Ships' ASW Capabilities Continue To Improve With SEASWITI

SEASWITI, or Southeastern Anti-Submarine Warfare Integrated Training Initiative's mission is to "provide a learning forum in the Southeast Region to enhance the effectiveness and quality of anti-submarine warfare training by coordinating assets, knowledge and technology." The training initiative is of high interest to the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) Surface Warfare Division (N86).

The most recent SEASWITI exercise, 07-1, featured Mayport-based ships USS Vicksburg (CG 69), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Halyburton (FFG 40), along with aircraft from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 42, 44, 46, and 48 to include HSL-44 Detachment Five, embarked in Halyburton.

Other ships participating were the Canadian submarine HMCS Windsor (S 877), USS Annapolis (SSN 760), USS Carr (FFG 52), and USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201), as well as other units from organizations and contractors, all of whom were focusing on the early stages of testing and development of ASW tactical equipment. P-3C Orion aircraft from Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11 also participated in the exercise, which took place Dec. 4-8.

"The participating units performed several tactical events focusing on coordinated ASW operations that used all four warships and the submarine while using air assets for prosecution of the submarines," said Lt. George Klaus, COMDESRON 24 submarine operations officer. "Windsor gave us a great opportunity to practice against a real-world SSK (diesel-electric submarine) target. SSK boats are a growing threat around the world.

The importance of this ASW training cannot be overstated.

Forty-one countries, including China, North Korea, and Iran have modern submarines. Of the 380 submarines operated by 41 countries worldwide, more than 300 are extremely quiet diesel-electric submarines.

"It was a welcome sight to have them in the exercise again. Their part increased the level of OPFOR (opposing forces) proficiency and realism."

Each ASW event lasted approximately four to eight hours, with each ship completing eight events. In addition, each ship met more than a dozen training requirements.

The crew of HMCS Windsor enjoyed a port visit to Mayport, including a Jacksonville Jaguars game and a Jacksonville Barracudas hockey match.

Another focus during SEASWITI is marine mammal protection, particularly right whales, as right whale season ends March 31.

While it is crucial that U.S. Navy ships continue training with active sonar, the Navy goes to great lengths to minimize any potential effects on marine life through the use of protective measures.

The Navy makes every effort to safeguard marine mammals when exercises are conducted.

"We are working closely with environmental representatives from CFFC (Commander, Fleet Forces Command) to be proactive in protecting the marine mammal population," said STGCS Scott Pageau, COMDESRON 24 ASW officer. "The structuring of the schedule included training for all participating units as well as stationing trained lookouts, listening passively for marine mammals, employing night vision and thermal imaging equipment, using safety zones around ships, and taking appropriate action when marine mammals are spotted. We will continue to ensure marine mammal protection during all SEASWITI events."

This is the fifth SEASWITI event conducted in the past 18 months. Capt. Robert Kapcio, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 24, is tasked by Commander, Second Fleet to conduct the exercises on a quarterly basis.

COMDESRON 24 receives support from Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command, whose data experts reconstruct and analyze each event for post-exercise analysis.

Other supporting commands include Surface Warfare Development Group (SWDG); Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab; Naval Oceanographic ASW Team at Stennis Space Center, Miss.; and the Naval Oceanographic ASW Team detachment Mayport. Contractor support is provided by British Aerospace (BAE), Northrop Grumman, NavAir (Patuxent River, Md.), and Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems (PEOIWS) 3B, 2B, and 5B.

The next exercise, SEASWITI 07-2, will be conducted this month. This SEASWITI will include units of Commander Standing NATO Maritime Group One (CSNMG1) with Rear Adm. Mahon (USN) as commander. This will provide an opportunity for U.S. ships to conduct ASW operations with our NATO allies and develop a level of proficiency before deployment.

SNMG1 units participating are the German ship FGS Sachsen, and USS Mahan. USS Carney and USS Doyle will also participate.

Commands or individuals wishing to participate in future SEASWITI exercise are encouraged to contact Lt. Klaus at (904) 270-5901 x510, or via e-mail at george.klaus1@navy.mil.