International Partner Visits Dahlgren Training Center

By Kimberly M. Lansdale, Center for Surface Combat Systems

DAHLGREN, Va. (NNS) -- The Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) Director of General Maritime Development visited the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) and AEGIS Training and Readiness Center (ATRC), co-located at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, Nov. 4.

The 2013 Australian Defence White Paper, released May 3 2013 by former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Defence Minister Stephen Smith, stressed the importance of RAN's future fleet capability and need for upgraded technology to ensure the success of its navy in an age of advancing technology.

The paper addressed in detail the implications of these developments for Australia's national security and defense settings, outlined Australia's strategy for maintaining a highly capable and credible navy, their contribution to the region's long-term security, and how Australia will seize opportunities and manage challenges in the current strategic environment.

Commodoere R.H. Elliott is responsible for developing and gaining government approval for these future RAN capabilities and visited CSCS and ATRC to discuss training and see firsthand how the U.S. Navy is training the RAN Sailors manning the new Hobart class of air warfare destroyers (AWD).

CSCS Commanding Officer Capt. Bill McKinley hosted Elliott during AWD discussions.

"This visit was not only important to illustrate to Commodore Elliott our training capabilities and processes, but to also re-emphasize our partnership with RAN. Our relationship has produced a resilient, global naval presence in support of the maritime strategy and will continue to do so in the future," McKinley said.

ATRC Commanding Officer Capt. Pete Galluch hosted Elliott during a tour of the schoolhouse.

"Commodore Elliott observed a blended learning solution that includes standard classrooms, hands-on labs, simulations, as well as computer-based and interactive courseware training," Galluch explained. "Training commenced in January of this year and the last course will conclude before the New Year. We are confident that these Sailors will apply their knowledge and skills and help their Navy implement and execute Aegis."

Elliott, who was appointed his current role in November 2011, said he appreciated his discussions with CSCS and ATRC and was impressed with the quality of training he observed.

"I have been very impressed with what has been discussed and shown to me today," he said. "The RAN's future upgrades to the Hobart-Class DDG and its associated Combat System are in safe hands with the impressive array of capabilities available at CSCS and ATRC."

CSCS' international training is coordinated through the command's Security Assistance and International Programs directorate.

"The mission of CSCS International Programs is to provide allied forces quality training to enable them to develop ready teams capable of operations that maintain and expertly employ surface combatants," said Dr. Darrell Tatro, director, CSCS International Programs. "We partner with U.S. training, readiness, and policy organizations, as well as other government agencies and industry to support international missions. While the USN has more than 30 years of Aegis experience to share with the RAN, we are gaining much through lessons learned from this global partner as we progress with the Air Warfare Destroyer program."