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Normandy Proves Proficiency as part of 'Battle Group in the Sand'

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090324-07
Release Date: 3/24/2009 3:31:00 PM

By Ensign Adam R. Cole, USS Normandy Public Affairs

WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. (NNS) -- Combat information center (CIC) watchstanders of USS Normandy (CG 60) proved their mettle as they ran through a number of scenarios March 2-6 at the Surface Combat System Center (SCSC) team trainer.

Often hailed as the 'Battle Group in the Sand,' the center supports training in strike group-like operations without actually having to go to sea. Watchstanders present threat briefs and then defend the ship and strike group in simulated global contingency responses.

Normandy manned up the lab as if it were at sea and went through pre-planned responses and other defense tactics outlined in the ship and strike group's battle orders.

"I was very impressed by the results of this training. I was pleased with the capabilities of our CIC team and know that we will continue to improve," said Capt. Jeffrey T. Griffin, Normandy commanding officer.

Normandy is currently undergoing a shipyard period where it is having a number of systems installed and upgraded. The SCSC training lab was much needed to ensure combat watchstanders remain sharp.

On a big picture level, watchstanders were able to not only gain proficiency on their consoles but gain a greater understanding of pre-planned responses (PPRs)based on the commanding officer's battle order, said Ensign Chris Smith, Normandy air defense officer and one member of the SCSC training liaison team.

"You could tell just by going through the process of briefing, by going through the different situations we may face, that it got our watchstanders to think more about potential threats and how to best respond to those threats based on capabilities and what our strike group instructions dictate," said Smith.

Trainers involved said they saw much improvement in the ship.

"Definite improvement, just in the knowledge, the communication and the employment of their strike group PPRs," said Donald Hendron, team lead for the trainers.

Capt. Stephen W. Hampton, commanding officer of SCSC, was on hand for the last day and was pleased as well.

"You all should look at [CIC operations] as your playing field, and in that regard, you all are the playmakers," said Hampton. "You train; you study the materials, and then you go out and execute. You did that here, and I am confident you will continue that process and the results as you prepare and then execute your deployment."

The AEGIS-class cruiser Normandy is based in Norfolk, Va. The ship is currently undergoing a cruiser alteration at BAE shipyards in Norfolk.