6
Di Th Le str is Iss Su t i ue mm ha bu : it lit te 20 y d 1
Surface Warfare
Also Inside:
Admiral Swift’s
Surface Action Group All Hands Call
The
And:
Galloping Ghost of the Java Coast
Russell Egnor Navy Media Award Winner
Summer 2016 Issue 51
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
Surface Warfare Magazine Staff
Commander, Naval Surface Forces
Vice Adm. Tom Rowden
Public Affairs Officer Cmdr. John Perkins
Man. Train. Equip.
Editorial Advisor Lt. Rebecca Haggard
Authorization
Surface Warfare Magazine 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. Surface Warfare (USPS 104-170) (ISSN 0145-1073) is published by the Department of the Navy, Director, Surface Warfare (OPNAV N861M), 2000 Navy Pentagon, Room 5B453 Washington, D.C. 20350. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C., and additional mailing offices. Cover: Sailors from USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) launch the ship's rigid-hull inflatable boat during a personnel transfer with USS Stockdale (DDG 106). Photo by MC2 Ryan Batchelder
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.
Contributions and Feedback Welcome Send articles, photographs (min. 300 dpi electronic) and feedback to: surface_warfare_maga@navy.mil
Executive Editor MCCS Michael Mitchell
Managing Editor MC1 Trevor Welsh
Layout and Design MC2 Phil Ladouceur Mr. Nicholas Groesch
Contact:
Surface Warfare Magazine Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs Office, N01P 2841 Rendova Road San Diego, CA 92155 Phone: (619) 437-2735
WWW.PUBLIC.NAVY.MIL/SURFOR
Contents
If it Floats, it Fights.
2 • Commander's Corner Featured Article 4 • Distributed Lethality Summit 2016: Innovative Thinking to Enable Sea Control and Power Projection Personnel Readiness 10 • Upgrade to Navy COOL Mobile App Includes Advancement Bibliographies 11 • Collocation Updates: 5 Things You Need to Know 12 • Fleet CPO Training Team Keeps Leaders on Course 14 • Makin Island Hosts DIVO Classes Combat Readiness 16 • Technology Aids Mine Hunting During Exercise 17 • Adm. Swift’s Surface Action Group All Hands Call 20 • This is the TAO 22 • US, Japan Complete Annual Bilateral Training Exercise Multi Sail 2016
Material Readiness 26 • Establishing Criticality Codes for Maintenance 29 • John P Murtha First Ship to Successfully Test New Amplifier Afloat 30 • Naval Surface Warfare Center Conducts Live-Fire Testing to Assesses Vulnerabilities of Ship to Shore Connector 32 • USS Lake Champlain Conducts Light-Off Test of Periscope Detection and Discrimination Capability Heritage & Recognition 34 • Last Days of USS Houston: The Galloping Ghost of the Java Coast 38 • USS Chung-Hoon Sailors Remember USS Sigsbee Blogging From the Fleet 39 • Best of Both Worlds: WTI & NPS 40 • Command Changes
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
Commander's Corner
T
he summer season has just begun and many of you will take the opportunity to spend time with your families while the kids are on break from school. Enjoy these moments—you’ve all earned them. The love of our families and the stability they bring to our lives is irreplaceable, and we simply cannot thank them enough for the sacrifices they make. In what has been an extraordinarily busy – and game-changing – spring for the Surface Force, we capped off the third week of May with our inaugural “Distributed Lethality (DL) Summit” held in San Diego at the SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific facility at Point Loma. We picked this venue because it could accommodate the large crowd we anticipated, and it allowed us to engage in discussion with each other in a classified environment. It was at the classified level, the level at which we plan and fight, that allowed the fleet to really see the benefit of the work we’ve done these past 18 months. And the fleet was there to receive the message! More than 150 Sailors of all ranks, and civilians, came from Navy fleet concentration
COMMANDER'S CORNER
Editorial by
Vice Adm. Tom Rowden Commander, Naval Surface Force
area, including Japan, Hawaii, Mayport, Norfolk, San Diego, and Washington D.C. to be part of this inaugural event. The DL Task Force kicked off the two-day summit with an update on how DL is changing, and being changed, by the “Four T’s”— tactics, talent, training and tools. The tools and tactics discussions were deeply enhanced by increasing the classification level, with topics as diverse as emerging command and control (C2) architectures, the use of organic medium altitude, long endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), advanced tactics for the Standard Missile-6 and Tomahawk-Maritime missiles, and exciting upgrades in electronic maneuver warfare (EMW) systems and tactics. Naval intelligence officers from SABER, SPEAR, SWORD, and SPECTRUM updated us with threat assessments across the main warfighting domains (surface, air, subsurface, and Electronic Warfare/ Cyber/Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and
Reconnaissance). The briefs were scenario-based and presented the audience with not only a superb understanding of the threats, but also how those threats would operate, what their likely objectives would be, and how they would seek to obtain those objectives. After two-days of interactive lectures, the DL Summit then headed to the Naval Amphibious Base in Coronado, where the folks at Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific provided the venue for two days of table-top wargaming facilitated by experts from the Naval War College. For many of the junior warfighters, it was their first opportunity to participate in formal war-gaming, a mode of analysis that most surface warfare officers will participate in throughout our careers and something we will all be doing more of in the future. The games were also held at the classified level, challenging young warfighters with realistic scenarios, against realistic opponents, in realistic environments. Three groups, two surface action
groups and one up-armored expeditionary strike group, applied what they learned in the previous two days to execute a future-based warfighting scenario. The wargame included access to advanced weapons and sensors appropriate to the future so the participants could gain a first-hand appreciation for the degree to which increasing the lethality of the surface force and using its ability to operate it in a more distributed and innovative fashion, can change the calculus of our adversaries. Our plan is to hold DL Summits annually in San Diego, with attendees taking what they learned back to their respective Fleet Concentration Areas. We are once again investing in the future of our profession, a profession that is refocusing on offensive capability. I am energized and inspired by the discussions I have with you as I move about the fleet. My staff and I are dedicated to getting you the tactics, talent, training, and tools you need to win at sea, and I am so proud to serve in this Navy with you. Be well, and sail strong! * 3
Di s Le tr th ib al ut it ed y
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
USS Stockdale (DDG 106) Photo by MC3 Andre Richard 4
Summit 2016 FEATURED ARTICLE
Innovative thinking to enable sea control and power projection Story from Distributed Lethality Task Force
T
he Naval Surface Forces Distributed Lethality (DL) Task Force concluded its inaugural Distributed Lethality Summit May 27 in San Diego. The summit provided an interactive forum for Surface Warriors to mature the concept of DL, showcasing advancements and innovations in sea control and power projection that the surface community is implement over the coming years. The summit kicked off on May 23 with more than 150 attendees from around the fleet and included participants from Hawaii, Japan, Mayport, Norfolk, and San Diego. Presentations were given in a “TED Talks� format, where speaker and audience could interact with one another and share ideas and experiences. Continued on next page
5
Di Le s t r th ib a l ut it ed y
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
Continued from previous page
The feature presentation on opening day of the summit was a panel discussion on “Tomorrow’s Surface Navy: Sea Control and Power Projection & Distributed Lethality’s Place.” Moderated by retired Navy Capt. Bill Parker, panel members and naval icons Wayne Hughes, Naval PostGraduate School, Barney Rubel, Naval War College, and Bryan McGrath, The FerryBridge Group LLC and Hudson Institute’s Center for American Seapower, expressed their opinions and debated the future of the Surface Navy. "There is something palpable in the air in Surface Warfare,” observed McGrath during the discussion, “a renewed dedication to the profession of arms and to becoming better tacticians.” “The threat isn't standing still, and it is great to see Junior Officers leaning forward and talking about going on the offensive, imposing sea control, and projecting power in a contested environment," McGrath said. Day Two’s morning session featured talks on threat trends, wargaming, analytics, operational prototyping and what the Surface community is calling the “Four Ts” -- Tactics, Talent, Training and Tools. The afternoon session focused on the core operational lines of effort in Distributed Lethality: Deceive, Target, Destroy, Communications and Networks, and Distributed Agile Logistics. Continued on page 8
USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) Photo by MC3 Jonathan Jiang 6
FEATURED ARTICLE
Naval Surface Forces Forward.
