SWOS Visits Mayport

The original plan called for Afloat Training Group (ATG) San Diego and ATG Norfolk to conduct the initial course convening. However, ATG Mayport refused to be excluded from participating in the renovation of the SWOS curriculum. Capt. Herbert Hadley, commanding officer of ATG Mayport, and the ATG Mayport team jumped at the opportunity to act as the first stepping stone in a new ensign's career path. Thirty seven students are filling the seats in the first two Mayport classes that began August 4, 2008. ATG expects to instruct twenty students per month following the initial convening.

The SWOS Introductory course provides a well-rounded curriculum that gives students a foundation for building knowledge and skills. During the first three weeks, students will receive instruction and simulator training encompassing basic Navigation, Seamanship and Ship handling (NSS); division officer fundamentals; basic engineering and Damage Control; Maritime Warfare; and Navy familiarization training. The fourth week of class is dedicated to a Naval Leadership course.

After reviewing the curriculum, ATG Mayport decided to go one step further by incorporating the renowned Mayport family touch. ATG Mayport coordinated optional training opportunities with full support and enthusiasm from both Destroyer Squadron Fourteen and Destroyer Squadron 24, in addition to various other commands including Training Support Detachment, Center for Surface Combat Systems, Branch Health Clinic Mayport, and Fleet and Family Support Center. The training will provide students the opportunity to hone their NSS skills with extra simulator time, gain exposure to firefighting and the Damage Control wet trainer, earn CPR and second-class swimming qualifications, gain experience with the rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) and simulate live fire with the 9mm pistol and M16 rifle in the Fire Arms Training Simulator. The optional training will give the division officers a head start on the rigorous process of pursuing their ultimate goal of becoming Surface Warfare Officers.

ATG Mayport's goal is to build on the SWOS mission of "a continuum of professional education and training in support of Surface Navy requirements," by providing the Fleet with highly trained and well-prepared Surface Warriors.