Warfare tactics instructors from Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (NSMWDC) led surface warfare officers aboard forward-deployed, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) during MultiSail 17, March 6-10.

MultiSail 17 is a bilateral training exercise improving interoperability between U.S. and Japanese forces. This exercise benefits from realistic, shared training enhancing these forces ability to work together to confront any contingency.

"WTIs come aboard ships, like Mustin, to train the surface community in advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures, TTPs, and a strategic level of expertise," said Lt. Khristian Caindoy, anti-submarine/anti-surface WTI from SMWDC Headquarters, San Diego. "The reason why we come [aboard] for training, vice working in the classroom, is that we want our warfighters training on their equipment; we want them to become intimately familiar with it. You do not get that working in simulators. Understanding how your own equipment works and responds makes you a better warfighter."

Mustin was victorious in multiple competitive exercises during MultiSail, which was a reflection of the WTI's influence aboard the ship.

"Mustin had both a surface warfare and air and missile defense warfare tactics instructors aboard, and they both were invaluable to our planning and execution of our responsibility as surface action group commander during MultiSail 2017," said Cmdr. Warren Smith, Mustin's commanding officer. "Lieutenant Caindoy and Lieutenant Moskevich brought cutting-edge tactics, techniques, and procedures to Mustin, which had a marked impact on my combat teams' expertise and ability to execute advanced warfighting."

Throughout MultiSail 17 anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare events, watchstanders learned tactics directly in the ship's combat information center. This training helped them to apply current knowledge to the exercise and improve their skills through one-on-one instruction. It also helped improve each of the ship's watchstanders' understanding of their job, as well as how it fits into the bigger picture.

"I'm here to increase Mustin's warfighting proficiency and assist them in planning, briefing, and executing their events," said Caindoy. "This all leads into the debrief where Mustin can apply their lessons learned and improve on them in future exercises. MultiSail was a great opportunity for Mustin to practice and refine emerging tactics."

While MultiSail lasted six days and was filled with numerous exercises and training evolutions, Caindoy said it was exactly what he loves to do.

"I enjoy being a WTI because I love interacting and training Sailors," Caindoy continued. "I get to pass on the training, knowledge, and experience that I gained while in the WTI pipeline and working at SMWDC. SMWDC is at the forefront of changing how we do business in the surface community and I am excited to be part of that."

Mustin continues on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

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