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CORTEX Adds Value, Realism to 3rd Fleet Real-world Operations, Training Exercises

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050330-06
Release Date: 3/30/2005 10:14:00 AM

By Journalist 1st Class Jessica Bailey, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Since leaving the decommissioned USS Coronado (AGF 11) and moving to a shore-based facility in September 2003, U.S. 3rd Fleet's training, experimentation and evaluation role is being directed from the Maritime Operations Complex, known as CORTEX.

Basically a high-tech, linked war room, combat information center and crisis action center, CORTEX is 3rd Fleet's command, control and collaboration center for daily operations, explained Capt. Randall Hauke, 3rd Fleet's Innovation and Experimentation assistant chief of staff.

"CORTEX is a space where daily operations can be conducted and monitored, while at the same time we can support collaborative activities like training and experimentation," Hauke said.

CORTEX, which has both operational and tactical missions, has five pillars: command and control, innovation and experimentation, collaboration, briefings and training, which all contribute to an optimized decision-making process.

"CORTEX has improved organizational alignment and allows 3rd Fleet to maintain excellence in warfighting by combining the latest technology with current tactics at the operational level of war, ensuring a surge-ready, joint, capable fleet," Hauke said.

One revolutionary characteristic of CORTEX is that it allows several different organizations and commands, both joint and interagency, to access the system to obtain an enhanced understanding of the battlefield picture.

"CORTEX brings a capability not only to 3rd Fleet, but also to all parties connected to the system," Hauke said. "Through increased knowledge of assets that are already available, it will assist in deterring or disrupting threats operating in our area of responsibility. With CORTEX, the concept is to develop a world-class operational environment that also promotes testing and evaluating experimental technologies.

"Operationally, CORTEX is continually developing and implementing mission objectives to carry out national policy," Hauke added. "On the tactical side, CORTEX provides the picture for maneuvering units, engaging adversaries and carrying out the operational plan. In terms of mission requirements, it is the most effective technology available to us."

Hauke said the primary goal of CORTEX is to put the warfighter at the heart of innovation.

"It allows naval forces today to achieve higher readiness while investigating avenues for even greater technological capabilities," he said. "In that respect, CORTEX is forward-thinking turned into forward action."