WIP products are also used to develop Concepts of Operations, Fleet Experimentation, and Science and Technology (S&T) initiatives. Subject matter expertise in any of the warfare areas under SMWDC advocacy is valued and required to properly develop and articulate WIP recommendations; your participation and input is essential!

The theme for this edition is advanced tactical training, and I want to dedicate a few lines highlighting why it’s important. Advanced tactical training is not simply a catchy phrase; it is an absolutely critical part of our mission. Emphasized specifically as one of our four lines of operation at the Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC), advanced tactical training is vital to increasing the lethality and tactical proficiency of the surface fleet across all mission areas. Advanced tactical training events offer the venues to flex linkages between doctrine and tactics, our weapons systems, and the watchstanders that employ them. Based on evolving threats and a changing global landscape, we must continually adapt our training and be able to learn more and learn faster than our potential adversaries. Our approach to tactical training leverages a cadre of talented Warfare Tactics Instructors (WTI) who are empowered with rapid replay tools to conduct thorough debriefs as well as systems-level performance analytics to ensure our warship TEAMs are learning all they can.

The keystone exercise for advanced tactical training is Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT), which include multi-ship and warfare commander training at sea as a "bridging event" between the Basic Phase (single unit training) and the Integrated Phase of training where all elements of maritime fighting force are brought together in multi-warfare, multi-domain training. From the ground-up, we've developed and implemented a hard-hitting SWATT training regimen for Carrier Strike Groups (CSG) and are well on our way to developing similar training for Amphibious Strike Groups (ARG). In addition,addition, as the executive agent supporting the Live Fire With A Purpose program, we've been deeply involved in fleet missile exercises by providing authoritative tactical guidance, conducting high-end training for ship crews, and conducting post-event analytics to ensure we are learning much as possible from each event. We are also doing the same during Submarine Command Courses and SHAREM Exercises. At SMWDC, we are aggressively growing our portfolio of advanced tactical training, and for a command that is only two years old, I am amazed by the incredible progress we've made. In some areas, we are applying resources to improve training efforts that are already underway, while in other areas, we are building new training events from the ground-up to address the most urgent needs. Bottom line: advanced tactical training is the heartbeat of what we do at SMWDC and the critical ingredient in making tactical thinking, tactical training, and tactical readiness a key priority in the fleet.

The Program Objective Memorandum (POM) 20 Warfare Improvement Programs – more commonly referred to as “the WIP” – cycle is in full swing, and SMWDC is soliciting the “Voice of the Fleet”. The purpose of the WIP cycle is to provide a venue where tactical stake holders are able to communicate the current warfighting capability gaps they see, and prprovide recommended material and non-material solutions. As the Capability Area Owner of Surface Warfare, Integrated Air and Missile Defense, and Mine Warfare, (and soon Amphibious Warfare) SMWDC is responsible for organizing, and conducting an annual WIP symposium for each of capability area. During those symposia, representatives from across the fleet compile a list of the top ten capability gaps identified withwith each respective capability area. That list and supporting justification is then forwarded up the chain of command up to OPNAV to inform the acquisition and procurement process.

Warfare Improvement Programs Impacting the FleetSea Combat Warfare Tactics Instructor Lt. Damon Goodrich-Houska debriefs on debriefs on USS Chafee (DDG 90).

Rear Adm. John WadeCommander, SMWDC

The Admiral’s Corner2

The Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) Amphibious Warfare (AMW) Division is expanding its influence as the Amphibious Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) program

