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Summer 2019
Contents: Lethality, Readiness, Capability 2. Commander’s Corner
11. SMWDC Headquarters
3. SMWDC Snapshot
12. Amphibious Warfare
5. BALTOPS 2019 13. Integrated Air & Mine Warfare Task Group Missile Defense 7. FDNF-J SWATT
14. Mine Warfare
8. LCS SWATT
15. Sea Combat
9. WTI Program Review
16. Reserve Enterprise
Contact:
Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center Public Affairs, N01P 4170 Norman Scott Road Bldg. 3232, Suite. 4 San Diego, Ca. 92136-5519 (619) 767-6099 SMWDC_PAO@Navy.mil Cover photo: Ships from Standing NATO Mine-Countermeasures Group (SNMCMG) 1 transit to the MCM operations area during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019. U.S. Navy photo courtesy of NATO Chief Petty Officer Brian Djurslev.
Commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center
Rear Adm. Scott Robertson Deputy Commander
Capt. James Storm Public Affairs Officer
Lt. Matthew Stroup
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
Clinton Beaird
Layout and Design
Trevor Welsh
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Commander’s Corner
I assumed the responsibilities as SMWDC Commander in May, relieving RDML Dave Welch, and we wish him all the best as he continues driving Fleet Readiness as CSG-15 Commander. I couldn’t be happier to lead the men and women that are driving a culture of excellence of warfighting readiness in the Fleet! SMWDC is comprised of active duty and reserve military personnel and civilians who work at our headquarters in San Diego or one of our four divisions in California and Virginia focused on amphibious warfare (AMW), integrated air and missile defense (IAMD), mine warfare (MIW), and anti-submarine warfare/surface warfare (ASW/SUW). Together, we are executing our mission to increase the lethality and tactical proficiency of the Surface Force. Since SMWDC was founded in 2015, the team
has accomplished many significant achievements throughout the Fleet in advanced tactical training, doctrine and tactics, techniques, and procedures development, via direct operational support, and by shaping the future through experimentation, requirements development, and capability assessment. Due to SMWDC’s successes, the demand signal has increased for our support. We are focused on building our capacity for the future. In 2016, the command completed the first pilot Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) event with the original intent to execute two SWATTs per coast per year. We completed 5 SWATTs in 2018 and are on pace to complete a total of six in 2019, not including Mine Countermeasures (MCM) SWATTs. This year SMWDC Headquarters and Division personnel led 39
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advanced training courses including the warfare tactics instructor (WTI) [IAMD, AMW, ASW/SUW], advanced ASW officer (AASWO), plans and tactics officer (PTO), senior mine warfare seminar, and surface MCM advanced evaluator courses. We are also nearing completion of the review and update of the entire Surface Warfare Doctrine and TTP library – a monumental undertaking by dedicated WTIs and civilian personnel across our divisions. The SMWDC team has been – and remains – committed to delivering a high quality product to the Fleet. We will continue to seek top talent as we move out on our mission, and I trust that midand senior-level leaders will challenge their top talent to join our team. We must be deliberate and bold in our mission in the midst of great power competition; push new initiatives, make the occasional error, and maintain humility to learn and grow. As we forge the path each day, I hope you will come alongside to ensure that we Own the Fight whenever and wherever we are called upon to do so. Armor Up!
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Summer 2019
SMWDC SMWDC directly supports the CNO’s four lines of effort: strengthen naval power at and from the sea, achieve high velocity outcomes, strengthen our Navy team for the future, and expand and strengthen our network of partners. We are a critical element of current and future Surface Fleet capability, readiness, and lethality in order to “Own the Fight.” SMWDC oversees the surface fleet’s continuum of combat training and tactical readiness, aligns with and stays attuned to the needs of Commanders, Commanding Officers, ships and staffs who operate forward.
“SMWDC’s mission is to increase the lethality and tactical proficiency of the Surface Force across all domains.”
SMWDC’s Lines of Operation are:
• Advanced Tactical Training • Doctrine and Tactical Guidance Development • Operational support to Combatant Commanders, Numbered Fleet Commanders, and Task Force Commanders • Capability assessments, experimentation, and future requirements SMWDC’s Headquarters is on Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) with four supporting divisions in California and Virginia: Sea Combat Division (NBSD/Naval Base Pt. Loma (NBPL) Harbor Drive Annex), Mine Warfare Division (NBPL Harbor Drive Annex), Integrated Air and Missile Defense Division (Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, Virginia), Amphibious Warfare Division (Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story – Little Creek, Virginia).
