Story by Kimberly M. Lansdale, Center for Surface Combat Systems

Representatives from the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) educated the surface warfare community on who they train and how they support the Fleet at the Surface Navy Association (SNA) Symposium Jan. 12 – 14.

Capt. Bill McKinley, CSCS commanding officer, oversees 14 learning sites and is responsible for combat systems training across the rates of fire controlman, operations specialist, gunner’s mate, sonar technician surface, mineman, interior communications electrician, and electronics technician.

“Each individual who approached our booth learned that we oversee 14 learning sites and provide nearly 70,000 hours of curriculum for 700 courses a year to more than 40,000 Sailors.”

“One of my goals for the command is to improve the brand and name recognition of CSCS throughout the operational fleet,” McKinley explained. “Thus, what better way to publicize our training than at this year’s 28th SNA Symposium which focused on ‘The Surface Warfare Strategy – A View Beyond the Horizon.’”

Mr. Brian Deters, technical support director, and Lt. Adam Galazka, Human Performance Requirements Review (HPRR) / Surface Warfare Enterprise (SWE) / Impaired Training and Education Report (ITER) coordinator, led the effort in developing a training exhibit that not only illustrated CSCS’ training role in today’s Navy, but how CSCS will play an even larger role in shaping tomorrow’s Navy.

People visiting the exhibit were able to experience various training demonstrations; Seamanship Training Video Series, Synthetic Combat Operator Trainer (SCOT), and Virtual Schoolhouse training products.

“We wanted to illustrate to the surface community how we are incorporating new methods of instruction to support Ready Relevant Learning, our Navy’s training vision of Sailor 2025 to ensure Sailors are provided the right training at the right time,” Deters explained. “We demonstrated our Virtual Schoolhouse projects, including Aegis Tactical Operations Course (TACTOE), Maintenance & Material Management (3M) and Basic Acoustic Analysis Refresher (BAAR).

CSCS was also able to discuss how they are the leaders in surface combat systems training.

“Each individual who approached our booth learned that we oversee 14 learning sites and provide nearly 70,000 hours of curriculum for 700 courses a year to more than 40,000 Sailors,” Galazka said. “In addition, we stressed how we are building maritime partnerships by providing quality allied forces training to enable them to develop ready teams capable of operations that maintain and expertly employ surface combatants.”

As CSCS wrapped up their third day at the SNA Symposium, plans were already in development for next year.

“I think our team was very effective in educating a large population of military, government, and industry personnel about our training,” McKinley said. “Most importantly, we successfully communicated our message not only to the Sailor of today, but also to the Sailor of tomorrow. If you did not get a chance to stop by our booth, we will see you next January.”

The SNA was incorporated in 1985 to promote greater coordination and communication among those in the military, business and academic communities who share a common interest in Naval Surface Warfare and to support the activities of Surface Naval Forces.

For information on the Center for Surface Combat Systems, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cscs/

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