Naval Surface Force Briefs Mayport SWOs

On Oct. 1, 2006, eight class squadrons (CLASSRONs) implementation teams were established that when fully operational, will be a functional command organization specific to a particular ship class and will execute the process of ensuring all ships within that particular class are at the right levels of combat readiness and available for tasking by combatant commanders. Responsi-ble for the manning, training, equipping and maintaining processes of ships by class, CLASSRONs will support the commanding officers of those ships and their immediate superiors in command (ISIC). They will also align the Surface Warfare Enterprise (SWE) process teams with established waterfront support organizations and report directly to the SWE readiness officer.

Another aspect of the program will be emphasizing readiness, cost control processes, which will directly contribute to improving operational availability of surface force ships by using the common standards and metrics codified by the continuous training and certification process to objectively assess current readiness and produce more ships ready for tasking.

''This is a program that is truly an example of enterprising behavior,'' said Etnyre, before addressing a full house of Junior Officers at Maport's ATG auditorium.

The brief outlined in simple detail the goal of the CLASSRONS, and some, like Lt.j.g. Denize Baykan of USS Carney (DDG 64) thinks the program is a good idea that will result in positive change. ''The emphasis on training will help improve the surface warfare program,'' said Baykan.

CLASSRON will assume its full responsibilities and begin executing functions in the spring of 2007 and will be based in Norfolk (DDG, PC, and LHA/LHD/LPD-4), San Diego (CG, LCS, LSD/LPD-17), Ingleside (MCM), and Mayport (FFG), but will support ISICs around the world.