USS Jason Dunham Starts Simulated War Games

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Derek Paumen

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) began the theater anti-submarine warfare (TASW) phase of Submarine Commander's Course-40 (SSC-40) outside of the Bahamas, May 19.

Jason Dunham was joined by embarked members of Destroyer Squadron 28 (DESRON-28), the guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64). The exercise will give the vessels involved the unique opportunity to work and learn from one another; in order to improve their anti-submarine hunting capabilities.

"It's a benefit to our forces that we can support Submarine Atlantic (SUBLANT) and submarine forces in general," said Capt. Richard Brawley, deputy commodore of DESRON-28. "We train our crews with something we never get to see during our training phase."

SSC-40 is a training course designed for naval officers preparing to take command of a submarine. The class lasts several weeks and comprises four phases, including classroom and field instruction. SSC-40 has a long history with other nations and international participation is commonplace, both surface and submarine side.

"SSC-40's primary purpose is to qualify respective commanding officers and executive officers," said Brawley. "Typically we try to involve other nations such as Canada or England."

During the three-day exercise, combatants participate in a wide variety of exercises including torpedo launch and evasion, counter fire operations, and the search and prosecution of enemy submarines using multiple radars, sonar, and sonobuoys.

For the Sailors involved, the course gives them a chance to put their training to the test and take the knowledge gained from each other into possible future combat scenarios.

"There's no limitations on a submarine," said Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class Michael Miller. "The gloves are coming off. This is as real as we ever get to practice. We will take the information and apply it wherever we deploy in the world for anti-submarine warfare as needed."

Jason Dunham is currently operating in the U.S. 2nd Fleet area of responsibility participating in SCC-40.