matures and produces graduates who engage in fleet training and support. Rounding out AMW Division’s first year of operations,operations, a team of AMW WTIs and integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) WTIs traveled to U.S. Fifth Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) in December 2016 to deliver time-sensitive training to the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) operating in the Gulf of Aden. The team visited the USS Makin Island (LHD 8), USS Comstock (LSD 45), and USS Somerset (LPD 25) to deliver Ship Self-DefenseSelf-Defense System and sensor-optimization training based on updated threat data. This real-time fleet support in response to dynamic events demonstrated the value of tactical proficiency - the basis for SMWDC’s WTI programs. In February of this year, a hybrid team of IAMD, anti-submarine/anti-surface (ASW/SUW), and AMW WTIs supported the America ARG during its Group Sail in the U.S. Third Fleet AOR. During this exercise, the team conducted various maritime-warfare training events aboard USS America (LHA 6), USS San Diego (LPD 22), and USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52). The WTIs aboard the ships provided guidanceguidance and mentorship during air defense exercises including a strait transit scenario, electromagnetic maneuver warfare drills, and surface warfare exercises. Also, the WTI team delivered training on counter fast attack craft and fast inshore attack craft procedures and execution of sea combat commander duties. Additionally, they provided Mine Warfare defensive planning and blue-green force integration trainingtraining aboard USS Pearl Harbor. AMW WTIs also provided feedback on initial drafts of the ships’ Defense of the Amphibious Task Force Memoranda of Agreement, which describes how Marine Corps assets are integrated and employed in when called upon to defend the ship against air and surface threats. USS America’s inclusion in the ARG presented new opportunities for warfare development. America represents

improved warfighting capacity for the amphibious fleet resulting from its unique construction and enhanced aviation capabilities. The embarked WTIs used this opportunity to understand and discuss how this design will shape the future warfighting capabilities of the ARG and marine expeditionary unit (MEU) - especially with the rapidly approaching rollout of the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).AsAs a key component of the future of the Navy and Marine Corps team, the F-35B will bring significant changes to the battle space. AMW WTIs are at the leading edge of defining how this new capability will integrate into the naval force. Several AMW WTIs participate in the F-35B First Deployment Initiative, which identifies challenges, and potential solutions to those challenges, from the inclusion of thethe F-35B in the Wasp and Essex ARGs over the next 12 to 18 months. To support this effort, AMW WTIs participated in war gaming at Lockheed Martin’s Center for Innovation in Suffolk, Va. and helped Navy and Marine Corps leadership understand how the newest 5th generation fighters’ operational roles expand beyond the current capabilities of the AV-8B Harrier II. Whether the JSF goes to sea in a traditionaltraditional ARG or MEU, or as part of an up-gunned expeditionary strike group, these war games are another important step to advancadvance interservice integration and synchronization of effort.

3AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE DIVISION

Gator WTIs Provide Advanced Tactical Training to Amphibious Fleet

IAMD WTIs Re-Blue, Bring Latest Tactics Back to the Surface Fleet

Forty-six graduates of the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) School met in Dahlgren, Va. to attend the first IAMD WTI re-blue qualification training. The training provides IAMD WTIs an opportunity to receive additional tactical knowledge and share critical combat air and missile defense skills gathered over the previous year.

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (EXW) Timothy Wilson Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) Public Affairs

More than 40 Warfare Tactics Instructors (WTI) around the fleet gathered in Dahlgren, Va., March 6-10, to undergo ‘re-blue’ or requalification training -- an annual regrouping of the best of the best to share and refresh their tactical knowledge and proficiency. The WTIs underwent four days of the new Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) re-bluing curriculum at the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center’s (SMWDC) IAMD Division. This inaugural event was launched to ensure WTIs remain current and familiar with the latest developments in the fast-paced challenging and lethal arena of IAMD. “Naval aviators must requalify annually in their assigned aircrafts. SEALs maintain regular qualification standards for marksmanship, combat swimmer skills and parachuting. Our WTIs, needed to adopt a similar culture of rigorous self-assessment to be able to fight and win in the maritime domain,” said Rear Adm. John Wade, commander of SMWDC. “WTIs are the tactical center of gravity for the Surface Navy. Everything they do is to support sea control, and increase the lethality and tactical proficiency of our Surface Forces through advanced training and tactical

