U.S. Navy Reserve officers from various components gathered in the Jacksonville tri-base area for the third annual Navy Reserve Warfighter Training, May 20-23.

More than 60 Reservists attended the event which focused on the Navy's new strategic guidance, "A Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority."

Participants visited several commands in and around Naval Station Mayport, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, for demonstrations and hands-on training from multiple platforms, including littoral combat ships, submarines, helicopter squadrons and U.S. Coast Guard vessels.

According to Capt. Glen Viado, commanding officer of Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic Readiness Headquarters Detachment, NRWT gives Reserve officers an opportunity to increase their knowledge and experience to better understand the Navy's current and future capabilities.

"We hope their knowledge is enhanced by getting exposure to the different warfare communities, so they can have a better understanding of what they need to do as Reserve officers if they're mobilized or participate in exercises," said Viado.

Along with presentations from sea and air platforms, Reservists were also able to participate in amphibious assault vehicle demonstrations from Marines assigned to 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, Company B.

"This training really helps broaden horizons," said Marine Corps Master Sgt. Sam Shaw, chief of 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, Company B. "Sometimes we get compartmentalized with the jobs we do every day, so it's good for us to see what other service members do and how it may apply to our part of the mission."

Training on unfamiliar platforms can help Sailors step outside their comfort zones to expand their knowledge beyond their usual responsibilities.

"It allows us to go on a platform for hands-on experience. So from a planning perspective, as an officer, I can understand what Sailors do to operate and staff it," said Lt. Alex Bruning, assigned to Fleet Forces Command. "You can plan better on an operational level."

The Navy can significantly evolve in a short period of time, so keeping Reservists, who don't always get much operational experience, current on Navy capabilities is essential to their readiness.

"We're line officers from different communities and backgrounds, and this allows us to all share a common knowledge on operational things that are outside of our normal jobs," said Bruning.

Flag officers who spoke to reservists in attendance included Rear Adm. Christopher Grady, COMNAVSURFLANT; Rear Adm. Kelvin Dixon, deputy, COMNAVSURFLANT; and Rear Adm. Andrew Lennon, deputy commander, Reserve Submarine Force.

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