SAN DIEGO – Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) educated the surface warfare community on how they support training warfighters to fight and win during the Surface Navy Association’s (SNA) 3rd Waterfront Symposium, August 17 - 18.

Formerly the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS), SCSTC is part of the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC).  NETC, led by Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, is the U.S. Navy’s Force Development pillar and largest shore command. Through its “street to fleet'' focus, NETC recruits, trains and delivers those who serve the nation by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational, and combat ready warfighters.
 
With over 6,500 staff and students across 12 global locations, SCSTC delivers training to 35,000 U.S. Navy Sailors as well as 700 international Sailors from 22 partner nations annually.  With surface community partners and force development counterparts, SCSTC provides system and platform specific combat systems training to a growing surface Navy. 

On 17 August, SCSTC offered tours of their trainers and schoolhouses to include the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Training Facility (LTF), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Virtual Operator Trainer (VOT), ASW Tactical Employment Trainer (ATET), and Mine Warfare Training Center (MWTC). Surface Warfare Schools Command (SWSC) also provided a tour of their Mariner Skills Training Center, Pacific (MSTCPAC).  SNA attendees were able to see first-hand how SCSTC and SWSC train warfighters to master the weapons systems with which they will fight the ship and in turn, prepare them for the high-end fight.
 
At their SNA exhibit, SCSTC highlighted its Ready Relevant Learning (RRL) and Surface Training Advanced Virtual Environment-Combat Systems (STAVE-CS) initiatives, including a physical demonstration of the Sonar Dome Rubber Window (SDRW) Virtual Maintenance Trainer (VMT). Sailors from MWTC also showcased the Mk 18 Mod 1 and SeaFox Mine Disposal Unmanned Underwater Vehicle.
 
On 18 August, Capt. George Kessler, SCSTC’s commodore, participated in SNA’s “Continuing the Conversation” and discussed the different facets of SCSTC and how the global, training organization helps build and maintain a combat credible, dominate naval force.  
 
“How we train our warfighters directly impacts combat readiness,” Kessler explained.  “Our student body, both officer and enlisted, includes the full spectrum of a surface navy career timeline – ranging from newly graduated boot camp Sailors to commanding officers / major commanders in route to their prospective ships.  SCSTC waterfront detachments execute waterfront training aboard commissioned ships in all navy homeports.  For pre-commissioning units, we also conduct extensive combat information center team training to provide a foundation for sea trials and acceptance testing. What makes us truly unique from other surface combat systems organizations is that we provide tactical, operational, and maintenance training.  We ensure our warfighters possess the tactical and technical competence and proficiency needed to execute the mission across the spectrum of operations in today’s challenging environment.”
 
Mr. Brian Deters, SCSTC’s executive director, says the successful execution of this event was a team effort.  
 
“This was a tremendous display of teamwork between headquarters and our learning sites, SCSTC San Diego and MWTC; Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems 5.0; and SWSC,” he said.   “We effectively showcased our vital RRL and STAVE-CS training solutions and demonstrated to the surface warfare community that our warfighters are ready to fight and win against any adversary.”
 
This was SCSTC’s 10th SNA engagement.  SCSTC is looking forward to exhibiting at SNA’s National Symposium, in Crystal City, Va., 10 - 12 Jan. 2023.  Make sure to stop by our exhibit!      
 
Surface Navy Association (SNA) was incorporated in 1985 to promote greater coordination and communication among those in the military, business, and academic communities who share a common interest in surface warfare while supporting the activities of surface forces.
 
For information on the Surface Navy Association, visit
http://www.navysna.org/

For information about the Surface Combat Systems Training Command, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/SCSTC    
 
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