Cutting-Edge Warfighting Training Center Unveiled by Surface Navy

The newly inaugurated Surface Advanced Warfighting School (SAWS) at Naval Base San Diego is poised to revolutionize naval training. By offering courses in Anti-Submarine/Surface Warfare, Integrated Air and Missile Defense, Amphibious Warfare, and Mine Warfare under one roof, SAWS aligns with the Navy’s Competitive Edge 2.0 initiative, bolstering tactical proficiency and lethality across multiple warfare domains.

Vice Adm. McLane, overseeing Naval Surface Forces Pacific Fleet, celebrated the launch, stating, “This is a pivotal moment for SMWDC and the Navy. We need intelligent organizations that advance our competitive edge, encouraging warfighting adaptation throughout the force.” The school’s opening is timely, coinciding with strategic efforts to enhance naval capabilities.

The consolidation of the Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) courses resulted from a 2022 SMWDC reorganization aimed at streamlining operations. The initiative, driven by Rear Adm. Scott Robertson since 2020, saw collaboration with numerous naval commanders and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, transforming an administrative building into a state-of-the-art training hub.

Rear Adm. Wilson Marks, Commander of the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center, highlighted the achievement, stating, “This facility embodies years of teamwork. It’s more than just a center for training; it’s a hub for innovation and tactical development. We’re laying the foundation for tactical improvements and increasing fleet lethality.”

This advanced training venue reinforces SMWDC’s commitment to delivering tactical excellence. By 2026, it will incorporate the Multi-Warfare Planning and Training System (MWPTS), enabling enhanced combat systems training for the Ship Self Defense System, Aegis, and Surface Fires. Such innovations are crucial for refining tactics and procedures, which were previously limited to onboard testing.

Vice Adm. McLane emphasized the strategic impact of SAWS, noting its role in centralizing training and equipping sailors with essential tools for victory. Its proximity to the west coast training facility enhances collaboration and accessibility, ensuring surface warfighters receive comparable resources to their aviation and submarine counterparts.

Rear Adm. Marks commented on the facility’s strategic importance, affirming, “Our WTIs are pivotal in fleet advancements. This school provides the environment needed for them to excel and deliver combat-ready warfighters.”

The SAWS facility not only honors the Navy’s commitment to operational excellence but also establishes a benchmark for future surface warriors. The first assembly of all WTI courses at the new schoolhouse is set for January 2025, marking a significant evolution in naval training.