Front Cover
1
Table of Contents Commander’s Corner
3
SMWDC’s Global Operations
4-5
WTI Program Manager
6
Doctrine & Tactics (updates)
6
Buzzword Translator
7
2019 SMWDC Curriculum
8-9
Advanced Tactical Training
10 - 11
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) CSG CRUDES SWATT
12 - 13
CNO’s Visit to SMWDC HQ
14
Commander U.S. 2nd Fleet Visits SMWDC HQ
15
SMWDC Reserves
16
Advocating for Amphibious Warfare in Today’s Navy
17
Live Fire With a Purpose (LFWAP)
18
Sea Combat Division’s Year in Review
19
Maritime Warfare Working Group
20
Mine Warfare WTI Program Rolls Out
21
SMWDC Year in Review (Photos)
22 - 23 2
Commander’s Corner
The establishment of SMWDC in 2015 was a watershed moment in the Surface Fleet. It defines a cultural shift toward the deliberate development of tactical proficiency. The SMWDC team remains central to ensuring that our Surface Navy is more ready, more lethal, and more capable in an era of great power competition. I am humbled to lead such an impressive group of men and women each day, and I remain impressed with the team’s focus, drive, and dedication to the mission. From your feedback and our expanding mission, functions, and tasks, I know they make a difference to the warfighter. The SMWDC Team accomplished great things this year. They meticulously planned and executed SWATT and LFWAP exercises on both coasts, updated numerous doctrine and TTP, provided operational support in each Numbered Fleet, and drove requirements and innovation. SMWDC services remain in high demand as we continue to develop ready, capable, and lethal Surface Forces. To help increase our capacity, we continue to communicate our value to junior and senior leaders alike in order to attract top talent and resources. As we look forward to 2019, it is worth revisiting our mission objectives. To grow, we must be willing to push new initiatives, make the occasional error, and maintain humility to learn and grow. Substantive growth isn’t a shortterm event – it takes time, humility, initiative, and dedication. To accomplish this, we keep our guiding values and principles at the center of what we do. To achieve our mission, the greater team must come first, and this is embodied in SMWDC’s values reiterated below: - Ship crews and Warfare Commander Staffs are the “Center of our Universe.” The very reason we exist is to increase the lethality and proficiency of the Surface Fleet as part of our National Defense in the face of increasingly active adversaries. We can, and must, keep these warfighting teams at the center of our thoughts as we develop training, tactics, and lethality. -Teamwork and communication are critical to success. This is a WE endeavor, not an individual effort. My expectation is that vigorous and healthy growth will lead to competition of ideas, debate and the occasional disagreement. However, we will maintain humble attitudes, mission focus, and professional decorum in all of our interactions. Our work across SMWDC is a marathon and not a sprint. I know our work is challenging, but it is critically important in the context of Great Power Competition. We are charging each day to increase lethality and tactical proficiency across the Surface Fleet, and we look forward to working with you and your team soon so we Own the Fight today and tomorrow.
D. A. WELCH
3
SMWDC’s 2018 Global Countries Visited & Engaged - USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) amphibious ready group (ARG) SWATT / LFWAP - USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) carrier strike group (CSG) cruiser-destroyer (CRUDES) SWATT / LFWAP - Royal Norwegian Navy Visit - BOLD ALLIGATOR - MARITIME THEATER MISSILE DEFENSE GROUP - JUNIPER COBRA
- USS Essex (LHD 2) amphibious ready group (ARG) SWATT / LFWAP - USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) carrier strike group (CSG) cruiser-destroyer (CRUDES) SWATT / LFWAP - USS Boxer (LHD 4) amphibious ready group (ARG) SWATT / LFWAP - RIMPAC SOCAL - JMSDF Visit - ROK/USN Staff Talks - Maritime Warfare Center Forum
30 Live Fire With A Purpose (LFWAP) Events Completed
78 Ships Visited! 4
Operations Snapshot -
BALTOPS TRIDENT JUNCTURE SUBMARINE COMMANDER’S COURSE EAGER LION KEY RESOLVE ROYAL NORWEGIAN NAVY TACTICAL WORKING GROUP RESILIENT SHIELD FORMIDABLE SHIELD USS Sentry (MCM 3) SWATT
Completed Review of More than 25% of the Surface Fleet’s Major Doctrine and TTP
63 Warfare Tactics Instructors (WTIs) Earned Qualification! 5
Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) Program Manager
We recently closed out another successful year for the WTI program, and are poised for growth in 2019! With another 63 WTI graduates in 2018, we now have 276 WTI graduates – 130 IAMD, 88 ASW/SUW, and 58 AMW. We are also starting an MIW WTI program in 2019 to ensure we are covering all our SWO mission areas. If you are interested in tactics and would like to join us in making the Fleet more lethal, contact SWO_WTI@navy.mil for an application. Selection boards are held every January, March, May, July, September, and November. And if you are interested in getting started early, check out CNSF’s message, DTG 120048Z OCT 18. If you are a first tour Division Officer and are selected to the WTI program, you can detach from your ship up to five months early to support going through the WTI course en route to your second Division Officer tour. This allows you to stay on timeline with your peers, potentially providing time during your shore duty for both a Master’s degree and a WTI tour. We have been visiting ships to discuss the WTI program, but if we haven’t visited your ship yet and you would like to set up a time, also email SWO_WTI@navy.mil.