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Summer 2019
Mine Warfare
in the construct of BALTOPS
By Rear Adm. Scott Robertson Commander, BALTOPS 2019 Mine Warfare Task Group (CTG 162.60) Commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) Mine warfare (MIW) is a critical warfare capability that the U.S. Navy, our allies, and our partners take seriously in an era of great power competition. During Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019, the Navy’s global mine warfare battle staff — a functional team positioned within Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) seamlessly integrated a team of MIW professionals from 11-NATO nations into an effective MIW Task Group in the Baltic Sea. As Commander, U.S. Second Fleet Vice Adm. Lewis, also BALTOPS 2019 commander, said at the start of the exercise in Kiel, no one nation can do it alone. We must work together as partners and allies to maintain open sea lines of communication for freedom of navigation, for military and economic security, and regional stability. Our allies and partners lead the MIW effort globally, and we rely on them to improve our tactics, to fortify our partnerships, and to maintain a strong, forward presence.
Over the course of BALTOPS 2019, the Task Units within the MIW Task Group demonstrated remarkable expertise and resolve. Baltic Squadron (BALTRON), Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group (SNMCMG) 1, and Mine Countermeasures Division (MCMDIV) 31 each led subordinate task units within our larger team. We were honored to have members of the NATO Naval Mine Warfare Center of Excellence on hand to work with multiple teams to explore innovative ways to use existing capabilities, and begin the process of refining common doctrine and tactics, techniques, and procedures. During BALTOPS, BALTRON was comprised of Polish, Latvian, and Lithuanian naval units and was a diverse team capable of mine sweeping and mine-hunting with autonomous undersea vehicles and explosive ordnance disposal divers. BALTRON was initially established over twenty years ago to minimize mine hazards, enhance security of Baltic states’ territorial waters, and speed
the development of Baltic navies. In 1973, Standing Naval Force Channel (STANAVFORCHAN) was established under the command of NATO’s Allied Command Channel. SNMCMG 1 as it is now named, is one of four groups that comprise NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, providing forward presence in key operating areas. During BALTOPS, the task unit consisted of naval units and personnel from seven nations — Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom. The teamwork between international partners shone through the team led by MCMDIV 31 which included more than 300 personnel . Their combined effort provided the task force a mine countermeasures capability and a platform for testing new capabilities that support integrated operations among partners. The performance of the Task Units and their elements was masterful. Leaders and staffs applied the principles of mission command and rapidly began to
SNA West integrate as a critical fighting force in the exercise. Our team’s collective mine countermeasures (MCM) efforts in the exercise cleared the way, culminating in successful, multipronged landings by a large amphibious task force of allied and partner nations that highlighted the strength of the overall force led by Commander, U.S. Second Fleet. In addition to completing over 100 training exercises and evolutions, there were several significant first-time events the team undertook. First, the Dragon Whales of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28 detachment 3 used the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) and Airborne Mine Neutralization System – Archerfish (AMNSAF) for the first time in the Baltic operating environment in an effort to bring commanders expanded Airborne MCM capability. Additionally, a team of researchers from the U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research, German Naval Research (WTD 71), and staffs from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet experimented with technology never used before in the Baltic Sea. They tested Mk 18 Mod 2 unmanned undersea vehicles (UUV) using multiple, modular sensor components
that expand their capability and provided commanders flexibility and decision-making space -a decisive competitive advantage. Similarly, Expeditionary Exploitation Unit 1 (EXU 1) operated in the Baltic Sea for the first time. They are the Navy’s premiere team that provides weapons technical intelligence to support both tactical explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operators as well as to operational-level commanders. We were also excited for the opportunity to practice aerial mine laying operations with our U.S. Air Force B-52 teammates who conducted an inert aerial mining demonstration within the training area in order to increase the level of tactical proficiency for the BALTOPS 2019 MIW Task Group team. Much like real-world events, training events often result in opportunities to learn and practice skills not previously identified in the exercise construct. While completing exercise events, we identified and cleared nine WWII-era bottom mines found in the training
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area. Even after more than 75 years, unexploded ordnance can still be dangerous, and it gave our teams the opportunity to put their skills to the test. Integration as teams in multinational exercises like BALTOPS not only help us to train together, but also drive individual unit proficiency and mutual trust that allows us to be a resilient fighting force. This is the heart of why we take opportunities such as BALTOPS to train together in realistic conditions. In an era of renewed great power competition, we can and must stand ready in our profession of maritime warfare as partners and allies through continued engagements like this 47th running of BALTOPS. It is equally important that we exercise in operating areas where we need to maintain environmental awareness and tactical proficiency like the Baltic Sea. For assurance to be effective we must demonstrate, as partners and allies, that we are united, integrated, and our naval power is credible. When we do that, we own the fight.