development. This year’s re-blue is a demonstration of us as a community becoming tougher and becoming more ofoffensive to maintain our competitive edge in a competitive environment.” During the re-blue, WTIs were equipped with fresh tactical knowledge to maintain fleet credibility by learning new critical combat air/missile defense skills. “Tactical knowledge is perishable since tactics, techniques and procedures are constantly evolving to counter agile and proficient adversaries,” said Capt. Jim Jones, director of IAMD Division at SWMDC. “IAMD Warfare Tactics Instructors are trained to remain curious, humble,humble, forceful, tactful and credible; and these periodic re-blue gatherings help cement this.” Jones also said the IAMD WTI Program in Dahlgren stresses the importance of human factors in both combat and the school house. The teaching style is rooted in instant feedback, or high velocity learning, in an atmosphere of mutual trust, support and strenuous long hours. The school house is a place where new and seasoned WTIs gather to comprehensively exchange thoughts and experiences while challenging each other’s tactical ideas since graduating from the program. “Refreshing our tactical currency and level of knowledge was the goal from the outset, but once again, human factors proved the most important,” said Jones. “The course is long, difficult and stressful – it is meant to be. Completing the course is a rite of passage that leads to a membership in a highly selective group identified by the black and red IAMD WTI patch.” According to Lt. Jacob Daniels, a WTI assigned to Center for Surface Combat Systems in Hawaii, “the re-bluing experience surpassed all expectations” and manifested an evolutionary mindset that builds on the initial WTI training.

4 INTEGRATED AIR AND MISSILE DEFENSE DIVISION

INTEGRATED AIR AND MISSILE DEFENSE DIVISION

Lt. Rebecca O’Brien, Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) answers questions following her brief during the first IAMD WTI re-blue requalification training in Dahlgren, Va.

“There have been some significant changes in how we expect to fight in the Navy,” said Daniels. “By coming together, we have been able to share the new information clearly, quickly and uniformly throughout our cadre. It is apparent just how necessary this sort of forum is to our community.”Another advantage of this substantial training prospectus is that WTIs will fortify their specific shipboard training in Threat-Centric Planning, Aegis Overland Tactics and Threat-Centric Planning for SSDS ships -- with the intent of shifting the flow of operational information and tactics directly from SMWDC to the Fleet. “The current model is molded around a ‘demand-pull’ paradigm where ships pull information from SMWDC,” said Cmdr. Jeff Heames, Operations Officer for SMWDC. “This training has been created with the intent of proactively pushing the most relevant information to the ships before they have a need to ask.” SMWDC plans to re-blue all of its WTI programs annually to prevent the diminishment of potentially perishable warfighting skills. "WTIs are the heart of SMWDC’s approach to achieving high-velocity learning, as well as high-velocity action,” said Heames. “We gain valued perspective on Fleet challenges from the WTIs and conversely, the WTIs are brought up to speed on the latest trends from the authoritative

Fleet repository of tactical information.” With a continually developing and changing combat environment, coupled with advancing technological innovations, the need for developing cutting-edge warfare tactics is always a necessity. “Warships operate in environments that can change rapidly, and at SMWDC, we are connected to the material and non-material solutions in place to address these changes,” said Heames. “It is vital to provide the most current information and tactics to ships on the front lines as well as those who are preparing to deploy.” Daniels emphasized the value of staying current, and valued the pride and professionalism of the training. He said the new information is mission-appropriate and can easily be incorporated into existing training philosophies. “This is an exceptional program that gets better with every graduating WTI class,” he said. “The focus and effort on refining our warfare area and developing how we will fight tomorrow is absolutely incredible.” Heames said WTIs can embark on any ship, and then effectively share their knowledge -- thereby enabling unit commanders to confidently employ the latest TTPs and operational trends in any surface warfare specialty. Heames also added, "This first re-blue adds credibility to the WTI foundation of knowledge. Empowering WTIs with mission-critical information enables them to teach other with the confidence and competence necessary to accomplish any objective -- and to fight and win when necessary."