WANTED: YOUR FEEDBACK ON TTP AND DOCTRINE! Fleet feedback is a vital component of the doctrine review and validation process. The SMWDC Collaboration At Sea (CAS) page is your low-bandwidth provider of up-to-date doctrinal tactics, techniques, and procedures. The Tactical Observations and Lessons Learned (TOLL) portal is designed to give the fleet an easy path to submit feedback, and is available on the CAS page. The .SMIL web links can be found on the back cover of this newsletter. We need to hear from you! Latest doctrine updates released by SMWDC: NTRP 3-20.6.26 Vol 2 NTRP 3-20.6.26 Vol 3 NWP 3-01 TM 3-21.5-18 TM 3-21.2-18 TM 3-01.6-17 TM 3-01.1-16 NTRP 3-20.6.32 TM 3-01.8-16 TM 3-01.9-16
LCS Class Tactical Publication (OCT 2018) LCS Class Tactical Publication (OCT 2018) Fleet Air and Missile Defense (OCT 2018) Torpedo Firing Procedures (AUG 2018) ACB 11 CAS TTP (JUL 2018) Aegis BMD Core Tactics (JUL 2018) CSG Employment of NIFC-CA, FTS, INC 1 (JUL 2018) DDG 1000 Class Tactical Publication (JUL 2018) LCS 1 Variant Air Defense Core Tactics (JUL 2018) US Naval Surface Weapons Systems Employment to Counter-UAS and Low Slow Flyers (JUL 2018)
6
ADCON AMCM AMW ARG ASW/SUW BMD COCOM CNSF CNSL CNSP CPF CRUDES CSG DESRON ESG EXWDC FAC/FIAC FFC FPC FVEY IAMD IPC LFWAP LOO MCMC MCMRON MDAA MEU MIW MIWC MPC MWWG NAWDC NDS NFC NIWDC NOFORN OCE OSE OTC PBED PHIBRON REPS & SETS RRL SCC SCC SME SMWDC SWATT SWCTC TACON TAWG TTP TYCOM UWDC WDC WTI
Buzzword Translator
Administrative Control Airborne Mine Counter Measure Amphibious Warfare Amphibious Ready Group Anti-Submarine Warfare / Surface Warfare Ballistic Missile Defense Combatant Commander Commander U.S. Naval Surface Force Commander Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Commander Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander U.S. Pacific Fleet Cruiser-Destroyer Carrier Strike Group Destroyer Squadron Expeditionary Strike Group Navy Expeditionary Warfighting Development Center Fast Attack Craft / Fast Inshore Attack Craft Commander U.S. Fleet Forces Command Final Planning Conference Five Eyes Alliance Integrated Air and Missile Defense Initial Planning Conference Live Fire With a Purpose (formerly known as MSLEX) Lines of Operations Mine Countermeasures Commander Mine Countermeasure Squadron Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance Marine Expeditionary Unit Mine Warfare Mine Warfare Commander Main Planning Conference Maritime Warfare Working Group Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center National Defense Strategy Numbered Fleet Commander Naval Information Warfare Development Center No Foreign access to classified information Officer Conducting Exercise Officer Supporting Exercise Officer Tactical Control Plan, Brief, Execute, Debrief Amphibious Squadron Repetitions and Sets Relevant Ready Learning Sea Combat Commander Submarine Commander Course Subject Matter Expert Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training Surface Warfare Combat Training Continuum Tactical Control Tactical Action Working Group Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures Type Commander Undersea Warfighting Development Center Warfare Development Center Warfare Tactics Instructor
7
SMWDC Calendar Year Plans and Tactics Officer (PTO) Course Purpose: Train perspective Plans and Tactics Officer on Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare concepts, SMWDC-style PBED processes, and tactical planning. CIN/CDP: S-4N-2602/18F8 Length: 5 days Classification: Top Secret/SCI Estimated hours a week: 40 hours/week (Start Time: 0800) Convening dates in FY 19: (5) PTO 1903 PTO 1905 PTO 1907 PTO 1909
04 MAR 2019 06 MAY 2019 15 JUL 2019 23 SEP 2019
San Diego, CA San Diego, CA San Diego, CA San Diego, CA
Advanced ASW Officer (AASWO) Course Purpose: The purpose of this course is to improve Carrier Strike Group operational effectiveness by providing the means for long-term Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) subject matter expertise in the ASW mission area. These second tour division officers will provide tactical decision support to the Commanding Officer and Tactical Action Officer (TAO), train the ASW team and educate the wardroom on ASW tactics, techniques and procedures. CIN/CDP: G-2G-1112/10L4 Length: 5 weeks Classification: Secret Estimated hours a week: 40 hours/week (Start Time: 0730) Convening dates in FY 19: (4) 14 JAN 2019 06 MAY 2019 12 AUG 2019 12 NOV 2019 Senior Mine Warfare Seminar Purpose: The purpose of this course is to provide and/or validate an executive level understanding of Integrated Mine Warfare (MIW) concepts, practices and procedures for U.S. Navy Senior Officers involved with Integrated MIW Operations. CIN/CDP: G-2G-0701/07TY Length: 3 days Estimated hours a week: 40 hours/week Classification: SECRET Convening dates in FY 19: (3) 28 JAN 2019 15 APR 2019 12 AUG 2019 28 OCT 2019
8
19 Curriculum Listing Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) Inport Training Purpose: Prepare ship’s leadership and watchstanders on the most applicable tactics, techniques and procedures to successfully executed the underway training events at the sixteen day Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) CIN/CDP: None Length: 5 days Classification: Secret Estimated hours a week: 40 hours/week Multiple convening dates in FY 19. Contact SMWDC’s N3/N7 for more information and exact schedules.
