An Introduction to NAWDC: Captain Steinbaugh Provides an Overview

Posted on | by Robbin Laird
08/17/2017

2017-08-14  By Edward Timperlake and Robbin Laird

During our recent visit to Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center or NAWDC, Captain Leif “Weed” Steinbaugh, Director of Training at NAWDC, provided our first briefing which oriented us to the changes at NAWDC since we last visited Fallon Naval Air Station in 2014.

Notably, the name had changed from Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) to the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWADC).

https://sldinfo.com/the-usn-combat-learning-cycle-prepare-an-air-wing-for-deployment-while-supporting-one-deployed/

This change of name is very significant and represents a culmination of the work of the Top Gun era and the laying the foundation for the integrated Warfighting approach for the distributed fleet, which the US Navy is shaping with the fleet it has and the fleet, which is on the way.

Captain Steinbaugh has a significant background in Electronic Warfare and strike operations as well.

He first flew A-6s, then went to Prowler and then to Growler.

This is his fourth tour at Fallon as well. His first tour was with the strike department, the second he set up the Growler department and the third was in the training department.

Captain Steinbaugh characterized NSAWC as follows:

“The focus was on proficiency with the platform, at the individual level with integration in the final week of Air Wing Fallon.

“TTPs were approached from this perspective.

“Then as now we train the training officers for the Carrier Air Group or CAG.”

The name change reflects a strategic shift in the US Navy towards integrated Warfighting and, by definition almost, because integration is crucial to success, to an enhanced focus on the high end fight.

NAWDC was the first of a series of Warfighting development centers which have been stood up and which the Navy is leveraging for the evolution of the integrated Warfighting approach.

There are several Warfighting development centers: for surface and mine warfare, underwater warfare, for information warfare, for expeditionary warfare.

Currently, the closest working relationship between NAWDC and the other Warfighting centers is with the surface Warfighting development center, and with the potential to cross link aviation with the weapons onboard surface ships this lays a solid foundation to go where the technology is evolving as well.

There is a monthly video teleconference among the Warfighting development centers.

Warfare tactics instructors (WTI), from left to right, Lt. Cmdr. Mike Dwan, Lt Doug Wilkins, Lt. Lisa Schmidt, Lt Joseph Lewis, Lt Scott Margolis, Lt. Andrew Blanco, Lt Weston Floyd, LT Justin Bolly, Lt. Serg Samardzic, Lt. Rebecca O’Brien, and Lt. Cmdr. Derek Rader pause for a group photo at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon, in Nevada. The 11 integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) WTIs participated in a pilot integrated air defense course (IADC) — a joint effort led by the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) and Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC). IADC will activate in late 2016 and train carrier air wings, carrier strike groups, and air and missile defense commanders in a simulated training environment at NAS Fallon. Several IAMD WTIs will teach and train the inaugural course alongside their aviation counterparts from Navy Weapons Fighter School (TOPGUN).

“ We focus on TTP development and doctrine, on upcoming major exercises and any Commander interest items that the Commanders may have.

“The biggest change with the Warfighting Development Centers is our ability now to integrate with the other communities, and to gain a better understanding of the evolving mission areas.”

The culmination of the training process at NAWDC is Air Wing Fallon when the air wing about to go on deployment comes for its final training.

“Their training track, if you will, is to get ready for deployment.

“They will have completed the air wing, will have completed advanced readiness program, which is the program done by platform for each of their type of squadrons. We start where they should be, at what level they should be at, finishing ARP, and then we do a crawl, walk, run.

“The first week, week and a half, we give them the plan, we do everything for them.

“They don’t have to do any of the planning.

“They just have to execute.

“Once we see that they can execute, we’ll get to the next part where they get more involved in the planning, we tighten the timelines down a little bit on them so it provides some pressure.

“We up the game, if you will, on the threats side of things so things feel a bit more real, and finally the last week is ATP, the advanced training phase, where they are pretty much on a timeline.

“We may see out on deployment, whoever might be out there at the time and they then execute there.

“The threat is about as high as we can ramp it up to.”

Captain Steinbaugh highlighted what the training command is doing now but how the transition implied in the name change was laying the foundation for a way ahead towards more effective fleet integration.

With new buildings being added for simulation and training a new phase will be added.

We will focus on this shift in a later interview, but it is clear that the Navy is preparing for a more effective fleet operation with the fleet it has, but is taking the longer view of preparing for the potential for rapid innovation associated with the fleet operating in a kill web.

Captain Leif “Weed” Steinbaugh, Director of Training at NAWDC

Captain Steinbaugh is a native of Quantico, VA. He earned his commission in May 1990 from the United States Naval Academy, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

He was designated a Naval Flight Officer in April 1992 and was assigned to Attack Squadron (VA) 128 for training as an A-6E Bombardier/Navigator. After completing training in July 1993, he was assigned to the “Boomers” of VA 165. While assigned to VA 165 as schedules officer and line division officer, he completed one Western Pacific/Arabian Gulf deployment and decommissioned the squadron in August 1996. He then was assigned to Commander, Medium Attack Wing, Pacific as part of the A-6E “Shoretail” detachment until the retirement of the A-6E. Selected for transition to the EA-6B Prowler, he reported to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 in December 1996 for training as an EA-6B Electronic Countermeasures Officer.

After graduating from VAQ 129 in January 1998, Captain Steinbaugh was assigned to the “Gauntlets” of VAQ 136 in Atsugi, Japan for a “Super-JO” tour. While with VAQ 136 as the personnel officer and assistant maintenance officer, he completed two Arabian Gulf deployments and numerous Western Pacific deployments. Promoted to Lieutenant Commander in August 2000, he was extended in VAQ 136 in order to complete his department head tour, serving as the squadron’s operations officer.

From January 2002 until January 2004, Captain Steinbaugh was assigned to VAQ 129 as the maintenance officer and as a fleet replacement squadron instructor. In January 2004, he was assigned to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center Strike Department as the electronic warfare division officer, where he instructed carrier air wings in Suppression of Enemy Air Defense tactics. Captain Steinbaugh was then assigned to the staff of Commander, Naval Air Forces, as the EA-6B/EA-18G Class Desk Officer from July 2005 to January 2007. He then proceeded to VAQ 129 for refresher training and reported in November 2007 to VAQ 131 as the executive officer. He assumed command of VAQ 131 in February 2009. In May 2010, he reported back to VAQ 129 for transition to the EA-18G.

Captain Steinbaugh reported to Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center in October 2010 as the first Airborne Electronics Attack Weapons School (HAVOC) Department Head. As a HAVOC plank owner, he helped develop and establish the classroom and flight syllabus for the Growler Tactics Instructor course.

In June 2013, he became the Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Fallon.  Captain Steinbaugh now serves as Director of Training at Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center, on Naval Air Station Fallon.

http://www.public.navy.mil/AIRFOR/nawdc/Pages/Director%20of%20Training.aspx

Appendix: The Structure of NAWDC

NAWDC’s individual mission requirements include:

N2:  The Information Warfare Directorate at NAWDC is responsible for ensuring command leadership and personnel are provided the full capabilities of the Information Warfare Community (IWC) to support combat readiness and training of Carrier Air Wings and Strike Groups.  The Directorate is comprised of four areas of focus: Air Wing Intelligence Training, the Maritime ISR (MISR) Cell, Targeting, and Command Information Services (CIS).  

The Air Wing Intelligence Training Division is responsible for training CVW Intelligence Officers and Enlisted Intelligence Specialists in strike support operations.  The MISR Cell is tasked with providing ISR integration into Carrier Air Wing training as well as qualifying MISR Package Commanders and Coordinators.  The Targeting Division trains and certifies all CVW Targeteer personnel and provides distributed reach-back support for deployed units worldwide regarding target development.  CIS provides cyber security and computer network operations for the entire NAWDC enterprise.

N3:  NAWDC Operations department (N3) is responsible for the coordination, planning, synchronization, and scheduling for the operations of the command, its assigned aircraft, and airspace and range systems within the Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC).

N4:  NAWDC’s Maintenance Department is the heart of training for all the NAWDC schoolhouses.  Maintenance’s focus is providing mission-ready fleet and adversary aircraft configured with required weapons and systems for all training evolutions.  We support day to day training missions with the F-16 Viper, F-18 Hornet and Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, E-2C Hawkeye and the MH-60S Seahawk; conducting scheduled and un-scheduled maintenance on 39 individual aircraft.  These aircraft and weapon systems are the foundation for all other NAWDC Department’s training syllabi.

N5:  Responsible for training Naval aviation in advanced Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP) across assigned combat mission areas at the individual, unit, integrated and joint levels, ensuring alignment of the training continuum; to set and enforce combat proficiency standards; to develop, validate, standarize, publish and revise TTPs. 

