The commander of Battle Group (BTG) 8 for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) toured the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center (FLEASWTRACEN) Nov. 5, as part of a combined effort to improve Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities for the ROKN.

As commander of BTG 8, Rear Adm. Choi Myung-han is responsible for ASW training, qualification and assessment from unit level through Surface Action Group. Choi's visit to FLEASWTRACEN was part of a larger area visit focusing on U.S. Navy ASW related commands in order to foster increased tactical proficiency and cooperation between allied nations.

FLEASWTRACEN Commanding Officer Capt. Scott Dugan welcomed Choi and provided a command level brief detailing mission and highlighting the process for providing ASW training. The brief focused on the maintenance, operator and tactics training pipeline for U.S. Navy sonar technicians.

"We are honored to host Rear Adm. Choi and show him how we execute ASW training," Dugan said. "We are always ready to support the ROKN in any way we can."

Following the brief, Chief Operations Specialist Dustin Wooldridge provided Choi an Anti-Submarine Tactical Air Controller (ASTAC) demonstration by using FLEASWTRACEN's newest tactical training laboratory.

"Here at the schoolhouse, we deliver basic training in air control," Wooldridge said. "The students learn to conduct safe control of aircraft while simultaneously conducting basic ASW tactics through a series of high-fidelity simulations. When they leave the school environment, Sailors have a solid foundation of skills that they will continue to hone on at their respective ships through rigorous shipboard and fleet training."

After the demonstration, Dugan thanked Choi for visiting.

"Increasing collaboration and strengthening our ability to work together is our goal and we look forward to our continued partnership in ASW training and operations," Dugan said.

As the premier ASW training center, FLEASWTRACEN develops and delivers world class training through 79 highly technical courses of instruction educating more than 4,000 U.S. Navy and partner nation Sailors annually. As a component of CSCS, FLEASWTRACEN instructs students from initial accession Sailors to junior officers and senior enlisted Sailors in the many facets of maintaining and operating their ships in the areas of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.

For information on Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center, visit www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cscs/fasw/

Visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center/148465061839258

For more news from Center for Surface Combat Systems, visit www.navy.mil/.