Surface Warfare Winter 2020 Issue 65
SURFACE WARFARE WINTER 2020
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 Winter 2020 Issue 65
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. USS John S. McCain’s Return to Warfighting Readiness 6. USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) Arrives at San Diego Homeport for First Time
26. Center for Surface Combat Systems: Teaching Today's and Tomorrow's Surface Navy how to Fight and Win Cover Stories: 32. CNSP Hosts Third Commander’s Training Symposium
7. BOXARG Home for the Holidays
36. LCS Successfully Launches Naval Strike Missile
8. Professionalizing the Surface Force: actical Excellence By Design
40. SURFLANT Hosts Leadership Training Symposium
10. East Coast Surface Action Group Deploys 11. Rear Adm. Kitchener Visits SWOS, Addresses Graduates 12. USS Detroit Departs on Maiden Deployment Command 13. 2nd Fleet Leads Naval Forces From Iceland 14. CNSL Visits Surface Warriors in Bahrain
42. Voices From the Fleet The Navy Completes Fleetwide Updates to Navigation, Seamanship and Shiphandling Trainers 44. History and Heritage: USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE 413), during Leyte Gulf’s Battle off Samar 46. Paul Hamilton Commander Pays High Honors to Taffy 3 and Battle off Samar Survivors at Final Reunion
15. Find it, fix it, get back in the fight: CNSP and SWRMC drive operational 48. USS San Antonio Hosts the Surface readiness and warfighting capability Naval Association 16. 2019 LCS Commissioning Feature Stories: 20. NATTC Welcomes USS Bonhomme Richard Sailors for Air Traffic Control Training 22. USS Dewey Earns Distinguished Spokane Trophy
Cover: The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) departs Valparaiso, Chile while participating in UNITAS LX. UNITAS, Latin for ‘unity,’ is the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jacob Sippel
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Commander's Corner
As we ring in another new year, it is important to celebrate our accomplishments while focusing on the future. That is why the theme of this edition of Surface Warfare Magazine is the same as the theme of the 32nd Surface Navy Association National Symposium: “Owning Tomorrow’s Fight, Today.” But how do we own tomorrow’s fight today? First, we need to remember who we are. We are 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. We do that by providing combat ready ships and battle-minded crews. We must be a Surface Force that is materially sound, that leaves no redundancy at the pier, and is ready to go to sea and support sustained combat operations with trained, cohesive crews eager to go to sea, fight, win, and come home. We are in an era of renewed great power competition. So, we must be ready professionally, operationally, physically, and mentally. Here are a few ways we are getting after that. Enhancing Training In an ever-advancing technological Surface Force, the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) and its 14 learning sites and detachments located worldwide train more than 38,000 U.S. Navy and international Sailors each year. CSCS plays a key role in how we train surface warriors to fight and to win. We discuss that in more detail later in the magazine. Mainstreaming LCS More Littoral Combat Ships are joining the fleet. LCS can now provide an offensive punch at range, which then complicates matters for our adversaries. In 2019, the Navy commissioned six LCS and more are coming.
In fact, LCS is now the second-largest surface ship class. Later in these pages, we take a closer look at the class and discuss what some of them are doing operationally. Professionalizing the Surface Force Over the past few years, the Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) community has overhauled the Surface Warfare Officer career path, mariner skills training, ship handling courses, and other enhancements. Existing and forthcoming improvements from the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) complement those institutional changes and give the Surface Fleet a new, proactive, highstandards approach to warfare training in tactics. Rear Adm. Scott Robertson, SMWDC’s Commander, writes in this edition about those changes in order to build combat ready ships and battle-minded crews. In 2020, we aim for a Surface Force that that makes our adversaries say “today is not the day.” * Own The Fight—Today!,
VADM Brown
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Vice Adm. Rich Brown, Commander, Naval Surface Force U.S. Pacific Fleet, speaks with crewmembers, government employees and civilian contractors aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill CG 52. Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex Millar
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Surface Force News USS John S. McCain’s Return to Warfighting Readiness By Commander, 7th Fleet, Public Affairs Office
USS John McCain fires its MK 45 5-inch gun during a live-fire exercise in the Philippines.
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The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) completed her necessary repairs and is underway to conduct comprehensive at-sea testing. During the at-sea testing, the ship and her crew will perform 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 application. John S. McCain, assigned to Destroyer Squadron FIFTEEN (DESRON 15) and forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, completed her in-port phase of training, and will continue Basic Phase at-sea training in the upcoming months to certify in every mission area the ship is required to perform and prepare for return to operational tasking. “The USS John S. McCain embodies the absolute fighting spirit of her namesakes, and shows the resiliency of our Sailors. She has completed her maintenance period with the most up-to-date multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities, preparing her to successfully execute a multitude of highend operations,” said Capt. Steven DeMoss, commander, Destroyer Squadron 15. “As a guided-missile destroyer assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15, the John S. McCain is poised and ready to contribute to the lethal and combat ready
forward-deployed naval force in the free and open IndoPacific region.” John S. McCain completed repairs and extensive, accelerated upgrades over the last two years, following a collision in August 2017. "This whole crew is eager to get back to sea, and that's evident in the efforts they've made over the last two years to bring the ship back to fighting shape, and the energy they've put into preparing themselves for the rigors of at-sea operations," said Cmdr. Ryan T. Easterday, John S. McCain's commanding officer. "I'm extremely proud of them as we return the ship to sea, and return to the operational fleet more ready than ever to support security and stability throughout the region." Multiple upgrades to the ship’s computer network, antenna systems, radar array, combat weapons systems and berthing have ensured John S. McCain will return to operational missions with improved capability and lethality. John S. McCain, is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy's largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force. *
“The USS John S. McCain embodies the absolute fighting spirit of her namesakes, and shows the resiliency of our Sailors.”
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Surface Force News USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) Arrives at San Diego Homeport for First Time By Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (Date) – The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) arrived at its new homeport in San Diego for the first time, [Date]. The Navy commissioned Cincinnati, Oct. 5, 2019, during a ceremony in Gulfport, Miss. Cincinnati is the 12th LCS homeported in San Diego under the leadership of Littoral Combat Ship Squadron (LCSRON) One. “The crew of USS Cincinnati has put in a tremendous amount of hard work over the last six to seven months from the ship’s pre-commissioning, to bringing the ship to life, to the successful completion of our sail around. Their dedication has been second to none and we are thrilled to deliver Cincinnati to our homeport here in San Diego and to reunite with family, friends, and shipmates,” said Cmdr. Jedediah Kloppel, Commanding Officer of USS Cincinnati. This year, the Navy commissioned six LCS, bringing the total to 19 LCS in the fleet. Most recently, 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. In addition, USS Montgomery deployed to the Indo-Pacific region. Montgomery
The newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) arrived at its new homeport in San Diego for the first time.