Also provides subject matter expertise support to strike group commanders, numbered fleet commanders, Navy component commanders and combatant commanders; to lead training and warfighting effectiveness assessments and identify and mitigate gaps across all platforms and staffs for assigned mission areas as the supported WDC; and collaborates with other WDCs to ensure cross-platform intergration and alignment.

NAWDC’s Joint NAWDC’s Joint Close-Air Support (JCAS) Division continues to answer the needs of current theater operations with increased production of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers Course (JTACC).NAWDC’s Joint NAWDC’s Joint Close-Air Support (JCAS) Division continues to answer the needs of current theater operations with increased production of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers Course (JTACC).  NAWDC JCAS primarily trains Naval Special Warfare and Riverine Group personnel, but has this year also trained U.S. Army Special Operations, U.S. Marine Corps Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Officers, international personnel, as well as U.S. Navy Fixed and Rotary Wing Forward-Air Controller (Airborne) personnel.  

NAWDC’s JCAS branch is the U.S. Navy’s designated representative to the Coalition JCAS Executive Steering Committee, and is a recognized authority on kinetic air support to information warfare (IW), tactical precision targeting, and digitally aided CAS.

N6:  Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School (CAEWWS), also referred to as TOP DOME, is the E-2 weapon school and responsible for Airborne Tactical Command and Control advanced individual training via the Hawkeye Weapons and Tactics Instructors (HEWTIs) class.  CAEWWS is also responsible for development of community Tactics, Technique and Procedures and provides inputs to the acquisition process in the form of requirements and priorities for research and development (R&D), procurement, and training systems.  

CAEWWS works closely to support other Warfare Development Centers and Weapons Schools; such as the Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center’s Integrated Air Defense Course (IADC) and Integrated Air and Missile Defense WTI Integration Course (IWIC).  Other functions include support to advanced integrated fleet training by way of WTI augmentation to the N5/STRIKE Department for CVW integrated training detachments; also known as Air Wing Fallon Detachment and support of squadron activities.

N7:  In the early stages of the Vietnam War, the tactical performance of Navy fighter aircraft against seemingly technologically inferior adversaries, the North Vietnamese MiG-17, MiG-19, and MiG-21, fell far short of expectations and caused significant concern among national leadership.  

Based on an unacceptable ratio of combat losses, in 1967, ADM Tom Moorer, Chief of Naval Operations, commissioned an in-depth examination of the process by which air-to-air missile systems were acquired and employed.  Among the multitude of findings within this report was the critical need for an advanced fighter weapons school, designed to train aircrew in all aspects of aerial combat including the capabilities and limitations of Navy aircraft and weapon systems, along with those of the expected threat.

In 1969, the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) was established to develop and implement a course of graduate-level instruction in aerial combat.  Today, TOPGUN continues to provide advanced tactics training for FA-18A-F aircrew in the Navy and Marine Corps through the execution of the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) Course.  TOPGUN is the most demanding air combat syllabus found anywhere in the world.  The SFTI Course ultimately produces graduate-level strike fighter tacticians, adversary instructors, and Air Intercept Controllers (AIC) who go on to fill the critical assignment of Training Officer in fleet units.

N8:  Navy’s Rotary Wing Weapons School is composed of a staff of 25 pilots and aircrewmen who instruct the Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor program; provide tactics instructors to fleet squadrons;  maintain and develop the Navy’s helicopter tactics doctrine via the SEAWOLF Manual; instruct the Navy’s Mountain Flying School; provide high-altitude, mountainous flight experience for sea-going squadrons; and provide academic, ground, flight, and opposing-forces instruction for visiting aircrew during Air Wing Fallon detachments.

N9:   The NAWDC Safety Department (N9) serves as the principle advisor to the Commander on all matters pertaining to safe command operations and is responsible for administering the following safety programs: aviation, ground, ergonomics, motor vehicles (personal, commercial), recreation, and on- and off-duty.  Our goal is to eliminate preventable mishaps while maximizing operational readiness.  We accomplish this by preserving lives, preventing injury, and protecting equipment and material.

N10:  The US Navy’s Airborne Electronic Attack Weapons School, call sign “HAVOC”, stood up in 2011 to execute the NAWDC mission as it pertains to Electronic Warfare and the EA-18G Growler.  HAVOC is comprised of highly qualified Growler Tactics Instructors, or GTIs, that form the “tactical engine” of the EA-18G community, developing the tactics that get the most out of EA-18G sensors and weapons.  HAVOC’s mission is also to train Growler Aircrew and Intelligence Officers on those tactics during the Growler Tactics Instructor Course.  

The Growler Tactics Instructor Course is a rigorous 12 week syllabus of academic, simulator, and live fly events that earn graduates the Growler Tactics Instructor designation – the highest level of EA-18G tactical qualification that is recognized across Naval Aviation.  The Growler brings the most advanced tactical Electronic Warfare capabilities to operational commanders creating a tactical advantage for friendly air, land, and maritime forces by delaying, degrading, denying, or deceiving enemy kill chains.

N20:  The Tomahawk Landing Attack Missile (TLAM) Department provides direct support to U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) in the development and standardization of tactics, techniques and procedures for the employment of the Tomahawk weapon system.  In addition, TLAM provides training to the CVW, fleet, and joint commands on TLAM capabilities and strike integration

https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrsw/installations/nas_fallon/about/nawdc.html

 

 

 

The Australian Navy Addresses the Mine Threat

Posted on | by Robbin Laird

2017-08-18

The mine threat is a significant one affecting operations, notably in littoral areas.

The Australian Navy certainly recognizes the threat and is expanding the envelope of systems to deal with this threat.

Notably, they are preparing for a new role for unmanned underwater systems.

According to an article published August 11, 2017 by the Australian Department of Defnece, they are shaping a way ahead for deployable Mine Countermeasure Capabilities For Navy.

The Royal Australian Navy is forging ahead with new technologies to counter the threat of sea mines to military and commercial vessels.

The Head of Navy Capability, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead, said the prevalence and increasing sophistication of sea mines means the Royal Australian Navy must continue to improve the way it finds and disposes of these mines.

“New autonomous and remote-controlled technologies deployed from within the maritime task force provides the opportunity to find and dispose of sea mines more safely and efficiently,” Rear Admiral Mead said.

“In the 2030s, Defence will seek to replace its specialised mine hunting and environmental survey vessels with a single fleet of multi-role vessels embarking advanced autonomous and uninhabited systems.”

Rear Admiral Mead said these newly introduced systems are the first step in realising a future capability which would allow the Royal Australian Navy to clear sea mines with minimal risk to its people and assets.

“Thales Australia Ltd will deliver and support the new equipment over the next 15 years,” Rear Admiral Mead said.

The new capability will primarily be based and sustained at HMAS Waterhen in Sydney, New South Wales.

https://news.defence.gov.au/media/media-releases/deployable-mine-countermeasure-capabilities-navy

Rear Admiral Mead also focused on upgrading the current counter mine vessels as well in his statement.

The Australian Government has granted First Pass approval to extend the service life for Navy’s Huon Class Minehunter Coastal vessels.

The Head of Navy Capability, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead, said the project forecast in the Defence White Paper 2016 will ensure Defence is able to provide an effective maritime mine countermeasure capability out to the 2030s.

“Minehunters play a vital role in protecting Australia’s ships, harbours and infrastructure from the threat of sea mines,” Rear Admiral Mead said. 

“First Pass approval is a major milestone for this project that will see the life of the Minehunters extended to ensure there is no gap in mine warfare capability as we determine the replacement vessels.

“The Huon Class have proven highly capable, supporting Defence’s international engagement strategy through participation in exercises and operations to secure our sea lanes and disposing of Second World War explosive remnants, and they will continue to serve Australia for years to come.

“In addition to its mine warfare role, the Huon Class vessels play a unique role in Defence assistance to the civil community and in 2011 provided support in response to severe flooding in Queensland, including the disposal of debris that posed a navigational hazard,” Rear Admiral Mead said.

The Australian Defence industry will be heavily involved in the future of the platforms. Negotiations are underway with Thales Australia to engage them as the Prime Systems Integrator to deliver the project. Under Thales’ lead there will be opportunities for other Australian companies to support the Minehunters through their service life.

The Huon class were built by Thales Australia, formerly ADI, and were introduced into service in the early 2000s.

https://news.defence.gov.au/media/media-releases/navys-minehunters-service-life-extension-reaches-first-pass

For our interview with Rear Admiral Mead during a visit to Australia, see the following:

Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead Focuses on the Way Ahead for the Royal Australian Navy

 

 

 

RAAF Participates in Mobility Guardian 2017

Posted on | by Robbin Laird
08/16/2017

2017-08-17 Mobility Guardian 2017 is a lift and tanking exercise designed to enhance the training of U.S. and allied crews in terms of operating in contested airspace.

As high tempo and high intensity operations return as a core activity, the Aussies at Tailsman Sabre 2017 and at Mobility Guardian 2017 are focused on shape capabilities and working with allies in the contested environment.

