unit Exercise) last year with 13 embarked F-35 aircraft, and she can carry more than that. I don’t think those 13 aircraft are just there for defense of the Amphibious Task Force. A big deck with that many F-35s is beginning to look a lot like an aircraft carrier to me. Any other country would call it an aircraft carrier, and it is part of the Surface Force.” Brown added, “The Surface Force is already moving out on Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, and Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger’s direction for the Navy and the Marine Corps to stop cooperating, stop interoperating, stop coordinating, and start integrating!” Brown concluded his address by reminding the audience of our legacy of overcoming obstacles in historic battles, such as Pearl Harbor, Midway, and Guadalcanal, in order to own the fight. “Think of the battles yet to come against some very real opponents. When they come, we will own those fights,” Brown said. “And we will own those fights because today the people in this room–active duty and retired, uniform and civilian, military and industry–know that we can do no less; that the eyes of the heroes that built our proud legacy are upon us, and the hopes of future generations are with us.” *
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Story and photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Millar, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs By Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
SAN DIEGO – Vice Adm. Richard Brown, Commander, Naval Surface Forces, discussed data driven successes for the Surface Force at the WEST 2020 conference at the San Diego Convention Center March 2. Brown joined retired Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Bill Moran, Marine Corps Maj. Gen. William F. Mullen, the commanding general of Training and Education Command; Vice Adm. Brian Brown, Commander, Naval Information Forces; and Vice Adm. DeWolfe Miller, Commander, Naval Air Forces, in a panel discussion on manning, training and equipping the Navy for Great Power Competition. “It is all about data,” said Brown. “Data is informing us that we are moving the needle and getting better in the man, train, and equip domain.” Surface Force Manning Data Brown noted that, two years ago, the Surface Force worked to ensure that all Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) and deploying forces
were manned at 92 percent fit with proper ratings and Navy enlisted classifications and 95 percent filled with manpower. Then, the Surface Force focused on getting ships to 92/95 prior to the start of composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) and Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT), which has improved performance. “We have direct data that shows that there is a direct correlation between the ships performing better when they enter those advanced and integrated phases of training with less casualty reports and more manning,” said Brown. Surface Force Training Data Another effort moving the needle for the Surface
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Force is the Afloat Bridge Resource Management Workshops (BRMW) with Post Major Command CO Mentors, who provide advice and mentorship to current commanding officers. “We have done 64 Afloat Bridge Resource Management workshops in the Pacific Fleet; 43 of those have had a post major command CO mentor,” said Brown. Of those 43 ships, not a single one has had a Class B or Class A mishap since they’ve done that training.” Brown added that his staff is tracking the data to determine if there is a causal relationship. Surface Force Equipping Data “Two years ago, 25 percent of our Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers’ Chief of Naval Operations availabilities finished on time,” said Brown. “Given that DDGs make up 40 percent of all CNO availabilities, the Navy decided to focus on DDG CNO availabilities through its Perform to Plan (P2P) program, which closely manages ship schedules to ensure all required maintenance is completed prior to operational employment. “Now, looking at the data for CNO availabilities
for 2019, 43 percent finished on time. Right now, we are projecting 76 percent of them will finish on time in 2020. That’s real data, and we’re able to move the needle because of data.” The Surface Force’s focus on manning, training and equipping data is one of the key ingredients for ships to have the resources to complete any mission. Another key element, according to Brown, is mission command. “Our Navy is the best Navy in the world because of the way we have commanded over the last 240 years,” said Brown. “Our embrace of mission command is what makes the U.S. Navy the premiere Navy in the world, and in future conflict I have full faith that our commanders will bring the fight to the enemy and win.” WEST 2020, a naval conference and exposition on the West Coast co-hosted by the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) and Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association (AFCEA), is designed to bring military and industry leaders together to discuss issues and share ideas and solutions for the technological challenges of the maritime domain. *
“Our Navy is the best Navy in the world because of the way we have commanded over the last 240 years. Our embrace of mission command is what makes the U.S. Navy the premiere Navy in the world."
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USNA Class of 2020
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Selects First Ships
Story by MC2 Dana D. Legg USNA Public Affairs Photos by U.S. Navy
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Voices From the Fleet Life Lessons from the
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History and Heritage Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue By Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
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An LCM encounters difficulty near Purple Beach on the southwestern coast of Iwo Jima on 9 March 1945.
Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal confers with operation leaders on board ship (probably USS Eldorado, AGC-11) on 22 February 1945, a few days after the Iwo Jima D-Day. Present are, from left to right: Vice Admiral Richmond K. Turner, USN; Secretary of the Navy Forrestal; Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith, USMC; and Rear Admiral Harry W. Hill, USN. Collection of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.
Before attacking Japan, war planners
hoped to capture Iwo Jima, and place U.S. bombers within a 750mile strike range of Japan. The task for doing this fell to the 3rd, 4th and 5th Marine divisions, the Army's 147th Infantry Regiment and the Navy's 5th Fleet.
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Personnel, supplies, and various LVTs remain on the beach at Iwo Jima on 25 February 1945. LST-121 and LSM-47 are beached at the shoreline, while LST42 maneuvers behind them.
Pharmacist's Mate Second Class George E. Wahlen, USN, Receives the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman during Nimitz Day ceremonies at the White House on 5 October 1945.
Fleet Air Photographic Squadron Five, landing ships unloading near Mt. Suribachi, 25 February 1945. Ships seen include LSM-264, LST-724, LST-760, LST-788, and LST-808.
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Command Changes December 2019
Capt. R ichard Lebron................................................... Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11
Capt. Eddie Crossman...............................................................USS San Jacinto (CG 56) Capt. Sharif Calfee.........................................................................USS Shiloh (CG 67) Capt. Tony DeFrias............................................................Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4 Capt. Craig C. Sicola..............................................................USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Cmdr. Todd Penrod.......................................................................USS Mustin (DDG 89) Cmdr. Anthony James........................................USS Detroit (LCS 7) - Crew 114 (Gold) Cmdr. Kyle Read...................................Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 21 Cmdr. Jeff Betz..................................................................................USS Gunston Hall Cmdr. Kirk Sowers................................................................Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7 Cmdr. Derek N. Johnson........Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System Poland (AAMDS) Cmdr. Karrey D. Sanders..........................................................USS Portland (LPD 27)
January 2020
Capt. Stewart Bateshansky....................................Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 3 Capt. Neil Koprowski................................................................USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Cmdr. Scott Wilbur...............................................................USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) Cmdr. John John.................................................................................USS Ross (DDG 71)
February 2020
Capt. James Kenny..................................................Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28 Cmdr. Adam Kruppa........................................................................USS Stout (DDG 55) Cmdr. Luis Gonzalez ...............................................................USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) Cmdr. Lennard Cannon....................................................PCU Paul Ignatius (DDG 117)
Please submit upcoming Change of Command information to: cnsp.webmaster@navy.mil
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