Naval Support Facility Dahlgren

In August 2001 the Executive Review of Navy Training (ERNT) study published its findings, and Task Force Excel (TFE) was chartered to serve as the catalyst for the Navy's Revolution in Training (RIT). Among the findings of Task Force Excel were certain centers of excellence, Learning Centers, in the Navy that possessed the superior qualities and standards envisioned for future Navy⁄Fleet training. This brought about a major reorganization of Navy Education and Training, including the establishment of functionally aligned training in centers like the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS).

CSCS was provisionally established in October 2002. In May 2004 the Aegis Training and Readiness Center, and its seven detachments, were realigned from NAVSEA to the NETC organization. CSCS was officially established in September 2004, and is presently commanded by CAPT Stephen W. Hampton.

CSCS, and each of its 14 sites and detachments, is broadly responsible for the Navy's Surface Combat Systems and Operations training for officers and enlisted. These are essentially the Sailors who operate, maintain, and employ the weapons, navigational, and operations systems found onboard the United States Navy surface vessels. CSCS holds the training for 9 enlisted ratings, to include fire controlmen, electronic technicians, interior communications, sonar technician (surface), gunner's mates, minemen, operations specialists, boatswain's mates, and quartermasters.

The enduring directive of the RIT is to improve mission accomplishment by providing Sailors with the tools, and opportunities to learn, grow, lead, and excel. The goal of CSCS is to assist in creating a more agile, responsive warfighting organization, by integrating sciences of learning, and developing training based on the process of the Human Performance System model, and the Sailor Lifelong Learning Continuum.

Working with the fleet, CSCS will continue the training revolution initiated by Task Force Excel in building dynamic occupational leadership, and personal development continuums that are creating an environment of lifelong learning. With the establishment of CSCS, the Navy is poised to realize the CNO's goal of becoming an ‘‘employer of choice,” while continuing to increase operational readiness, warfighting skills, and be good stewards of increasingly scarce resources.

Capt. Stephen Hampton
Commanding Officer
Center for Surface Combat Systems