“In an era of renewed great power competition, we can and must stand ready in our profession of maritime warfare as partners and allies through continued engagements like this 47th running of BALTOPS.”
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Summer 2019
FDNF- J SWATT
7th Fleet Ships Conduct First High-End, Advanced Training Event with SMWDC
Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) took a big step in raising the warfighting proficiency of Forward-Deployed Naval Forces - Japan (FDNF-J) with the successful completion of the first Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT). In mid-March, SMWDC brought high-end training to four surface combatants and two amphibious ships, marking the first SWATT in 7th Fleet. In an era of great power competition this training is even more invaluable to the forces most exposed to interactions with foreign navies like China and Russia. 7th Fleet’s Optimized
Fleet Response Plan-Japan (OFRP-J) force generation model, which went into effect in early 2018, keeps ships ready for planned or emergent tasking but also breaks out time for ship maintenance and training. After returning to port for a maintenance availability, the ship’s crew complete a training and certification cycle. This first SWATT laid the groundwork for future advanced tactical training exercises to be part of the OFRP-J cycle. This SWATT was highly relevant to the way 7th Fleet operates its forces. Seventh Fleet operates cruisers, destroyers and amphibious ships independently, or aggregated as part of surface
action groups (SAG), amphibious readiness groups ARG), carrier strike groups (CSG) and expeditionary strike groups (ESG). SAGs and ESGs are composed of both types of ships, so advanced tactical training of this nature provides mixed forces more opportunities to train together and also focus on surface warfare commonalities across the force. The training included guided-missile destroyers USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) and USS McCampbell (DDG 85); guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20).
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or the first time in the littoral combat ship’s class history, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) conducted Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area or operation (AOR). The training provided the Blue crew of the Independence-class USS Montgomery (LCS 8) advanced-level training to increase their tactical proficiency, lethality, and interoperability. “SWATT is the culmination of a phased training approach which prepares our ships and our Sailors to win the fight,” said Capt. Matthew McGonigle, commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1. “The Montgomery crew demonstrated that they are ready,
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LCS SWATT
High-Speed, Mission-Focused Surface Combatant Completes Advanced Training capable and committed to meet the mission the Navy and our nation requires of them.” Montgomery Blue conducted several training exercises during the multi-day training event, including anti-submarine, surface, and air warfare. Complex livefire events included torpedo countermeasure exercises and gunnery exercises. “The team honed their skills during the exercise, and without a doubt, enhanced their watchstander proficiency,” said Cmdr. Edward A. Rosso, Montgomery’s commanding officer. “The SWMDC Warfare Tactics Instructors (WTI) provided excellent training, and we are more ready than ever to answer our nation’s call.” SMWDC mentors, WTIs, and technical community experts planned the events, briefed shipboard teams, and
embarked to train and mentor watch teams throughout the duration of the training. The Evolutions used a formalized plan, brief, execute, debrief (PBED) process. LCS vessels are highspeed, agile, shallow draft, mission-focused surface combatants designed for operations in the littoral environment, yet fully capable of open ocean operations. As part of the surface fleet, LCS has the ability to counter and outpace evolving threats independently or within a network of surface combatants. Paired with advanced sonar and mine hunting capabilities, LCS provides a major contribution, as well as a more diverse set of options to commanders, across the spectrum of operations.
Warfare Tactics In
Summer 2019
Warfare Tactics Instructors (WTI) are a direct investment in our and tomorrow in an era of great power competition. The investmen through the completion of myriad advanced tactical training cou refreshed doctrine and TTP that are increasing Fleet lethality.
Commanding officer identification of intellectually-curious top talent within their crews - and in their mentorship networks - are a critical element of the WTI program’s success.
The demand signal remains high for WTIs throughout the Fleet, and more qualified applicants are needed to meet it.
First tour division officers are eligible for two unique WTI program on ramps.