Operating forward, Naval Surface Warships execute military diplomacy, across a wide geography, building greater transparency, reducing the risk of miscalculation or conflict, and promoting a shared maritime environment.
Visible.
A persistent visible presence, Naval Surface Warships assure allies and partners and promote global stability by deterring actions against U.S. interests.
Ready.
Providing credible combat power, Naval Surface Warships are ready to respond when called upon in times of crisis providing operational commanders options to control increased ocean areas and hold potential adversaries at risk, at range, whether at sea or ashore.
7
Di Le s t r th ib a l ut it ed y
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
USS Chafee (DDG 90) Photo by MCC John M. Hageman
A highlight of these sessions included an update from the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center on the latest in advanced tactics for the Standard Missile VI and Tomahawk-Maritime missile as well as prototype unmanned systems that will begin operating in the fleet next year. Additional discussions included the ongoing advancements in cyber warfare and cyber hardening, as well as a look at the future of communications and networks. Following the two-day summit, the event transitioned to a wargame scenario facilitated by the Naval War College. Using the DL operational concept, teams were divided into three maritime action groups; two surface action groups and one up-armored expeditionary strike group. A challenging operational problem was presented to the teams, requiring them to apply what they had learned of DL over the first two days of the summit. All three teams showed the conventional deterrent value DL provides as well as the cost imposing nature of the concept. As the three teams changed how they thought about the problem and applied lethal effects of DL in a combined arms environment, it forced their adversary to its change posture and choose not to escalate the conflict. This inaugural professional warfighting summit reflected the Surface Navy’s renewed emphasis on sea control and the value our forces provide the nation. 8
Continued from page 6
"The summit really showed the excitement that the distributed lethality concept has generated within the surface community and we are already thinking about next year’s event,” said Capt. Joe Cahill, then director of the DL Task Force. “This excitement coupled with the investments in offensive weapons that we will be able to deliver from our warships marks a true return to sea control across our force." While the operational concept of DL was born in the Surface community, it has gained self-sustaining momentum across the force. As the concept continues to mature it will enable forward, visible and ready combined forces to fight and win when needed. The DL Summit is planned to be a yearly event held in San Diego. *
USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) Photo by MCSN Matthew Riggs
PERSONNEL READINESS
Man. Train. Equip.
SOUTH CHINA SEA – (April 27, 2016) - Sailors aboard the guidedmissile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) handle the phone-anddistance line during a replenishment-atsea. Providing a ready force supporting security and stability in the Indo-AsiaPacific, Chung-Hoon is operating as part of the John C. Stennis Strike Group and Great Green Fleet on a regularly scheduled 7th Fleet deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marcus L. Stanley/Released) 9
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
Photo by Ensign James A. Griffin
Upgrade to Navy COOL Mobile App Includes Advancement BIBs
T
he Navy Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) app for mobile devices received a significant upgrade April 28 with the addition of advancement exam bibliographies (BIBs). Added to the Navy COOL website last month, BIBs allow Sailors, including the Reserve force, who are preparing for advancement examinations to access their references without the need for a common access card (CAC). The direct links to the Navy COOL website BIBs enhance the functionality of the COOL app for mobile devices. “Adding the BIBS to the Navy COOL CAC-free website was a major win for the Sailor,” said Command Master Chief James Berhalter, Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC) command master chief. “Adding that same tool to the Navy COOL app makes it even more convenient, with the ability for active-duty and Reserve Sailors to prepare for advancement exams virtually anywhere.” According to Keith Boring, Navy COOL program manager, adding BIBs to the app is a major accomplishment, but is just one of the upgrades. “Many of the documents in the app have been 10
Story by
Ed Barker Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center Public Affairs
compressed, making downloading it easier,” said Boring. “We’ve also added supporting files for the Learning and Development Roadmaps, Rating Information Cards and Joint Service Transcript files. App users should see noticeable improvements after downloading the update.” The Navy COOL app is a bring-your-own device tool designed to work on personal devices outside of the NMCI domain. To find the free Navy COOL app, search “Navy COOL” in app stores or in your web browser. To update the existing Navy COOL app on your mobile device (if you haven’t received a notification), check the page in the device store. There will be an upgrade option you can choose to download the update. The Navy COOL office is located at the Center for Information Dominance (CID) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Corry Station, Florida, is the Navy’s learning center that delivers information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services, enabling optimal performance of information warfare across the full spectrum of military operations. NETPDC, located on board NAS Pensacola Saufley Field, Florida, provides products and services that enable and enhance education, training, career development, and personnel advancement throughout the Navy. Primary elements of the command include the Voluntary Education Department, the Navy Advancement Center, and the Resources Management Department. *
PERSONNEL READINESS
Photo by MC3 Brian Jeffries
1.
5
2.
3.
From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs
In an effort to improve support for dual military families, Navy Personnel Command updated the current collocation policy. These changes are reflected in the new MILPERSMAN 1300-1000, which was released on March 12. Here is what you need to know:
Collocation Updates Things You
Need to Know
Existing policies were primed for review and update. The Navy realizes how important families are, and when they’re not whole it can add stress to a Sailor’s life. Collocation of dual-military couples is part of supporting families. It is a priority, along with balancing fleet readiness. The revised policy updates the collocation and distribution procedures and makes orders negotiation less cumbersome. Changes are being made to existing personnel information technology (IT) systems. Adjustments to personnel IT systems will better identify dual-military families, providing detailers a better means to coordinate collocation during Sailors’ orders negotiation window.
4.
To keep the system working properly, the Navy requires Sailors to keep their records updated, especially if there is a change in marital status. For more information, visit http://www.npc.navy.mil and read MILPERSMAN 1300-1000.
Instead of opting in, the Sailor can decide to opt out. In the past, a Sailor had to request collocation during each orders negotiation. Now Sailors will submit a one-time request that will remain in effect until the Sailor tells their detailer otherwise. If a Sailor chooses not to be collocated, they contact their detailer and negotiate appropriate orders.
A flag officer review is required when detailers can’t collocate dual-military families. To ensure Navy Personnel Command has done everything possible to accommodate dual-military collocation, the Assistant Commander, Navy Personnel Command for Distribution will review instances where the Navy cannot support collocation for any reason other than when a Sailor chooses to opt out.
5.
