The commander of Naval Surface Force Atlantic (COMSURFLANT) visited Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit (CSCSU) Dam Neck onboard Dam Neck Annex April 3.

Rear Adm. Patrick Piercey visited CSCSU Dam Neck to tour specific labs and see how the schoolhouse provides top-notch training to Sailors who operate and maintain surface combat systems.

Capt. John Vliet, CSCSU Dam Neck commanding officer, hosted Piercey.

"We discussed the training pipeline for the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System teams, how many teams there are and how their rotations work," Vliet said. "We also provided him tours of the Aegis Ashore Team Trainer (AATT), Close-In Weapons System (CIWS), and Navigation System Maintenance Trainer (NSMT)."

AATT Director Mr. Larry Sharp discussed how the AATT allows CSCS to train, qualify, and certify their Sailors so when they arrive in Romania, they are immediately prepared to contribute.

"We start with basic scenarios and then gradually introduce extremely complex scenarios that challenge the best watchstanders," Sharp explained. "In addition, we simulate actual casualties where technicians have to go step by step to identify issues and restore effected equipment."

After the tour of the AATT, instructor Fire Controlman 1st Class Nicholous Rutland showcased two different versions of CIWS Stand-Alone Gun Assemblies, which are utilized to train Sailors in the intricacies of the CIWS gun subsystem. In addition, senior instructor Chief Fire Controlman Matthew Rich provided an overview of some of the changes CSCSU Dam Neck is making to the CIWS program.

"We are making significant improvements to the CIWS curriculum and training equipment," Rich explained. "These improvements will help better prepare Sailors for the fleet."

The visit concluded with a tour of the NSMT. Electronics Technician 2nd Class Mickey Acree provided a demonstration that illustrated how the technicians train in a "system of systems" environment.

"The NSMT permits [electronics technicians] to receive hands-on training in preventive and corrective maintenance troubleshooting procedures, and trains students on all the components of the complex navigation system network," Acree explained.

Piercey said he enjoyed observing CSCSU Dam Neck's training.

"It was great to learn about the training team's hard work and to get a first-hand look at the detailed, specialized preparation involved in readying our Sailors to deploy to the Aegis Ashore Romania site, for example," said Piercey. "The innovative technology is impressive as well. Together, this training goes a long way toward well preparing our Sailors to fight and win."

CSCS' mission is to develop and deliver surface ship combat systems training to achieve surface warfare superiority. CSCS headquarters' staff oversees 15 learning sites and detachments located throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Spain, and Japan. CSCS provides more than 528 courses, awards 116 different Navy Enlisted Classifications (NECs), and trains more than 37,000 Sailors a year. CSCS delivers specialized training for officer and enlisted Sailors required to tactically operate, maintain and employ shipboard and shore-based weapons, sensors and command and control systems utilized in today's Navy.

For information on the Center for Surface Combat Systems, visit www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cscs/.

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