Surface MCM Advanced Evaluator Course Purpose: Training Console Operator in the advanced tactics for proper execution of Mine Hunting Tactics Techniques and Procedures. CIN/CDP: S-4N-2601/18F7 Length: 20 days Estimated hours a week: 40 hours/week Classification: SECRET Convening dates in FY 19: (4) 12 MAR 2019 San Diego, CA 11 JUN 2019 San Diego, CA 17 SEP 2019 San Diego, CA
SMWDC also leads and supports many others courses / training events including: - Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) Instructor and Tactics Course (I/TC) - Air & Missile Defense Commander P-CO Cruiser Pipeline - Air & Missile Defense Commander Mobile Training Team (AMDC MTT) - IAMD Toolkit and Mission Planning - Force Air Defense Officer (FADO) Course - Integrated Air Defense Course (IADC) - Sea Combat Commander’s Course of Instruction (SCC COI) - Live Fire With a Purpose (LFWAP) New MIW WTI Program! For more information email SWO_WTI@navy.mil for an application or log on to SMWDC page at http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/nsmwdc/pages/home.aspx on the left side of the page in the Join the Fight section you will find all the requirements.
9
Advanced Tactical Training Air Missile Defense Commander (AMDC) 1. AMDC MTT provides training in Air and Missile Defense multi-ship procedures in an academic setting 2. Concepts from the Joint, Strike Group, and Unit-Level Tactics Techniques and Procedures (TTP) are instructed based on SMWDC fleet observation, lessons learned, and published doctrine 3. Designed for “Whiskey” and “Charlie” designated ships within Amphibious Readiness Groups (ARGs) and Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs), their supporting Staff personnel, and others directly involved in executing integrated air and missile defense within the maritime environment 4. 21 Hours of theory, discussions, and tabletop exercises Length: 3 days Attendees: “Whiskey” and “Charlie” designated ships’ watchstanders, interested CVW / TACRON / ACE staff, other interested IAMD participants Location: Fleet concentration area Owner: SMWDC IAMD Division N7 Notes: An ARG centric curriculum and a CSG centric curriculum exist
Force Air Defense Officer (FADO) 1. FADO provides a ship’s IAMD watchstanders with classroom instruction, tabletops, and reviews of required documents, procedures, and TTPs needed to work together as a Force Air Defense Team 2. Additionally, through a working partnership with the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS), FADO provides hands on training, practice, instructor observations, and recommendations for improvement by allowing the students to execute numerous detect-to-engage (DTE) sequences using their own combat system 3. Designed for the watch station personnel associated with executing “Whiskey” and “Charlie” duties within a specific Amphibious Readiness Groups (ARGs) and Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) 4. 14 Hours of discussions, reviews, and tabletop exercises facilitated by SMWDCIAMD instructors 5. 14 Hours of shipboard (or similar) DTE sequences facilitated by CSCS instructors Length: 4 days Attendees: “Whiskey” and “Charlie” designated ships’ watchstanders Location: Fleet concentration area Owner: SMWDC IAMD Division N7 / CSCS Notes: An ARG centric curriculum and a CSG centric curriculum exist
Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) Planned and executed by SMWDC, SWATT is a multi-ship, multi-platform, multiwarfare event focused on advanced tactical training. Serves as the bridge between the Basic Phase and Integrated phase enabling at sea training in advanced warfighting TTP. The primary objective is advanced tactical training at the unit and group levels. Mentored and coached by SMWDC WTIs and enables high-end training at later training opportunities.
10
Advanced Tactical Training Sea Combat Commander (SCC) 1. Enhance watchstanding capability of the Sea Combat Commander’s Staff to plan and coordinate employment of assigned assets in ASW and SUW operations 2. WE SINK ENEMY SHIPS! Length: 5 days Attendees: SCC Staffs Location: San Diego, CA / Exportable Owner: SMWDC SCD N7 Notes: Conducted either at SMWDC Sea Combat Division in San Diego, CA or exported to homeport of requesting command. Scheduled on as needed basis.
Ship Training for - Submarine Commander Course (SCC)
1. Training Opportunity Anti-Submarine Warfare Commander and Surface ships on the mission planning for single and multi-ship ASW. Length: Inport 2-3 days, U/W 3-5 days Attendees: DESRON Staff and 1-2 ships Location: PMRF Hawaii AUTEC Florida Owner: SUBFOR Notes: The primary purpose of this event is to training perspective commanders of submarines using the surface ships as the Opposing Force. SMWDC uses these OPFOR assets and the assigned DESRON staff to take advantage of training window.
