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SPAWAR Reservists Change Roles Aboard Enterprise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060510-07
5/10/2006

By Journalist Seaman N.C. Kaylor, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- In a change from their typical roles, Navy Reservists from the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) are spending their drill time embarked aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), giving training instead of being trained.

Several SPAWAR Reservists embarked aboard Enterprise to assist the ship’s information systems technicians (IT) with troubleshooting the ship’s computer systems when the ship departed Naval Station Norfolk May 2 for its regularly scheduled six-month deployment.

“Typical Reservists that come onto a ship to do their annual training come to receive training, but we’re the opposite way around,” said Lt. Cmdr. Meade Dillon, SPAWAR on-board team leader. “We come to give. We come to ensure the IT shops are supported and know exactly what they are doing.”

Aboard Enterprise, Sailors in the automated data processing (ADP) shop have to know how to troubleshoot both of Big E’s computer systems -- NIPRNET (Non-classified Internet Protocol Routing Network) and SIPRNET (Secure Internet Protocol Routing Network).

“We basically make sure the ITs know how to work on both NIPRNET and SIPRNET, and make sure they have the knowledge they need in order to do their job. We’re kind of a follow-on to any of the schools they might have gone to,” said Dillon, adding that once the team gets on deck, they conduct on-the-job type training, classroom training and answer any questions the Sailors may have.

The Reservists have a specific curriculum they have to teach, but they don’t have to limit what they teach to just the curriculum.

“One of the things we’re trying to do is not just teach them what SPAWAR wants them to know, but also what they want to know to help them perform their day-to-day activities,” said Electronics Technician 1st Class Dwayne Glover, SPAWAR IT-21 instructor. “We’ve learned a lot of things since coming out here. I’ve taught students a bunch of things, but I’ve also learned some things about what has changed since I left the active-duty Navy in 2000.”

One thing that helps the SPAWAR personnel is their experience.

“The Reservists who are members of the SPAWAR reserve program are generally people who either have experience in the Navy or experience in their civilian job in the IT field,” said Dillon. “Generally, we look for people who are experts in administration, or routing and switching Internet protocol.”

The SPAWAR team, which also includes Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Jennifer Smith, Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Anthony Hill and Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Maurice Fernandez, will return to their homes soon, but they’ve had a good time while aboard.

“I’ve loved it,” said Dillon. “It gives me a chance to get back out on a ship that’s at sea and do something useful for the fleet. It’s been a terrific opportunity, and the other Reservists that are here with me are all excited, as well.”

The team is scheduled to depart the ship May 14.