The October-December 2014 edition looks particularly at the electromagnetic spectrum and naval enterprise networks. Maneuverability within and unfettered access to the EM spectrum is a key warfighting advantage, according to the Chief of Navy Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert, who has written extensively about it:
“This new electromagnetic and cyber environment presents us with challenges and opportunities in the 21st century similar to the undersea domain in the 20th century. Like the undersea domain, the EM and cyber environment is an area we can use to gain an advantage over our adversaries. To command this new environment, we need the ability to monitor and be aware of the environment, manage our emissions, discretely communicate, find, track and defeat threats, and conduct attacks as needed.” - Official blog of the CNO
Oct. 1, the NMCI team reached an historic milestone for naval enterprise networks in the transition from the Continuity of Services contract to the Next Generation Enterprise Network (NGEN) contract. Not only did the transition signal a savings of more than $1.3 billion over the next five years, but it has provided the DON with increased visibility into the NMCI’s operational costs and cybersecurity which will drive investment decisions and improve security.
In August, I had the pleasure of meeting sailors from Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG 2) when they arrived in Norfolk for a scheduled port visit in conjunction with Amphibious Readiness Group and Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercises (ARG/MEU EX) in September. In conjunction with the visit, media toured the Turkish frigate TGC Kemalreis. Final stop was the wardroom where we were graciously hosted by the Kemalreis commanding officer Commander Fatih Güresçi and crew, and treated to delicious Turkish tea and cakes.
But the most impressive part of the tour was the camaraderie and esprit de corps displayed between the allied members. There was also some friendly rivalry.
Across the pier from the Kemalreis, we could see four stars displayed on the portside of the FGS Niedersachsen for each of the years that Germany has won the World Cup — including this year.
However, in a soccer match between SNMG2 crew members in the port of Halifax, Canada, in November, Güresçi politely reminded the group that Turkey was the match winner.
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Sharon Anderson
Sharon Anderson is the CHIPS senior editor. She can be reached at
chips@navy.mil
.