Undersea Warfighting Development Center Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

By Kevin Copeland, Submarine Force Atlantic Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The ceremonial opening of the Undersea Warfighting Development Center (UWDC) occurred during a ribbon cutting ceremony, Sept. 21, at U. S. Naval Submarine Base New London.

Under the command of Rear Adm. Jeffrey E. Trussler, the UWDC became operational, Sept. 1.

Featured speakers were Vice Adm. Joseph E. Tofalo, Commander, Submarine Forces, and Rear Adm. Trussler.

"The Undersea Warfighting Development Center will integrate our "undersea concept of operations and tactics, techniques and procedures in support of theater, anti-submarine warfare forces; prepare submarine crews to conduct all combat missions; and prepare carrier strike groups and independently deploying surface ships to perform integrated anti-submarine warfare," said Tofalo. "Our undersea forces have always been about being first: first to the fight and first to come to grips with the enemy. RDML Trussler and his people will ensure we stay poised to do that. This is crucial work and UWDC are the right people to do it."

UWDC will be responsible for training the submarine force in advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures for Anti-Submarine Warfare. The center has assumed the training missions, tasks, and functions for Theater and Integrated Strike Group Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) from the Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command (NMAWC), based in San Diego.

"The establishments of Warfighting Development Centers have been several years in the making," said Trussler. "The stand-up of the UWDC is one of the last pieces of that puzzle to come together. As we move forward to support the undersea forces and undersea effort, our organization will be committed to being innovative, adaptive, and responsive."

In calendar year 2014 the Chief of Naval Operations ordered the establishment of Warfighting Development Centers (WDCs). The CNO approved Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces and Commander, Pacific Fleet in establishing WDCs for air, undersea, surface, and expeditionary forces. WDCs will conduct integrated advanced tactical training under the administrative control of supported Type Commanders now assigned responsibility for theater-to tactical-level warfare mission areas.

WDCs will provide advanced warfighting tactical training across air, sea, and space domains. This will enhance warfighting effectiveness by creating cohesiveness across all warfare communities.