completed a mid-deployment crew swap this fall demonstrating the ability to stretch operational time across one ship. LCS operate with two crews enabling increased operational time. The two-crew rotation creates flexibility and increased forward-presence. To optimize the two-crew model, off-ship crews train aboard a training ship. Gabrielle Giffords also deployed this year with the Naval Strike Missile (NSM). The deployment represents a milestone for LCS lethality, marking the first time an NSM sailed into the Indo-Pacific region. During deployment, Gabrielle Giffords fired an NSM, a stealthy missile that flies at sea-skimming altitude, has terrain-following capability, and uses an advanced seeker for precise targeting in challenging conditions. “Cincinnati is a great ship with an incredible crew. With Cincinnati’s arrival, we now have 12 littoral combat ships homeported in San Diego, and we are extremely proud of the hard work our LCS crews continue to demonstrate every day,” said Capt. Matthew McGonigle, Commodore of Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One. LCS are fast, agile, and networked surface combatants, optimized for operating in the near-shore environments. With mission packages allowing for tailored capabilities to meet specific mission needs and unique physical characteristics, LCS provides operational flexibility and access to a wider range of ports. LCS will have an offensive punch at range, which then complicates matters for our adversaries. Any potential adversary has to worry about where all our ships are located because of the reach of the weapons systems that we're putting on them. *
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BOXARG Home for the Holidays By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Daniel Rankins, USS Boxer Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Whitley
combat readiness and crisis response capabilities, and communication between U.S. and partner nation forces. “I am extremely proud of all of our Harpers Ferry Sailors and Marines that trained so hard to prepare for the uncertainties of deployment, and it really paid off,” said Cmdr. Janice Pollard, commanding officer of Harpers Ferry. “Their ability to successfully execute each time we were called upon is a testament to our continued drive and determination to be the best. This deployment brought unique opportunities and challenges, which definitely strengthened our Boxer ARG/11th MEU team, strengthened my crew on board warship 49, and strengthened each one of us individually.”
“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.”
The Sailors and Marines of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) returned to their homeport of San Diego Nov. 27, following a successful seven month deployment to the 7th and 5th Fleet operating areas. Boxer ARG is comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), amphibious transport dock USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). “This deployment showed just how capable our bluegreen team is,” said Capt. Dale Heinken, commanding officer of USS Boxer (LHD 4). “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.” Throughout deployment, the units of Boxer ARG participated in exercises with multinational partners and allies throughout the Indo-Pacific and Middle East regions, which strengthened partnerships, increased
This was the first deployment for USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26). “The Sailors of John P. Murtha and Marines of the 11th MEU demonstrated teamwork, pride, and professionalism during the ship's first deployment,” said Capt. Kevin Lane, commanding officer of John P. Murtha. “Every task we were handed, from multinational exercises to port visits, the blue/green team displayed the best of themselves and the best of the United States. It's been an honor to lead and serve with these men and women and to be a part of the John P. Murtha family.” More than 4,500 Sailors and Marines of the Boxer ARG and embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in support of regional security, stability, and the free flow of maritime commerce while operating forward. *
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Surface Force News Professionalizing the Surface Force: Tactical Excellence By Design By Rear Admiral Scott Robertson, United States Navy
Over the past few years, the Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) community has implemented far-reaching, and much needed change to professionalize its force. There has been a major overhaul of the Surface Warfare Officers School mariner skills training, the addition of new ship handling courses, mandatory logbooks for all SWOs, the incorporation of International Convention requirements, major changes to the SWO Personal Qualification Standard (PQS) requirements, mandatory policy for maintaining watchstanding proficiency, the institutionalizing of career-long mariner skills assessment criteria, and incorporating a progression of proven individual competency into the SWO career path. The Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) complements those institutional changes, giving the Surface Fleet a new, proactive, high-standards approach to warfare training
in tactics in order to build Combat Ready Ships and Battle-Minded Crews. SMWDC is expanding rapidly in both scope and capability enabled by our Warfare Tactics Instructors (WTIs), today over 300-strong – whose responsibility is to train ship teams, Destroyer Squadron and Amphibious Squadron staffs in tactics. We are well on our way to establishing a culture of tactical excellence in the Surface Navy and further professionalizing our Force. We carry out SMWDC’s mission – to increase the lethality and tactical proficiency of the Surface Force – through four lines of operations: Advanced Tactical Training, Doctrine and TTP development, Operational Support to the Fleet, and Capability Assessment and Experimentation to inform Navy leadership and pave the road ahead for warfighting excellence in the future. To advance those lines we rely on enabling “Pillars”: WTIs, SWATT, and completed Doctrine and TTP products and metrics, all of which align under a Surface Warfare Combat Training Continuum (SWCTC). Sufficient development and capacity of these critical capabilities are required. SWATT will eventually grow and incorporate more events to flex offensive tactics to better prepare our ships to keep our adversaries at risk. It will evolve to keep up with increased tactical proficiency needs, grow in complexity, continue to challenge ships, demand higher performance standards, incorporate more systems and tactics, and deliver increasing returns on investment and readiness for the integrated training phase and deployment. SWATT will have to train to new threats and new operating concepts. SMWDC will leverage Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training, evaluate doctrine and tactics, and train ships on tactical capabilities where risk, resources, or operational security preclude training demonstrations in live environments. Artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, and unmanned systems are going to rapidly change the way we operate at the tactical and operational level over the next decade; they will dominate how we conduct sea control and sea denial. In addition to increasing the tactical proficiency and lethality of ships, the SWATT experience will evolve to produce even higher confidence, resilience, and toughness in our crews. Today, SMWDC is measuring its value through qualitative assessment. An anecdotal, “This is so much better than what we used to do,” is an effective value measurement in the short-term, and the increased
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Fleet demand signal is evidence of the clear performance differential observed during COMPTUEX and deployment between those ships that conduct SWATT and those that do not. However, that will not suffice for the long-term. We are working hard to answer the “is lethality increasing” and “by how much” questions using our experience with each successive SWATT to formulate TTP-based measurement points to show a ship’s performance increase in things like kill-chain speed and accuracy.
