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

Commander Courtney P. Taft

Executive Officer, Surface Combat Systems Training Command

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Cmdr. Taft is a native of Dayton, Ohio. She graduated in 1999 from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and received her commission as an ensign through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program. She completed her Joint Professional Military Education training at the Naval War College while earning her Master of Management and Human Resource from Salve Regina University in 2007.

Taft’s sea duty assignments include electronics maintenance officer and later, combat information center officer, USS Mount Vernon (LSD 39); training officer, USS Milius (DDG 69); operations officer, USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Princeton (CG 57); and most recently, executive officer and then commanding officer, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 1. She was awarded the 2010 Junior Officer Award for Excellence while aboard USS Princeton, has completed multiple deployments to U.S. 5th and U.S. 7th Fleets, and supported the 2004 tsunami relief efforts in Southeast Asia while deployed with USS Milius.

Taft’s initial shore tour was at Surface Warfare Officer School (now Surface Warfare Schools Command), Newport, Rhode Island where she served as a navigation / seamanship instructor and course lead for the Conning Officer Virtual Environment simulator. Following her department head tours, she was the deputy executive assistant to commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, and later transitioned to fleet training, serving as the fleet’s amphibious exercise and plans officer and schedule of events coordinator for Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2014. In 2014, Taft reported to AEGIS Training and Readiness Center, Dahlgren, Virginia, where she served as safety officer and team lead for the Ready, Relevant Learning and Sailor 2025 initiatives. She reported as executive officer, Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC), Dahlgren, Virginia, in February 2021.

Taft’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various service and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 28 October 2021