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USS John S. McCain Focuses on Combat Readiness

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080916-16
Release Date: 9/16/2008 4:28:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder, Center for Surface Combat Systems Public Affairs

USS JOHN S. MCCAIN, At Sea (NNS) -- Six instructors from the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) embarked guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) provided tailored shipboard training for tactical watchstanders Sept. 4-15.

McCain has a five-pronged approach to combat readiness–mission achievement, personal and professional development, operational readiness, material readiness and safe operations.

During the transit north, after participating in the coronation of Tonga's king and Great White Fleet centennial anniversary celebrations in Australia, McCain acquired CSCS riders to help improve watchstander and team practices for the following core disciplines: ballistic missile defense, as well as air, surface, subsurface and electronic warfare.

The CSCS multi-mission team trainer (MMTT), consisted of classroom sessions covering basic console operation and practical study through numerous training scenarios, all of which are designed to improve upon shipboard tactical watchstanding.

"This is a general refresher course and it's going to happen more often," noted Senior Chief Fire Controlman (SW) Daniel Bowen of Bancroft, Mich. "There's a push to getting us (CSCS) into the ship's schedules to make sure everyone has the same base level of knowledge. We come aboard to help out - our goal is to improve the readiness of the fleet and the Sailors are responding. There's a lot of enthusiasm, and if there's weakness in one area, we will help out."

According to Chief Operations Specialist (SW) Ernest Willis of Thomasville, Ga., the fact that the CSCS team is aboard to assist, rather than evaluate, its presence helps the McCain crew accomplish the mission.

"We can get a little more personable. There's no fear of looking bad or getting a bad report. We are here to help," Willis said. "Unfortunately, crews don't get to do this kind of training very often because of all the evaluations they have to do. We want to get the watchstanders comfortable. There are people standing important combat watches that aren't necessarily junior, they just don't have the experience."

"McCain's mission has changed from one of king's coronation and Great White Fleet commemorative events to another which is far more tactical in nature," said John S. McCain's commanding officer, Cmdr. John S. Banigan.

John S. McCain is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and is permanently forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.

For more news from Center for Surface Combat Systems, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/cscs/.