The Navy is serious about making this work. The fleet is invested in collocation. For example, the submarine community is currently expanding homeport options for female officers and will be extending options for female enlisted in the future. *
11
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
Fleet CPO Training Team Keeps Leaders on Course
Photo by MC2 Chris Williamson Story by
MC2 Brian Wilbur
U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
12
I
n today’s ever-changing world it can be difficult to keep up with current trends, beliefs and methods. Former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens said he believes success still begins and ends with leadership and that a new way of training Sailors is important. He also believes the Fleet Chief Petty Officer Training Team (FCPOTT) he established in 2010 can deliver the kind of training Sailors need to tackle today’s challenges. “It is one element of several things we have done over the past five years to help prepare our chief petty officers for the challenges they will face in the 21st century,” said Stevens. The training team conducts a oneday session for Chief Petty Officers (CPOs), first class petty officers, and soon possibly for officers as well. Post-tour command master
chiefs (CMCs), hand-picked by fleet master chiefs to serve on FCPOTTs, help the command identify challenges it faces and determine the best way to overcome those challenges. This allows the command to own the process and, in turn, reset and reenergize the leadership. “The training is geared to be delivered to individual CPO or FCPO messes in this format because the groups are uniquely qualified to figure out their own issues or areas for improvement instead of having ‘outsiders’ come in and tell them how to fix themselves,” said Command Master Chief Lawrence Linton, a Norfolk-based facilitator. “We use this method so they can provide their own critical self-assessment.” Command Master Chief Jeffrey Steinly, a Hawaii-based facilitator, explained how important it is to keep distractions to a minimum
during training. Off-site training allows the participants to fully concentrate and gives them the opportunity to get together in an environment other than work. “We’ve held a few training sessions on a ship in the chief 's mess or training classroom and you always get interruptions; 1MCs going off, people are thinking about their work because they’re at their work,” said Steinly. “We ask in our surveys if it was better to hold the training off-site, and universally, the participants say yes because it takes them out of that element and allows them to focus on that selfimprovement and all-around group improvement.” The main focuses of the training are CPO responsibilities, key Navy programs, team building and leadership development. The curriculum stems from the Senior
PERSONNEL READINESS
Enlisted Academy and the CMC/ chief of the boat course. "The team conducts a revolutionary form of training for the Navy in that it’s from the fleet, for the fleet,” said said Command Master Chief Jason Knupp, a member of the Hawaii training team. “The fleet is dynamic and ever changing, so we change the curriculum on a regular basis.” Knupp explained the difficulty of changing a Navy curriculum, which is a major part of what makes this training so unique. The facilitators are free to make changes when new things are learned from a training session. There is no time limit for certain subjects as long as the subject adds value to that command. This innovative way of training Sailors allows the facilitators to tailor the curriculum to each individual command. “You get out of it exactly what you put into it,” said Chief Master-atArms Scott Whaley, assigned to Naval Base Guam. “Some gained more than others, but I believe there will always be something
Commands interested in receiving training can contact Steinly via email at jeffrey.steinly@navy.mil. For more information about the Fleet CPO Training Team visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook. c o m / F l e e t - C P O -Tr a i n i n g Team-1526254780929096/
to gain from FCPOTT-provided training. It both aids us in today’s leadership challenges and assists us in preparing for the future.” Training sessions are available to all CPO Messes and First Class Petty Officer Associations around the fleet at no cost to the command. Due to the positive reactions produced from the training, the teams have been asked to develop a course for junior officers. If it proves to be as successful, it could be implemented in the fleet. “Theoretically, the plan is to be able to go to a ship and within three days, train the first classes, chief 's mess and wardroom,” said Knupp. “In a 72-hour period you can take the senior enlisted and the wardroom and align them all to the same language. It can be a very powerful paradigm shift.” U.S. Pacific Fleet and Fleet Forces Command sponsor the training with teams located in Norfolk, San Diego and Hawaii, each consisting of two facilitators. *
"If we want to have the greatest Navy in the world, we must have the greatest leaders in the world." -Stevens.
Photo by MC2 Thomas Rosprim 13
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
Makin Island Hosts BDOC Classes Story and Photos by
MC2 Robin Peak USS Makin Island Public Affairs
14
J
unior officers and enlisted Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) took time from a busy basic phase training cycle to help train some of the Navy’s newest prospective Surface Warfare Officers (SWO). During four days in March and April, Makin Island hosted students from the Basic Division Officer Course (BDOC) at Surface Warfare Officer School San Diego. BDOC provides eight weeks of foundational training to prospective SWOs en route to their first tours. Makin Island hosted the students for interactive training in some of the most important responsibilities they will face as division officers. BDOC instructor Lt. Bill Rivers, from Fredericksburg, Virginia, said, “This is an opportunity for the students to come aboard Makin Island, observe and get practical experience in conducting spot checks and zone inspections, specifically using hazardous materials and electrical tag-outs. These are critical skills they need to succeed in their first division officer tours.” Makin Island junior officers and enlisted Sailors worked with BDOC staff to conduct the training. “Our goal for the BDOC classes was to set them up with the right people and provide solid, real-world training from both the officer and enlisted points of view,” said Makin Island’s Assistant Training Officer Ensign Chris C. Yee, from Fremont, California.
“Makin Island SWOs who delivered the training all graduated from BDOC, so they knew the kinds of questions the students had and were able to provide insightful answers from their experience as fleet division officers,” said Yee. The first two days aimed to familiarize the students with the Navy’s maintenance and material management (3M) spot check and zone inspection programs, while the third and fourth days focused on basic seamanship training. Ensign Natalie Harper, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, entered the Navy in December 2015. “I have learned a lot from this training, and the hands-on experience means I’ll be able to perform more effectively when I check into my command,” said Harper. “I’ll be a more knowledgeable division officer and a better leader to my Sailors because of it.” Makin Island Commanding Officer Capt. Jon Rodgers addressed each BDOC class to share his experience and perspective as they begin their careers as future SWOs. “This will come,” he said, pointing to his gold SWO pin. “Take care of your people. Take care of your equipment and take care of the training. Don’t forget that, because when I see division officers doing those three things, those officers have my vote when I go to sign the letter to make them SWOs.” *
COMBAT READINESS
GULF OF ADEN (May 2, 2016) Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) 3rd Class Jeremiah Gonzalez participates in a damage control training exercise aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66). Gonzalez, deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, is currently operating with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Pasquale Sena/Released)
Man. Train. Equip. 15
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
Technology Aids Mine Hunting During IMCMEX
Photo by MC2 Martin Carey Story by
Ensign Michael Willis USS Sentry Public Affairs
16
S
ailors aboard the mine countermeasure ship USS Sentry (MCM 3) successfully piloted an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) mounted with live explosives to destroy a training mine as part of International Mine Countermeasures Exercise (IMCMEX) April 14. “For Sentry, this was the ultimate validation of mission readiness,” said Lt. Cmdr. Lawrence Heyworth IV, Sentry’s commanding officer. “After several days of sustained operations at sea, our team successfully found, identified and neutralized a training mine. It’s the reason we’re out here.” Mapping the sea floor with the SQQ-32(V4) mine hunting sonar, Sailors aboard Sentry can identify anomalies and classify objects as “mine-like” based on observed characteristics. Mine-like objects are then investigated and, if necessary, neutralized by deploying the SLQ-60 SeaFox UUV. SeaFox is a remote-controlled mini submarine drone that can be piloted to a mine while the ship remains at a safe distance. Using sonar, cameras, fiber optics and searchlights, SeaFox allows MCMs to gain valuable visual information
of the ocean floor and identify mines with certainty without deploying divers into a minefield. SeaFox has different variants that allow it to be used for investigations, training or mine neutralization. The SeaFox used for mine neutralization is an explosive variant called a combat round or “C-round,” and is rarely used for training. “You can’t recover a C-round once it’s been deployed; you have to send another C-round after it and blow it up if it malfunctions,” said Mineman 3rd Class Matthew Drees, of Lee, Massachusetts, who piloted a C-round into the inert MK 36 training mine. “The three years I’ve been in the Navy I’ve never heard of a C-round being used, so it was pretty cool putting all the training to practice.” The explosion of the C-round shook the ship slightly upon detonation. To assess the effectiveness of the C-round, Drees piloted a SeaFox investigative round to the training mine. Carefully reapproaching the training mine, Drees was able to visually confirm that the C-round’s directional charge collapsed the sensory data collection chamber that
the MK 36 influence mine would use to arm itself. The C-round placed and detonated by Drees would have rendered a live mine inert. Although the SeaFox pilot is ultimately responsible for putting the ordnance on target, they aren't the only person contributing to the work, said Heyworth. "Every rating pulls their own weight in a small crew," he said. "It's a collaborative team effort that enables that pilot to accomplish the mission." IMCMEX is focused on maritime security from the port of origin to the port of arrival and includes scenarios that range from mine countermeasures, infrastructure protection and maritime security operations in support of civilian shipping. The exercise, which includes international naval and civilian maritime forces from more than 30 nations spanning six continents training together across the Middle East, showcases the use of technology to protect freedom of navigation and free flow of maritime commerce. Sentry is an Avenger-class MineCountermeasures ship homeported in Manama, Bahrain. *
COMBAT READINESS
from U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Scott Swift delivered the following remarks during an all hands call on April 26 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
F
Photo by MC2 Brian Wilbur
irst let me add my welcome to the many welcomes that you’ve already had arriving here in Pearl Harbor. I’ve been following with interest news reports about your deployment, about the PAC SAG [Pacific Surface Action Group] joining up and then getting underway and heading out here to Pearl Harbor. Continued on next page 17
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
"
Photo by MC2 Will Gaskill
Continued from previous page
It’s really an important event. A lot of times as Sailors, and I call myself a Sailor, you may be wondering what the purpose is behind what you’re doing while on cruise. I think this is really a unique activity. Being an aviator, I spent all my time at sea in a carrier strike group and the first 10 years of it was here in the Pacific. The next 10 years was in the Middle East and ever since then I’ve been lucky enough to be a Pacific Sailor. Each cruise was pretty much like the last cruise and I expected the next cruise would go pretty much like that as well. What is really unique here with the PAC SAG is that instead of sending independent deployers out, which is what you would normally do with [USS Spruance (DDG 111), USS Momsen (DDG 92) and USS Decatur (DDG 73)], you’re deployed together as a PAC SAG. It’s part of that effort that you’ve been reading about called distributed lethality, meaning the combined lethality of a three-ship SAG is much greater than an individual DDG, as impressive as an individual DDG is. Most of our operations are responding to HADR [humanitarian assistance, disaster response] situations, whether it is past cyclone relief or the earthquake in Japan that we’re supporting now. In those cases, we’re much more effective and efficient operating as a three ship SAG as well.
