Photo By Whitney Katz | In support of U.S. Southern Command’s (USSOUTHCOM) mission, Southern Partnership...... read more read more
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. - From May 29 – Oct. 7, four members of the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command’s (JECC) Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE) were embarked on the USNS Spearhead (JHSV-1) during the ship’s maiden voyage to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility to provide communications to U.S. customers and help partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.
USSOUTHCOM’s Southern Partnership Station-Joint High Speed Vessel 2014 (SPS-JHSV 14) mission focused on enhancing cooperative partnerships with regional maritime services and improving the operational readiness for all those services who participated.
During SPS-JHSV 14, the personnel from JCSE’s 1st Joint Communications Squadron (1JCS) split into two-man teams to provide communications services both aboard the ship and ashore at each destination. The two-person shipboard team provided secure and non-secure voice, data and video capabilities to more than 40 members at each port call and also provided similar support to an additional 100 personnel at sea.
Once the USNS Spearhead reached each destination, the mobile JCSE team not only provided communications for their U.S. customers but also assisted partner nations. For instance, JCSE worked closely with their counterparts within the Belize military to set up communication on their military installation.
JCSE employed the command’s newest communications package, the JBLOX, also known as the Light Communications Node, a modular Internet protocol based communication system, which utilizes the latest technology and was scaled based on mission requirements. For the afloat piece, JCSE employed the Initial Entry Package to provide uninterrupted connectivity.
Maintaining high bandwidth to a ship is always a challenge. However, the shipboard JCSE team increased the data speed of the USNS Spearhead’s antennae by configuring them for multiple networks and streaming video.
“The JCSE team configured a special modem kit that tied directly into the ship communication system and essentially allowed it to operate at maximum data rates,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Chance Geray, the commander of JCSE’s 1JCS. “For the customer on the USNS Spearhead, it was like adding DSL or cable, similar to what we have at home.”
These modifications enhanced communication capabilities on board but, a moving ship (especially a fast HSV like the USNS Spearhead) provided a challenge to the team. The JCSE team maintained open lines of communication by shifting the antennae and adjusting the equipment, as necessary, based on the continuous movement and direction of the ship. Moreover, since the team was integrated, it required in-depth coordination and corresponding satellite planning with the USNS Spearhead’s communications team.
JCSE member, U.S. Army Sgt Daniel Rodriguez, who was deployed in support of the SPS-JHSV 14 mission, said, “Although it was a unique and rewarding experience, we quickly came to realize the difficulties associated with operating on a fast moving ship, especially in turbulent waters.”
During the SPS-JHSV 14 mission, JCSE provided top-notch execution and support and their efforts led to enhanced preparation for future exercises and real-world missions.
| Date Taken: | 11.21.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 11.26.2014 12:19 |
| Story ID: | 148924 |
| Location: | NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 134 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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