Exam) and exposure to unit training and assessment depends on where a ship is in its readiness cycle in the period of an officer’s assignment. To correct this, SURFOR charged SMWDC to lead collaboration with all warfare training organizations to develop an individual maritime warfare tactical training continuum to standardize the knowledge and competency requirements every SWO must have. The continuum will include a program of individual assessments across a career to validate warfighting aptitude
The Surface Force needs a quantitative assessment to enable data-driven decisions about where to invest training dollars, prioritize time in training, and better understand the true returns on investment of our efforts. SWATT based lethality metrics will be part of a future SWCTC planned to be a means that blends individual training, experience, and performance with unit-based training and performance. SWCTC can lead to a quantitative assessment of individual, watchteam, unit, and Task Group tactical readiness. This past June, the Surface Warfare Officer School Board of Visitors reviewed dozens of aspects of Surface Warfare tactical training. They noted broad disparities in the tactical training one individual SWO receives over another because our community’s individual tactical training and assessment is almost entirely pipeline-based (with the noted exceptions of Department Head School and the Command Qualification
similar to the mariner skills training continuum, but the challenge is balancing the common warfare/tactics knowledge every SWO must demonstrate (platform and combat system agnostic) with the need for training to prepare officers for their next ship assignment (ship and combat system dependent). This will be a challenge for SMWDC and the entire Surface Warfare community. Over the next several months, the spectrum of Surface Warfare will come together to develop, analyze, understand, and determine what that individual training continuum should be, and how to implement it. We already have some great training throughout the Surface Navy, but the need for alignment, consistency, and means to assess aptitude has never been so important. SMWDC is leading the next step in professionalizing the SWO community by elevating tactical proficiency and increasing lethality of our ships - we call it, “Tactical Excellence by Design.” *
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Surface Force News East Coast Surface Action Group Deploys By Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
Ships and units from the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group formed a Surface Action Group (SAG) and deployed from their East Coast homeports of Norfolk and Mayport, Fla. The SAG included the guided-missile destroyers USS Lassen (DDG 82) and USS Farragut (DDG 99) from Mayport, as well as the Norfolk-based USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) and guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60). The command staff of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28 led the SAG, which also includes embarked helicopter detachments from Helicopter Maritime Squadron (HSM) 72, from Naval Air Station Jacksonville. “This deployment demonstrates our Navy’s inherent capability to maneuver and flex to accomplish the task at hand,” said Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet. “Our ships remain flexible, ready and capable to operate in multiple theaters supporting a variety of missions.” The scheduled deployment enables the Navy to rotate forces on station in order to sustain support to Combatant commanders. The SAG, made up of approximately 1200 Sailors, is trained and prepared to conduct high-end
combat operations, routine patrols, maritime security operations, and theater security cooperation activities to enhance regional security and stability. “We have an important mission ahead,” said Capt. Jennifer Couture, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 28. “SAG operations allow the Commander tremendous flexibility and responsiveness in the types of missions that can be conducted, and geographic reach into varied and diverse areas. The SAG ships are ready and able to support a variety of exercises and missions with our partners and allies in support of maritime stability and security around the globe.” In August 2019, the Navy announced an emergent maintenance requirement for an electrical issue aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). The aircraft carrier’s repairs are progressing, and all efforts are being made to deploy the carrier and air wing as soon as possible. *
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By Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic
Fifty students in the Department Head Course at the Surface Warfare Officers School (SWOS), here graduated Sept. 19 during a ceremony held in the Adm. Michael G. Mullen Auditorium. The ceremony’s guest speaker, Rear Adm. Roy Kitchener, commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, reminded the graduates that this is a great time to be a department head in the world’s premier surface force. "For the first time in a very long time, the United States is in a great power competition," said Kitchener. "The surface warfare community is generating combatready ships and battleminded crews. You as a department head have a critical role in making this happen." Kitchener also thanked the graduates' families and friends in the audience, and acknowledged how their support makes the difference when it comes to success. “Family readiness directly contributes to operational readiness,” added Kitchener. Part of a training continuum second to none, the 26-week course is designed to prepare surface warfare officers (SWOs) for successful tours as department heads on all classes of ships in the fleet. The instruction is divided into two parts: Tactical Action Officer (TAO) and Operations Readiness, Training and Engineering (ORTE). The TAO portion focuses on areas including air defense, expeditionary operations, surface warfare and undersea warfare,
and ORTE explores the specifics of each student's prospective assignment. Capt. Christopher Alexander, SWOS commanding officer, charged the officers to take their time at SWOS to the fleet. "Your Department Head tour will arguably be your most challenging and rewarding assignment you have as a SWO," said Alexander. Distinguished graduates included Lt. Bryce Yost who received the Arleigh Burke Award, selected by his classmates as the individual possessing the strongest leadership, industry and perseverance and the City of Newport Award for demonstrating the highest qualities of professionalism and leadership. Lt. J.R. Dinglassen received the Top Gunner Award for the highest grade point average in the TAO curriculum, and Lt. Ryan Kelly was selected for the Top Snipe Award, as the prospective engineering officer with the highest grade point average in the engineering curriculum. Many of the graduates will arrive at their ships within the week to begin 18or 36-month tours. While on hand, Kitchener visited the school’s stateof-the-art trainers and simulators, which the graduates utilized during their preparation, and also addressed students in the Advanced Division Officer Course and the Surface Commander’s Course. Headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island, and overseeing nine learning sites worldwide, SWOS readies sea-bound Sailors to serve on surface combatants as officers, enlisted engineers, and enlisted navigation professionals to fulfill the Navy’s mission to maintain global maritime superiority. SURFLANT mans, trains and equips assigned surface forces and shore activities, ensuring a capable force for conducting prompt and sustained operations in support of United States national interests. More than 70 ships and 34 shore commands make up the SURFLANT Force. *
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Surface Force News USS Detroit Departs on Maiden Deployment Command By Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic Public Affairs
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. Detroit will conduct operations in support of Joint Interagency Task Force South’s Campaign MARTILLO, a multinational effort launched in January 2012 targeting illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters along Central America. Detroit’s operations will involve practical exercises and exchanges with partner nations, supporting U.S. 4th Fleet interoperability and reinforce the U.S. position as the regional partner of choice. "I expect this deployment to offer a great opportunity to work together with regional partners throughout Southern Command Area of Responsibility,” said Capt. Cory Applebee, Commander, Surface Warfare Division Two One. The deployment of Detroit is the first deployment of an LCS in support of MARTILLO and the second deployment of the Freedom variant to the region. The first deployment was USS Freedom (LCS 1) in 2010. MARTILLO includes twenty partner nations committed to a regional approach against targeting illicit trafficking routes. The deployment of an LCS to the region demonstrates the U.S. commitment to regional cooperation and security. Detroit’s shallow draft provides unparalleled opportunities for port access, making Freedom variant an ideal vessel for these types of engagements. “We hope Detroit will build relationships with that region and show that LCS is a capable warfighting platform that is ready to safeguard access to international waterways and demonstrate operating capabilities,” Applebee said. Detroit will also demonstrate her operational capabilities and allow the Navy to evaluate crew rotation and maintenance plans. Detroit is manned by her Gold crew of more than 90 Sailors, which will include surface warfare mission package personnel, U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement detachment, and an aviation detachment to operate an embarked MH-60S Seahawk helicopter and two MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Takeoff Unmanned Vehicles. Homeported in Mayport, Detroit will have Blue and Gold crew rotations during the deployment. The two crews will rotate on the same hull every 4-5 months, creating a “cycle of virtue” between the crews who consistently turn the same ship over to each other, which will allow continuous presence in the region. The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7) departs Naval Station Mayport for a scheduled deployment. Detroit is deployed in support of Campaign Martillo, a joint operation with the U.S. Coast Guard and partner nations within the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations. *
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2nd Fleet Leads Naval Forces From Iceland By Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F) temporarily established an expeditionary Maritime Operations Center (MOC) in Keflavik, Iceland, in late September 2019 to provide the U.S. Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR) commander an additional ability to lead forces from a forward-operating location. “I welcome C2F back to the European theater for the second time this year,” said Adm. James G. Foggo III, Commander, Naval Forces Europe and Africa. “The additive capacity that 2nd Fleet brings to the European theater when operating forward alongside U.S. 6th Fleet (C6F) contributes to the overall success of our naval forces’ ability to address challenges and threats to safety and security in the maritime domain.” The expeditionary MOC, made up of about 30 members of C2F staff, has the ability to command and control forces, provide basic indicators and warnings for situational awareness, and is able to issue orders while maintaining reach-back capability to C2F’s headquarters in Norfolk. “Iceland is a key ally, and its strategic location in the North Atlantic provides a perfect opportunity to test out our expeditionary MOC for the first time,” said Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis, Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet. “Operating out of Iceland reinforces our partnership while allowing us to practice operating in an expeditionary manner and test our ability to surge forward.” The C2F expeditionary MOC executed command and control of ships assigned to the deployed Surface Action Group (SAG), which is comprised of the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) and the guided-missile destroyers USS Lassen (DDG 82), USS Forrest Sherman
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), front, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS Farragut (DDG 99), left, USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), right, and USS Lassen (DDG 82), back, steam in formation.