Late next year we’ll have the first operational deployment of JSF [Joint Strike Fighter] F-35Bs. We will have a large-deck amphib that will be forward deployed in the Pacific and she will embark Marine JSFs. I think this is going to revolutionize where we are with expeditionary strike groups [ESG]. The three-ship PAC SAG that Decatur, Momsen and Spruance are part of will pave the way for another SAG, just like this one, attached to the large-deck amphib so that it will become what I’m calling an “Up-Gunned ESG.” Looking at Decatur’s unique BMD [ballistic missile defense] capability in comparison to Spruance and Momsen – we will leave this up to the commodore – but I have asked of the commodore to deploy as if you were part of an ESG and think in terms of those CWC [composite warfare command] warfighting concepts and apply them as you are steaming around. So Decatur may very well be the air defense commander, if you will, of the PAC SAG and be responsible for the air defense of the SAG. There may be any of the other CWC warfare areas that would normally be spread between the Momsen and Spruance. The commodore has already been talking with the PACAF [Pacific Air Force] about the ability to expand to the concept of JAMGC, joint access and maneuver in the global commons. So, this
"The potential options that you can explore as part of this three-ship SAG is very exciting. One of the great benefits the Navy brings to the nation is flexibility, and part of that flexibility is going to be demonstrated as soon as you get underway from Hawaii."
18
COMBAT READINESS
"This deployment is a little bit of returning to your roots; our roots of having 3rd Fleet deploying forward through this PAC SAG, throughout your entire cruise."
SAG will interact with Air Force assets that are already operating in theater. I’m excited about the potential options you will explore as part of this three-ship SAG. Now, one of the great benefits the Navy brings to the nation is flexibility and part of that flexibility is going to be demonstrated as soon as you all get underway from Hawaii. Spruance will take off down south to do an OMSI [Oceania Maritime Security Patrol] patrol and pull into Tonga for engagements there while the rest of the SAG heads west, and then eventually, Spruance will rejoin them; another example of the flexibility that we have as a naval force. Also keep in mind that while it may be transparent to most of you, for the [commanding officers] and the commodore, this SAG will be commanded by 3rd Fleet at the operational level throughout the deployment. From the whole time I’ve been in the Pacific, I never understood why we were so allegiant to the international date line as the separation between 3rd Fleet and 7th Fleet. Having been 7th Fleet commander, when I
"
became PACFLT commander people looked to me when they talked about the power of the Pacific Fleet, and when I pulled that string invariably it came down to this: 3rd Fleet was the forgotten fleet in the Pacific. In fact Bull Halsey, one of our most famous admirals in World War II, commanded 3rd Fleet throughout WWII and the vast majority of 3rd Fleet was forward deployed in the Pacific Islands fighting the island campaign all the way up to Japan. This is a little bit about returning to your roots -- our roots -- of having 3rd Fleet deploying forward throughout your entire cruise. I talked about the unique capability that we’ve got within the SAG with Decatur, Spruance and Momsen but in particular from a BMD perspective, we’ve got a lot of challenges going on in the theater, the least of which is North Korea. A recent missile launch has been in the news and there may be a requirement to take advantage of the mobility and flexibility that we have with a three ship SAG – in defense of Japan, or defense of the homeland here – and that underscores the flexibility that we have as a naval force. *
Photo by MC2 Will Gaskill
19
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
The voice crackles over the air, announcing to the crew:
t
h
i
s t
i
s
h
e
TAO Story by
MC1 Chad Runge USS Kearsarge Public Affairs
20
COMBAT READINESS
A
fter the announcement information those people provide to make the best blares over the ship’s 1MC decision for the ship in a combat scenario.” announcing system, USS Kearsarge While it’s safe to say that TAOs must be extraordinarily (LHD 3) is overcome by silence, skilled multitaskers, the successes of the watchstanders as the crew waits for the message beside them play a critical role in their own successes conclusion. as TAO. “Combat systems casualty, combat “You’ve got to be good at multitasking, but you’ve got systems casualty,” the tactical action to train the watchstanders that you’re working with to officer (TAO) finishes. be good at their job, and you have to be comfortable The Quickdraw and SNOOPIE (Ship’s Nautical or Otherwise Photographic Interpretation and Exploitation) teams collectively exhale. C5I Department springs into action, bringing the malfunctioning gear back on-line within minutes - of course, prompting another message from the TAO, proudly announcing the expeditious recovery. The TAO is the undisputed champion of the 1MC. They’re the kings and queens of unfinished meals and interrupted slumbers. When they make an announcement, someone somewhere on board drops what they’re doing and responds... immediately. But who are the TAOs? What do they really do, and why is it always so urgent? “The TAOs are watchstanders with batteries (weapons) release authority granted by the Captain,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jeremy Ewing, the ship’s Damage Control Assistant (DCA) Photo by MC3 Tyler Preston and TAO watchstander. “It’s the senior combat watch station on board the ship. All of the with delegation,” said Ewing. “There are some things, CIC (Combat Information Center) though, that you just can’t delegate - firing weapons, watch stations’ information flows making that decision for hostile intent. It’s the hardest through the TAO, who must make thing you’ll ever possibly have to do. That falls solely decisions, in the absence of the on the TAO. But it’s not the TAO that makes it all captain, of how to fight the ship.” work. It’s the whole watch team in combat. At any one “They are the figurehead of a much time, there are 25 other Sailors that are all doing their larger watch organization - the jobs, doing their best to support the ship in a combat CSOOW (combat systems officer scenario.” of the watch), the technicians, the Even with support from those around the TAO, it’s a watchstanders” he added. “It takes heavy burden to fall on the shoulders of one person. But the team to come together, doing for Ewing, it’s a burden he’s motivated by and willing what they do. The TAO uses the to accept.
