The chief of the naval staff and commander, Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), toured the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center (FLEASWTRACEN) April 23 in a continuing effort to expand anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the RCN.

The highest ranking officer in the RCN, Vice Adm. Mark Norman's visit to FLEASWTRACEN was part of a larger nationwide trip to visit installations and offices in Washington D.C., Whidbey Island, Washington, San Diego and New Orleans.

FLEASWTRACEN Commanding Officer Capt. Scott Dugan welcomed Norman and provided a command brief along with a demonstration of the SQQ-89/A(V)15 sonar suite lab.

"We were honored to host Vice Adm. Norman and show him how we execute ASW training," Dugan said. "We are always ready to support the RCN in any way we can. Increasing collaboration and interoperability is our goal and we look forward to our continued partnership and the further integration of global ASW operations."

The command brief highlighted the FLEASWTRACEN pursuit of excellence in ASW training.

"With a military and civilian staff of 260, FLEASWTRACEN convenes approximately 500 classes a year, across 78 courses of instruction producing approximately 4,800 graduates annually," Dugan explained. "We instruct 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. There are five courses of instruction offered for international students covering air control, fire control and an ASW officer course, convening about 13 times a year, graduating approximately 50 international students annually."

Following the command brief, Norman was able to experience the U.S. Navy's newest sonar suite training lab.

"The lab is almost an exact replica of what is installed on ships," said Senior Chief Sonar Technician Keith Albro, the sonar department's leading chief petty officer. "All functionality is available for training and operators and supervisors train with the system as if actually standing watch. This highly realistic training is aimed at creating a seamless transition from schoolhouse to ship creating a much more proficient maintainer and operator."

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

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