WTIs Numbers by the
307
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WTIs on have
Total WTI inventory: 64 AMW, 105 ASW/SUW, 138 IAMD. 28 currently in training with first MIW class starting in August.
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Cale ter IAMD
Commanding officers and executive officers of warships. CO 3, and 1 more scheduled. XO – 11 currently in job, 4 in pipeline.
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ender year 2019 first and second quarWTI graduates. 13 AMW, 30 ASW/SUW, 18 D, 1st MIW class starts in August 2019.
rcentage of warships with WTIs on board. on CGs, 31 on DDGs, 3 in LCS crews, 3 LHDs 4 on LPDs and 4 on LSDs.
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CULTURAL SHIFT
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WTIs are surface warfare officers who receive advanced training as instructors and tactical expertise in one of four warfighting areas – Anti-Submarine/Surface Warfare (ASW/SUW), Amphibious Warfare (AMW), Integrated Air & Missile Defense (IAMD), or Mine Warfare (MIW). WTIs are the center of gravity that drive each of Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center’s (SMWDC) lines of operation, which positively impact each Numbered Fleet Command area of responsibility. WTIs in production tours lead and support planning and execution of advanced tactical training exercises at sea and ashore, as well as write and validate TTP that directly increase Fleet-wide readiness and lethality.
OUTREACH & CONTACT
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Email SWO_WTI@Navy.mil to schedule a Fleet Outreach visit from a senior mentor and WTIs of all types today!
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Summer 2019
SMWDC HQ
Tactical excellence by design
Front Office
N00D Deputy Commander - Executes and implements the policies and directives of the commander in conformance with the policies, plans, and intentions of the commander. N00ED Executive Director - Provides the senior civilian perspective and continuity of leadership to the workforce and broad strategic planning and execution, advising, investment and information development of programs and policy. N00EA Flag Executive Assistant - Serves as the interface between SMWDC staff and the commander/deputy commander and facilitates the Commander’s itinerary. N002 Flag Secretary - Serves as administration expert for fitness reports (FITREPS), Flag correspondence, and facilitates the Deputy Commander’s itinerary. N00A Flag Aide - Facilitate scheduling office calls of visiting dignitaries, military leaders, and coordinates official travel arrangements for and accompanies the Commander during official travel. N00J Judge Advocate - Provides ethics guidance and solutions to legal issues involving military operations, organization, and personnel, wherever and whenever such solutions are required. N00PA Public Affairs Officer - Leads all public communication planning and synchronization efforts across Divisions, headquarters staff, in alignment with higher headquarters and DoD, and coordinates engagements in public affairs, communication strategies, press and digital media operations. N00W Flag Writer - Supports the Commander, Deputy Commander, Flag Executive Assistant and Flag Secretary by drafting correspondence, fitness reports and awards, and itinerary coordination.
Headquarters Branch Heads
N1/N4 Corporate Operations - Leads all workforce matters relating to military (active duty and reserve), civilian, and contractor personnel employed throughout SMWDC Divisions and headquarters, and manages all financial and material logistic requirements. N2 Intelligence - Provides dominant information advantage to the SMWDC commander, divisions and headquarters staff, allowing SMWDC to anticipate, deter and, if required, defeat threats. N3/N7 Operations, Training and Assessment - Provides advice, recommendations and facilitates planning and execution of SMWDC Lines of Operations, current and future operations to include deliberate planning, WTI recruitment, exercises, and the Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) Program. N5 Tactics Development - Manages the Surface Force doctrinal review program and conducts combat Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) development and validation in concert with other Warfighting Development Centers and fleet assets. Utilizes WTI community to aid in the rapid development, validation, and publication of tactical guidance for the surface force to mitigate capacity and capability gaps identified in SMWDC Capability Area Assessments, and the Warfare Improvement Program. N6 Networks, Communications and Simulation - Coordinates with the DOD and Navy chief information officer to develop and implement information technology and cyber security policy, guidance and programs; coordinates DOD/Navy enterprise issues and innovation. N8/N9 Gaps and Requirements Analysis and Experimentation - Conducts training and tactical level warfighting effectiveness assessments which help identify gaps, strengths, and provide fleet input to higher echelons, and supports experimentation efforts with new systems and Navy Budget requirements development efforts.