We have upcoming interviews conducted during the current visit to Australia which will further discuss both exercises and the enhanced training of the RAAF for operations in contested airspace.

According to an article published by the Australian Department of Defence on August 12, 2017, RAAF participation in Mobility Guardian 2017 is highlighted.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has dispatched its two largest aircraft—C-17A Globemaster III transport and KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport—to the United States for Exercise Mobility Guardian 17.

Held in Washington State from 30 July to 12 August 2017, Mobility Guardian 17 is conducted by the US Air Force (USAF) and involves the rehearsal of key air mobility roles.

This includes air-to-air refuelling from the KC-30A and aerial delivery of cargo to a drop zone by the C-17A.

RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland will provide most of the 120 deployed personnel who will join 1,700 USAF members along with 330 personnel from other nations.

Commanding Officer No. 36 Squadron, Wing Commander Peter Thompson, who is leading the Australian element, said RAAF has never practiced air mobility missions on the same scale as Mobility Guardian 17.

“Mobility Guardian 17 will involve participants delivering a ‘first stage’ response to a contingency event that has taken place within a contested environment,” Wing Commander Thompson said.

“Our role is to work with international partners to deliver that first stage response, and then sustain those forces within that environment, responding to their needs as the scenario develops.

“Air mobility is a critical part of how modern defence forces maintain logistical links, whilst it is often used operationally; it is seldom exercised on a large scale.”

Working alongside RAAF’s KC-30A and C-17A are the USAF’s colossal C-5M Galaxy transport, its KC-135 and KC-10 tankers, and the Royal Air Force’s A400M Atlas turboprop.

Having introduced the C-17A and KC-30A to service during the last decade, RAAF will bring a wealth of experience to the Exercise.

“Coming to Mobility Guardian 17 allows us to leverage the training opportunities developed by the USAF’s Air Mobility Command, which are unmatched in their scale or complexity,” Wing Commander Thompson said.

“At the same time, we’re able to demonstrate what our crews are capable of delivering, so we can better work with international partners in future situations.”

“The RAAF contingent will be integrated into a group of 57 airlift and air-to-air refuelling aircraft during the exercise, the majority of which will fly two missions per day,”

Largest AMC Exercise: Mobility Guardian 2017 from SldInfo.com on Vimeo.

 

 

The OA-X Experiment: A New Way Ahead for USAF Acquisition?

Posted on | by Robbin Laird

2017-08-14 By Todd Miller

USAF leadership, international representatives and media gathered at Holloman AFB August 9, 2017 to focus on the USAF’s OA-X Experiment.

The event was organized under the auspices of the USAF Light Attack Experiment (OA-X) featuring the Sierra Nevada Corp./Embraer A-29 Super Tucano, Air Tractor Inc./L3 Platform Integration AT-802L Longsword, Textron Aviation’s AT-6 Wolverine and Scorpion Jet.

The composition of the group including U.S. Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General David Goldfein, Air Combat Command Commander General Mike Holmes, Lt. General Arnold Bunch Asst. Secretary of the Air Force – Acquisition and many more.

Obviously, the USAF was underscoring the importance of this effort.

The message from Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson and Air Force Leaders who spoke was clear – the OA-X experiment is part of what the USAF hopes is a shift in USAF platform procurement and capability development philosophies.

In many respects, this message of change was the event.

As SecAF Wilson noted:

“Our adversaries are modernizing faster than we are and it is up to the USAF to drive innovation so that our adversaries are surprised by just how powerful we are and how ready we are for any fight, anytime, anywhere.

That means we have to think about things in new ways and identify new capabilities faster than we have done in the past.”

“This drive to innovation to find rapid and affordable solutions to the challenges that we face on the battlefield is really about two things; It’s about what we are looking at, and it’s about how we are developing those capabilities.

Innovation is in the DNA of the USAF, and sometimes and perhaps at some points in our history we have lost that, that DNA of being the ‘bicycle mechanics’ who are constantly tinkering and finding new things and getting after it in new ways.

We are trying to reinvigorate that in the Air Force in both what we are researching and how we are pursuing innovation.”

“With respect to the What, I expect over the next couple months we will begin a wide ranging review of USAF research priorities in basic and applied research [to identify] the big things we have to drive forward to create the Air Force of 2030.”

“It is also about How we are pursuing [innovation].

We are looking for new ways to do business.

New ways to get ideas from our lab bench to our flightline faster.

New ways to get capabilities that our Airman need today and can’t wait the 2-3 years for the normal acquisition process.

We’re breaking barriers, going outside the box.

We’re willing to try new things in new ways.”

Wilson provided the following examples, “We are moving forward with a National Space Defense Center so we can have real time situational awareness of the space battlefield. That system, like all Air Force systems going forward will be open architecture.”

To be unmistakably clear Wilson stated that [exquisite (exclusive) or stand alone systems] “…will not win a contract with the USAF. If it doesn’t integrate with the open architecture you might as well not bid. That is going to be the way we will do business.

We won’t have exquisite and exclusive systems.

We want to have plug and play systems so we can rapidly change out technologies to stay ahead of the adversary.”

SecAF Wilson noted a recent example of the Special Operations Command (SOC) doing things “outside the box” that yielded the desired results; “Our special operators often go into very difficult situations with dogs.

You can’t jump out of an airplane with a dog above 18,000 ft. because they don’t make oxygen masks for dogs.

So rather than go out with exact specifications and an RPA for an oxygen mask SOFWERX and SOC decided to hold a competition.

For a prize of $6,000 they got an oxygen mask for dogs!

And under the [relevant] Federal Act that qualifies as a competitive procurement.”

“We need to get after it in different ways.

The Light Attack Experiment that you will see today is one of those ‘outside the box’ ways of looking at things.

The $6,000,000 experiment was enabled by the US Congress in the 2016/2017 National Defense Authorization Acts and it gave rapid acquisition authority to the military to do things differently.

To his credit, Chief of Staff General Dave Goldfein decided to take advantage of this authority as it related to concepts for light attack.”

“In less than 5 months we have 4 aircraft on the ground for testing.

That is the kind of rapid evaluation that those provisions were intended to allow.

It is an experiment.

We are learning things.

We want to meet the demands of the permissive environments at lower costs.

We want to develop capabilities for contested environments and use this experiment to evaluate the military utility of these kinds of aircraft and the manufacturing feasibility of these aircraft.”

“The empirical data that we gather from this experiment will inform strategic decisions about where we need to go from here.

But I hope the broader message is clear to all.

It’s ok to experiment.

It’s okay to do things fast.

It’s okay to try stuff.

It’s okay to productively fail.

Because we learn things and then we move on very quickly to develop capabilities to defeat the enemy.”

Later in a follow-up interview SecAF Wilson unpacked the statement ‘productive failure;’ “One of the things we need to get back to as a service is “productive failure;” where we try something, learn from it, and it really was an experiment.

When we have the first experiment fail and learn from it – I am buying the cake.”

“We can’t just stand back, set out requirements do analyses of alternatives, spend five years figuring out exactly what we want, put out an RFP, throw it over the fence and take 10 years to develop the technology.

The adversary is innovating faster.

To prevail in 2020 and beyond we have to innovate, we have to engage industry and the private sector in helping us to maintain the edge.

It will be faster, it will be more dynamic.

We have some wonderful innovators in the USAF, we just need to liberate them.”

Quoting Lt. Gen Harris SecAF Wilson noted, ‘We are using the experiment to team with our industry partners with what is currently available to study the benefits to see if we can proceed to a combat demonstration.”

Wilson continued, “I hope this starts to change the way we do acquisition on projects and change the way in which we can understand capabilities and even think of new concepts and ways of bringing the fight to the enemy.”

As an future example of innovation and experimentation AFSec Wilson referenced Thunderdrone an upcoming competition involving “drone swarms” in conjunction with SOFWERX.

Later in the day, General Holmes noted the USAF sponsorship of the Drone Racing League as a related example of the Air Force commitment to embrace incoming technologies, people and capabilities.

Secretary Wilson concluded, “Let’s see what innovations Americans have and let’s start to adapt and bring them into the USAF to support our Airman.”

But to put this in perspective. I reflect on the early years of jet flight and the incredible activity that took place at Edwards AFB following WWII right through to the 1970s.

Granted the complexity of today’s weapons systems temper expectations that we will see anything like those decades again.

However, the leadership is clearly moving to renew and apply that spirit to the technology and capability opportunities available today.

Given success the US Air Force will remain the dynamic, powerful protectorate of the US and its global interests for the foreseen future.

Quotes have been edited for readability while maintaining integrity of meaning and intent.

The Second Line of Defense extends thanks and appreciation to Arlan Ponder and the entire Public Affairs team and personnel of 49th Wing Holloman AFB, as well as all the leaders of the USAF that granted time, availability and expertise to our group. You were all gracious and professional hosts.