5

MINE WARFARE DIVISION

In March, 2017, the Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center’s (SMWDC) Mine Warfare (MIW) Division graduated the first Surface Mine Countermeasures (SMCM) Advanced Evaluator Course. A first for the MIW community, this new Evaluator Course provides advanced technical training for future SMCM MIW evaluators so they are equipped with the talent and tools necessary to support real-world operations in the Fleet. Additionally, this course fills a gap in the formal training of SMCM combat information center (CIC) leadership, and is specifically designed to increase SMCM combat effectiveness. Course instructors provide traditional classroom lectures andand simulator time, in addition to message and MEDAL labs, designed to replicate what the students will experience on their ships. The course culminates in a week-long underway on an Avenger- class minesweeper when student evaluators put their newly acquired skills to the test as they take turns leading MCM operations from CIC serving as their unit’s MIW Evaluator in an exercise minefield. This inaugural class spent their week underway aboard USS Champion (MCM 4), operating in the Imperial Beach Training Mine Field where students led mine hunting, neutralization, and sweeping operations in the evaluator role. Each student spent over eight hours in the evaluator seat to drive mine hunting tracks, conduct difficult turns with sweep gear deployed, and hover the ship while the mine neutralization vehicle deployed. Chief Mineman Tyler King,King, a student in the inaugural class said, “I wish this course existed before I had reported to my [previous] ship.”

TTwo more course convenings of the Advance Evaluator Course are scheduled this year, and four are planned in 2018. SMWDC MIW Division is actively working with placement officers to make the SMCM Advanced Evaluator Course part of the training pipeline for prospective executive officers, operation officers, second tour division officers and senior Mineman with orders to Avenger-class ships. As SMWDC MIW Division’s Director of Training Capt. Elliott Donald noted, “These efforts are making ourour Navy’s Surface MCM Fleet better prepared to meet the challenges that lay ahead in this dangerous profession, and are ensuring our sailors are ready to execute the orders of our fleet commanders.”

SMWDC Mine Warfare Division Graduates Inaugural Advanced Evaluator Course

MNV operations off USS Champion (MCM-4) during the underway evolution of the Advanced Evaluator Course.

USS Champion (MCM-4) rigging a sweep in support of Advanced Evaluator training at the Imperial Beach Mine Field.

7

SEA COMBAT DIVISION

Warfare Tactics Instructor Tim Reeves, graduate of Sea Combat Division WTI program, mentors watch standers

during Multi Sail 2017.

ASW/SUW Warfare Tactics Instructors class at SWMDC Sea Combat Division in San Diego.

For many years, the surface fleet has provided ships to act as opposing forces during the Submarine Command Course (SCC), which provides a controlled environment for prospective submarine commanding officers to complete tactical objectives and qualify for command at sea. Seizing an opportunity to provide additional training for surface ships, the Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center’s (SMWDC) Sea Combat Division (SCD) has begun utilizing SCC as an opportunity to not only test new tactics, but also help tactical watchstanders hone their fundamental Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) skills. Prior to getting underway for SCC 51 in February, 2017, SMWDC SCD prepared Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, staff, and ships for ASW operations with classroom and simulator training. Those training sessions included lessons on mission planning and ASW fundamentals, all of which are updated regularly with lessons learned from fleet feed-back. Additionally, the DESRON 23 staff received training specific for directing multi-unit ASW operations, where the students in the Advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer Course played the role of DESRON 23 ships. Upon completion of the pre-underway training, SMWDC SCDSCD provided USS Halsey (DDG 97), USS Chaffee (DDG 90), and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) each with two anti-submarine/anti-surface (ASW/SUW) warfare tactics instructors (WTIs) and one sonar subject matter expert. With DESRON 23 embarked in USS Halsey as the Surface Element Commander, the surface ships got underway to face-off with the prospective commanding officers of SCC 51, and put their recent training to the test. SCC 51 marked a change in not only how SMWDC provides

training to the surface fleet, but also how it can provide more realistic presentation to the submarine force. Such an opportunity to test tactics, techniques, and procedures is unparalleled inin fleet exercises. The integration of WTIs and sonar SMEs resulted in an appreciable increase in the performance of participating surface ships and aircraft.

