Military

Fleet Antisubmarine Warfare Command

On April 8, 2004 the Navy commissioned the Fleet Antisubmarine Warfare Command (FASWC) in San Diego. Rear Adm. John J. Waickwicz was installed as its first commanding officer.

Historically, various communities within the Navy such as surface ships, airplanes and submarines have conducted their ASW training and operations independently of one another.

The new operational command's mission will include integrating advanced ASW networks, establish doctrine and new operating concepts, fleet ASW training and assisting naval leadership with ASW policy.

The new command will be comprised of 138 military, civilian and contractor personnel. In addition to its San Diego headquarters, Fleet ASW Command will have detachments in Norfolk, Va., and Yokosuka, Japan. Its primary focus will be on providing standardized ASW training for the entire Navy, assessing ASW capabilities and readiness throughout the fleet, and in seamlessly implementing the latest state-of-the-art technology into ASW operations.

FASWC's primary goal will be to ensure Navy warfighters can neutralize enemy submarine threats. To do this, Navy ASW must be able to detect and engage ASW threats at will. It must also be able to form maritime shields against submarines and mines that will permit U.S. and coalition forces protected passage to and from operational theaters.

The Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet on March 4, 2004, awarded Cubic Defense Applications, the defense segment of Cubic Corporation a $2 million contract to provide start-up support for the Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Command. The U.S. Navy established the new San Diego-based command to reinvigorate training and operational standards for modern anti-submarine warfare (ASW).

To assist in launching the FASWC, Cubic will provide support in the planning and implementation of staff, budgets, facilities development and information management under a multi-phased General Services Administration (GSA) contract with potential for add-on business. Cubic's ASW experienced team will assist the COMPACFLT staff as they establish the new command's standards for training, assessment and ASW doctrine. With complete staffing, the command is expected to employ 130 military, government services and contractor personnel. The majority of the staff will work at the San Diego Command, with some personnel assigned to detachments in Norfolk, Va.; and Yokosuka, Japan.