Deputy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Visits TSC Great Lakes

By James F. Antonucci, Training Support Center Great Lakes Public Affairs

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- The deputy commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) observed the training techniques employed at Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes and learning sites to train students Aug. 6.

USFF supports both the chief of naval operations (CNO) and combatant commanders worldwide by providing responsive, relevant, sustainable naval forces ready-for-tasking. The command provides operational and planning support to combatant commanders and integrated warfighter capability requirements to the CNO.

Additionally, USFF serves as the CNO's designated executive agent for anti-terrorism/force protection (ATFP), individual augmentees (IA), and sea basing.

Vice Adm. Peter H. Daly, a native of Chicago, has completed sea duty assignments including USS Roark (FF-1053); USS Stump (DD 978); USS Hercules (PHM-2) and USS Yorktown (CG-48); USS Russell (DDG-59). He has commanded Destroyer Squadron 31 in support of the Abraham Lincoln Battle Group and commanded Carrier Strike Group 11.

In a tour hosted by TSC Commanding Officer Capt. Caroline M. Olinger, Daly observed TSC learning sites such as the Center for Naval Engineering (CNE) Great Lakes and the Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit (CSCSU); examining the process that trains Sailors on their path to the fleet.

"Having Vice Adm. Daly tour facilities at TSC and the learning sites has given him tremendous insight into the various training programs, the quality of the staff and the apprenticeship level of skills that students will take to the fleet," said Olinger. Visiting CNE Great Lakes and the Mentor Associated Basic Engineering Common Core (BECC) labs and computer-based training (CBT) classrooms, Daly observed the course features in detail. BECC balances CBT training with hands-on training labs, instructor-led classroom training, and the study of fleet equipment in extremely realistic simulations creating an Integrated Learning Environment (ILE) or "blended" training atmosphere.

Daly was briefed on the equipment students run through during their training, which include troubleshooting techniques and other operational issues utilizing the mock-up generators. At the Engineman "C" or advanced school, the massive Diesel Front Panel Simulator was demonstrated along with other curriculum trainers.

"My tour of the Center for Surface Combat Systems and the Center for Naval Engineering was a great experience," Daly said. "Schools of instruction provide an opportunity for young Sailors to establish the foundation and skill sets required to arrive in the fleet and be immediately useful to their work centers and divisions."

Officer in Charge of Center for Naval Engineering, Cmdr. Michael R. Curtis said "Vice Adm. Daly's visit exemplified the need for the Navy's fleet leaders to better understand and see firsthand the efforts that go into training new Sailors. Being better acquainted with our current training philosophy and methodology, he will be prepared to provide direct input from the front lines to make sure our training is meeting the needs of the fleet."

Following the visit to the different strands at CNE, Daly proceeded to experience the learning environment at the Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit (CSCSU).

With a tour of the Gunner's Mate (GM) "A" School at the facility, again utilizing CBT and ILE concepts, Daly was shown just what materials are in the curriculum and how students interact with computers and simulators.

"The 'blended' teaching environment appears to create an atmosphere for these Sailors to get the best of CBT, while remaining coupled with hands-on instructor-based labs and instruction," Daly said.

"This setting is a great way to lay the groundwork required for a successful naval career in the Fleet."

It was very clear that these methodologies are key in all cases to the presentation of the curriculum of this phase of learning for weapons training, and all advanced electronics and computer fields.

Lastly the Firearms Training Simulator or FATS was demonstrated to give the Daly a true sense of training simulations at the GM school. Daly took the opportunity test out a few of the simulated weapons himself, and came away with a smile as all of the school's visitors do.

About the presentations, Daly commented that it was impressive to see TSC's training environment tied to the training Sailors receive as recruits by incorporating watchstanding, physical training, and other GMT into their curriculum.

"In all, TSC is achieving the needs of the Fleet and producing outstanding Sailors," he stated.

Speaking of the training environments provided by TSC and learning sites, Olinger finished up with, "Touring a facility such as ours will provide him with the first-hand data to assist in him in informing the CNO of TSC's needs that we may continue to support the Fleet."

TSC Great Lakes is the only training command located within the same vicinity as Boot Camp and is the home of six learning sites operated independently. The command supports 90 percent of the Surface Navy schools and averages 16,000 student throughputs per year.