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Boxer CIC Painting Tactical Picture During Assessments

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080404-05
Release Date: 4/4/2008 9:40:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Brian Gaines, USS Boxer Public Affairs

USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Boxer's (LHD 4) Combat Information Center (CIC) has engaged in multiple training scenarios during the ship's underway period March 26–April 4.

The scenarios help Boxer to maintain overall mission readiness for future deployments by painting a tactical picture of the various aspects of the ship's operations.

"We train like we fight, and fight like we train," said Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW) Scott McLain, leading petty officer for CIC. "We try to keep our training exercises as real as possible."

Training scenarios focus not only how CIC deals with a threat, but also how other departments on the ship react to requirements like engaging an enemy. Boxer's CIC tracks surface and air contacts simultaneously, while coordinating with other U.S. and allied ships in the region. This communication can help various areas throughout each ship prepare for or even prevent attack.

"The scenarios that we run also help set the scene for other training like damage control," said McLain. "In the event we come under attack, we need to know that the Damage Control Training Team is on top of their game."

The scenarios provide CIC Sailors with the experience to deal with a range of operations.

"Recently during an exercise, we came under simulated heavy fire from an aircraft," said Operations Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Jose Cartagena. "That forced us to think quickly and react with other departments on the ship to avoid a much larger problem."

Boxer's Combat Systems Training Team regularly designs drills to put the watch teams in situations outside of what they're used to.

"We like to throw the unexpected into our drills," said Chief Operations Specialist (SW/AW) Bryce Miller, CIC leading chief petty officer. "Sometimes we'll announce a man overboard, fire, flooding or a medical casualty. Not only is it for the watch teams, but it allows us to critique ourselves and to see where we can improve as a whole."

CIC conducts training many times per week while at sea and trains continuously in port. The training ensures that Boxer can conduct a full range of missions safely and effectively.

Boxer is currently underway preparing for future operations.

For more news from USS Boxer, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/lhd4/.