Live Fire With a Purpose (LFWAP) The purpose of the LFWAP program is to provide an opportunity for warfighters to execute tactical employment of weapons, execute and validate the Commanding officer’s battle Orders, validate the full Detect to Engage sequence of the combat system and to test and demonstrate tactics developed by Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development center for future fleet operations. The LFWAP event must instill confidence in our warfighter that they are trained for the most realistic conditions possible, able to employ the most effective and holistic tactics possible, and exercised to a level of rigor that validates or forces needed revisions to existing Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures.
Integrated Air Defense Course (IADC) Objective: 1. Trains Navy Integrated Fire Control – Counter Air (NIFC CA) employment to Surface and Aviation personnel 2. The course consists of 1 day of academic training in IFC capabilities with a focus on integration of surface and aviation capabilities in IFC employment – followed by 4 days of scenarios using the Plan, Brief, Execute and Debrief process Length: 5 days Attendees: Surface and Aviation operators involved in the NIFC-CA mission set Location: NAS Fallon, NV Owner: SMWDC IAMD Division N7 / NAWDC - CAEWWS Notes: The course curriculum is available SEPCOR due to classification. For more information, contact SMWDC IAMD Division N7 or NAWDC - CAEWWS
11
First East Coast
Warships from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and other Norfolk-based cruiserd e s t r o y e r (CRUDES) units “This first East Coast GSG departed Naval CRUDES SWATT repreStation Norfolk for the first East Coast sents our commitment CRUDES Surface to the entirety of the Warfare A d - Surface Force.” - RDML vanced Tactical Training (SWATT) exercise Nov. 2. SWATT is the Surface Force's premier advanced tactical training exercise developed and led by Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC). SWATT provides multi-ship, multi-platform, multiwarfare area training at sea to increase combat capability, lethality, and interoperability. Staffs and units participating in the exercise are Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), USS Mason (DDG 87), USS Gravely (DDG 107), and USS Nitze (DDG 94). “The establishment of SMWDC in 2015 represented the beginning of an important cultural shift in the Surface Fleet to rapidly increase Surface Force tactical proficiency, readiness, and combat capability,” said Rear Adm. Dave Welch, commander of SMWDC. “This first East Coast CSG CRUDES SWATT represents our commitment to the entirety of the Surface Force. SWATT provides a critical path for Warfare and Strike Group commanders to develop the combat capability needed by our Numbered Fleet Commanders to compete effectively in an era of Great Power Competition.” SWATT exercises provide dedicated in port and at sea training periods particularly focused on the development of Air Defense and Sea Combat Commanders, ships, and watch teams. In particularly, SWATTs provide focused training to support naval Sea Control including integrated air and missile defense (IAMD), anti-submarine/ surface warfare (ASW/SUW), amphibious warfare (AMW), mine warfare (MIW), and information warfare (IW). “While our headquarters is located in San Diego, we have divisions on both coasts and team members in most fleet concentration areas. We are committed to increasing the combat power of naval Surface Forces, with focus on warship cohesion. It is a team-based approach to what a warship is designed to do - fight and win at sea as part of a Naval Task Group,” said Capt. Joe Cahill, SMWDC Sea Combat Division Direction and SMWDC’s Air Defense senior-mentor underway for the exercise. “I am proud of the work our SMWDC team does to have an immediate and positive impact on the combat 12 power our warships and warfare commanders bring to the Navy.”
CSG CRUDES SWATT
SWATT is designed to be a learning environment where teams receive over-the-shoulder mentoring throughout events, and where training vice certification or exit criteria are the basis of success. Senior, post major-command mentors, Warfare Tactics Instructors (WTI), and technical community experts, plan events, brief teams, and embark warships for underway to train and mentor teams. Those teams lead a formalized Plan, Brief, Execute, Debrief (PBED) process to develop the training audience during the underway. After planning and completing a training event, as part of the PBED process, mentors and WTIs leverage technical community expertise to provide rapid debrief using replay tools enabling watch teams to critically assess their own performance and improve. The most significant benefit to watch teams is they learn from the most accurate information and develop the critical thinking skills to continue learning throughout the integrated phase of training and deployment. “One of the highlights of my job,” said Lt. Cmdr. Kris Tester, an AIMD WTI and lead IAMD planner for the SWATT, “is working with and training USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) as the Air and Missile Defense Commander to harness the combat potential of the Abraham Lincoln CSG CRUDES assets and watch the Whiskey team transition that capability to combat power.” Ultimately, SWATT events provide high-fidelity system, tactics, and human performance data needed by the surface warfare community to improve combat power at and from the sea. After SWATT concludes, data recorded during the events is further extracted through a partnership between SMWDC and Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) – Corona. There the data is reviewed in a Data Analysis Working Group which analyzes system, operator, and tactics performance. The results are parsed out to appropriate entities within SMWDC and the surface warfare community to refine doctrine and tactical guidance, provide capabilities assessments, define future requirements, and to inform future training events. SMWDC has four divisions focused on MIW, AMW, IAMD, and ASW/ SUW. SMWDC is a subordinate command of Commander, Naval Surface Forces and exists to increase the lethality and tactical proficiency of Surface Force across all do13 mains.