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Amphibious Warfare Division
Advances Doctrine and Tactics; Puts Them into Practice
Amphibious Warfare (AMW) is dynamic and complex. Changing technology and updates to amphibious assets coupled with the emergence of peer competitors demands a review of how amphibious warriors do business. The purposeful and integrated preparation of our forces to plan and execute missions on a joint and coalition level has never been more essential to success in Amphibious Warfare. SMWDC AMW Division has taken the charge through doctrine and tactics to ensure the Amphibious Fleet remains ready and relevant to today’s fight. AMW Division produces the Fleet’s AMW Warfare Tactics Instructors (WTI). Spearheaded by AMW WTI’s, the curriculum underwent significant changes to align with updated doctrine and tactics, and ensure graduates are the most prepared to support SMWDC’s lines of operations (LOOs) and significantly increase warfighting readiness and lethality. The changes which include a refined Battle Problem with integrated wargaming, as well as more complex Ship’s Self Defense System (SSDS) training; took effect during the 19-1 course of instruction (COI) which graduated six
new AMW WTI’s in April 2019. Operationally, AMW Division supported the first codified AMW Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) Course of Instruction (COI) for the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which included instruction on topics such as battlespace design, OPTASK AMPHIB and PCS intentions message writing, and system overviews for Amphibious Assault Direction System (AADS) and Joint Mission Planning System-Expeditionary (JMPS-E). SMWDC AMW Division’s N8/9 shop produced the first AMW Capability Area Assessment, which evaluated the new concepts of expeditionary advanced base operations (EABO), distributed maritime operations (DMO), and littoral operations in a contested environment (LOCE) against today’s amphibious capability. Tied to feedback from the numbered Fleet Commanders, the Capability Area Assessment highlighted where the Navy meets the mark as an amphibious force, and where it can improve. In concert with our Marine Corps counterparts, AMW Division completed the second Warfare Im-
provement Program (WIP) cycle, which identified new capabilities to enhance the relevancy and lethality of the amphibious force with a view toward major combat operations. Additionally, after a thorough doctrinal review, AMW division in coordination with various fleet end-users and Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC), promulgated the 2018 version of the Ship-to-Shore Manual, which includes current technologies and tactics utilized while projecting combat power ashore. This much-needed update provides the Commander, Amphibious Task Force (CATF) and Commander, Landing Force (CLF) along with their ships and staffs pertinent guidance while conducting both surface and air movement ashore.
Contact:
Amphibious Warfare (AMW) Division 2200 Amphibious Drive Bldg. 112 Virginia Beach, VA 23459 (757) 462-1375
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Summer 2019
IAMD Re-Blue
Surface Fleet WTIs Prepare for Great Power Competition
Thirty-six Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Warfare Tactics Instructors (WTIs) participated in the third annual IAMD WTI Re-Blue hosted by Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center’s (SMWDC) IAMD Division onboard Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, Va., May 20 to May 24. WTI Re-Blue events bring WTIs, technical experts, and senior mentors together to sharpen warfighting skills with the most up-to-date fleet knowledge and skills needed to outpace strategic competitors. Re-Blue events are also conducted for Amphibious Warfare (AMW) and Anti-Submarine Warfare / Surface Warfare (ASW/ SUW) WTIs. “We are in an era of great power competition, and the Re-Blue provides the opportunity for WTIs to have candid discussions about lethality, tactics and current technologies” said Lt. Cmdr. Chris Kennedy, prospective executive officer of USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62). “WTIs are now serving in command at sea and it remains important that we take time to train to ensure we are ready to lead our crews properly in order to execute the commander’s intent.”
The Re-Blue is also a beneficial networking event which helps develop lasting and meaningful relationships within the WTI cadre. The WTI culture is a key component of the program that supports future tactical development in the Fleet and the transition of readiness into lethality. “I am very pleased that this year our ReBlue featured a number of in-depth presentations by IAMD WTIs serving in production tours from all the fleet concentration areas” said Lt. Cmdr. Eric Duffield, IAMD WTI program manager. “Topics included evolving challenges to precision navigation and timing, improved waterfront training for SPY radar operators, and data collection efforts to better understand the impact of radar clutter on our combat systems.” WTIs in attendance also invested time to learn about updates to Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) and Live Fire with a Purpose (LFWAP) exercises to better prepare themselves for the support they provide to SMWDC to plan, lead, and execute advanced tactical training events in production tours.
