The Source for Navy News

Mine Warfare Training Center Changes Command
Story Number: NNS130429-16
4/29/2013

By Kimberly M. Lansdale, Center for Surface Combat Systems

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Mine Warfare Training Center (MWTC) held a change of command on board Naval Base Point Loma, Calif., April 26.

Cmdr. Mark Scorgie was relieved by Cmdr. Wesley Cooper, and in an odd twist, they will swap positions, as Scorgie will assume duty at Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command (NMAWC) as lead Mine Warfare Planner (N5), which was Cooper's former position.

Scorgie became commanding officer of the training center in June 2011. During his tenure he served as the Center for Surface Combat Systems mine warfare advocate, collaborating with mine warfare commands to determine fleet training requirements in support of the Surface and Expeditionary Warfare Training Committee. His efforts led to the funding of a much-needed multimillion dollar upgrade to the embedded combat systems trainer on mine countermeasure class ships.

"Cmdr. Scorgie empowered his staff to identify ways to improve the training process and find initiatives to save thousands of training dollars, while continuing to train Sailors in mine warfare," said Lt. Cmdr. Dwayne Louis, MWTC's executive officer.

Scorgie was presented the Meritorious Service Medal for his performance, and said his tour at MWTC was the best of his career.

"By being a Mine Warfare (MIW) specialty career oath officer, I had the opportunity to lead the only Mine Warfare School dedicated to the expansion of MIW knowledge, which is rewarding in its self," said Scorgie. "Working with such a high caliber staff, who are inspiring, motivating, and hard charging, made the job like no other I have had in my 20 years of service. It is a job I will sorely miss."

Cooper previously served at Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command' NMAWC, as its Mine Warfare Planner (N5) and as Future Operations Officer, analyzing and adjusting training plans six months to a year out for the Navy's only deployable mine warfare battle staff.
Cooper said he's excited becoming MWTC's third commanding officer since its move from Ingleside, Texas to Point Loma, Calif. in 2009.

"I spent the past few weeks meeting Sailors and staff. I'm extremely impressed with the professionalism, pride and passion for mine warfare," he said. "It truly is awe inspiring and I'm looking forward to working with such a great team."

Cooper assumes responsibility of MWTC, part of the Center for Surface Combat Systems Command, which develops and delivers mine warfare training and education, enabling the fleet to conduct combat operations at sea. Naval mine warfare training has roots reaching back to December 1940, when Naval Schools, Mine Warfare (NSMW) was established.

Center for Surface Combat Systems mission is to develop and deliver surface ship combat systems training. Its headquarters' staff oversees 14 learning sites, including MWTC, and provides 80,000 hours of curriculum and 670 courses a year to more than 43,000 Sailors. CSCS conducts training for nine enlisted ratings: Fire Controlmen, Electronic Technicians, Interior Communications, Sonar Technician (surface), Gunner's Mates, Mineman, Operations Specialists, Boatswain's Mates, and Quartermasters.

CSCS also trains surface warfare officers in skills required to tactically operate and employ Aegis, Ship Self Defense System (SSDS), and Tomahawk weapon system equipped ships.

For more information about the Center for Surface Combat Systems, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cscs/>
For more information about Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cscs/fasw