“You’d be missing the gravity of this position if you weren’t a little nervous sometimes,” he said. “If you’re nervous, that’s okay because it tells you that you’re paying attention and you’re trying to do the right thing and you’re trying to make the best decisions. But like all things, the more you practice, the more scenarios you work on, the more comfortable you become.” One scenario in particular tested Ewing’s comfort zone. “The hardest watch I’ve ever had to stand was as ‘whiskey’ during our air defense exercise,” he said. “We had 10 to 15 opposing force aircraft that were all flying toward us, all trying to test our boundaries, test our limits, test our preplanned responses (PPR). The scenario slowly built into a crescendo, where the aircraft tried to get us to unnecessarily shoot at them. Knowing and understanding the PPRs and how we meet that deadly force triangle (capability, opportunity and intent) is key. That was probably the most stress I’ve had on watch, but it was a good stress because if you’ve trained well, you’ll perform well.” The reward is worth the stress, according to Ewing. The pride and sense of accomplishment he gets from standing a successful watch is unmatched. “Being a warfighter first is my favorite part of my job. I’m the DCA, the fire chief for the ship, but what I enjoy the most is fighting the ship - knowing how to tactically employ all of our weapons systems and all of our sensors, collect that data, feed it into the bigger ‘machine’ of the theater and the fleet. It’s probably the most rewarding part of being a Naval officer, especially for a surface warfare officer.” That is the TAO. * 21
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
US Navy, JMSDF Complete Annual Bilateral Training Exercise Multi Sail 2016
Story by
Ensign Soon Kwon USS McCampbell Public Affairs
e C
ommander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) completed the annual bilateral training exercise Multi Sail 2016, March 11. The six-day exercise consisted of torpedo and missile live fire, surface action group maneuvers, anti-submarine training, special operations force training and various other events that tested warfighting capabilities of each participant.
Continued on page 24
22
COMBAT READINESS
Photo by MC3 Eric Coffer
23
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
Photo by MC3 Deven Ellis Continued from page22
The Multi Sail 2016 participants included six U.S. surface units, including USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), USS Barry (DDG 52), USS Benfold (DDG 65), USS Curtis Wilber (DDG 54), USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), USS McCampbell (DDG 85), four JMSDF ships, including JS Amagiri (DD 154), JS Harusame (DD 102), JS Kirishima (DDG 174), and JS Kurama (DDH 144), all from Commander, Escort Flotilla Two (CCF 2), the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Chicago (SSN 721), and other special units including the Camp Pendleton-based Marine Raiders. This exercise was led by Capt. Christopher Sweeney, commander of DESRON 15, who was embarked on McCampbell for the duration of the exercise. “This week represents the heart of the U.S.-Japan relationship,” said Sweeney. “We were able to test our tactics and procedures to prepare our maritime units for any contingency. As we look forward, we know the U.S.-Japan relationship will continue to grow and improve with operations at sea if we continue to conduct exercises like Multi Sail. We are making the Indo-
"This week represents the heart of the U.S.-Japan relationship." -Sweeney USS Benfold (DDG 65), right, and USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54)
Photo by MC3 Deven Ellis 24
Asia-Pacific more secure with our alliances and a U.S. force posture that is being modernized to meet the current security challenges.“ During the six-day exercise, U.S. Navy and JMSDF worked hand-in-hand on multifaceted warfighting skills. All assets were tested with range-of-mission areas and successfully executed finding, fixing, tracking, targeting and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land and underwater. Overall, Multi Sail 2016 enabled U.S. and Japanese assets to practice realworld proficiency in sustaining forces. “Multi Sail 2016 honed our warfighting capabilities as forward deployed forces, but most importantly, the exercise demonstrated our ability to work with our allies in complex warfighting situations,” said Cmdr. Ed Sundberg, commanding officer of McCampbell. “Our Sailors also learned a lot as warfighters through their interactions with JMSDF counterparts.” The U.S. Navy conducts similar exercises with the JMSDF throughout the year. These realistic exercises continue to enhance interoperability skills and the ability to confront any situation in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. *
MATERIAL READINESS
Man. Train. Equip.
ARABIAN GULF (April 8, 2016) Fire Controlman 2nd Class Philip Torsell inspects the ammunition drum of a close-in weapons system aboard guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68). Anzio is deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations, and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob Richardson/Released) 25
Condition Critical SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
Establishing Criticality Codes for Maintenance
Story by
Jeff Baur U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Fleet Maintenance Division
W
hen it comes to scheduling maintenance in the Navy, every day someone decides what’s going to get done and what will not. This happens at every command, at every level. In some cases, we have formal processes for managing these decisions, but in the case of planned maintenance system (PMS) requirements, we simply direct the ships to the work, tell them the minimum standard is 80%, and encourage them to try to complete all of the tasks. Continued on page 28
26
MATERIAL READINESS
How do you decide what maintenance has to get done and what can wait? This decision making process became quite fascinating to me after I
had the misfortune of going over the side while wearing an inflatable life preserver that didn’t inflate because the maintenance hadn't been performed prior to putting the vest in service. Certain maintenance should never be delayed. -Baur
Photo by MCSN Eric Zeak 27
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
Continued from page 26
So, what do you do when the PMS requirements far outnumber the available resources to get them done? How do you decide what maintenance has to get done and what can wait? This decision making process became quite fascinating to me after I had the misfortune of going over the side while wearing an inflatable life preserver that didn’t inflate because the maintenance hadn't been performed prior to putting the vest in service. Certain maintenance should never be delayed. One of things we are trying to do with the Future of PMS, a six year program focusing on modernizing the current PMS, is to give ship’s force the information needed to make informed decisions for deferring maintenance when conditions dictate. This information will be provided on maintenance requirement cards (MRCs) and will explain, in clear language, what the maintenance is intended to do and, perhaps more importantly, what the impacts to safety or mission accomplishment are if it doesn’t get done. This can be a touchy subject for the engineers that establish maintenance requirements. They use a process called Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) for determining these requirements and the bar is pretty high for establishing a PMS action to prevent failure. Once engineers arrive at the conclusion that PMS is necessary, they’ve already determined that there is a real risk of failure and that the failure has consequences that are unacceptable. Now, we are asking them to go a step further and provide some insight on just how critical these requirements are to help you, the Sailor, decide what has to be done now and what can wait.
Photo by MC3 Chelsea Daily 28
Photo by MCSN Jacob Holloway We envision some sort of criticality coding that takes these factors into account: • Consequence of late performance to personnel • Ship safety • The operational risk of failure under current conditions This is information we want to make available to you at the equipment MRC level so that if you only have a week to perform three weeks’ worth of “in-port” maintenance, you can understand the risks of not performing certain tasks. Then together with your leadership, you can develop a plan to complete the maintenance. In addition, we see those tasks having the highest degree of risk with special alerts that will notify the commanding officer and potentially off-ship personnel that critical maintenance is overdue and requires leadership’s attention. It’s important to note the requirement to perform PMS will not change with these new proposed criticality codes. Accomplishment scores would continue to be degraded for not performing all required maintenance. However, at least you would have the knowledge to make better scheduling decisions. For example, if there ever comes a situation where you have to choose between performing the proper life preserver maintenance or inspecting the weight test tag on the towing hawser, the preserver would have higher criticality. In the end, criticality codes are all about prioritizing maintenance, accomplishing maintenance, and improving the decision making process along the way. * Share your thoughts on establishing criticality codes for planned maintenance by emailing PMS@ Navy.mil or visiting www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/ Reinvigorating-Shipboard-PMS.
MATERIAL READINESS
Photo courtesy of Huntington Ingalls
John P Murtha First Ship to Successfully Test New Amplifier Afloat
S
ailors aboard the PreCommissioning Unit John P. Murtha (LPD 26) successfully tested the Navy’s first high frequency distribution amplifier group (HF DAG) system during builder’s sea trials March 1-3 and acceptance sea trials April 13-15 in the Gulf of Mexico. During these trials, the HF DAG system successfully transmitted and received transmissions between LPD 26 antennas and established contact with other vessels, such as the USS Montgomery (LCS 8) afloat. In addition, communication with naval shore stations more than 200 miles away in Mayport, Florida, proved the dependability of the system.