NAWDC and Shaping a 21st Century Combat Force: The Perspective of Admiral “Hyfi” Harris

Posted on | by Robbin Laird
08/15/2017

2017-08-09 By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake

We first visited Fallon Naval Air Station in 2014 and produced a Special Report on the evolution of Naval Aviation anchored in part by that visit.

https://sldinfo.com/the-evolving-future-for-naval-aviation/

As the then head of the training center, Admiral Scott Conn, who will soon become head of N-98 or The Air Warfare Division of OPNAV, commented at the time:

Naval aviation is very interdependent on how we train aircrew and how we resource to those training requirements.

As competing readiness requirements pressurize the flight hour program, a bow wave is created by pushing training qualifications later on in one’s aviation career.

Naval aviation is looking at this issue hard, to ensure our future forward deployed leaders will have the requisite knowledge, skills and experience to in fact, lead.

 https://sldinfo.com/training-for-the-extended-battlespace-an-interview-with-rear-admiral-scott-conn-commander-naval-strike-and-air-warfare-center/

We have returned to Fallon this summer and found the training command in the process of promoting significant change associated with preparation for the evolution of high tempo or high intensity combat operations.

The name of the command has changed in part to reflect the significant shift in direction for training for naval air warfare or really becoming combat development training, rather than training for platform proficiency as a core focus.

The target goal is to shape an integrated distributed force able to dominate at all levels throughout the spectrum of warfare.

Several changes have been already been put in place to facilitate this effort, and more are on the way.

One challenge though is the training word.

This term tends to conjure up learning skill sets on a platform and getting proficient on that platform and the conflict envelope within which that platform will confront peer competitors. The image of TOPGUN comes to mind in which it is aircraft versus aircraft in face offs to drive enhanced proficiency.

TOPGUN is part of NAWDC; not the definer of it.

Although platform proficiency is crucial, it is simply a building block in weaving capabilities for the integrated high-end fight and to do so requires significant change, some of which we saw in the period from our last visit to the latest one.

We had a chance during our visit to meet several times with and to interview the current head of the training command, Admiral “Hyfi” Harris.

This Fall the Admiral will join the Nimitz in operations in the Middle East where strike ops are being conducted currently against ISIS.

http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/bio.asp?bioID=993

Since we last visited the training command, the name has changed and that change reflects a broadening of the focus to both infusing the Navy with an evolving aviation approach and integrating the air wing with the broader challenges occurring within the fleet.

It is about preparing for the integrated high-end fight and the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) captures that demand signal.

And with the arrival of software upgradeable aircraft, like Hawkeye and F-35, it will be increasingly important to put the evolving TTPs or Tactics Techniques and Procedures as part of the software code rewriting effort as well.

Prior to June 2015, NAWDC was known as Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) which was the consolidation of three commands into a single command structure on July 11, 1996. NSAWC was comprised of the Naval Strike Warfare Center (STRIKE “U”) based at NAS Fallon since 1984, and two schools from NAS Miramar, the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School (TOPDOME).

NAWDC is the Navy’s center of excellence for air combat training and tactics development.  NAWDC trains naval aviation in advanced Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP) across assigned combat mission areas at the individual, unit, integrated and joint levels, ensuring alignment of the training continuum; to set and enforce combat proficiency standards; to develop, validate, standardize, publish and revise TTPs. 

In addition, NAWDC provides subject matter expertise support to strike group commanders, numbered fleet commanders, Navy component commanders and combatant commanders; to lead training and warfighting effectiveness assessments and identify and mitigate gaps across all platforms and staffs for assigned mission areas as the supported WDC; collaborate with other WDCs to ensure cross-platform integration and alignment. 

 https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrsw/installations/nas_fallon/about/nawdc.html

The Admiral emphasized the need to resource fully the training cycle by which he meant having the current operationally ready assets in the hands of the warfighters so that they could from the outset train effectively for deployment on the carrier.

He highlighted that there were two barriers, impeding the ability to get to an optimum training rhythm.

The first might be called readiness shortfalls.

“The Navy’s tiered readiness system, necessary in the current fiscal environment, has peaks and valleys in the training cycle.

“So you’ll come out of a maintenance phase and you’ll be at the low end of your training.

“We need to make sure that as soon as you go into the basic phase, you have every aircraft that you are authorized to have, and every aircraft has every system that it’s authorized.

“We want to be able to start the training right away, so that you can build reps and sets over time, versus the peak of coming here, getting reps and sets, and then slowing back down again.

“What we’ve found lately is that as squadrons are coming through, they’re about half a step, half a cycle behind.

“They’re not going into Basic Phase with their full kit.

“Therefore, when they go to their Advanced Readiness Program, they’re still getting up to speed.

“When they come to Fallon they’re still learning some of the things they should have learned in the Advanced Readiness Phase.

“And then when they go on to their Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) and marry up with the ship and the strike group, they’re still learning things that they should have been hard-wiring in Fallon.

“And we’re having to pass those gaps, if you will, onto the next piece of the training track.

“Readiness should be thought of as investing, the more you can do earlier, and allow that training to compound, the better of you are in the long run, particularly for the high end fight.”

The second challenge is having the most advanced equipment being used in the fleet available to NAWDC.

“If I had my way, we would have E-2D here at Fallon.

“We would have the most current Super Hornet.

“We would have F-35 on the line.

“We already have Growler, and our Growlers are operating with the same systems as the latest coming off of the line.

“And they would have all the systems necessary for our schoolhouse instructors to be out there on the cutting edge of developing tactics.

“And currently we’re doing it piecemeal.

“We are playing pickup sticks when we need to shape a more capable operational force with our TTP development here at NAWDC.”

And the enhanced integrated training and development is at the heart of preparing the fleet for higher tempo operations.

We discussed this development in two ways.

First, NAWDC is working very closely with the surface warfare training community and the Air Force in shaping a more integrated combat training perspective which needs to become more significant in shaping development as well.

With regard to the surface warfare community, the Admiral emphasized the following:

“We have surface warfare officers here at NAWDC.

“We work closely with the Surface Warfare training community as well in shaping a more integrative and integrated approach as well.”

U.S. Air Force members from the 169th Fighter Wing and South Carolina Air National Guard are deployed to Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada Fallon to support Naval Carrier Air Wing One with pre-deployment fighter jet training, integrating the F-16’s suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) capabilities with U.S. Navy fighter pilots. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Caycee Watson) September 2016

With regard to the USAF and integrative training, the Admiral focused on the Growler training with the USAF.

“Our HAVOC team works with the USAF Weapons School in the Weapon School Integration phase which runs about a month.

“If you want to think of it in the college realm, this is a 400-level class.

“And we’re seeing the Growler used differently by the Air Force than we would probably use it in the Navy.

“That cross-pollination has been extremely useful for both the services.”

Second, the F-35 is a very different type of combat aircraft and it would be good to see pairings of that aircraft with Advanced Hawkeye and the Growler to shape the evolution of information dominance operations, as a very clear outcome of working these advanced platforms together to deliver evolving combat capabilities.

“I would like to have advanced Hawkeyes, F-35s and Growlers all here so that we can work integrated TTPs to shape a more effective way ahead for the operational capability of the fleet.”

“I would like to get those type model series weapons and tactics instructors cross-pollinated even more, so that the classes and the courses are integrated more fully than they are now.

“We’ll have to find different ways to do that because of the Navy’s carrier cycle; we are not resourced to be able to do an air wing and do full Weapons and Tactics Instructor classes at the same time.

“We have to keep those separated. I’d like to move closer to the USAF model, but we don’t have that flexibility because of the carrier operational cycle.”

One way NAWDC will expand its work on integrated warfare is by being able to use new facilities being built right now that will integrate the platform simulators and allow for integrated training and operational thinking at NAWDC.

“We are building an integrated training facility.

“We’re going to have all of our simulators under one building, under one common security environment, so that we can do planning, briefing, execution, and debriefing all under the same security umbrella with the full team.

“The demand signal is that we all need to work together; and the new buildings are being built to meet that demand signal.”

These new facilities will allow for the growth of live virtual constructive training (LVC), although this LVC approach is in its infancy but will become more significant to combat development and training efforts over time.

Integrative and interactive training is a key element of shaping a more capable 21st century combat force.

One element leading to greater success in this effort is a more integrated air and surface warfare community.

As the Admiral put it: “The SWO boss, Admiral Rowden, has been pretty adamant about the benefits of their Warfighting Development Center, the Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center.

“SMWDC has been, in my mind, going full bore at developing three different kinds of warfare instructors, WTIs.

“They have an ASW/ASUW, so anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare officer.

“They have an IAMD officer and they have an expeditionary warfare officer.

“Admiral Rowden talks about distributed lethality and they are getting there rapidly.