(DDG 98), and USS Farragut (DDG 99), as well as embarked aircraft from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72. While in the Atlantic, the SAG operates in support of naval operations to maintain maritime stability and security, deter aggression, and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. C2F’s temporary operations out of Keflavik marked the second time the new fleet has operated at a forward location. C2F first demonstrated this expeditionary capability through command and control of exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) in June 2019, when the majority of its staff embarked USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20). “Successful operations in the Arctic require practice, and we will take the lessons learned from this deployment to further refine the expeditionary MOC concept for future operations in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions,” said Capt. Chris Slattery, director, C2F expeditionary MOC. The expeditionary MOC concept is scalable and temporary in nature. While the C2F expeditionary MOC operated out of Iceland, there was no predetermined or permanent operating location in the European theater. C2F exercises operational and administrative authorities over assigned ships, aircraft, and landing forces on the East Coast and the Atlantic. When directed, C2F conducts exercises and operations within the U.S. European Command AOR as an expeditionary fleet, providing NAVEUR an additional maneuver arm to operate forces dynamically in theater. *
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael H. Lehman
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Surface Force News
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob Milham
CNSL Visits Surface Warriors in Bahrain By Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic Public Affairs
Rear Adm. Roy I. Kitchener, commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT), visited Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Nov. 5-7. Kitchener toured mine countermeasures ship USS Sentry (MCM-3) and coastal patrol ships USS Thunderbolt (PC-12), USS Tempest (PC-2), and USS Firebolt (PC-10), where he had lunch with the crew. The purpose of the visit was to engage and discuss with SURFLANT Sailors in the region the status of the surface force, to meet with regional leaders and visit the Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center. He also held an all-hands call with surface warfare officers on the community’s efforts of generating combat-ready ships and battle-minded crews. “We are the world’s premier surface force,” said Kitchener. “In everything we do we must be ready to fight and win.” Kitchener also spoke about the future of the fleet, explaining littoral combat ship (LCS) operations and training for an evolving surface force.
“LCS is here and operational,” he said. “Alignment of LCS means we know how to integrate the ships into the surface force and we are doing it. We are executing a plan to deploy the LCS fleet.” Kitchener also set the tone on how the surface Navy is moving forward and remains ready for anything. “What we do is inherently dangerous and there is risk,” he said. “We will not back down from our duty; instead, we’ll lean in and make it part of our routine. But to get there, we need smart, capable, competent and bold teams who understand risk and know how to win.” SURFLANT mans, trains and equips assigned surface ships, forces and shore activities, ensuring a capable force for conducting prompt and sustained operations in support of United States national interests. More than 75 ships and 30 shore commands make up the SURFLANT. *
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Find it, fix it, get back in the fight: CNSP and SWRMC drive operational readiness and warfighting capability By Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet and the Southwest Regional Maintenance and Repair Center hosted a surface ship self-sufficiency and sustainment open house at Naval Base San Diego Oct. 23. The open house connected ship’s force maintainers and leaders with services and programs to educate and empower maintenance teams to improve their shipboard self-sufficiency, maintenance ownership, and repair capability. “We’re trying to promote self-sufficiency, so getting these resources to the ships -- the training and equipment -- pushes the ships to take care of their own equipment,” said Benjamin Alcantara, the 3M program manager for Pacific Fleet surface forces. “If they have the specialty and that skillset, they can take care of their equipment when they are underway and deployed. If something goes down, they can bring it back.” Representatives from a dozen organizations, including the Surface Force Maintenance University, SKED Fleet Support, and Naval Sea Systems
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Woody S. Paschall
Command, provided information on the current state, and future, of Navy material readiness. “These people and programs are in place to give that capability and training to the ships,” said Master Chief Interior Communications Electrician Robert Townley, the 3M system coordinator for Pacific Fleet surface forces. “In a contested environment, if we are taking battle damage, can we fix it and get it back in the fight or do we have to pull in to port? Ships have to have confidence that they can fix their own equipment. We need to have confidence that if a weapon system needs repair, the Sailors are confident, capable and empowered.” Hundreds of Sailors from throughout Navy Region Southwest visited the open house to learn more about how to improve the effectiveness of ship’s force maintainers. “I’m a fix it myself kind of person,” said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Michael Bouton, a micro miniature repair technician from USS Lake Champlain (CG 57). “I liked that they are putting forward a program to get more people trained to work on fiber optics. A lot of people use it and ship’s force doesn’t really have the capability to fix it. We have to wait to have someone take it and repair it for us. Training ship’s forces to perform more of the work themselves, it increases the capability of the ship.” This kind of “fix it myself ” attitude is exactly what Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet and the Southwest Regional Maintenance and Repair Center are hoping to instill in its crews, and open houses like this one may be a big step toward building crews that are better trained and equipped to selfsustain at sea. *
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Surface Force News
The United States Navy commissioned six LCS this year, making LCS the second-largest surface ship class. The LCS class consists of two variants, the Freedom variant and the Independence variant. The LCS program intends to deliver more of these ships. LCS are crewed by Blue and Gold minimally maned crews. LCS vessels are highly versatile, mission focused surface combatant ships designed to operate in the littoral regions, as well as on the open ocean. The LCS is designed to respond to evolving threats through integration with innovative mine hunting, sonar, and surface engagement technology. All of these groundbreaking technologies provide enhanced experiences for all sailors to learn and grow during their service on board. The LCS satisfies a vital need for the United States Navy to operate in shallow water as well as the high seas.
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NATTC Welcomes USS Bonhomme Richard Sailors for Air Traffic Control Training Story and photos by Ensign Crysta Gonzalez, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs
Members of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) air traffic control (ATC) team wrapped up two weeks of simulation training at Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., Aug. 23. While the amphibious assault ship, homeported in San Diego, is undergoing a dry-dock planned maintenance availability period, it is being outfitted for the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter. The ship’s ATC Sailors are training for the transition. Lt. Cmdr. Mitch Deshotel and his team come to Pensacola two to three times a year to engage in training while not out at sea. “Pensacola is a vital place for training,” said Deshotel. “Not only do the controllers come here for ‘A’ school, simulation rooms like these are how the team stays up-to-date on the latest technology.” ATC and tactical air control squadron (TACRON) teams with a range of experience levels train at NATTC. The simulator training can range from basic
to more advanced runs depending on what the team leader requests. “The scenarios in the simulation are demonstrating amphibious air traffic control and what we could potentially see when we are out on deployment with an amphibious ready group,” said Deshotel. NATTC ATC training’s main objective is team building. The teams are often the same division of about 15 personnel, and each trip serves to make the members more proficient and cohesive. The team Deshotel brings is usually the same, attempting to keep the core group of those controllers who have been in the division the longest. “We also bring anyone who has just recently reported to
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“The scenarios in the simulation are demonstrating amphibious air traffic control and what we could potentially see when we are out on deployment with an amphibious ready group.”
