Surface Force Commander visits Surface Fleet’s Warfighting Development Headquarters

Photo By Lt.j.g. Nancy diBenedetto | Vice Adm. Rich Brown, commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, is briefed by Capt. Christopher Barnes, deputy commander, Naval Surface and Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC), during a visit to SMWDC's headquarters to discuss the qualified Warfare Tactics Instructors (WTI) program and tour current construction areas associated with SMWDC future plans. SMWDC is one of the Navy's five Warfighting Development Centers and its mission is to increase the lethality and tactical proficiency of the Surface Force across all domains. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nancy C. diBenedetto)  

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

09.20.2018

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nancy diBenedetto 

Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

During his visit, Brown received a brief on SMWDC operations catering to information about the Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) program and toured the ongoing upgrades to SMWDC facilities by Capt. Christopher Barnes, deputy commander, SMWDC.

"SMWDC has evolved into the most critical of all Surface Force training commands, helping the Surface Force - and the Navy - keep pace with changing technology and the changing threat environment," said Brown during SMWDC’s recent change of command ceremony. "But not only for the Surface Force, our Fleet Commanders and Numbered Fleet Commanders want SMWDC – and more of it. SMWDC has become a low-density, high-demand asset."

Brown also received a brief from Lt. Matt Clark, a WTI, on the overview of the how a new lethality training system can assist future warfare officers.

WTIs are surface warfare officers who received advanced training as instructors and tactical expertise in one of four warfighting areas – Anti-Submarine/Surface Warfare (ASW/SUW), Amphibious Warfare (AMW), Integrated Air & Missile Defense (IAMD), or Mine Warfare (MIW).

SMWDC is one of five Navy Warfighting Development Centers (WDCs) that are designed to increase lethality and tactical proficiency in their area of warfare specialty, and integrate laterally to support cross-domain, high-end warfighting.

In addition, SMWDC is a subordinate command of CNSP and exists to increase the lethality and tactical proficiency of the Surface Force across all domains.

- CNSP -

• Date Taken: 09.20.2018
• Date Posted: 09.24.2018 12:54
• Story ID: 294022
• Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US