Warfare tactics instructors (WTI), from left to right, Lt. Cmdr. Mike Dwan, Lt Doug Wilkins, Lt. Lisa Schmidt, Lt Joseph Lewis, Lt Scott Margolis, Lt. Andrew Blanco, Lt Weston Floyd, LT Justin Bolly, Lt. Serg Samardzic, Lt. Rebecca O’Brien, and Lt. Cmdr. Derek Rader pause for a group photo at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon, in Nevada. The 11 integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) WTIs participated in a pilot integrated air defense course (IADC) — a joint effort led by the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) and Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC). IADC will activate in late 2016 and train carrier air wings, carrier strike groups, and air and missile defense commanders in a simulated training environment at NAS Fallon. Several IAMD WTIs will teach and train the inaugural course alongside their aviation counterparts from Navy Weapons Fighter School (TOPGUN).

“We are watching young lieutenants share with their bosses in a training environment, specifically during IADC (Integrated Air Defense Course).

“This is probably not the way we want AEGIS set up, or how we want the ship to be thinking in an automated mode.

“We may not previously have wanted to go to that next automated step, but we have to because this threat is going to force us into that logic..

And you’re seeing those COs, who were hesitant at first, say, “Now after that run in that event, I get it. I have to think differently.”

A second element is building out training ranges in a key area of operations, namely the Pacific.

“We do need to continue, to work beyond Nellis, beyond Yuma, beyond Fallon, we’ve got to start looking at what could we do in Alaska, how can we make Alaska and the events that we do in Northern Edge, more robust?

“What kind of systems, what kind of sensors, whether it’s TCTS or the ability to go back and replay an event up at Alaska.

“Or look at Guam as a graduate-level training area, what could we do in Guam when you’ve got all those assets that are there from both the Air Force and the Navy.

“How much more could you do in and around Guam?

“What could you do in Australia, with an ally who is very forward-leaning in technology and integrating with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force, and the way they are integrating their armed forces together?

“Where can you take advantage of those opportunities?

“All while understanding that as you do that, you are practicing or playing in somebody else’s backyard, and they are watching what you’re doing.

“How do you do that, where you can be watched?

“And what do you have to reserve for places where you’re less likely to be watched?

A third key element is working cross platform integration to shape a more effective approach to information dominance.

“How do I use the capabilities in the F-35 to enhance what I get out of that fourth-gen platform?

“And, in ways that you didn’t think you were going to do it before.

“Not just by being a bigger, better brother that’s going to take care of you on the playground.

FALLON, Nev. (Sept. 3, 2015) F-35C Lightning IIs, attached to the Grim Reapers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101, and an F/A-18E/F Super Hornets attached to the Naval Aviation Warfighter Development Center (NAWDC) fly over Naval Air Station Fallon’s (NASF) Range Training Complex. VFA 101, based out of Eglin Air Force Base, is conducting an F-35C cross-country visit to NASF. The purpose is to begin integration of F-35C with the Fallon Range Training Complex and work with NAWDC to refine tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP) of F-35C as it integrates into the carrier air wing. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Darin Russell/Released)

“But how do I pass information, what information needs to be passed, and when does it need to be passed?

“When do I have to be that white knight on the charger coming in to rescue you, to get you back on a timeline, and when can I just sit back and play maybe quarterback or coach and just suggest, look here, look there, do this, don’t worry about that threat.

“And the integration of how do I use that system and the capabilities in the F-35 with those that are in the Growler, where are they complementary?

“Where are they different, and mutually supportive?

“In the times that we have had the E-2D out here, how can I work all of those things together?”

And the evolution of LVC will play an important part in the combat development training process.

“LVC affords you that environment where you can do the very high-end warfare in an environment where you are not going to be observed. And you can integrate with your surface counterparts; you can integrate with your Air Force counterparts.

“That linkage is going to be phenomenal. Because now we’ll be able to go from F-22s, Air Force F-35, anything else they want to throw in the mix, all the way to AEGIS Baseline 9. And some of those can be live and some can be virtual.

“And we can go execute. I think that’s exciting.

http://www.abdonline.com/news-analysis/defense/better-training-virtually/#.VGC_y1PF9OF

“When you can have a submarine launch a simulated TLAM that’s being tasked to them by a MOC somewhere else, that gets a real-time update from an actual F-35 flying on the range, that is seeing that the target that you thought was at point A has now moved to point B and you go back through the MOC to go through the firing unit to give that TLAM an updated target, that is powerful.”

Throughout the interview and in earlier conversations with the Admiral, the evolving man-machine relationship as a foundational element was discussed in several ways.

The CNO has highlighted the importance of enhancing the ability to leverage the man-machine relationships, notably with regard to preparing and executing high tempo and high intensity operations.

Nothing ever fully substitutes for time in the air. Consequently, the evolving ability to meld flight simulator training beyond the traditional emergency procedures or simulating mission flying is now being developed as a dynamic “man-machine” learning process.

The engagement process of content learning essentially is shaping how does a pilot and aircrews react to the speed-of-light dynamic flow of information in combat can be captured by both performance on the “range” and by the procedures followed in the cockpit.

Now those pilot and aircrew specific data points can be put into simulators, thus allowing real time repeat learning on how to be a better and better combat team.

The Admiral stressed it will be an exciting time as the new facilities come on line for both aircrews and commanders to specifically hone combat skills.

Clearly, the leveraging of the new platforms built around this relationship such as the F-35 and P-8 is important, as well as the capability to build out LVC and integrated simulation to train more effectively.

Above all, what the Navy is looking at are ways to shape new capabilities for learning and the ability to leverage machines to get better fidelity for learning.

The Admiral highlighted another aspect of this process when he discussed the need to enhance the ability to customize learning to repeat specific skill sets for warriors rather than having to repeat whole simulated courses.

“We are looking to improve simulated learning for targeted skillsets, and individualized learning over all. And one way you can do that is what they’re already seeing in the helicopter simulators, where the helicopter pilot is learning how to hover.

“And the simulator is assisting them as necessary to make the hovering more successful.

“As the pilot gets better, the learning software in the simulator backs out and allows the pilot to continue on their own.

“They get in the simulator the next day, the simulator knows who that person is, knows what they needed the day before, maybe backs that off a little bit to see if they’ve learned anything. And then brings it back up. So you have the simulator actually assisting with the learning.

“And they’re seeing that people are learning to do skills like hovering faster.”

The final subject we discussed is the close linkage between Fallon and the operational fleet in terms of developing TTPs on demand from the fleet as the fleet is engaged in operations.

One example was working TTPs for air combat strafing in Afghanistan as a carrier was about to engage in this task.

“ For example, we needed the ability in the mountains to do strafing at night because of the proximity of the threat and wanting to have a low threshold for civilian casualties met by using the gun on the Super Hornet and the Hornet.

“Very quickly NAWDC developed a methodology for night strafing, and it was developed, put right back out to the fleet, and executed within months.”

Another recent example was reviewing TTPs after the shootdown of a Syrian jet in the Middle East and working through the mission and sorting out any improvements in TTPs, which might need to be developed.

After an extensive review, none were deemed necessary to be made.

“The skillsets that we learned in the Advanced Readiness phase, and in Air Wing Fallon, and in COMPTUEX, were everything that we needed to be able to execute the mission we did in Syria.”

In short, NAWDC is a new type of combat training development command, which will be increasingly integrated with other warfighting development centers in building the warfighter for 21st century combat operations.

But it won’t happen without the right kind of investments, the right kind of shift in mindset and getting away from the platform centric mentality.

And its full impact will be seen when TTPs can be key drivers of development, software and shape modernization requirements going forward.

 

Appendix: The Structure of NAWDC

NAWDC’s individual mission requirements include:

N2:  The Information Warfare Directorate at NAWDC is responsible for ensuring command leadership and personnel are provided the full capabilities of the Information Warfare Community (IWC) to support combat readiness and training of Carrier Air Wings and Strike Groups.  The Directorate is comprised of four areas of focus: Air Wing Intelligence Training, the Maritime ISR (MISR) Cell, Targeting, and Command Information Services (CIS).  

The Air Wing Intelligence Training Division is responsible for training CVW Intelligence Officers and Enlisted Intelligence Specialists in strike support operations.  The MISR Cell is tasked with providing ISR integration into Carrier Air Wing training as well as qualifying MISR Package Commanders and Coordinators.  The Targeting Division trains and certifies all CVW Targeteer personnel and provides distributed reach-back support for deployed units worldwide regarding target development.  CIS provides cyber security and computer network operations for the entire NAWDC enterprise.

N3:  NAWDC Operations department (N3) is responsible for the coordination, planning, synchronization, and scheduling for the operations of the command, its assigned aircraft, and airspace and range systems within the Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC).