Story by
MC1 Timothy Wilson PCU John P. Murtha Public Affairs
“John P. Murtha is leading the Navy by employing this new communications system and that is ground breaking,” said Lt. Jonathan Saewert, LPD 26 combat systems officer. “When coupled with other radio gear, we have double the radio capability of a typical Navy ship.” HF DAG is a user-friendly system that utilizes touch-screen technology compatibility with commercial equipment, which saves the military substantial financial cost, Saewert said. The Navy will not have to develop a unique system to accomplish the same task. “Previously, a Sailor on watch could only listen to one channel at a time on a single radio,” Saewert said. “Now, with HF DAG in conjunction with other radio gear, the Sailor can listen and monitor four channels at one time on four different radios. It’s keeping our Sailors at the forefront of technology.” Nathaniel Panis, HF DAG InService Engineer attached to Space and Naval Warfare Command and who assisted in builder’s sea trials, said several types of communications methods are employed by the military.
One example is digital modular radio (DMR), which provides multiple wavelength, waveforms and information security for voice and data communications. “We accomplished the Navy’s first afloat over-the-air transmission through several series of rigorous testing,” Panis said. “HF DAG uses DMR, ultra-high frequency (UHF), very high frequency (VHF), line of sight and satellite radio technologies, so the combining of all these is very beneficial effective naval communication.” Ensign Eric Barkley, LPD 26 information systems officer, said these events are a clear victory for John P. Murtha. “We had an incredible amount of shipwide testing during these builders sea trials and acceptance sea trials - the HF DAG test was without a doubt a complete success,” he said. “We are saving space on the ship with less equipment performing more efficiently and saving the Navy money with increased capability with this cutting-edge technology.” John P. Murtha will commission this fall. * 29
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
Testing the Future NSWC Carderock Conducts Live-Fire Testing to Assesses Vulnerabilities of Ship to Shore Connector Story by
Nicholas Malay NSWC Public Affairs
30
Under the direction of Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Carderock Division engineers, the live-fire program for the Navy’s ship-to-shore connector (SSC) recently completed three system level tests using a retired landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) as a surrogate for the SSC to assess vehicle vulnerabilities. The fabrication of the first two SSCs (LCAC 100 and LCAC 101) are well underway. Delivery to the Navy of the LCAC 100 is expected in 2017. At this time, the post delivery test & trials (PDT&T) phase will begin. The Live Fire Program, which is led by NSWC Carderock Division will continue during this phase. Live-fire tests during PDT&E will include a seastate survivability test, susceptibility testing, and controlled damage tests where the crew’s response to virtual or real damage is assessed. The SSC program, managed by the Program Executive Office
Ships, Amphibious Warfare (PMS 377), will build 72 production craft that will serve as the evolutionary replacement for the existing fleet of LCAC vehicles. “As required of all manned weapon systems, which includes naval ships and craft, the SSC must undergo realistic survivability testing, prior to its full-rate production, to determine the vulnerability of the craft and its crew to threats likely to be encountered in combat,” said Gerald Lawler, NSWC Carderock Division senior vulnerability analyst for combatants. “When a weapon system is considered to be unreasonably expensive to destructively test, such as naval vessels, the live-fire legislation allows for the testing of surrogates in place of the actual system.” Given that the SSC is being designed to replace the LCAC and is similar in its overall dimensions, skirt system, and propulsion machinery to the LCAC, the
overall damage to the LCAC for the threats tested would be expected to be similar to the damage inflicted upon an actual SSC. Testing Timeline: In July 2012, the Navy announced the retirement of several LCACs in the FY14 to FY15 timeframe, said Lawler. “The potential availability of these craft provided the program sponsor [PMS 377] the opportunity to perform a full-up system-level test on an operational SSC surrogate as part of its overall live-fire testing program.” Discussions with Assault Craft Unit Four (ACU 4) began in March 2013 as to the potential craft candidates and the transit of the craft, approximately 165 miles, to a test range at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) in Aberdeen, Maryland. In June 2014, LCAC 20 was selected by ACU 4 as the test craft. On April 27, 2015 the LCAC
MATERIAL READINESS
20 and its escort craft, LCAC 37, arrived at the UNDEX Test Facility off of the Bush River at APG. Testing Background: During the two-year timeframe prior to the arrival of the LCAC at APG, Lawler and Ben Ridenour, NSWC Carderock Division Vulnerability Assessment branch engineer, developed the test plan, that when implemented, would have to answer SSC critical livefire issues to satisfy the live-fire office within the Operational Test and Evaluation Directorate at the Pentagon, while safely conducting a test involving live ordnance and an unmanned operational LCAC. “Bringing LCAC expertise from NSWC Panama City Division, active Navy ACU 4 support, and weapons effect testing expertise from the Army’s Aberdeen Test Center together with NSWC Carderock Dvision's Vulnerability Assessment Branch expertise in live-fire program management and test development was the key factor in achieving these goals,” Lawler said. “Aside from obtaining a fully mission-capable craft from the Navy for destructive testing, one of the greatest challenges of this test was that the craft had to be operational, on cushion, and under control without an on board crew due to the presence of live ordnance,” Lawler said. “To achieve this condition, a wireless, remote control system was developed by NSWC Panama City Division." This system enabled the start of the craft’s main engines and the inflation of the craft’s skirt while the craft was unmanned but tethered in the test pond. Three tests were conducted using
actual threat weapons against the operational craft: Live-Fire Test 1: The first test, conducted June 16, took place in the littoral warfare environment (LWE) test pond at APG. This test examined the vulnerability of the craft and crew to an underwater threat. The crew was represented with fully outfitted anthropometric test devices (ATD). ATDs are essentially crash dummies that are capable of measuring the forces and accelerations the crew would be subjected to from the weapon effects. Crew injuries were calculated using data from the ATDs. Live-Fire Tests 2-3: Shots two and three were conducted July 1 and 28, 2015 respectively on land at the LWE and examined craft and crew vulnerability to an indirect fire threat and a land mine. Crew casualty assessments for each shot were determined by the Army Research Lab (ARL) using the data collected from the tests and crew casualty assessments tools developed by ARL. NSWC Carderock Division assessed the weapon effects damage to the craft and the degradation of the craft’s systems from successive threat impacts. “Despite the enormity of the task of conducting several live-fire tests against an operational naval vessel, all tests were successfully conducted and fully achieved their live-fire test objectives,” Lawler
said. “This achievement was due in no small part to the cooperation, expertise, and professionalism of all the participating agencies under the direction of NSWC Carderock, and the confidence of PMS 377 in having the NSWC Carderock Division Vulnerability Assessment branch manage and implement the SSC live-fire program.” NSWC Carderock Division leads the Navy in hull, mechanical and electrical engineering expertise and delivers technical solutions in order to build and sustain a dominant, ready and affordable fleet. Headquartered in West Bethesda, Maryland, approximately 3,600 scientists, engineers, technicians and support personnel are located across the U.S. *
31
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
Photo by MC3 Dustin Knight
USS Lake Champlain Conducts Light-Off Test of Periscope Detection and Discrimination Capability Story From PEO Integrated Warfare Systems
32
T
he Navy concluded a successful light-off test of its upgraded periscope detection and discrimination (PDD) capability for the AN/SPQ-9B anti-ship missile defense radar onboard USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) March 12. The upgraded PDD capability represents a noteworthy improvement in submarine detection in support of the Navy’s overall anti-surface warfare efforts. Champlain is currently conducting live-fire testing off the coast of California with its 5-inch guns to verify the new mode on the SPQ-9B while the crew undergoes operator training to ensure proficiency with the new capability. “Our men and women have worked so hard to develop the technology for this key capability,” said Rear Adm. Jon A. Hill, program executive officer for Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS). “We are eager to move forward with delivery of this upgrade to the fleet to improve their warfighting capability.” In December 2015, the Navy awarded a contract for
AN/SPQ-9B production to Northrop Grumman to provide radar systems with the PDD mode to DDG 51-class destroyers. “This award was a huge milestone for our SPQ-9B team,” said Capt. Seiko Okano, SPQ-9B program manager. “The Navy is counting on us to deliver this vital system on schedule and this contract award keeps us on track to do exactly that.” The delivery of this capability represents the culmination of almost a decade of Navy investment in developing a PDD mode for the AN/SPQ-9B radar and the collaborative efforts of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) agencies, Office of Naval Research, the Naval Research Laboratory, and Naval Surface and Expeditionary Warfare Command. PEO IWS is an affiliated program executive office of NAVSEA. IWS is responsible for spearheading surface ship and submarine combat technologies and systems, and for implementing Navy enterprise solutions across ship platforms. *
HERITAGE & RECOGNITION
Heritage.
