Sailors assigned to amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) experienced virtual reality on a whole new level when they had the opportunity to see their own ship from the lens of progressive Department of the Navy (DON) technology.

During the week of Nov. 14-18, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) engineers, scientists, and military subject matter experts conducted a 3-D scan of several spaces aboard Anchorage to better document the internal layout of the ship.

Although Anchorage is the fourth active ship to undergo a 3-D scan in the fleet, Anchorage is the first ship to successfully transfer 3-D data into something usable for a virtual reality experience.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Chad Lilly, an Anchorage Sailor who donned a virtual reality mask, was excited to see the ship from a whole different perspective.

"It was really cool to see the ship as if it were a video game," said Lilly. "I have heard of this capability before, but I did not think that we would be one of the first ships to be able to experience it. After seeing this firsthand, I think Sailors should have a more interactive experience like this before reporting to a ship for the first time. This technology will really help Sailors prepare and familiarize themselves with their jobs and workspaces on a ship."

Lt. Clay Greunke, assigned to the SPAWAR Chief Engineer (CHENG) Division and one of the 3-D ship scan program advocates, explained the way DON conducts 3-D ship scanning exceeds other technologies the public may be familiar with.

"During this week, we were able to capture 3-D scans of various spaces, most notably the combat information center," said Greunke. "We focused our scanning techniques on spaces that currently hold SPAWAR technology to learn how ship drawings compare to a 3-D scan. The idea of a 3-D scan resonates with most people when they think of Google Maps in the 'street view,' but what we are doing here at SPAWAR is so much better than that. I am excited for the opportunity to discover some of the new potential capabilities that this advanced information could do for the future of the Navy, and how this capability will support our Sailors' lives when it comes to training, maintenance, and overall operations."

Rear Adm. Ronald Fritzemeier, SPAWAR CHENG, explained the concept of 3-D scanning is part of a much larger effort to encourage innovation throughout the fleet.

"One of the things I want to highlight is that all of us at SPAWAR are really invested in this effort," said Fritzemeier. "SPAWAR engineers and scientists are constantly brainstorming in our 'Innovation Lab' and Battlespace Exploitation of Mixed Reality Lab [BEMR] to develop the appropriate material and expertise necessary to support new ideas, such as 3-D ship scanning, for the fleet. 3-D ship scanning most importantly helps our Sailors and operators on ships, but this capability also helps other commands throughout the Department of the Navy, so that we can collectively improve design, modernization, and system installation processes Navywide."

Greunke emphasized while 3-D scanning opens many doors toward innovation, there are still some barriers which need to be elevated to make 3-D scans successful.

"We are always testing and refining new technology to better serve the fleet," said Greunke. "3-D scanning allows us at SPAWAR to thoroughly understand what new equipment and technology will fit in shipboard spaces following modifications and potential design flaws. It is important to keep in mind that we cannot see through walls and cannot capture power usage in the space through 3-D scanning, but this capability does reduce assumptions and ultimately will save on time and cost."

Lt. Jeffrey Black, Anchorage electronics material officer, emphasized virtual reality and shipboard scanning will improve system installations in the future.

"Sailors serving [aboard] Anchorage, especially in my division, were extremely happy to be a part of this project and build awareness of 3-D ship scanning as a whole for naval vessels," said Black. "This type of technology will allow shipboard personnel to better communicate with system installers and engineers about how big a space on the ship is and if a new console or 'rack,' for example, can actually fit. If 3-D scanning becomes a standard, we will not have to risk the reasonable threat of human error through the use extra man-hours and site visits."

SPAWAR scientist, Dr. Mark Bilinski, stressed working with the BEMR lab on 3-D ship scanning initiatives and advancements has been one of the highlights of his tenure.

"I have been with SPAWAR for four years, and this has by far been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had," said Bilinski. "Even as a mathematician, math can get boring at times. However, this type of research shows math in a more visual, tangible form. People outside of scientific fields can learn to appreciate the work that we do to enhance the Navy."

Anchorage leadership believes 3-D scanning will significantly help shipboard Sailors and leadership throughout a ship's lifecycle.

"A ship naturally experiences several space modifications and improvements throughout its lifetime," said Capt. J.J. Cummings, Anchorage commanding officer. "For example, Anchorage just came out of a maintenance availability where we relied on ship drawings to help identify space discrepancies and to replace equipment. After this week, we have recognized that ship drawings, in some cases, were 3 inches to even a foot off in measurement. What the team at SPAWAR was able to do this last week was use 3-D scanning to showcase actual reality and shipboard specifications, so that we as a ship can make future plans. 3-D scanning is a capability that will improve our readiness and mitigate rework from my Sailors, shipyard workers, or system installers."

Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) is the Navy acquisition command which develops, delivers, and sustains advanced information warfare capabilities for warfighters. SPAWAR, along with its system centers, space field activity, and its partnership with three program executive offices provides the hardware and software needed to execute Navy missions. With nearly 10,000 active-duty military and civilian professionals located around the world and close to the fleet, SPAWAR is at the forefront of research, engineering, and acquisition, keeping forces connected around the globe.

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