N4:  NAWDC’s Maintenance Department is the heart of training for all the NAWDC schoolhouses.  Maintenance’s focus is providing mission-ready fleet and adversary aircraft configured with required weapons and systems for all training evolutions.  We support day to day training missions with the F-16 Viper, F-18 Hornet and Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, E-2C Hawkeye and the MH-60S Seahawk; conducting scheduled and un-scheduled maintenance on 39 individual aircraft.  These aircraft and weapon systems are the foundation for all other NAWDC Department’s training syllabi.

N5:  Responsible for training Naval aviation in advanced Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP) across assigned combat mission areas at the individual, unit, integrated and joint levels, ensuring alignment of the training continuum; to set and enforce combat proficiency standards; to develop, validate, standarize, publish and revise TTPs. 

Also provides subject matter expertise support to strike group commanders, numbered fleet commanders, Navy component commanders and combatant commanders; to lead training and warfighting effectiveness assessments and identify and mitigate gaps across all platforms and staffs for assigned mission areas as the supported WDC; and collaborates with other WDCs to ensure cross-platform intergration and alignment.

NAWDC’s Joint NAWDC’s Joint Close-Air Support (JCAS) Division continues to answer the needs of current theater operations with increased production of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers Course (JTACC).NAWDC’s Joint NAWDC’s Joint Close-Air Support (JCAS) Division continues to answer the needs of current theater operations with increased production of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers Course (JTACC).  NAWDC JCAS primarily trains Naval Special Warfare and Riverine Group personnel, but has this year also trained U.S. Army Special Operations, U.S. Marine Corps Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Officers, international personnel, as well as U.S. Navy Fixed and Rotary Wing Forward-Air Controller (Airborne) personnel.  

NAWDC’s JCAS branch is the U.S. Navy’s designated representative to the Coalition JCAS Executive Steering Committee, and is a recognized authority on kinetic air support to information warfare (IW), tactical precision targeting, and digitally aided CAS.

N6:  Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School (CAEWWS), also referred to as TOP DOME, is the E-2 weapon school and responsible for Airborne Tactical Command and Control advanced individual training via the Hawkeye Weapons and Tactics Instructors (HEWTIs) class.  CAEWWS is also responsible for development of community Tactics, Technique and Procedures and provides inputs to the acquisition process in the form of requirements and priorities for research and development (R&D), procurement, and training systems.  

CAEWWS works closely to support other Warfare Development Centers and Weapons Schools; such as the Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center’s Integrated Air Defense Course (IADC) and Integrated Air and Missile Defense WTI Integration Course (IWIC).  Other functions include support to advanced integrated fleet training by way of WTI augmentation to the N5/STRIKE Department for CVW integrated training detachments; also known as Air Wing Fallon Detachment and support of squadron activities.

N7:  In the early stages of the Vietnam War, the tactical performance of Navy fighter aircraft against seemingly technologically inferior adversaries, the North Vietnamese MiG-17, MiG-19, and MiG-21, fell far short of expectations and caused significant concern among national leadership.  

Based on an unacceptable ratio of combat losses, in 1967, ADM Tom Moorer, Chief of Naval Operations, commissioned an in-depth examination of the process by which air-to-air missile systems were acquired and employed.  Among the multitude of findings within this report was the critical need for an advanced fighter weapons school, designed to train aircrew in all aspects of aerial combat including the capabilities and limitations of Navy aircraft and weapon systems, along with those of the expected threat.

In 1969, the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) was established to develop and implement a course of graduate-level instruction in aerial combat.  Today, TOPGUN continues to provide advanced tactics training for FA-18A-F aircrew in the Navy and Marine Corps through the execution of the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) Course.  TOPGUN is the most demanding air combat syllabus found anywhere in the world.  The SFTI Course ultimately produces graduate-level strike fighter tacticians, adversary instructors, and Air Intercept Controllers (AIC) who go on to fill the critical assignment of Training Officer in fleet units.

N8:  Navy’s Rotary Wing Weapons School is composed of a staff of 25 pilots and aircrewmen who instruct the Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor program; provide tactics instructors to fleet squadrons;  maintain and develop the Navy’s helicopter tactics doctrine via the SEAWOLF Manual; instruct the Navy’s Mountain Flying School; provide high-altitude, mountainous flight experience for sea-going squadrons; and provide academic, ground, flight, and opposing-forces instruction for visiting aircrew during Air Wing Fallon detachments.

N9:   The NAWDC Safety Department (N9) serves as the principle advisor to the Commander on all matters pertaining to safe command operations and is responsible for administering the following safety programs: aviation, ground, ergonomics, motor vehicles (personal, commercial), recreation, and on- and off-duty.  Our goal is to eliminate preventable mishaps while maximizing operational readiness.  We accomplish this by preserving lives, preventing injury, and protecting equipment and material.

N10:  The US Navy’s Airborne Electronic Attack Weapons School, call sign “HAVOC”, stood up in 2011 to execute the NAWDC mission as it pertains to Electronic Warfare and the EA-18G Growler.  HAVOC is comprised of highly qualified Growler Tactics Instructors, or GTIs, that form the “tactical engine” of the EA-18G community, developing the tactics that get the most out of EA-18G sensors and weapons.  HAVOC’s mission is also to train Growler Aircrew and Intelligence Officers on those tactics during the Growler Tactics Instructor Course.  

The Growler Tactics Instructor Course is a rigorous 12 week syllabus of academic, simulator, and live fly events that earn graduates the Growler Tactics Instructor designation – the highest level of EA-18G tactical qualification that is recognized across Naval Aviation.  The Growler brings the most advanced tactical Electronic Warfare capabilities to operational commanders creating a tactical advantage for friendly air, land, and maritime forces by delaying, degrading, denying, or deceiving enemy kill chains.

N20:  The Tomahawk Landing Attack Missile (TLAM) Department provides direct support to U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) in the development and standardization of tactics, techniques and procedures for the employment of the Tomahawk weapon system.  In addition, TLAM provides training to the CVW, fleet, and joint commands on TLAM capabilities and strike integration

https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrsw/installations/nas_fallon/about/nawdc.html

Allied Pacific Exercises and Training: Shaping a Deterrence in Depth Strategy

 

 

Allies, Innovations and a Strategic Opportunity for the United States: Leverage and Learn

Posted on | by Robbin Laird

2017-08-10  As the Pentagon reforms its acquisition approach, the ability to mobilize assets and to support them as was well as to accelerate modernization are clear priorities.

But missing from the discussion is the allied dimension in terms of accelerating US combat modernization.

The shift from slo mo to preparing for high tempo and high intensity operations is a major challenge for the US military and its allies.

It is about a culture shift, a procurement shift, an investment shift. But mobilization is even more important than modernization.

To get ready for the shift, inventory needs to become more robust, notably with regard to weapons.

In visiting US bases, a common theme in addition to readiness and training shortfalls, is the challenge of basic inventory shortfalls.

The Trump Administration has come to power promising to correct much of this.

But there simply is not enough time and money to do readiness and training plus ups, mobilization and rapid modernization.

Donald Trump as a businessman might take a look at how DoD could actually functions as an effective business in equipping the force and having highlighted the question of allies might be pleased to learn of significant allied investments in new combat systems which his own forces can use, thus saving money and enhancing capability at the same time.

One way to augment the force would be to do something which would seem to be at odds with the Make America Great notion.

As one of Danish analyst put it: “I have no problem with the idea of making America great again. For me, the question is how?”

By leveraging extant allied programs and capabilities which if adopted by the US forces would save money but even more importantly ramp up the operational capability of the US forces and their ability to work with allies in the shortest time possible.

By so doing, the US could target investments where possible in break through programs which allies are NOT investing in.

And at the heart of building a 21st century combat forces is the multi-mission software upgradeable platforms, such as Wedgetail, the F-35 or the P-8. And here the interactive relationship with allies is a key driver for change, but to really leverage it requires a significant change in perspective.

As the head of the USAF materiel command, General Ellen Pawlikowski, put it:

“Agile Software development is all abut getting capability out there.

“The systems engineers approach drive you to a detailed requirements slow down.”

She highlighted that this cultural barrier, namely reliance on the historical systems engineering approach, needed to be removed.

“We have to change the way we think about requirements definition if we’re going to really adopt Agile Software Development.

“Maybe the answer isn’t this detailed requirements’ slow down.”

“By the way, once you put it in the hands of the operator maybe some of those requirements you had in the beginning, maybe they don’t make any sense anymore because the operator sees how they can actually use this and they change it.”

She went on to highlight what the Aussies are doing in Willliamtown with Wedgetail without mentioning them at all. 

“You need to put the coder and the user together…

 http://sldinfo.wpstage.net/software-upgradeability-and-combat-dominance-general-ellen-pawlikowski-looks-at-the-challenge/

Allies are already doing this, in this case of the RAAF and the Royal Australian Navy. If one would go to sea with the new frigates and watch how code gets rewritten that would be a harbinger of things to come for the US if we follow the technology rather than 20th bureaucratic rules.