SHANGHAI (May 6, 2016) - Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Luis Macedo Lopez, attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), parades the colors as the ship arrives in Shanghai. Blue Ridge is conducting a regularly scheduled port visit during its patrol of the 7th Fleet area of operations strengthening and fostering relationships in the IndoAsia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Don Patton/ RELEASED) 33
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
34
HERITAGE & RECOGNITION
Story by
Sam Cox (Rear Adm. USN, Ret.) Director, Naval History and Heritage Command
O
ne of the most valiant ships in 240 years of naval history, USS Houston (CA 30) was lost in a battle against overwhelming odds 74 years ago. Commissioned at the beginning of the Great Depression, Houston was a design compromise due to treaty limitations. However her captain and crew never compromised their sense of duty. Continued on next page
35
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
Continued from previous page
During the pre-war years, Houston was President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s favorite warship, and he sailed on her several times. She was present at the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco in 1937. She was the flagship of the U.S. Fleet under Rear Adm. Claude C. Bloch a year later in 1938. In November 1940, Houston had the honor of becoming the flagship for Adm. Thomas C. Hart, Commander Asiatic Fleet. December 7, 1941 Reacting to intelligence reports of imminent Japanese offensive action in Southeast Asia, Hart sortied almost all operational ships out of Subic Bay and the northern Philippines just before the attack on Pearl Harbor, sparing Houston the fate of the Pacific Fleet in Hawaii. With the stunning loss of the British Battleship HMS Prince of Wales and battlecruiser HMS Repulse to Japanese air attack, the heavy cruiser Houston was left as the largest, most capable warship amongst the Australian, British, Dutch and American (ABDA) Alliance forces in the Southwest Pacific. February 4, 1942 - The Battle of Flores Sea During the Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies, which began in January 1942, outnumbered Allied naval forces engaged the enemy in a series of naval battles which harassed and delayed the Japanese conquest of the East Indies and helped thwart the invasion of Australia, although the British bastion of Singapore fell. On Jan. 24, U.S. destroyers conducted a daring night attack on an enemy landing force in Makassar Strait, momentarily slowing the relentless Japanese advance. On Feb. 4, Houston was in the Flores Sea south of Makassar Strait as part of an ABDA force searching for an anticipated Japanese invasion force when she came under intense aerial
bomb attack. The skipper of Houston, Capt. Albert Rooks displayed extraordinary shiphandling skill in radical maneuvering to avoid bombs from as many as 37 Japanese bombers. Despite faulty ammunition, most of which were duds, USS Houston’s gunners brought down several aircraft. However, on the last wave of Japanese aircraft, one bomb hung up on an aircraft and came off at an errant angle, unseen by Houston. By sheer fluke, the bomb exploded on the main deck near the after turret. Fragments penetrated the barbette and turret and ignited the powder. The hit killed 48 men, wounded 20 more, and started an extremely serious fire. The after turret was so badly damaged that it was useless for the remainder of the campaign. Rooks was given the option to withdraw his ship from Dutch East Indies for repairs, but knowing this would have seriously weakened the ABDA force even further, he declined to do so. February 26-27, 1942 - Battle of the Java Sea Houston and the ABDA force received word that the Japanese were rapidly approaching Java with a formidable invasion force. On Feb. 26, Houston and the Australian light cruiser HMSA Perth went back into the Java Sea, along with other allied ships under the overall command of Dutch Rear Adm. Karel Doorman to find and attempt to interdict the Japanese force. Without any air cover, hampered by communications and language difficulties, and unwitting of the range and capability of Japanese torpedoes, the ABDA force was doomed. Although Houston scored the first hit, on a Japanese heavy cruiser, the rest of what came to be known as the Battle of the Java Sea was an unmitigated disaster. Constantly dogged by Japanese reconnaissance aircraft, the ABDA force was repeatedly outmaneuvered
Rooks was given the option to withdraw his ship from Dutch East Indies for repairs, but knowing this would have seriously weakened the ABDA force even further, he declined to do so.
36
HERITAGE & RECOGNITION
by the Japanese. By the time the action was over, the Dutch flagship, the light cruiser HMNLS De Ruyter, was sunk and Doorman killed, as was the Dutch light cruiser Java, the Dutch destroyer Kortenear, and the British destroyers HMS Electra and HMS Jupiter, the latter after striking a recently laid Allied mine. With the force commander killed, Houston and HMAS Perth commenced executing Doorman’s standing orders to withdraw from the Java Sea to regroup south of Java with other scattered survivors of the battle. February 28 – March 1, 1942 - Battle of Sunda Strait Houston entered the Sunda Strait under cover of darkness with HMAS Perth, under the command of Capt. Hec Waller, in the lead as Waller was senior to Rooks. Warned that they might encounter a Dutch patrol vessel in the strait, neither had received an aircraft reconnaissance report that had spotted the major Japanese invasion fleet closing in on the Sunda Strait. When challenged by an unidentified ship, and not recognizing the identification code, Perth opened fire on what proved to be a Japanese destroyer, and Houston immediately followed suit. As gun flashes lit the sky, Waller and Rooks realized that, in the darkness, they had already steamed past dozens of Japanese troop transports hugging the blackened shore of Banten Bay. Despite being low on ammunition and damaged from previous battles, both ships turned to attack the Japanese invasion force. In the vicious nighttime close-quarters melee that followed, the allied ships were swarmed by two Japanese heavy cruisers, a squadron of a dozen destroyers and other smaller armed escorts. As many as 90 Japanese torpedoes were launched at Houston and Perth, some of which struck at least four Japanese
transports , including the one with the commander of the Japanese invasion force, Lt. Gen. Hitoshi Imamura, embarked, which sank or had to be beached. Struck by several torpedoes, Perth fought valiantly, but went down first, with Capt. Waller killed on the bridge after giving the abandon ship order. Houston fought on for almost another hour, surrounded on all sides by numerous Japanese ships, often within .50 cal machine gun range, until she was out of major caliber ammunition, even firing flares at the Japanese. Finally succumbing to several torpedo hits and numerous shell hits, Rooks gave the order to abandon ship before being killed by shrapnel from a Japanese shell. As Houston went down, survivors recounted that her battle flag was still flying high, and a lone Marine up in the mast fired his .50 cal until the very end. Though it’s been 74 years since the loss of Houston, The U.S. Navy remembers the more than 600 Sailors and Marines who died that night and the many more who would die from torture, neglect, disease and hunger after they were taken captive. The fate of Houston and Perth was not known until the end of WWII and surviving POWs provided detailed after action reports. Houston was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. Rooks was awarded a Medal of Honor while listed as Missing-in-Action for his actions in the Battles of the Flores and Java Sea, and a Fletcher-class destroyer was named in his honor. Rooks and the valiant crew of Houston, who fought alone against insurmountable odds and endured incredible horror and suffering, nevertheless left an indelible legacy of honor, courage, and commitment that serve as an inspiration to today’s Navy and its Sailors. *
As Houston went down, survivors recounted that her battle flag was still flying high, and a lone Marine up in the mast fired his .50 cal until the very end.