the ship in our division so we can build that group continuity, where we train just as we would operate as a team on deployment,” said Deshotel. Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Bridgett Penate, the leading petty officer who has been working with the simulator program for one and a half years at NATTC, talked more on the actual evaluations and examinations the teams go through. “While the teams are here for training, they get interim qualifications for using the simulators, which helps make up for the time they cannot get out to sea,” said Penate. “The teams do 60 runs and are graded by the type commanders. The entire team also takes a test of 100 questions, with 80% of questions depending on if they are from TACRON or ATC and the other 20% on the opposite command.” The certification awarded from NATTC lasts 120 days. NATTC is part of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training and
graduates approximately 15,000 Navy, Marine Corps and international students annually. The largest part of this student body is comprised of enlisted personnel attending "A" schools designed to provide them with the knowledge and skill levels required to perform as technicians at the third class petty officer level. CNATT develops, delivers and supports aviation technical training at 27 sites located throughout the continental United States and Japan. CNATT is a training center under Naval Education and Training Command, and is a technical training agent for the Naval Aviation Enterprise, an organization designed to advance and sustain naval aviation warfighting capabilities at an affordable cost. *
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USS Dewey Earns Distinguished Spokane Trophy “While systems we use are continuously modernized and become more complex, success in warfare will always be based on the Sailors to prepare, plan, operate, and maintain our ships and warfighting systems.”
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The crew of the guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) received the 2018 Spokane Trophy during a ceremony aboard the ship, Sept. 26. The award is presented annually to the U.S. Pacific Fleet surface combatant ship considered to be the most proficient in overall combat systems readiness and warfare operations. The award recognizes a ship’s ability to conduct sustained simultaneous and coordinated Air Warfare (AW), Surface Warfare (SUW), and Undersea Warfare (USW) operations with all installed equipment. Ivan Urnovitz, president of the Spokane Navy League, spoke of his excitement to come from the Pacific Northwest to present the Spokane Award. The Spokane Trophy was established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt to recognize naval warfighting proficiency. The trophy is kept on permanent display at the Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet headquarters building in San Diego. Dewey is a first-time winner of the honored Spokane Award sponsored by the Spokane, Washington Council of the Navy League of the United States. Rear Adm. Fred Pyle, commander, Carrier Strike Group Three, who traveled from Bremerton, Wash. to attend the ceremony, said the men and women of USS Dewey proved themselves worthy of receiving this
award, citing their accomplishments during 2018 including Dewey’s training for the US Navy fleet, and multi-national exercises to improve joint interoperability. Dewey partnered with Japan and the Republic of Korea and won all seven of their Surface Action Group vs. Surface Action Group engagements, conducting more than 20 hours of active anti-submarine warfare tracking during the USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group Sustainment Exercise. As the Air and Missile Defense Commander for Expeditionary Strike Group 3, Dewey was part of the Joint Strike Fighter integration, assisting in developing techniques and procedures in support of future operations. Dewey was hand-selected to test fire hyper velocity projectiles, Nulka decoys, and Tomahawk Cruise Missiles. Pyle concluded, “While systems we use are continuously modernized and become more complex, success in warfare will always be based on the Sailors to prepare, plan, operate, and maintain our ships and warfighting systems.” Dewey, a member of Carrier Strike Group 1, also won the 2018 Battle Excellence Award. Commissioned in Seal Beach, Calif. in 2010, Dewey is the third ship named after Adm. George Dewey, who was regarded as the hero of the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War. *
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Benjamin Crossley
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By Kimberly M. Lansdale, Center for Surface Combat Systems Public Affairs
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The Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) headquarters' staff oversees 14 learning sites and detachments located throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Spain, and Japan. CSCS trains over 38,000 U.S. Navy and international Sailors each year. As a global organization, technology plays a key role in how we train surface warriors to fight and to win. In an ever-advancing technological society, CSCS implements a variety of training enablers to achieve the
STAVE-CS (Combat Systems) Solutions
Combined Integrated Air & Missile Defense (IAMD) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Trainer (CIAT) The purpose of CIAT is to provide a warfighting training laboratory that is realistic and relevant in training our Sailors and officers to employ the full range of the combat system capability against advanced threats in complex operating environments. CSCS has two CIATs, one in San Diego, which opened December 2018, and one in Norfolk, which opened July 2019. In addition, there are two Reconfigurable Combat Information Center Trainers, a CIAT minus the ASW capability, at the AEGIS Training and Readiness Center. CIAT provides our watchstanders a state-of-the-art training lab to detect, control and engage simulated modern threats in challenging environments. With an emphasis on realism, it replicates a warship’s actual combat suite. We can reduce visibility, increase wave heights, degrade weapons systems, overwhelm the radars with clutter returns, and in the end, force every single watchstander in combat to adapt to challenging threats. We have to ensure our Sailors have trained and succeeded in a “worst case” scenario. What makes CIAT unique is its ability to replay all decisions from a scenario in a full debrief. We synchronize all console and headset communications against the scenario ground truth to show each team the cause and effect of every decision. CIAT’s approach to immersive training has had an immediate impact on watch team cohesion and effectiveness and is unlike anything we have seen before.
ultimate goal of Sailor 2025’s Ready, Relevant Learning (RRL) pillar -- provide Sailors the right training at the right time in the most effective manner throughout their careers. The Navy introduced Surface Training Advanced Virtual Environment (STAVE) in 2013 to provide better quality training resulting in more rapid qualifications of Navy officers and Sailors. Instructional systems and simulated physical environments provide watchstanders and maintainers the ability to gain proficiency through repeatable exercises, drills, and evolutions ashore.
Aegis Ashore Team Trainer (AATT) Managed by CSCS Unit Dam Neck, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, AATT serves as the single site for training and certifying rotational Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) crews to serve at the Aegis Ashore site in Romania and a future site in Poland. It houses a mock-up of the shore-based Aegis Combat Information Center and Communication Center and hosts a complete replica of the tactical warfighting, communication and information technology systems resident at Romania. The AATT course includes an eight-week training and certification pipeline, a five-week basic phase conducted by CSCSU Dam Neck, a one-week qualification phase conducted by Afloat Training Group (ATG) Norfolk, and a two-week certification phase conducted by Tactical Training Group Atlantic (TACTRAGRULANT). During weeks one and two, CSCS instructs students on basic system capabilities and limitations, theater operational procedures, console operator familiarization, and BMD mission planning. During weeks three through five, the watch team executes a series of increasingly complex tactical team scenarios, flexing the extensive capabilities of the high fidelity trainer while turning the students into a cohesive tactical team. After the five-week basic phase, the crew completes their BMD Qualification (BMDQ ) administered by ATG Norfolk. Following a successful BMDQ , TACTRAGRULANT supervises the execution of a BMD Exercise (BMDEX), in coordination with theater ballistic missile defense assets, as a capstone to the AATT course of instruction. AATT allows us to train, qualify, and certify our Sailors so when they arrive in Romania they are immediately prepared to contribute. This represents the next evolution in combat systems training and sets a clear standard for what we will strive to achieve in future training endeavors.