Sea Combat Division WTIs Participate in Submarine Command Course

8

(LEFT) - PACIFIC OCEAN (May 9, 2017) - Lt. Lisa Malone provides tactical training to officers aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during a Group Sail training unit exercise (GRUSL) with the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier strike Group (TRCSG).

(BOT(BOTTOM LEFT) - PACIFIC OCEAN (May 2, 2017) - Lt. Damon Goodrich-Houska, a Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) of the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC), writes briefs fellow WTIs aboard USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), during a fast-attack craft/ fast-inshore attack craft exercise.

(RIGHT)(RIGHT) - PACIFIC OCEAN (May 4, 2017) Lt. Joven Ernani Dinglasan, Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) of the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC), assists Lt. j.g. Andrea Lee during a surface action group versus surface action group (SAG V SAG) exercise aboard USS Bunker Hill (CD 52).

WTIs are an elite cadre of young Surface Warfare Officers (SWO) selected by SMWDC to become the best of the best in tactics and doctrine development for surface ships. Best identified by their red and black patches, WTIs are charged with increasing sea control and maritime dominance throughthrough one of their specialty areas – integrated air and missile defense, amphibious warfare or anti-submarine and –surface warfare.

Lieutenant Lisa Malone earned her Integrated Air Missile Defense (IAMD) Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) patch as a graduate of WTI Class 16010, and immediately joined the WTI Staff at SMWDC IAMD Division in Dahlgren, Va. As an IAMD WTI, Malone put her extensive knowledge of the challenging environmental conditions in the southern Red Sea to immediate use. She is the lead IAMD WTI supporting research and preparation of the Red Sea Lessons Learned Report following attacks on American naval forces in the Red Sea in October, 2016. The high

visibility of those events and the resulting briefs to Department of Defense and Navy leadership gave Malone the opportunityopportunity to travel across the country - and around the world - briefing senior leaders as part of a specially-selected three-person briefing team. Malone earned her commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Command (NROTC) unit at Norwich University in 2011. She was accepted to the IAMD WTI program after her tour as the Fire Control Officer aboard USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), which included a U.S. 5th Fleet deployment with the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. During this deployment, USS Forrest Sherman served as Battle Management Area, South Sector, Commander off the coast of Yemen.

WTI in the SpotlightLt. Lisa Malone

WTIs in Action

9WARFARE TACTICS INSTRUCTOR

"Projecting power from the sea thousands of miles away from our shores

is our Navy's competitive advantage. We are beginning a concerted

upgrade in our tactical standards and expertise with the establishment of

the Naval Surface Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC). SMWDC

Warfare Tactics Instructors (WTI) will renew our focus on tactics

development and warfighting. I am committed to SMWDC's success as an

essential means of improving our community combat readiness."

Vice Admiral Thomas Rowden

Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific

fACTICAL EXCELLENCE BY DESIGN

COMMANDER

NAVAL SURFACE AND MINE WARFIGHTING DEVELOPMENT CENTER

4170 NORMAN SCOTT ROAD, SUITE 4

SAN DI EGO, CA 92136-5519

Captain Brian Finman, Director

Amphibious Warfare Division

75 7-675-5030

i] .. .

. ,,

Captain Chris Merwin, Director

Mine Warfare Division

619-524-0396

Nl/N4: 619-767-6148

N3/N7: 619-767-6037

NS: 619-767-6034

NG: 619-767-6144

N8/N9: 619-556-3704

EA: 619-556-3069

PAO: 619-767-6099

Captain Tom Williams, Director

Sea Combat Division

619-556-4696

Captain Jim Jones, Director

Integrated Air and Missile Defense Division

540-653-9901

JOIN THE FIGHT AT SWO_WTl@NAVY.MIL

SMWDC is located at Naval Base San Diego with four divisions in Virginia and San Diego. Our mission is to

increase the lethality and tactical proficiency of the surface force across all domains.