Lethal, Capable, Ready: CNO Visits Surface Community’s Warfighting Development Center Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson visited Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) onboard Naval Base San Diego, August 22. “If you look back at the turn of the 19th century, the concept of the naval of- “We must develop ficer as continuous, lifelong learner was processes that allow us born into our culture by men like Admirals to learn, grow, think, Luce and Mahan,” said Richardson. “Fast forward to World War II and we witness how and fight faster…” then-Commodore Burke and his team used - CNO high-velocity learning to take the hardlearned lessons from the Battle of Savo Island, and turn them into victory at the Battle of Cape St. George. You all [Warfare Tactics Instructors] are the Burke’s of our Navy today. That’s a tremendous responsibility for all of you as a command, and we’re counting on you to do it.” During his visit, Richardson received an update on the command’s development along its four lines of operation since its stand up in 2015; advanced tactical training, doctrine and TTP development, operational support, and requirements, analysis, and experimentation. The briefing also included a discussion about what SMWDC is bringing to the high-end fight in collaboration with the other WDCs, and the larger Navy Enterprise. “It was an honor to host the CNO to brief him on the value that SMWDC, along with the other WDCs, is providing to our Fleet and combatant commanders,” said Welch. “We fully recognize that we are in an era of competition with our adversaries, and our command is focused on increasing lethality and tactical proficiency each day. The results are already revealing themselves across the Fleet.” Fo l lo wi n g th e SMWDC headquarters brief, Richardson received a tour and demonstration of the Naval Sea Systems Command’s (NAVSEA) PMS 339 Surface Training System’s Combined Integrated Air and Missile Defense and Anti-Submarine Warfare Trainer (CIAT). The trainer is a state of the art learning environment that provides learning opportunities not previously available ashore. “The establishment of the WDCs was a critical first step in keeping our Fleet lethality high. We must develop processes that allow us to learn, grow, think, and fight faster, and I know the WDCs play an important role in that effort,” said Richardson. “Our continued investments in people and innovation through these centers will ensure we maintain our competitive advantage against our adversaries into the future.” 14
Commander, U.S. Second Fleet visits SMWDC to discuss Warfighting, Lethality, and Readiness Commander, U.S. Second Fleet Vice Adm. Andrew L. “Woody” Lewis met with senior leaders and Warfare Tactics Instructors (WTI) at Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) headquarters to receive an update on the command’s lines of operations, and to discuss the strategic importance of the “But the truth is that real command’s mission in an era of great power leaders continue to learn, competition, Oct. 22. “There’s no such thing as a game grow, and get better.” day player,” said Lewis. “The best you’re - VADM Lewis going to do in combat is to perform at your highest level of training achieved – bottom line. If you don’t train to a high-level, you’re going to perform poorly in combat.” During the visit to SMWDC, Lewis received a briefing on SMWDC’s progress along its four lines of operation since the command’s establishment in 2015 already leading to visible cultural changes in the Fleet. Specifically, they discussed advances in watch team and Warfare Commander training through Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) exercises, the contributions of WTIs to the Fleet through training, doctrine and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) development, and the command’s operational support efforts including the command’s recent recertification as the Theater Mine Warfare Commander. In addition to leading the surface fleet’s warfighting development, Commander, SMWDC Rear Adm. Dave Welch, also serves as the Navy’s Global Mine Warfare Commander. “One of the challenges of cultural change – and we faced the same thing in the aviation community - is that there are always those senior folks around who don’t want to hear from a bunch of youngsters about how they could improve,” said Lewis. “But the truth is that real leaders continue to learn, grow, and get better.” Rear Adm. John Mustin, deputy commander of U.S. Second Fleet and deputy commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic joined Lewis on his visit. Mustin has been an ardent supporter of SMWDC since its establishment, advocating for the integration of reserve forces into SMWDC’s mission. “The results of SMWDC’s efforts are being recognized by Fleet Commanders, and the demand signal for their service is incredibly high,” said Mustin. “The establishment of SMWDC’s reserve component allows the Navy to retain the service of highly-trained, tactical experts by providing support to a critical warfighting area.” To develop a tactically astute cadre of WTIs in the Fleet, SMWDC provides recently qualified WTIs opportunities for additional practical experience through readiness production tours. During these tours, candidates provide advanced tactical training to the Fleet in a combination of classroom, synthetic, and underway training, update, write, and test doctrine and TTP, and provide direct operational support to Fleet commanders before returning to traditional career paths. “Warfare Commanders, Expeditionary Strike Group, and Carrier Strike Group Commanders receiving benefit from SMWDC’s operations aren’t limited to one coast,” said Capt. Christopher Barnes, deputy commander of SMWDC. “The demand for our services is incredibly high, and to meet demand, we’re always looking for top talent willing to take on the challenge of becoming one of the top tacticians in the Fleet. Sea Control is a huge part of owning the fight, and the young men and women we train have been, and will continue to be, a central element keeping the U.S. at the forefront of the ongoing competition for Naval superiority.” 15
SMWDC Reserves SMWDC’s mission is to increase lethality and tactical proficiency across all domains, and Reserve Sailors are on the team making significant contributions at SMWDC headquarters and it’s four divisions in California and Virginia. SMWDC's reserve enterprise, reserve units - drill location in parentheses below. SMWDC reserve units will grow to over 100 reserve Sailors, We continue to recruit AC WTIs joining the RC at separation. Most annual training (AT) will occur underway or ashore (both coasts), operating in exercise control during SWATT. -NR SMWDC Headquarters (San Diego, Calif.) -NR SMWDC Sea Combat Division (San Diego, Calif.) -NR SMWDC Mine Warfare (MIW) Division (San Diego, Calif.) -NR SMWDC Amphibious Warfare (AMW) Division (Little Creek, Va.) -NR SMWDC Integrated Air and Missile Defense Division (Dahlgren, Va.) "SMWDC has evolved into the most critical of all Surface Force training commands, helping the Surface Force - and the Navy - keep pace with changing technology and the changing threat environment. But not only for the Surface Force, our Fleet Commanders and Numbered Fleet Commanders want SMWDC - and more of it. SMWDC has become a low-density, high-demand asset." - Vice Adm. Richard Brown, commander Naval Surface Force (May 2018)
During FY18, SMWDC Reserve Enterprise supported three SWATTs - USS Essex (LHD 2) ARG SWATT, USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) CSG CRUDES SWATT, and the first East Coast ARG SWATT with USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) ARG - vital fleet experience for reserve officers and value added to the SMWDC mission. "Surface Warfare Reserve Enterprise support to SMWDC is a top priority. Getting underway with the Fleet's top senior mentors and tacticians and to play a key role in increasing the Fleet's readiness and lethality is opportunity our reserve teammates should prioritize at the top of their wish lists." - Rear Adm. John Mustin, deputy commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic and U.S. 2ND Fleet.