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The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Training Facility (LTF) is the first surface warfare training facility to provide integrated bridge and combat systems tactical scenario training for Sailors serving with an LCS.
High Fidelity Shore-Based Trainers The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Training Facility (LTF) is the first surface warfare training facility to provide integrated bridge and combat systems tactical scenario training for Sailors serving with an LCS. The LCS drives a new approach to individual, team, and unit-level training to accommodate the minimum manning and rotational crewing concepts. Operational demands do not allow sufficient time for under instruction watchstanding or proficiency training during operational periods, and crews do not have organic training teams or embedded training systems. This new approach drives the need for the shore-centric Trainto-Qualify and Train-to-Certify concepts, which rely heavily on high-fidelity shore-based trainers. Currently, an LTF in San Diego provides training for both LCS variants. Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center (FLEASWTRACEN) operates it. CSCS has a second LTF, located at Naval Station Mayport, which CSCS Detachment Mayport operates. It provides training for the LCS 1 variant. LCS’s small crew size and lack of embedded systems mandate the use of high-fidelity training systems ashore to achieve crew training and readiness objectives.
Surface Training Advanced Virtual Environment - Combat Systems (STAVE-CS) STAVE-CS provides significant advantages by training in a virtual environment using courseware and simulators owned and implemented by the Navy.––
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Looking Ahead
Combined Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Trainer (CIAT) CIAT was delivered in 2018 as the most capable combat systems trainer developed for the Navy surface force. This video highlights how CIAT trains operators of current AEGIS Baselines in IAMD and the latest AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 ASW deliveries using virtualized tactical code in San Diego and Norfolk. CIAT includes an in-depth, integrated debrief capability for individual and team analysis by recording simulation of scenario ground truth, instructor and watchstander console displays and audio for after-action reporting in support of student and instructor analysis.
These are just a few of our STAVE-CS initiatives. STAVECS is already improving combat readiness by providing bettertrained, better-qualified Sailors to the fight. CSCS will continue to implement new technologies that shape the Sailor of today and tomorrow. An example of this is Distributed STAVE-CS, which encompasses instructional systems and simulated physical environments that can be taught from one location and delivered simultaneously through high-bandwidth communications flow to multiple other sites. It will provide tactical watchstanders and maintainers the ability to gain proficiency through repeatable exercises, drills and evolutions ashore. *
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The U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) is moored pierside in Tromso, Norway, during a brief stop for fuel. Gridley is underway on a scheduled deployment as the flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group One to conduct maritime operations and provide a continuous maritime capability for NATO in the northern Atlantic.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cameron Stoner
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CNSP HOSTS THIRD COMMANDER’S TRAINING SYMPOSIUM By Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
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“We will win in combat at sea because we train to be better, faster, tougher and smarter.”
NAVAL AIR STATION NORTH ISLAND (Oct. 17, 2019) – Vice Adm. Richard Brown, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific (CNSP), hosted his third Commander’s Training Symposium (CTS), Oct. 17 aboard Naval Air Station North Island. The symposium provided a forum for commodores, commanders, and Surface Fleet leaders to receive updates on Fleet-wide initiatives, at the unit level, that generate combat ready ships and battle-minded crews. The CTS also provided an opportunity for recently operating commanding officers to detail experiences and best practices to other leaders. Brown opened the event by reiterating the three key messages for the Surface Force and reminded the group to focus on combat ready ships and battle-minded crews. “This is a training symposium. This is a learning
environment. You should leave here with more knowledge than when you came here,” said Brown. During CTS, briefers discussed various Type Command (TYCOM) readiness and training efforts, such as the Surface Warfare Officer Manual (SWOMAN), Navigational Assessment Teams, and key revisions to the Surface Force Training and Readiness Manual (SFTRM). “The revised SFTRM is generating dividends across the fleet,” said Capt. Dan Sunvold, CNSP Training and Readiness Officer. “It’s delivering wins for Commanding Officers by giving time back for them to best prepare their crews for the fight.” Capt. Kurt Sellerberg, Commanding Officer of the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), discussed how he and his crew took advantage of the revised SFTRM at the symposium. Bunker Hill satisfied certification requirements early under these changes, which enabled the ship to develop and execute an in-depth, three and a half day final battle problem that tested the crew beyond routine requirements.
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“There is a tried and true script to how to get a ship ready and train it, but there's also the element of the innovative approach of just doing things a little differently,” said Sellerberg. “If you look at a World War II battle perspective, the entire bridge or an entire engineering room was lost. So, who's going to then take over? We planned our final battle problem to test not only the watchstanders, but also the Sailor who has to step up in the face of a major causality.” Also Cmdr. Edward Rosso, littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) Blue Crew Commanding Officer, provided operational insight into Montgomery’s maiden deployment this year, including ship's first port visit to the Philippines, as part of a rotational deployment to the IndoPacific area of operations. In addition, Bud Couch, Commander, Naval Surface Forces (CNSF) Safety Cell Lead, reviewed the Six Common Traits of a Mishap Ship, then presented two advances in Human Factors Engineering (HFE) that are specifically designed to enable COs to recognize and overcome these traits. The Afloat Safety Climate Assessment Survey
provides early indicators of organizational drift into failure, and the Operational Fundamentals checksheets measure the effectiveness of watchteams in everyday operations, regardless of mission area. “Surface Commanding Officers make great risk decisions, but only if they know they are at risk. These new tools will be mainstreamed for their use in determining where they are at risk, and reinforced by CO Advisors at sea during Bridge Resource Management Workshops. Beyond the Basic Phase, the tools will provide data and analysis for COs to make adjustments at every stage of the OFRP to improve their operational effectiveness.” As Brown concluded the event, he emphasized to the Surface Force leaders, “We are 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. We will win in combat at sea because we train to be better, faster, tougher and smarter.” The mission of CNSP is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide Fleet Commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project power. *
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Clarence McCloud
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By Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
The Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) successfully demonstrated the capabilities of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Oct. 1 (local date) during Pacific Griffin. Pacific Griffin is a biennial exercise conducted in the waters near Guam aimed at enhancing combined proficiency at sea while strengthening relationships between the U.S. and Republic of Singapore navies. “Today was a terrific accomplishment for USS Gabrielle Giffords crew and the Navy’s LCS class,” said Cmdr. Matthew Lehmann, Commanding Officer. “I am very proud of all the teamwork that led to the successful launch of the NSM.” The NSM is a long-range, precision strike weapon that can find and destroy enemy ships at distances up to 100 nautical miles away. The stealthy missile flies at sea-skimming altitude, has terrain-following
capability and uses an advanced seeker for precise targeting in challenging conditions. Rear Adm. Joey Tynch, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific, who oversees security cooperation for the U.S. Navy in Southeast Asia, said Gabrielle Giffords’ deployment sent a crystal clear message of continued U.S. commitment to maritime security in the region. "LCS packs a punch and gives potential adversaries another reason to stay awake at night," Tynch said. "We are stronger when we sail together with our friends and partners, and LCS is an important addition to the lineup."
