ROKN's Top Training Officer Sees Surface Combat Systems Training Up-Close

DAHLGREN, Va. (NNS) -- Vice Adm. Koo Ok Hyoe, head of Naval Education and Training Center, Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), toured Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) learning facilities, June 10-12.

In San Diego, Koo visited Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center (FLEASWTRACEN), the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Shore-Based Training Facility (LTF) and CSCS Detachment West.

Capt. Scott Dugan, commanding officer, FLEASWTRACEN, took Koo and his staff on a tour of the training center. Dugan showed Koo how FLEASWTRACEN uses a blended learning solution of instructor-led classrooms, simulation and hands-on training labs to efficiently train Sailors who enter the service, with little or no experience, to become anti-submarine and surface combat weapons systems operators and technicians.

"It was a pleasure to host Vice Adm. Koo and his staff," Dugan said. "We have greatly enjoyed the benefits gained from the cooperative training environment that exists between our two navies. As a testament to this cooperative spirit, several ROK students will attend our Air Intercept Controller (AIC) course later this year, and we anxiously look forward to their arrival."

While at the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Shore-Based Training Facility (LTF), Koo was briefed on the LTF being the first surface warfare training facility to provide integrated bridge and combat systems tactical scenario training for Sailors serving on board an LCS. It is comprised of three components which can be used independently or in concert with the others to provide more complex training scenarios. Each section of the trainer replicates the basic layout and design of the LCS command and control, propulsion control systems and a bridge that includes video screens that can reproduce every one of the U.S. Navy's homeports, in addition to almost every routine port of call around the world

Koo's ended his trip to San Diego with a visit to CSCS Detachment West.

"Vice Adm. Koo observed a Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) trainer being inspected," said Lt. Kevin Irons, weapon officer, CSCS Detachment West. "The ROK Navy anticipates training requirements for CIWS onboard their new frigates which are under construction."

Capt. Don Schmieley, CSCS commanding officer, and Capt. Ian Hall, commanding officer, Aegis Training and Readiness Center (ATRC) at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, Va., met with Koo to Exchange ideas and share information about curriculum and training methods, and give Koo a better understanding of the center's combat systems training capabilities and how it prepares Sailors for the fleet.

"Vice Adm. Koo's dedication to his training mission was obvious as he explained how crucial it was for his Sailors to develop the skills needed to successfully support the ROK Navy Aegis platforms," Schmieley said. "I enjoyed discussing training curriculum, experiences, and lessons learned with Vice Adm. Koo and enhancing CSCS' relationship with the ROK Navy."

Koo expressed keen interest in visiting ATRC because of the ROKN's Aegis weapon systems capabilities on board their ships, and looking for options to improve their training methods. During his tour of labs and classrooms, Koo saw first-hand how ATRC instructors use the blended learning solution to teach their students.

"Over the course of the week, we discussed the importance of quality training that enables their Navy to develop ready teams capable of operations that maintain and expertly employ surface combatants," said Dr. Darrell Tatro, director of CSCS International Programs. "One of the key goals of the Maritime Strategy is fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships with international partners and our relationship with ROK Navy is a great example of this."

For information on the Center for Surface Combat System, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cscs/>
For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/.