SMWDC's Reserve Enterprise would like to hear from you if you are interested in supporting the team. Look for NR SMWDC opportunities in CMS-ID, JOApply, and Apply, or you can contact SMWDC Reserve points of contact listed below. SMWDC Reserve Enterprise Director Capt. Jeff Jurgemeyer, Jeffrey.jurgemeyer@navy.mil SMWDC Reserve Enterprise Deputy Director - Cmdr. Mike Clavero, michael.clavero@navy.mil NR SMWDC HQ CO - Capt. Jurgemeyer, jeffrey.jurgemeyer@navy.mil NR SMWDC MIW CO - Capt. Eymann, dale.eymann@navy.mil NR SMWDC SCD CO - Cmdr. Clavero, michael.clavero@navy.mil NR SMWDC IAMD CO – Lt Cmdr. Volansky, joseph.volansky@navy.mil NR SMWDC AMW CO - Cmdr. Woodard, gretchen.woodard@navy.mil
16
Advocating for Amphibious Warfare in Today’s Navy Reflecting on amphibious warfare in a historical context, visions of Normandy and Inchon undoubtedly come to mind. However, as the capabilities of our peer and near peer competitors continue to evolve, so do the amphibious tactics of today’s Navy. Ships, connectors, weapons, and communications have advanced for not only us, but our adversaries; ensuring no guarantee every water we sail will be uncontested, or every beach we land on will be permissive. SMWDC AMW Division’s Amphibious Warfare Tactics Instructors (AMW WTIs) focus on ensuring our Navy’s amphibious force is ready to fight in a new era of maritime surface warfare. Doctrine and tactics are the cornerstone of amphibious warfare, and SMWDC’s focus and dedication to provide readable, understandable, executable, and repeatable doctrine is just one of the ways SWMDC ensures the surface community is ready to fight today. AMW Division updates, and revises the amphibious doctrinal publications, and tactics, techniques, and procedures which fall under SMWDC’s purview. AMW Division, in coordination with our Marine Corps counterparts, recently revised the Ship-to-Shore manual. This new publication ensures the latest technology and warfighting information is promulgated to the fleet to accomplish projecting power ashore and ship-to-shore movement. Continuous updates to doctrine and tactics benefits AMW WTIs - underwriting their tactical proficiency and ability to support the fleet through mentorship and tactical shipboard training events such as Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT). Ashore, mentorship and advanced training events include Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) simulators at Wallops Island, Va. AMW Division leads the AMW Warfighting Improvement Program (AMW WIP) for SMWDC. Working with tactical fleet stakeholders, AMW Division is able to identify current warfighting capability gaps and provide recommendations for material, and non-material solutions to these challenges. The AMW WIP process leads to possible acquisition and procurement, development of Concepts of Operations, fleet experimentation, and science and technology (S&T) initiatives. SMWDC AMW Division is committed to providing advanced tactical training for warfighters and increasing the lethality and tactical proficiency of the Surface Force across all domains. AMW Division is rooted in SMWDC’s four lines of operations: advanced tactical training, doctrine and tactical guidance development, operational support, capability assessments, and experimentation and future requirements. If you are interested in becoming a WTI, contact SMWDC WTI program managers directly at SWO_WTI@Navy.mil, or contact your detailer for more information.