“The Re-Blue of the IAMD WTI cadre is crucial to ensuring our understanding of new and developing tactics, techniques and procedures, especially as the capabilities of our adversaries continue to evolve” said Lt. Kathryn Thomas, an IAMD WTI assigned to Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC). Thomas qualified as an expert IAMD WTI at SMWDC, and as a Hawkeye Weapons Tactics Instructor at NAWDC where she is completing a production tour onboard Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada
Contact:
Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Division 5280 4th Street Suite 162 Dahlgren, VA 22448 (540) 653-9910
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Mine Warfare Division The Navy’s MIW Battle Staff
Mine Warfare (MIW) Division Battle Staff leads MIW operations in all Numbered Fleet Commanders (NFC) and Joint Force Maritime Component Commands as the Navy’s MIW Task Force Commander to prepare and assess MIW forces in full spectrum MIW at the individual, unit, integrated and operational levels. Optimize current forces and develop / test the next generation of units and systems. Advanced Tactical Training - Conducted annual mine countermeasure (MCM) squadron (MCMRON) integrated mine countermeasures (IMC) staff training and certification of MCMRON 3 / MCMRON 7. - Facilitated multiple courses (MIW Advanced Evaluator, MCM prospective commanding officer (PCO), and senior mine warfare seminars (SMS). - Conducted first MIW staff officer course Pilot in support of the MIW WTI Curriculum and MIW staffs. - Conducted Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training aboard USS Devastator, USS Ardent, and USS Pioneer. - Implemented MIW WTI Program with the first five selected candidates. Doctrine and Tactical Guidance Development - Participated in the 36th annual Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN)-US MIW Staff Talks with ROKN Flotilla (FLOT) 5, and conducted engagement with FLOT 5, MCMRON 3, and U.S. Naval Forces Korea (USNFK). - Participated in C7F/C3F Commander’s Training Symposium (CTS). - Supported the preparation of MIW operational plans (OPLANs), orders, directives, and studies through cross commander task force (CTF) coordination. Operational Support - Exercised the MIW Commander (MIWC) Battle Staff with MIW liaison naval officers in support of major Fleet exercises globally as Theater MIWC. - Participated in Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR) Logistics War Game. - Coordinated with intelligence community, Joint Intelligence Operations Center, NFCs, and Theater Intel staffs to produce MIW threat assessments, intelligence analytic support, and maintain regional intelligence preparation of the operational environment (IPOE). - Supports operational and minefield planning, working with key partners to drive information requirements and foreign military acquisition, and prioritized information requirements in support of NFCs and MIW Triad. Capability Assessments, Experimentation and Requirements Support - Leads and executes the MIW improvement program (MIWIP) process and recommends alignment of fleet, program office, and resource sponsor initiatives to ensure resources match warfighter requirements. - Developed, led and maintained interagency underwater port asMine Warfare (MIW) sessments for priority ports in support of Maritime Homeland Defense. Division - Supported the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) office of warfare 3244 Echo Lane Suite 100 integration (N9I) / Fleet Forces Command (USFF) integration and San Diego, CA 92147 interoperability program and conducted kill chain analysis to identi(619) 524-5225 fy and recommend solutions to critical capability gaps. - Conducted annual assessments of OPLANs and contingency plans (CONPLAN) and drafted annual State of MIW report to CNO / USFF / CPF. - Coordinated, planned, and executed tactically relevant MIW readiness and effectiveness measuring (MIREM) event, collected and analyzed data to measure performance and proficiency of MIW systems, sensors, and personnel.