And even more challenging is for the US to follow the technology with regard to its own multi-mission software upgradeable systems which as the General noted can not be rapidly upgraded with the current approach to modernization.

And this will simply be unacceptable to allies operating such systems such as F-35 or the P-8. It is hard to imagine the Israeli Air Force simply accepting slo mo software development when the F-35 is becoming a centerpiece for the national survival.

Allies will drive change but why resist why not embrace it?

Rather than following the outdated USAF practices of having a very long logistical tail to any aircraft flown to an area of interest, why not simply leverage global F-35 bases.

Why not let “foreign F-35 maintainers” maintain US jets working with those maintainers who have been flown in by the USAF as well?

All that is required is to have an enterprise security clearance to maintain the common F-35, but this is hardly an act of God or even of bold imagination. It is act of responding to the strategic opportunities inherent in the new combat capabilities and the technology built into them.

High intensity warfare requires higher sortie generation rates of the kind inherhent in the F-35 global enterprise. But this will not happen if the USAF follows its legacy sustainment rules rather than opening the aperture to embrace common working arrangements with allies on “foreign” air bases.

And as the US looks to develop new capabilities, in many ways, a key way to accelerate modernization is embracing foreign capabilities.

Notably, with regard to the new frigate program which is an essential element for augmenting the surface fleet, will not happen for a very long time unless the obvious is done. Pick a foreign frigate design and build it in the United States.

And then search the global market for capabilities off the shelf which can be put onto that frigate in a fast acquisition approach.

For example, the Australians have developed a world-class radar which is software upgradeable and very agile and adaptability on their surface ships. It has been developed in Australia by a company, which has Northrop Grumman with significant minority ownership in the company.

It would hardly be difficult to transfer this technology to the United States and get it onboard the new frigate with a rapid technology insertion process.

In this new Special Report  we look at a number of areas in which core allies have created new capabilities, which compliment and can supplement US capabilities.

Please enter your name and email below and you will then be able to download the report directly.

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HAVOC Works the Electronic Warfare Payload in the Digital Battlespace

Posted on | by Robbin Laird
08/14/2017
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2017-08-10 By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake

During our recent visit to NAWDC, we had a chance to talk with the leadership of N-10 or HAVOC as it is known at NAWDC.

N10:  The US Navy’s Airborne Electronic Attack Weapons School, call sign “HAVOC”, stood up in 2011 to execute the NAWDC mission as it pertains to Electronic Warfare and the EA-18G Growler.  HAVOC is comprised of highly qualified Growler Tactics Instructors, or GTIs, that form the “tactical engine” of the EA-18G community, developing the tactics that get the most out of EA-18G sensors and weapons.  HAVOC’s mission is also to train Growler Aircrew and Intelligence Officers on those tactics during the Growler Tactics Instructor Course.  

The Growler Tactics Instructor Course is a rigorous 12 week syllabus of academic, simulator, and live fly events that earn graduates the Growler Tactics Instructor designation – the highest level of EA-18G tactical qualification that is recognized across Naval Aviation.  The Growler brings the most advanced tactical Electronic Warfare capabilities to operational commanders creating a tactical advantage for friendly air, land, and maritime forces by delaying, degrading, denying, or deceiving enemy kill chains.

It is clear that the HAVOC leadership looks at their work as providing key tools for the current fight, including embedding Naval aircrews with ground maneuver elements in our current wars.

However they are also significantly laying the foundation for the con-ops evolution of many the tactics and training for combat employment of high intensity non-kinetic payloads in the digital battlespace.

Significantly in building to the future, they are working their “tron magic” across the joint and coalition force.

During our visit we interviewed LT Scot “Chu-Hi” Chuda, LCDR Stephen “Choda” Skoda, LT Steven Sanchetta and LCDR “Sharkey” McCormick.

The team has significant electronic warfare experience starting with Prowler and has worked with Growler for some time as well.

The first point made by the team was that the Growler is mission dependent.

They emphasized that their role varied by mission but they were seeing an expanded role for the non-kinetic capability.

They are expanding beyond a classic Suppression of Enemy Air Defense or SEAD role to look at other ways to contribute to a broader mission set.

One should look at Growler as providing a non-kinetic payload within the evolving digital battlefield because the non-kinetic payload business is itself expanding as threat change and technology evolves.

“How we integrate will always depend on the different assets available and the different missions.”

The second point is that demand signal is going up with regard to the electronic magnetic spectrum threat.

“The electromagnetic spectrum is pervasive and everybody uses it and everybody tries to take advantage of it and we are the sole asset in the DOD that has that as our primary mission to affect the electromagnetic spectrum.”

The third is that they work a lot with the joint force.

For example, “we spend last third of our Growler Tactics Instructor (GTI) training course at the USAF Weapons School Integration (WSINT) course at Nellis. In fact, every Red Flag now has a Growler squadron participating.”

We asked about the current disposition of Growlers and we were told that there are more than 100 Growlers currently with 4 expeditionary squadrons to support the COCOMs.

The fourth point was about a ramping up of integration work for the high end fight.

HAVOC participates two times a year in the USAF Weapons School WSINT course.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1073726/weapons-school-officers-employ-total-force-training-during-libya-b-2-strike/

“The USAF brings all the platforms together. Everyone is an expert in their own platform when they start WSINT. But WSINT is about forcing integration into the mind set of participants. They provide a problem set where no single platform can do the job alone, they need to use other platforms to working together and need to synchronize to solve the problem and it’s something we don’t see anywhere else.”

There is a growing demand for electronic magnetic payloads in the digital battlespace is going up and the kind of integration being fostered will shape modernization as the combat fleet goes forward.

“Everybody is going to keep using electronics and advanced electromagnetic spectrum to their advantage in fighting and no one is going to forget about it.”

It has been a slow process of rolling out Growler capabilities and clearly there is a need looking forward to accelerate the modernization process to ensure dominance in this important warfighting area.

“We need to be pushing forward towards the next capability whether it be an aircraft or UAV or a system of systems bundled capability. As of right now we are 18 years into a 22-year upgrade project on current capabilities that looking forward to the future needs to happen more quickly to deal with this rapidly evolving warfighting area.”

We then addressed the need to modify how the USAF and the USN connect in order to more rapidly train and prepare for high tempo operations.

The team pointed out that it took three months to prepare for the joint training, as security and communication barriers made the process much harder than it would need to be to get the quick on the fly integration for the 21st century digital battlefield.

Put in blunt terms, the enterprise rules and security rules in place for today’s “Slo Mo” war clearly are not adequate to preparing for higher tempo ops where the force needs to integrate on the fly to deal with the contested battlespace.

The team next discussed the need to get better integration earlier in the process of introducing new equipment or modernized equipment into the force.

“It is not so much teaching the air crews how to use a particular piece of equipment; it is about learning how to integrate into the fight and to get best value from any upgrade or new piece of equipment. We need to focus more attention on that part of the equation.”

As an aside we saw the same technology and combat learning dynamic embedded in the US Navy P-8/Triton community at Navy Jax.

https://sldinfo.com/the-arrival-of-a-maritime-domain-awareness-strike-capability-the-impact-of-the-p-8triton-dyad/

Finally, we discussed a topic which we also discussed with the Hawkeye instructors as well.

Working integration of the digital battlespace among Growler, F-35 and Hawkeye would enhance the TTPs which could be developed to more rapidly evolve capabilities in the digital battlespace.

“There are many of us around here who think that the concept of the E2D the F35 and the Growler integrating would accelerate our transition to where warfare is going with regard to the contested battlespace.

“There are many of us around here who think that would be an outstanding idea that we should really push for and should be a focus of testing and evaluation.

“But there will be people around as well who will say but how does that lead to me dropping bombs?”

Editor’s Note: The first slideshow shows a Dodge Intrepid and Growler on the runway at Fallon Naval Air Station.

The second slideshow shows the Growler at Red Flag 17-3.

The third slideshow shows Aussie Growlers at Hickham AFB.

The photos are credited to the US Navy.

Editor’s Note: For a strategic look at the way ahead on Tron Warfare, see the following Special Report:

 

https://sldinfo.com/shaping-a-21st-century-approach-to-tron-warfare-2/

 

Expanding the Reach of the Battlefleet: The Evolving Role of the Advanced Hawkeye

Posted on | by Robbin Laird

2017-08-11 By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake

The new variant of the Hawkeye has come to the fleet.

The E-2D IOC’d with VAW-125 in 2014.

And aboard the USS Theodore Roosevel, they completed a CENTCOM deployment ISO OIR.

Then earlier this year, the E2-DE-2D as it is known arrived in Japan with a flourish to join into the defense of Japan and of the US fleet in Pacific operations.

According to a press release from the Commander of Naval Forces Japan and dated February 2, 2017:

IWAKUNI, Japan (NNS) — Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 arrived at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Feb. 2.