37
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
Photo by MC2 Marcus Stanley
USS Chung-Hoon Sailors Remember USS Sigsbee Story by
MC2 Marcus Stanley John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs
38
S
ailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) operating in the South China Sea held a remembrance ceremony for USS Sigsbee (DD 502). On April 14, 1945, a kamikaze plane struck Sigsbee during the battle of Okinawa, killing 23 Sailors and causing extensive damage to the ship. The same day, 71 years later, Sailors aboard Chung-Hoon operating in the South China Sea, ensured what happened aboard Sigsbee is never forgotten. At the time of the attack, Sigsbee was under the command of Cmdr. Gordon Pai’ea Chung-Hoon. Chung-Hoon received the Navy Cross and Silver Star for his heroic efforts while serving as commanding officer from May 1944 to October 1945. USS Chung-hoon was named in his honor. “It’s an honor to serve aboard Chung-Hoon and to try to live up
to the legacy of the crew of USS Sigsbee,” said Cmdr. Tom Ogden, commanding officer of ChungHoon. “It’s our job to always remember those heroes that have come before us, and to tell their story to future generations of Sailors.” During the attack, Sigsbee suffered extensive damage to its port engine and a complete loss of steering control. The ship was towed to Guam for repair and then towed back to Pearl Harbor. Sigsbee was finally decommissioned March 31, 1947 in Charleston, South Carolina. “Being aboard USS ChungHoon is something I am proud of,” said Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) 2nd Class Cody Goldizen, a native of Riverton, West Virginia. “I am serving in the light shining forth from the accomplishments and sacrifices of the crew of USS Sigsbee, and I am forever grateful.” During the ceremony, ChungHoon Sailors gave a 21-gun salute
and committed 23 flowers to the sea in honor of the 23 Sigsbee Sailors who lost their lives. Ogden spoke about why it was important that Chung-Hoon Sailors remember the sacrifice of all who served aboard Sigsbee. “As we take time tonight to remember the heroes of our past and continue to forge the next links in the chain of our naval heritage, we must remember that we are a critical part of that chain,” said Ogden. “We are all committed to the task at hand, be it damage control after a Kamikaze attack, or the daily maintenance check you have done 90 days in a row. Take time to remember Sigsbee’s sacrifice and strive to live up to their heroic example.” Providing a ready force supporting security and stability in the IndoAsia-Pacific region, Chung-Hoon is operating as part of the John C. Stennis Strike Group and Great Green Fleet on a regularly scheduled 7th Fleet deployment. *
BLOGGING FROM THE FLEET
Best of Both Worlds: WTI & NPS Story by
Lt. Todd Weeks SMWDC
A
s soon as my commanding officer said the U.S. Navy wanted to start an advanced tactical-training program for Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs) I applied to become a Warfare Tactics Instructor, or WTI. The command at the forefront of this renaissance – the new Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) – sought top SWOs to build the WTI curriculum, and I wanted to be a part of it. When the time came, I called in for my interview while deployed in the Arabian Gulf aboard a minesweeper. After the interview I filled out an application, and a month later my orders were released to report to SMWDC. I was excited to be a part of the WTI program, yet I felt even more grateful to have a stake in establishing this schoolhouse from the very beginning. I graduated from the first AntiSubmarine/AntiSurface WTI class on April 12, 2016. Now that I’m a patch wearer, it’s my job to raise operational skill sets on board Navy ships with the latest knowledge in our field. I get to teach SWOs new tactics, techniques, and procedures that were either created or updated by SMWDC. I have the opportunity to travel overseas to study and assess various missile exercises – or work with missile manufacturers to gain advanced knowledge on specific missile systems. WTI life is exciting because it provides a diverse workday, challenging me to stay up-to-date on multiple warfare areas and allowing me to better train the SWOs
coming through the WTI schoolhouse in San Diego. And best of all; I get to do this while remotely pursuing my Master’s Degree in Systems Analysis at the Naval Post Graduate School (NPS). The process for enrollment was easy. Remote NPS students select which day they elect to have class each week; I have two classes each quarter and the support of my chain of command. They consistently encourage me to pursue my degree while teaching at the WTI schoolhouse. I have the best of both worlds because I get to fulfill my professiona l and personal goals through the Navy as a teacher by day and a student by night. Yet, as I much as I enjoy pursuing my advanced education, my true fulfillment is rooted in increasing the tactical proficiency of the Surface Warfare community as a WTI. We’re improving the combat readiness of our ships, our strike groups, and our Navy – while still having time to improve ourselves – in the fleet and in the classroom. * To read more from the I Drive Warships blog, please visit: https// idrivewarships.wordpress.com 39
SURFACE WARFARE SUMMER 2016
Command Changes
USS Rushmore (LSD 47)
Cmdr. Sarah DeGroot, March 2016
Carrier Strike Group 3 Rear Adm. Marcus Hitchcock, April 2016
USS Blue R idge (LCC 19)
USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41)
Destroyer Squadron 26 Capt. William Switzer, May 2016
USS L ake Champlain (CG 57)
USS Germantown (LSD 42)
Capt. Matthew Paradise, March 2016
Capt. Chris Cegielski, March 2016
Cmdr. Ethan Rule, April 2016
Cmdr. S.B. Stevens III, May 2016
Naval Beach Group 2 Capt. Michael Ott, April 2016
Capt. Daniel Gillen, March 2016
USS Hué City (CG 66)
USS Paul H amilton (DDG 60)
USS Wasp (LHD 1) Capt. Andrew Smith, April 2016
USS L ake Erie (CG 70)
USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112)
USS Iwo Jima(LHD 7) Capt. James Midkiff, May 2016
Capt. Chris LaPlatney, May 2016
A mphibious Construction Battallion 2
USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53)
40
Capt. Darren McPherson, May 2016
Cmdr. Danielle Defant, March, 2016
Cmdr. Robert Heely Jr., March 2016
Cmdr. Scott Rosetti, April 2016
WWW.PUBLIC.NAVY.MIL/SURFOR
USS Hopper (DDG 70)
USS Higgins (DDG 76)
A ssault Craft Unit 1
USS Chafee (DDG 90)
USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79)
A ssault Craft Unit 5
USS Stethem (DDG 63)
USS McCambell (DDG 85)
Tactical A ir Control Squadron 12
USS The Sullivans (DDG 68)
USS Preble (DDG 88)
Beachmaster Unit 1
USS McFaul (DDG 74)
USS Momsen (DDG 92)
USS Devastator (MCM 6)
USS Donald Cook (DDG 75)
USS Stockdale (DDG 106)
USS Gladiator (MCM 11)
Cmdr. J.D. Gainey, April 2016
Cmdr. Brian Fremming, April 2016
Cmdr. Douglas Pegher, May 2016
Cmdr. Gilbert Clark, May 2016
Cmdr. Joseph Bromley, May 2016
Cmdr. Timothy Moore, May 2016
Cmdr. Marc Deltete, May 2016
Cmdr. Janice Smith, May 2016
Cmdr. Edward Angelinas, May 2016
Cmdr. John Bowman, April 2016
Cmdr. Jason Kipp, May 2016
Cmdr. Raphael Castillejo, May 2016
Cmdr. Neil Kruger, May 2016
Capt. Andrew Amidon, April 2016
Cmdr. Curtis Cruthirds, May 2016
Cmdr. Jessica O'Brien, March 2016
Lt. Cmdr. Robert Burke, March 2016
Lt. Cmdr. Francisco Garza, March 2016 41