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The NSM is a long-range, precision strike weapon that can find and destroy enemy ships at distances up to 100 nautical miles away
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The NSM aboard Gabrielle Giffords is fully operational and remains lethal. The weapon was first demonstrated on Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado in 2014. It meets and exceeds the U.S. Navy’s over-the-horizon requirements for survivability against high-end threats, demonstrated lethality, easy upgrades and long-range strike capability. Gabrielle Giffords’ deployment represents a milestone for the U.S. Navy and LCS lethality, and marks the first time that an NSM has sailed into the Indo-Pacific region. The successful missile shoot demonstrates value for long-range anti-ship missiles. Gabrielle Giffords, on its maiden deployment, arrived in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility Sept. 16, for a rotational deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. This marks the first time two LCS have deployed to the Indo-Pacific region simultaneously. Gabrielle Giffords is the fifth LCS to deploy to U.S.
7th Fleet, following USS Freedom (LCS 1), USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), USS Coronado (LCS 4) and the currently-deployed USS Montgomery (LCS 8). Gabrielle Giffords will conduct operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region as well as work alongside allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Its unique capabilities allow it to work with a broad range of regional navies and visit ports larger ships cannot access. Littoral combat ships are fast, agile and networked surface combatants, optimized for operating in the near-shore environments. With mission packages allowing for tailored capabilities to meet specific mission needs and unique physical characteristics, LCS provides operational flexibility and access to a wider range of ports. *
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“LCS packs a punch and gives potential adversaries another reason to stay awake at night.”
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Story and photos Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob Milham, SURFLANT Public Affairs
Senior officers, command senior enlisted leaders and commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (COMNAVSURFLANT) staff members, attended a two-day leadership training symposium at Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic, Oct. 2-3. The symposium, hosted by Rear Adm. Roy I. Kitchener, SURFLANT commander, focused on the manning, training and equipping of the surface force. The symposium provided a venue for surface leaders to focus on the symposium’s theme, “Readiness for the High End Fight”. The event emphasized Surface Force Atlantic’s top priority, which
is to provide combat-ready ships and battle-minded crews that are prepared to fight and win operations as we are in a great power competition. “High-end warfighting is exquisite,” Rear Adm. Daniel Cheever, the commander of Carrier Strike Group Four, said. “As the Navy, we have to be able to target all platforms and you as [leaders] lead that charge.” Throughout the symposium, leaders presented briefs and answered questions regarding waterfront maintenance, personnel training, current threats, and investing in the future fleet.
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“As the Navy, we have to be able to target all platforms and you as [leaders] lead that charge.”
Rear Adm. John Wade, the director of maritime operations at United States Fleet Forces, tasked leaders to take the force into the future. “The nature of the world is changing and with that security interests and threats are as well,” Wade said. “Step back and take a look; you will see that the maritime domain is growing in importance. As such, the importance of our Navy grows every day.” Kitchener set the tone for further action,
spurring the waterfront leaders to continue learning and working together. “I want you all to ask the hard questions and find the answers together,” Kitchener said. “We’ll talk about the issues at hand but leave with solutions and a way forward.” SURFLANT mans, trains and equips assigned surface forces and shore activities, ensuring a capable force for conducting prompt and sustained operations in support of United States national interests. More than 70 ships and 34 shore commands make up the SURFLANT Force. *
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Voices From the Fleet The Navy Completes Fleetwide Updates to Navigation, Seamanship and Shiphandling Trainers By Lt. Cmdr. Luke Penrose, Force Navigator, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
The U.S. Navy Surface Fleet has completed upgrades to Navigation, Seamanship and Shiphandling Trainers (NSST) that will prepare combat ready ships and battle-mined crews. NSST are part of the Navy’s overarching Maritime Skills Training Program (MSTP), which takes a holistic view of the Surface Warfare Officer career path.
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Diana Quinlan
Above: Lt.j.g. Sarah Platt, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), mans the lee helm during virtual reality ship handling training at the Navigation, Seamanship and Shiphandling Trainer (NSST), on board Naval Base San Diego. Right: Retired Navy Capt. Patrick Garrett, left, a ship handling and seamanship instructor at the Navigation, Seamanship and Shiphandling Trainer (NSST), on board Naval Base San Diego, and Cmdr. Jason Ward, operations officer aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), operate the master control station during a virtual reality ship handling training. Bonhomme Richard collaborated with NSST personnel to sharpen their skills utilizing technological innovations in virtual reality.
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What is the upgrade?
All NSST were upgraded to Modified-Navigation Seamanship and Shiphandling Trainers (M-NSST). They integrate the bridge and combat information center (CIC) teams, creating the ability to train together in a simulated environment. With this update, Sailors will now have interactions with their radar and navigation equipment that closely resemble what's aboard their ships. Some of the new equipment in the M-NSST include bridge-to-bridge radios and Automatic Identification System (AIS). The bridgeto-bridge radios simulate VHF communication between vessels at sea. AIS, which transmits information about ships such as, vessel identity, position, course, speed, and navigational status, provides additional data on the other simulated vessels operating in the area. To create integration with the CIC team, there is a simulated CIC for the bridge team to communicate with and receive navigational safety concurrence for the backup they have on the ship. Bridge-to-bridge radios, AIS, and CIC are all tools that watchstanders utilize underway on the ship and M-NSST enables watch teams to use the same tools during training.
Why did the Navy upgrade NSST?
NSST upgrades were part of the Navy’s increased commitment to provide more effective training to the fleet.
The NSST are a valuable tool for watch teams who can be placed in highly-customizable training environments while they are in port. Earlier this year, Sailors from the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), who had been in port for an extended period or newly reported, worked on watch team readiness and synergy in the NSST. In addition, Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) used the NSST in San Diego in a drill that combined navigation and seamanship training with visual information training.
What other improvements does the Maritime Skills Training Program have planned?
The M-NSST in each homeport supports the Navy’s initial round of NSST upgrades and provide a bridging solution as the Surface Community works toward the Integrated-NSST. I-NSST facilities will provide the Surface Fleet with the latest technology and training capabilities for watch teams. They will continue the focus of bridge and combat team integration by creating an environment even more realistic to the ships, with steering consoles more closely mirroring individual ship consoles, as just one example. Construction on the first I-NSST started in San Diego and completion is scheduled for 2021. Construction for the other I-NSST sites is underway, and all are scheduled to be operational within the 2024-2025 timeframe. I-NSST will provide teams an expansive capability to train to scenarios that they may not be able to replicate while aboard their ship, either underway or in port. *
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History and Heritage USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE 413), during Leyte Gulf’s Battle off Samar By Naval History and Heritage Command
As a final stand, on October 25, 1944, during the invasion of the Philippines, USS Samuel B. Roberts, commanded by LCDR Robert W. Copeland, Roberts, along with a small group of accompanying destroyers known collectively as Taffy 3, bravely charged into a line of Japanese battleships to protect American forces landing on the islands.
The American destroyers were decimated in the action; Roberts in particular suffered multiple direct hits from the battleship Kongo before Copeland was forced to abandon ship. Roberts sank around 1007 the same day she entered battle.