17
Live Fire With a Purpose
In early 2016, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) was designated as the executive agent for Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet and U.S. Fleet Force’s Live Fire With a Purpose (LFWAP). Over the course of each LFWAP event, an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) led the team through the Plan, Brief, Execute, and Debrief (PBED) process including the planning, training and execution of safe live firing. This also serves as a template for real-world operational preparation. Unit level training consists of IAMD WTIs working closely with the ships to ensure watch standers become comfortable with the objectives and scenarios to ensure safe execution of each event. Typically ships run five nominal and five off-nominal scenarios to prepare them for system casualties that may occur during execution. This also serves as a final check to ensure watch teams are capable of reacting appropriately to casualties during deployment, when no trainers are present. For execution, every ship is assigned an IAMD WTI to assist with final training and coordination, doctrine verification, and system set-up questions. Final rehearsals are conducted with live aircraft to ensure the systems and watch standers are ready for execution. An important part of preparation is verifying the data collection set-up and operation as weapon and radar system data is collected with the assistance of Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) – Corona Division. This allows for a same day replay to support key event objectives during the on-site debrief. The data is then collected and provided to NSWC-Corona for further analysis. In the months following a LFWAP event, the SMWDC team and engineers from NSWC-Corona conduct a Data Analysis Work Group (DAWG) to discuss the tactical and technical nuances of each live fire event to provide an in depth debrief to the firing units, confirm current tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP's), assist in development of future TTP's, and provide feedback to the Navy acquisitions communities in support of developing future capabilities. “LFWAP is treated as the graduation event by U.S. Fleet Forces Command and U.S. Third Fleet prior to ships deploying, because it provides a tactically challenging scenario for each ship requiring watch teams to utilize ship TTPs, pre-planned responses (PPRs) and the commanding officer’s battle orders to defend themselves,” said IAMD Division Director Capt. Jim Jones. “This is not a checklist event. This is an event that stresses a watch teams understanding of their own self-defense processes while building confidence within the watch teams and with the systems that will defend our Nation down-range.” Over the last three year’s Live Fire events have become more complex with each event enhancing our fleet's weapon systems competency and efficacy. Warfighting capability has benefited from the lessons captured from each firing event. These lessons assist with updating and revising TTPs, PPRs, Commanding Officer's Battle Orders, and lead to validated formal course training curriculums. Live Fire With a Purpose is an excellent example of high velocity learning to counter today’s threat, and more importantly, prepares our ships and sailors for the real-world threat environments they will face.
18
Sea Combat Division’s 2018 Year in Review SMWDC Sea Combat Division (SCD) is the Surface Navy’s Center of Excellence for Surface and Anti-Submarine Warfare – entirely focused on enabling warships and warfare commanders as integral warships in a Naval Task Groups to fight and win at sea by investing in the expertise of our Junior Officers. SCD produces ASW/SUW Warfare Tactics Instructors (WTIs), who then write Tactics and Doctrine, train Warships and Warfare commanders in those tactics, and transition material weapons investments to the fleet. With 80 ASW/SUW WTIs spread across the Fleet, 2018 saw another year of solid, consistent, WTI growth. Showing their value at sea, the Surface Community increased ASW/SUW WTI course convenings from two to three per year, graduating 25 new ASW/SUW WTIs who transitioned immediately to critical fleet combat production tours. The school house also produced 47 ASW Officer graduates, who have been identified as key WTI candidates for the future, that are now serving on warships and Sea Combat Commander teams. 2018 Also saw the inaugural “Re-Blue” program held in May; the program brings all ASW/SUW WTIs together to receive updates on adversary and blue force capability, tactics, and new weapons transiting to the Fleet. The “Re-Blue” program is now an annual event held each May in San Diego enabling peer discussions on how to improve Naval Surface Forces’ combat power. Regarding tactics and doctrine, SCD continued to deliver ASW/SUW tactics to the Fleet. ASW/SUW WTIs wrote the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Stingray Manual, the first ever class tactical publication for the LCS. SCD WTIs consolidated more than 20 Surface Warship ASW related Naval Tactical Publications, Tactical Memorandums, and Tactical Bulletins into one Surface Warship ASW Tactics Manual. Tactics writing increased by 45% from previous years and included Naval Strike Missile and Tomahawk Maritime Strike tactics. Readable, teachable, executable, repeatable. Those four foundational words drive every Warfighting tactic and doctrine Sea Combat publishes. SCD delivered Advanced Tactical Training to the fleet - an integral element in the Navy’s Combat Power generation process. Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) events increased from three (2017) to five in 2018, and included the first ever SWATT with Amphibious Warships integrated with Marine Corp forces. The division’s WTIs trained five warfare commanders and twenty-three warships - a 66% increase from the previous year. ASW/SUW WTIs also executed tactical training missions with forward forces, training crews and providing expertise to tactical commanders conducting real world ASW and SUW operations in 5th, 6th and 7th Fleets. Ashore, SCD implemented the first community Sea Combat Commander course, training that enables warfare commanders to transition their forces’ combat potential into combat power to accomplish ASW/SUW missions as part of a Naval Task Group. Additionally, SCD conducted four Submarine Command Course (SCC) events, head to head, training pitting Destroyers with ASW/SUW WTIs against Submarines in a live ASW environment. Finally, 2018 marked an important year as SCD began to transition and continued to influence warfighting material investments in SUW and ASW. Naval Strike Missile, Maritime Strike Tomahawk, ER-VLA, more-lethal 5” ammunition, unmanned surface and air vehicles, F-35 integration and AI fusion engines. Providing capability assessments in fleet forward-operating areas, the team informed material acquisition decisions which will have dramatic warfighting impact enabling our Naval Surface Forces to not only fight and win today, but tomorrow. It’s been a busy year in 2018, but get ready for 2019….
