SURFPAC and ATG Present Training Manual Updates at Waterfront Symposium

By Lt. Alec Zirkenbach, Naval Surface Forces Public Affairs

June 9, 2010 - SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) presented several innovative updates to the Surface Force Training Manual (SFTM) at a waterfront symposium hosted by staff from Afloat Training Group San Diego (ATGSD) June 8.

The familiarization seminar, the third in a series held in fleet concentration areas throughout the Pacific Fleet, introduced SFTM 1E revisions to more than 250 San Diego-based Surface Warfare leadership and training team members. ATGSD staff briefed the advancements to mission training and certification areas throughout the day.

"The Surface Force Training Manual revisions started with inputs from mission area subject matter experts and the ATG trainers—the most knowledgeable about the training and certifications at the deckplate level," said Capt. Mike Taylor, commanding officer, ATGSD, who delivered opening remarks. "This revision was not an individual effort. The improvements were an accumulation of contributions from commands across the fleet, outside agencies and staff from ATG commands around the world."

SFTM revision 1E is the product of a comprehensive two-year review of all 22 training mission areas designed to reduce the administrative burden on ships while increasing the rigor of certification assessment during shortened training phases. Significant updates include extending most certification periodicities and lowering the continuous certification requirement to 80 percent (previously 100 percent by applying single point of failure criteria.

"As operational requirements for Surface Warriors continue to grow, it is becoming increasingly important to optimize shipboard training," said Capt. Kurush Morris, Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet training and readiness officer and Surface Warfare Enterprise training lead. "These new updates enable the Surface Fleet to execute the nation's maritime strategy, meet combatant commander's tasking and achieve necessary efficiencies while maintaining the highest level of proficiency across all warfare areas."

SFTM revision 1E rollout is expected to begin force-wide in August.

"This revision should shorten our administrative overhead period and let us focus on training areas that need remediation, instead of just 'trying to get a check in the box'," said Gas Turbine System Technician Senior Chief James Ashton, USS Halsey (DDG 97) Engineering Department leading chief petty officer. "I'm looking forward to seeing the published changes."