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SAN DIEGO—Sixty Navy Reserve officers took part in the second annual Surface Warfare Refresher Training (SWRT) from July 24 to July 26. Combined, the fast-paced and in-depth training visited five ships, an active LCS training facility, an aviation familiarization which was set up exclusively for the weekend, the working site of Coastal Riverine Squadron One, and lectures from high-profile presenters. The purpose of the annual training is to provide reserve officers with a diverse and detailed overview of the future of Surface Warfare through hands-on experiences, unique site visits, and informative presentations.
The weekend kicked off on Friday with an address from Rear Adm. Christopher J. Paul, Deputy Commander, Naval Surface Force (Pacific Fleet), on the future of the Surface Force. Afterward, the group paid a visit to the Littoral Combat Ship Training facility at Naval Base San Diego, where the Reserve officers witnessed several demonstrations and training operations.
A visit to USNS Lewis B. Puller (MLP 3) was next on the agenda. An extensive tour demonstrated how the ship will serve as an afloat forward staging bases (AFSB) to support special operations missions, counter-piracy/smuggling operations, maritime-security operations, and mine clearance, as well as humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions.
“We have a wide range of officers attending this training, all providing support to so many different units,” said Cmdr. Glen A. Viado, Commander, Naval Surface Fleet Readiness Headquarters. “By making these site visits, I think our officers will be able to take back something that they can pass on to their Sailors about what’s going on in the Surface Warfare world.”
Day one concluded with a presentation given by Rear Adm. James W. Kilby, Commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center.
On Saturday, the Reserve officers visited the flight line at Naval Air Station North Island to board and learn about four aircraft provided specifically for the training, including an SH-60 Seahawk, P-8 Poseidon, E-2C Hawkeye, and MQ-8 Fire Scout. The tour also included a utility boat ride to Naval Base San Diego, where the officers visited USS Somerset (LDP 25), USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), and USS Sampson (DDG 102).
Rear Adm. Kelvin N. Dixon, deputy commander, Navy Surface Force Atlantic, discussed the future needs of Reserve Surface Warfare officers and where opportunities are and will be.
“It’s a bright future for Reserve Officers,” Cmdr. Viado added. “This weekend they were able to see all the assets available to them…During this training they heard and saw firsthand how they could make an immediate impact with LCS, Ballistic Missile Defense, and Direct Energy.”
Sunday concluded the training with presentations on LCS capabilities and Coastal Riverine Squadron One as well as a site visit to USS Freedom (LCS 1) in the dry dock at Naval Base San Diego. The final site visit included a weapons demonstration and look into the communication tools used by the Coastal Riverine Squadron at Naval Air Station North Island.
“Giving 60 Reservist the opportunity to see, hear about and put their hands on different platforms is a success,” Cmdr. Viado said.
The third annual Surface Warfare Refresher training is tentatively scheduled to take place next summer at Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville, Florida.
| Date Taken: | 07.26.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.27.2015 17:00 |
| Story ID: | 171258 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 124 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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