DAM NECK, Va. - Sailors from USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) are now training on the latest Aegis Combat System trainer at the Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit Dam Neck, Virginia.
The training consists of teaching the Sailors how to operate and maintain the equipment using support emulators for the Aegis Combat System's interfaces to the current version of the Gun Computer System and its associated Electro-Optical Sensor System.
"This method helps ensure the Sailors get realistic and effective training at the shore facility that reflects the shipboard configuration," said training instructor and on-site NSWC, Port Hueneme Division Lead Byron Fordham. "It also embodies the Navy's 'train as we fight' concept."
NSWC Port Hueneme's Land Attack Department was instrumental in the design, installation and checkout of the new training system at Dam Neck, and now leads the training effort for six fire control technicians from the San Diego-based cruiser.
The trainer's lengthy nickname, GCS MK 160 MODs 14-16/EOSS MK 20 MOD 0, reflect its complexity and its status as Aegis Combat System Baseline 9 configuration. The initial 12-week Operation and Maintenance Course commenced on April 30, and because Chancellorsville is the first ship designated for the Baseline 9 upgrade, the Sailors who complete this training July 20, will be the first in the Navy to be awarded the new Navy Enlisted Classification code of FC-1050.
"Ultimately," said Milton Ayala, NSWC, Port Hueneme Division project manager to PEO IWS's Naval Gunnery Program Office, "the ACS Baseline 9 GCS MK 160/EOSS MK 20 training that NSWC, Port Hueneme Division is providing will give Sailors the skills needed to perform required ACS gun system and naval gunnery operation and maintenance tasks that will keep their ships combat ready at all times."
Fordham said training efforts will continue following completion of the Chancellorsville team, with training for fleet personnel from USS Normandy (CG 60) and USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) scheduled for August."
NSWC, Port Hueneme Division, commanded by Capt. Bill DeBow, is a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command and provides the United States Navy global fleet with weapon system in-service engineering, logistics, and test and evaluation. NSWC, Port Hueneme Division is located at Naval Base Ventura County, Calif., where it employs more than 1,900 personnel.