Contact:
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Summer 2019
Sea Combat Division
raising the bar in support of SMWDC Lines of Operation
SMWDC Sea Combat Division (SCD) had unprecedented productivity in 2019. Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) (N3) Department planned, coordinated and embarked Warfare Tactics Instructors (WTI) on multiple exercises this year including Ship Anti-Submarine Warfare Readiness / Effectiveness Measuring (SHAREM) 196 and 197, Submarine Commander’s Course (SCC) 59 and 60; Forward-Deployed Naval Forces - Japan (FDNF-J), USS Montgomery Blue Crew, USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) SWATTs. SCD also supported Exercise Black Widow, Northern Edge and USS Harry S. Truman sustainment exercise (SUSTEX). As of June, the Tactics Development (N5) Department published the Naval Strike Missile, Maritime Targeting Capability and SM-2/SM-6 Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW) Tactical Memos (TACMEMO). N5 assembled warfighters from SMWDC Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) and Amphibious Warfare (AMW) Divisions, Naval Air Warfare Development
Center (NAWDC), Undersea Warfare Development Center (UWDC), Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School (MPRWS) and many others to contribute to these publications. Consequently, our warfighters possess the tools necessary to execute these tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)-increasing their lethality on station. SCD’s ASW/SUW Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) School (N7) Department has maintained their reputation of providing great training. Class 0819 graduated in April, adding 17 new WTIs to the Fleet. ASW/ SUW WTIs congregated to the annual Re-Blue to receive tactical updates and lectures from Fleet industry companies. Finally, The Requirements/Gap Analysis/Experimentation (N8) Department brought SUW experts from the Fleet, acquisition, and Science and Technology communities together to examine SUW gaps at the annual Surface Warfare - Warfare Improvement Program (SUWIP). N8 continued its work with the director of Surface Warfare (OPNAV N96), SMWDC HQ, IAMD Division and a host of other subject matter experts with the Navy’s concepts of
employment (CONEMPS) working group, identifying future gaps and solutions, ultimately assisting OPNAV with procurement decisions. SCD’s accomplishments in 2019 continue to translate to increased lethality in the Fleet. N3 department continues providing realistic, measurable training through their thorough mission planning and use of the Plan, Brief, Execute, Debrief (PBED) cycle. N5 continuously develops TTPs to supply our warfighters with the references they need to execute forward. N7 continues producing credible, approachable, and humble instructors through their challenging and rewarding COIs. Finally, N8 continues peering into the future to ensure our Navy remains the world’s greatest. Sink enemy ships!
Contact:
Sea Combat (SCD) Division 4170 Norman Scott Road Bldg. 3232, Suite. 4 San Diego, Ca. 92136 (619) 556-4696
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SMWDC Reserve Enterprise Supporting Advanced Tactical Training, Integrating with Active Duty Divisions
In 2019, the SMWDC Reserve Enterprise accomplished several key milestones. In its second year, it has continued to provide a high level of support to advanced tactical training events and made great strides integrating with the active duty SMWDC divisions. The SMWDC Reserve Enterprise was able to recruit top-tier talent, including Warfare Tactics Instructors (WTI) leaving active duty. A robust recruiting program is being developed to increase the Navy’s return on investment and ensure highly skilled WTIs are employed across the Navy Reserve. The aim is to facilitate the transition and partner with WTIs to find a reserve unit that best matches their situation. Eight WTIs have affiliated to a variety of Navy reserve units. The SMWDC Reserve Enterprise accomplished a significant achievement with the qualification of the first reserve surface warfare officer (SWO) as a WTI in April 2019. Lt. Cmdr. Tim Cushanick completed the Anti-Submarine/Surface Warfare (ASW/SUW) WTI course of instruction. Add-
ing to this, a second Reserve SWO, Lt. Cmdr. Nicholas Macola, is approved to attend the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) WTI later in 2019. This year, the SMWDC Reserve Enterprise continued its focused effort to support advanced tactical training. Reserve officers and sailors participated in the first Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) for Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Japan (FDNF-J). Capitalizing on earlier lessons learned and continuing to refine their roles and responsibilities, reserve component (RC) members will support three additional SWATTs this summer. One key milestone occurred this July, Lt. Cesar Mize, a RC SWO supporting Navy Reserve Sea Combat Division (SCD), will be the first RC WTI to participate in a SWATT. While SWATT events have been the primary focus of the SMWDC Reserve Enterprise, they provide diverse support along SMWDC’s four lines of operation. Reserve officers and Sailors of Mine Warfare (MIW) Division continue to serve as a key element of the global MIW Battle
Staff, enabling SMWDC’s surge capability as required to meet a threat. Additionally, the Reserve SCD supported the 2019 Surface Warfare Improvement Program (SUWIP) Symposium and quarterly Submarine Command Courses at sea and ashore. To execute a high level of support for SWATT events, the SMWDC Reserve Enterprise relies on officers and Sailors from units outside of the SMWDC community. Their participation has been invaluable and showcases RC capabilities and a push towards lethality; they will continue to play an integral part. If interested is joining the reserve cadre, email SMWDC_Reserve@navy.mil.
Contact:
Sea Combat (SCD) Division 4170 Norman Scott Road Bldg. 3232, Suite. 4 San Diego, Ca. 92136 (619) 556-4696
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Summer 2019
SNA West 18