Senior Officers Experience LCS Training

By Kimberly M. Lansdale, Center for Surface Combat Systems Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Commander, Naval Surface Forces (CNSF) and Naval Surface Force (NSF) Pacific Fleet, more than 40 flag officers and senior executives attending the Surface Warfare Officer Flag Training Symposium visited the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Shore-Based Training Facility (SBTF) Aug. 25 in San Diego.

Leadership, including CNSF and NSF Pacific Fleet, Vice Adm. D.C. Curtis, toured the SBTF, which is operated and managed by Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) Detachment San Diego and is a final step in the LCS train to qualify process.

The LCS SBTF is the first surface warfare training facility to provide integrated bridge and combat systems tactical scenario training for Sailors serving on board an LCS.

Flag officers were shown the facilities and watched as the Blue Crew from USS Freedom (LCS 1) and USS Independence (LCS 2) manned stations in the simulators.

"The SBTF provides a perfect backdrop for introducing Navy leadership to the future of surface warfare training," said Joe Shifflett, director of the LCS SBTF. "It was especially helpful having actual crews who have benefited from using trainers answer the admirals' questions about the train to qualify process."

The train to qualify process connects the initial LCS training model to personnel qualification standards. Train to qualify is a new concept for the surface force that shifts qualification training from the ship to shore training, meaning that LCS Sailors report aboard ready to stand their watch and execute assigned duties.

"The mission of the SBTF is two-fold," explained Brian Deters, CSCS's technical support director. "It provides integrated training for Sailors and serves as the primary training venue for LCS off-crew preparing for deployment certification."

After the demonstration, Curtis and the flag officers spoke with Freedom and Independence Sailors about the blended training they received and their experience working on an LCS ship.