19
Maritime Warfare Working Group Strengthens Partnerships & Capabilities Maritime leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand - the “Five Eyes” alliance - participated in the 2018 Maritime Warfare Working Group (MWWG) in San Diego, Sept. 17 – 21. The MWWG is an enduring event that improves maritime operability among partners and increases combat effectiveness. “The value of these meetings cannot be overstated,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Christopher Barnes, the deputy commander for SMWDC and lead of the U.S. Navy delegation. “It is critical that we continue to build on our relationships and sharpen our tactics through collaboration with our allies.” The five-day forum held at Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) Headquarters onboard Naval Base San Diego was a follow up to previous years’ proceedings, as well as an opportunity for the seventy-five attendees to share maritime observations, information, and events in an era of great power competition - including the maintenance of Sea Control. “History has shown coalitions that don’t have a common tactical language lose, particularly when the opposition is monolithic,” said Royal New Zealand Navy Cmdr. Jon Beadsmoore, director, Directorate of Sea Power and Warfare. “For New Zealand this forum represents essential access to a large pool of warfighting and scientific expertise that allow us to keep pace with tactical developments, in order to be ready to integrate our combat units with our partners.” The MWWG was broken into seven unique warfare-area syndicates. These syndicates (Anti-Air Warfare, Amphibious Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Aviation Warfare, Information Warfare, Mine Warfare, and Surface Warfare) each developed strategies to address this year’s theme of “Task Group Integration and Theater ASW,” which refers to the role surface combatants play when operating in task groups and within the theater ASW arena. “For the Royal Australian Navy, the MWWG is the premier tactical development and information sharing forum between the five partner nations,” said Royal Australian Navy Capt. Guy Holthouse, commander, Australian Maritime Warfare Centre. “The opportunities and professional exchanges undertaken at MWWG 18 will drive and shape the key requirement of interoperability between participating nations well into the future.” Partner nations’ Maritime Warfare Centers engagement in the working group is an important aspect and value-add to the process. For instance, SMWDC – the command hosting this year’s event – is one of the U.S. Navy’s five warfighting development centers. In this role, they oversee the effort to increase the lethality and tactical proficiency of the U.S. Navy’s Surface Fleet across all domains. Similar expertise from the allied Maritime Warfare Centers leads to vibrant and valuable group discussions. Reviewing previous years’ action items ensured each allied nation maximized the knowledge, expertise and time involved at the forum. During the conference, participants reconciled action items from previous years, and identified new action items for consideration. These actions ranged from developing and sharing a tactical memorandum, to broad reaching items such as planning participation for future at-sea exercises. Partner nations also discussed their plans to commit more of their ships to serve as escorts for U.S. carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups, the return of British aircraft carrier deployments, as well as future task group deployments of Australian amphibious platforms. 20
Mine Warfare (MIW) WTI Program Rolls Out Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) is now accepting applications for a new Mine Warfare (MIW) Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) Program. “Establishing the Mine Warfare WTI qualification will expand our cadre of surface warfighting tacticians, and also develops an administrative process for tracking the careers of officers with mine warfare expertise,” said Capt. Christopher Barnes, deputy commander, SMWDC. Maintaining open sea lines of communication in a complex operating environment is critical to our ability to maintain Sea Control in support of the National Defense Strategy. In an era of great power competition, peer and near-peer competitors confront our ability to maintain Sea Control. Mine warfare plays a critical role in the maintenance of Sea Control, and is a complex mission area supporting operations in every Numbered Fleet area of operations. As we field new technologies and systems, MIW WTIs will lead the future of Mine Warfare. The new MIW WTI program will join existing Amphibious Warfare (AMW), Anti-Submarine Warfare / Surface Warfare (ASW/SUW), and Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) WTI programs led by SMWDC. The first cohort of five MIW WTIs are expected to begin their course of instruction in July 2019. The full program consists of a 30-week syllabus. The majority of training will be conducted in Belgium at the NATO Naval Mine Warfare School. Additional training in San Diego and Norfolk will acquaint WTIs with Aviation and Underwater Mine Countermeasures (AMCM and UMCM) capabilities. MIW WTIs will also integrate and learn alongside SMWDC’s AMW Division in Little Creek, Va. to understand the linkages in planning and execution of Amphibious and Mine Warfare operations, to ensure WTIs are proficient in Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures (EXMCM) and Mine Countermeasures operations. Extensive background in mine warfare is not required to apply for the program. Although the courses taught in Belgium are taught at the department head-level, the preceding MIW Staff Officer course taught by SMWDC will provide required foundational knowledge for WTI candidates to succeed in the NATO courses. Upon qualification, MIW WTIs will provide increased capability and operational support to Combatant Commanders, Numbered Fleet Commanders, and Task Force Commanders. Similar to AMW, IAMD, and ASW/SUW WTI programs, qualified MIW WTIs will be assigned to readiness production tours where they hone and increase their tactical proficiency. MIW WTIs may be assigned to Belgium, Norfolk, San Diego, Sasebo, Yokosuka, Bahrain, or Newport. Interested in more information in one of SMWDC’s four WTI Programs? Reach out to the WTI Program Managers early and often at SWO_WTI@Navy.mil. We are also looking for high-performing enlisted and officers for a variety of key staff billets! Reach out to your details for more information. Follow SMWDC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ SMWDC to keep up with the latest news and updates from the command, including WTI application boards.
21
2018 in
22
Photographs
23
24