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Lapse in Appropriations: The most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sept. 30, 2025.
Military personnel will continue in normal duty status, without pay, until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.
For more information please refer to the following link:

https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/display-news/Article/4319360/fy26-lapse-of-appropriations-department-of-the-navy-resources-for-sailors-marin/
 
The former Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) was renamed to Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) as part of a larger CSCS realignment in 2021. 

SCSTC, headquartered in Dahlgren, Virginia, falls under the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC).  SCSTC is a training organization that consists of 15 global learning sites and detachments.  Its mission is to provide the United States Navy and our allies with highly trained warfighters to maintain, operate, and tactically employ surface combat systems across the spectrum of operations.
 
SCSTC provides platform, baseline and billet specific maritime warfare training to surface warfare officers and other naval officers assigned to surface ships.  Each training pipeline is tailored to the officer’s next operational assignment and primarily delivered during PCS transition to sea duty.  The series of courses is designed to provide a technical foundation and the tactical application commensurate to the billet and anticipated shipboard watchstanding duties.
 
SCSTC prepares enlisted Sailors to operate, maintain and tactically employ sensors, weapons, communications, and combat systems.  This training is delivered throughout a career for eight enlisted ratings: Fire Controlman, Fire Controlman Aegis, Electronic Technician, Interior Communication, Sonar Technician (Surface), Gunner’s Mate, Mineman, and Operations Specialist.  Training commences at “A” and “C” Schools and follow-on courses taught at SCSTC learning sites and detachments in each homeport. 
 
SCSTC maintains a Rating Lead for each of these enlisted communities who orchestrate a continuum of training delivered to Sailors at the right point in their career.  Additionally, they maintain continuity in advancement bibliographies, occupational standards, Personnel Qualification Standards, career progression plans and other rating specific materials.
 
SCSTC executes waterfront training aboard commissioned ships in all Navy homeports through the Advanced Warfighting Training series.  For Pre-Commissioning units, SCSTC conducts extensive training late in the construction period to provide a foundation for sea trials and acceptance testing.
 
SCSTC fulfills a similar training mission for international partners who operate U.S. manufactured systems.  SCSTC International Programs Directorate is the Training Agent for PEO IWS 4.0.  In this role, SCSTC is responsible to plan, manage and execute international acquisition training efforts starting with initial training and continuing through lifetime support.  This training enables our Allies operational capability as well as foster interoperability with U.S. forces. 
 
SCSTC is a global organization with a huge responsibility to the Fleet.  
 

SCSTC NEWS

Captain Matt Rick

Capt. Matt Rick is a native of Willoughby, Ohio. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1994, the Naval War College in 2006, and the National Defense University’s Eisenhower School, formerly the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, in 2013.
 
Rick’s sea tours include division officer, USS Spruance (DD 963); division officer, USS Stark (FFG 31); combat systems officer, USS Spruance (DD 963); executive officer, USS Grapple (ARS 53); flag secretary; Commander, Carrier Strike Group 12; executive officer, USS Donald Cook (DDG 75); chief staff officer, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 2; commanding officer; USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29); and operations officer, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 10. 
 
Rick would be the last commanding officer to serve aboard Stephen W. Groves, the oldest Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate.  During his tour, the ship achieved many first-time milestones to include circumnavigating the continent of Africa, becoming an emerald shellback, and being recognized by the U.S. Senate for counter-piracy operations that lead to the destruction of a hijacked long liner, Jih Chun Tsai 68, which was operating as a mothership by Somali pirates.
 
Ashore, he served as an instructor and then later, executive assistant to the superintendent at the U.S. Naval Academy. He most recently served as commanding officer, Training Support Center Hampton Roads in Virginia.  He reported as commanding officer, of Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) Hampton Roads in June 2020. 
 
Rick’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (seven awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit, campaign, and service awards.
 

Last Updated: 28 April 2022


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