Warfare Commanders: Ensuring Strike Group Success
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060922-01
Release Date: 9/22/2006 3:18:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brian Gaines, USS Boxer Public Affairs
PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5 is the first ESG to try a new method of command Sept. 22 during its deployment to the Western Pacific.
ESG 5 Commander, Rear Adm. Mark W. Balmert, departed the strike group in Hawaii and transferred command to Capt. David Angood, commodore of Amphibious Squadron Five (PHIBRON) 5. Angood will then assume command responsibilities as Composite Warfare Commander (CWC) for USS Boxer (LHD 4) ESG. Angood will work together with six commanding officers of ships in the ESG who also fill the role of warfare commanders for the strike group.
Warfare commanders are responsible for the operational needs of the ESG, such as communications, sea combat and air defense.
“This is the first time since the Navy and Marine Corps have stood up an ESG that a command-led flag element that has been here throughout the work-ups will leave the strike group,” said Angood.
The successful realignment of the strike group’s leadership will rely on the teamwork between the warfare commanders, and their support of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
Tactical authority will be given to the warfare commanders to give them the ability to make decisions without having to wait for approval from the ESG commander, which will allow for quick response and flexibility.
“These warfare commanders are all very exceptional,” said Angood. “They are all outstanding professionals who work in defense of the strike group and execute the mission.”
Capt. Bruce W. Nichols, commanding officer of Boxer, is the information warfare commander for ESG 5. He is responsible for managing the electromagnetic spectrum, computer network defense, and to protect the strike group from electronic attack.
“Warfare commanders conduct specific missions and have control of assets to perform these missions,” said Nichols. “It’s a principle part of naval warfare known as control by negation. Basically, I have the authority to conduct all aspects of my piece of the ESG’s mission.”
Trust and communication between the warfare commanders are vital to the overall success of the mission. Open lines of communication will help to ensure that each commander is aware of the overall status of the ESG, as well as enabling Angood to have the information he will need to lead the strike group.
Capt. Charles M. Gaouette, USS Bunker Hill’s (CG 52) commanding officer and sea combat commander, is responsible for defending the strike group from subsurface, surface and air threats using its multiple missile launching systems.
“We propose tactics for placement of the entire strike group for optimum defense,” said Gaouette. “The reason a cruiser was chosen for sea combat commander was due to experience. Cruisers have a lot of experience when it comes to subsurface and surface warfare.”
Teamwork between the warfare commanders will give the various commands more flexibility than past strike groups.
“We see a continuance to change and grow as the technological aspect of warfare changes, whether its strike warfare, expeditionary, missile, etc. There is more of an overlap than in the past,” added Nichols. “It’s entirely possible for aircraft to be working under three or four different commands.”
Even with the new command structure, Sailors and Marines must still meet age-old challenges of being out to sea during deployment.
“My biggest challenge is to ensure that when this ESG comes back, everyone comes back with 10 fingers and toes; and by that I mean everyone comes back alive and that the mission was a success,” said Angood. “I am honored to be here. Even though it is difficult to leave family and friends, this is the most meaningful part of what we do. We have been through spring practice, now the game is on.”
ESG 5 is comprised of Boxer, Bunker Hill, USS Dubuque (LPD 8), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS Benfold (DDG 65), and USS Howard (DDG 83). ESG 5 also includes PHIBRON 5, the 15th MEU, Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WHEC 726) and Canadian Frigate HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341).
The strike group’s warfare command is comprised of PHIBRON 5 as Mine Warfare Commander, Maritime Interdiction Commander, Maritime Strike Operations Commander and Amphibious Warfare Commander. The warfare command also includes Howard as Air Defense Commander, Boxer as Information Warfare Commander, Bunker Hill as Sea Combat Commander and the Commanding Officer of the 15th MEU.
The strike group is currently conducting operations in support of the global war on terrorism while transiting to the Persian Gulf.
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