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Although the American destroyers were thoroughly routed, their courageous delaying actions prevented the enemy forces from concentrating fire on the landing forces. As a result, ground troops were able to establish beachheads on the islands and eventually retake the Philippines - a major objective on the road to victory. Commander Copeland would later recount the Battle of Leyte Gulf extolling the valor of his crew in the face of such overwhelming odds, stating that there was "no higher honor" than to have the privilege to command such a crew. In addition to the heroism of the crew of Samuel B. Roberts, Commander Ernest Evans and his crew also put the mission first during the battle. Commanding officer of USS Johnston (DD-557), Evans told his crew at commissioning, "This is going to be a fighting ship. I intend to go in harm’s way, and anyone who doesn’t want to go along had better get off right now." When the Japanese were closing in on Taffy 3, Evans stayed true to his word and led Taffy 3’s charge into the fight with the Japanese battleships in the face of overwhelming odds. Commander Evans ultimately went down with his ship, but succeeded in meeting his objective—Taffy 3 had successfully turned back the Japanese, secured the Philippines from the enemy, and ended the threat posed by the Imperial Japanese Navy. *
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Paul Hamilton Commander Pays High Honors to Taffy 3 and Battle off Samar Survivors at Final Reunion By Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
Twelve survivors of the Battle off Samar gathered for the last time to honor their shipmates during the 75th anniversary memorial service at the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Oct. 25. The survivors of “Taffy 3” remembered Sailors who were lost during the Battle off Samar, a critical battle within the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The Battle of Leyte Gulf, one of the largest naval battles in history, took place in the Philippine Sea off Samar Island, in the Philippines. The ceremony included a color guard and band. The attendees honored those who died during the battle with the tolling of a ship’s bell and taps. Cmdr. Mark Lawrence, the commanding officer of
USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) provided closing remarks for the service. He shared his personal ties to the South Pacific, where his grandfather was a junior officer on the USS Growler (SS 215) during World War II. He also spoke about how he helps his Sailors relate to the Taffy 3 survivors. “It is a daunting task to speak about the history through which you gentlemen lived. It is humbling to reflect on whether the quality of my service does justice to the ideals of our seagoing profession, which you and your shipmates exemplified under the harshest fire,” Lawrence said. “Whether the contest hinged on the speed of our gunnery or the ingenuity of our seamanship, what distinguished those early American crews from the competition was their combat readiness. (It’s) the same combat readiness I speak about with my crew – with the present generation of American Sailors – as our singular charge and highest priority.” Taffy 3 was a group of destroyers, destroyer escorts, and escort carriers that stood against 27 Japanese ships during the Battle off Samar on Oct. 25, 1944. For two hours, the 13 ships of Taffy 3 threw everything they had at the Japanese force.
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Woody S. Paschall
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“It is humbling to reflect on whether the quality of my service does justice to the ideals of our seagoing profession, which you and your shipmates exemplified under the harshest fire.”
Taffy 3 did not possess the firepower or the armor to oppose the Japanese force. Nevertheless, Taffy attacked, and turned the superior Japanese force away. Five U.S. ships and more than 1,000 Sailors were lost, but the Japanese withdrew amongst the damage and confusion, instead of pressing the attack. The Japanese naval force would never be the same after the battle. Vice Adm. Richard Brown, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, has encouraged the Surface Force to read about the battles of World War II, and he expected today’s crews to have the same battleminded resolve. “The only higher honor a destroyer captain can imagine than the opportunity to speak to the survivors of the ‘Last Stand’ is to be able to
reassure you that today’s Sailor has that same will to fight,” said Lawrence. The Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle off Samar Island destroyed the combat power of the Japanese fleet and ultimately led to the Japanese surrender. This year’s theme for the Navy’s 244th birthday celebration, “No Higher Honor,” draws upon the extraordinary service and sacrifice of the Sailors who fought the greatest sea battle in history with a particular focus on the heroism of the crew of USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE 413), during Leyte Gulf ’s Battle off Samar. *
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sean Weir
USS San Antonio (LPD 17) hosted a Surface Navy Association (SNA) luncheon Nov. 21 aboard the ship at Naval Station Norfolk. In holding their lunch event aboard San Antonio, the group aimed to By Mass Communication recognize and showcase Specialist 2nd Class to members, the ongoing Jacob Milham contributions of the surface Commander, Naval Surface force. Since 1985, the Force Atlantic Surface Navy Association has worked to promote greater coordination and communication among those in the military, business, and academic communities who share a common interest in surface warfare community while supporting their activities. "I could not be more proud of our warship’s crew,” said Capt. Brent C. Gaut, San Antonio commanding officer. “We always appreciate the opportunity to showcase our extraordinary crew of warriors. They truly represent the best of what our Navy has to offer our great nation. Additionally, we were honored to have the SNA and Rear Adm. Roy Kitchener choose our warship as the location for this year's luncheon." As Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, Kitchener was the luncheon’s guest speaker. He told the group that the surface force is in great demand; he discussed some of the obstacles facing the force and also some success stories of recent Self-Sufficiency Award winners. Throughout his remarks he emphasized a common theme.
“We must be combat ready and battle-minded, period,” said Kitchener. “Anything less is failure. That’s what a culture of excellence demands and that is what our adversaries demand. We must go beyond compliance; it requires each and every one of us to be technically proficient, tactically competent, standards-focused and accountable but most of all, a culture of excellence requires we take pride in ownership. Owning everything we do, every day!” The admiral also discussed maintenance and materiel readiness issues with the lunch group, and told them that the littoral combat ship (LCS) is “out there and operationally capable.” With brand new LCS ships arriving in both Mayport and San Diego this month, three others are deployed from these homeports, increasing force lethality and capability in their theaters. “When it comes right down to it, the drive to be the very best we can be must be engrained in our culture and for that I depend on each of you. My goal is to drive you to 100 percent of what your ships and crews are capable; each of you must do the same. “Why would we settle for anything less?” The USS San Antonio recently returned to Naval Station Norfolk after a planned maintenance availability at BAE systems shipyards in Norfolk, Va. SURFLANT mans, trains and equips assigned surface ships, forces and shore activities, ensuring a capable force for conducting prompt and sustained operations in support of United States national interests. More than 75 ships and 30 shore commands make up the SURFLANT Force. *
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Command Changes September 2019
Rear Adm. John Gumbleton ............................................ Expeditionary Strike Group 3 Capt. Luke A. Frost ........................................................................ USS America LHA 6 Capt. Dale Heinken ........................................................................... USS Boxer LHD 4 Capt. Aaron Kelley ......................................................................... USS Essex LHD 2
October 2019
Cmdr. Andrew B. Koy ................................................................. USS Sterett DDG 104 Cmdr. CDR Neil R. Gabriel ......................................................... USS Dewey DDG 105 Cmdr. Robin N. Marling ............................................................. USS Rushmore LSD 47 Cmdr. Ryan K. Rogers .................................................................. USS Russell DDG 59
November 2019
Capt. Scott Thoroman ................................................. USS Bonhomme Richard LHD 6 Capt. John W. Kurtz .................................................................... USS Somerset LPD 25 Cmdr. Ennis Parker ...................................................................... USS Howard DDG 83 Cmdr. Rob Biggs ................................................................ USS Ralph Johnson DDG 114 Cmdr. Austin Duff ................................................................... USS Montgomery LCS 8
Please submit upcoming Change of Command information to: cnsp.webmaster@navy.mil
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