The “Tigertails” of VAW-125 are relieving the “Liberty Bells” of VAW-115 as the early-warning squadron of the U.S. Navy’s Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, supporting the Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Carrier Strike Group.

“We are excited to join the forward-deployed naval forces at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in the amazing city of Iwakuni,” said Cmdr. Daniel Prochazka, VAW-125’s commanding officer. “I would like to thank the city for its hospitality and for warmly welcoming us to this incredible place. This is my second time in the forward-deployed naval forces. My fond memories make me personally very thrilled to be back.”

VAW-125’s arrival also brings enhanced capabilities to the region, as the squadron’s five E2-D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft provide substantial upgrades over the E-2C Hawkeye platform. VAW-125 is the U.S. Navy’s first operational fleet squadron to utilize the E-2D.

The Advanced Hawkeye Extends The Reach of the Fleet from SldInfo.com on Vimeo.

“VAW-125 is the first and most experienced E-2D squadron in the U.S. Navy,” Prochazka said. “This aircraft has the most advanced airborne radar in the world, and the people who fix and fly it are the best in the U.S. Navy.”

Among the improvements in the E-2D are an all-new electronics suite, enhanced turboprop engines, modernized communications, and upgrade potential for mid-air refueling capabilities.

The U.S. Navy first took delivery of the E-2D July 2010, and began a phased replacement of the venerable E-2C aircraft which has served the fleet since 1973.

Prochazka added the forward deployment of VAW-125 to MCAS Iwakuni is in accordance with the U.S. Navy’s strategic vision for rebalance to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, putting the most advanced and capable units forward in order to support the United States’ commitment to the defense of Japan and the security and stability of the region.

“I am proud to bring the E2-D Advanced Hawkeye to Japan and to help strengthen the alliance between our two great nations,” he said. “I am confident that our people and equipment will continue to build upon the vital relationship between our two countries.”

http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=98672

But this is just the beginning.

Although identified as a replacement for the “venerable E-2C aircraft” it is more than that.

It is a key element off reshaping how the Navy is working the digital battlespace and evolving its integration with other key assets will expand the reach and capability of the fleet to deal with evolving threats.

To do so will require pushing the training envelope as the new systems are integrated into a developing and evolving digital battlespace.

As a software upgradeable aircraft, the systems will interact with and evolve with other new assets such as the P-8 and Triton (external to the Carrier Air Wing) and with the F-35C (which will be organic to the CAG.)

We had a chance to discuss the way ahead for the training for the Advanced Hawkeye and its evolving roles as well for the fleet with three members of NAWDC’s N6 department, better known as the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School (CAEWWS).

According to the Navy:

The Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School (CAEWWS) is the E-2 weapon school and responsible for Airborne Tactical Command and Control advanced individual training via the Hawkeye Weapons and Tactics Instructors (HEWTIs) class.  

CAEWWS is also responsible for development of community Tactics, Technique and Procedures and provides inputs to the acquisition process in the form of requirements and priorities for research and development (R&D), procurement, and training systems.  

CAEWWS works closely to support other warfare development centers and Weapons Schools; such as the Surface and Mine Warfare Development Center’s Integrated Air Defense Course (IADC) and Integrated Air and Missile Defense WTI Integration Course (IWIC). 

 Other functions include support to advanced integrated fleet training by way of WTI augmentation to the N5/STRIKE Department for CVW integrated training detachments; also known as Air Wing Fallon Detachment and support of squadron activities.

 https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrsw/installations/nas_fallon/about/nawdc.html

The interview also highlighted the evolving working relationship between the surface fleet with NAWDC which is a key feature of setting in motion ways to enhance combat integration within the training and development effort, given the central role which TPPs play in shaping combat capabilities to fight with the fleet you have and the one in the process of change.

The head of CAEWWS is Commander David Dees. Joining him in the interview were LT Cremean, the Maritime Employment subject matter expert and CAEWWS Training Officer and LT Andrew Blanco, who is one of the surface warfare liaison officers and an Integrated Air and Missile Defense WTI.

The mix of personnel reflects how the Navy is working to enhance current capabilities and to put in place the kind of cross-platform multi-dimension warfare domain thinking, which is essential for the evolving fleet.

We started by discussing the work flow of the five man crew onboard the Advanced Hawkeye which is different from Hawkeye in that the co-pilot has greater involvement in the execution of the mission data engagement flow.

“By adding a fourth crew member with the ability to utilize the full tactical system we expanded the ability to execute the mission by moving certain tasks to the cockpit.

“It brings new challenges in tactical crew coordination as the crew is no longer able to reach out and interact with that person next to them in the back of the aircraft.”

Inside the E-2, the pilots are not the mission commanders, for that role resides in the back of the aircraft with the Naval Flight Officers or NFOs.

“The co-pilot may also be dealing with the challenges of flying the aircraft and any aircraft issue that may come up, so he can experience task overload.

“This is why we are carefully developing the tactical contracts the co-pilot has, but with the full work station he does now fully participate in the tactical mission which gives us more capability to manage the crew workload.”

Currently, the Hawkeye is used to support the strike effort off of the carrier.

But as the battlespace is changing so will the Hawkeye role.

A key change is the ability to detect threats in a cluttered battlespace.

Here the training needs to focus on the challenge of target identification in a fluid battlespace.

The advanced Hawkeye has sensors appropriate to the task, but enhanced training efforts with regard to this key task is envisaged.

“Target identification is the hard part.”

The Hawkeye team is a key part of the acquisition engagement payload utility function for the fleet.

And associated with the evolving challenge of target acquisition is shaping an effective decision making cycle as well to deal with threats.

Hawkeye is clearly part of the decision making cycle but the overall evolution of executing this capability against evolving threats is a work in progress.

For example, the Advanced Hawkeye has capabilities which are part of air and cruise missile defense and working through the entire package of dealing with this threat is at the heart of the evolving training regime.

And the new emphasis on distributed lethality means that the role of forward operating assets such as advanced Hawkeye are seeing a reworking of the role of the crews onboard an asset like Hawkeye in the decision making loop.

We clearly saw this happening as well in the P-8-Triton community so that one can note that there is a broader shift of emphasis on mission command within the fleet to sort out how different assets will play which roles in the evolving battlespace.

Admiral Harris noted that the Admiral Swift, Commander of the Pacific Fleet, and his team were working hard on the rethink on decision-making authorities.

According to Admiral “Hyfi” Harris: “What authorities should reside where and when?

“They are driving towards mission command which is crucial to deal with evolving threats.”

The E-2D is a software upgradeable aircraft and is a key player in shaping the ISR/C2 capabilities operating from the carrier.

The F-35 coming to the carrier deck also has key radar capabilities, notably built by the same company, Northrop Grumman, and working integration will provide a key opportunity to enhance the capabilities of the CAG in supporting fleet operations.

Clearly, tools like Live Virtual Constructive training will become increasingly more important in training for the extended battlespace and there is a clear need to work integration with live assets today with US and Allied forces in order to lay down a solid foundation for something like LVC.

The team emphasized the need to have the advanced assets at NAWDC to allow for the kind of integrated training, which is clearly necessary.

They would like to see E-2Ds and F-35Cs physically at NAWDC to allow for the kind of hands on experience, which can build, integrated cross platform training essential for the development of the skill sets for dominance in the 21st century battlespace.

One could also add, that the need to build ground floor relationships between code writers and operators needs to include the TTP writers as well.

Hence, a different pattern is emerging whereby training is as much about combat development TTPs as it is about single platform proficiency.

“The problem is right now, we don’t have aircraft here to fully develop cross platform integration, because we don’t have enough time spent together to figure out the optimal direction to drive that kind of integration.”

With regard to a future Hawkeye, the team saw a clear benefit to making the next Hawkeye a jet.

It was not simply a question of range and speed, but ease of maintenance.

“The current plane is a great plane. If the follow-on platform was a jet aircraft tanking will be a lot easier. It will make maintenance a lot easier as well.”

Editor’s Note: It is often a media template to bring sunlight on US Defense corporations with a shading that somehow very decent people wake up every morning and try and figure out how to make mistakes.

But there is a corresponding upside to American engineering genius, which is the worldwide proliferation of American systems often in different platforms.

The very practical application of similar systems in U.S. and Allied fighting forces is very simple.

The famous concept of “Tec-Reps” technical representatives supported by industry is invaluable for advancing the state-of-the art in perfecting ever better technological performance.

The same in TTP development is also so true especially with the E-2D, F-35, USN Triton and RAAF Wedgetail combat systems all having a developmental commonality.

Northrop Grumman builds and supports the radars on a number of key platforms flown by the US Navy and the allies with whom the USN operates as well.

There is a commonality across the platforms as Northrop builds scalable digital radars and the new approach to radar technology lays a foundation for the kind of interactive integration crucial for cross domain high intensity warfare which is becoming a clear focus at NAWDC.

The video and slideshow photos are credited to the US navy.