Navy Debuts Revolutionary Simulators to Enhance Carrier Air Wing Training at Sea

The aviators of USS Abraham Lincoln’s Carrier Air Wing are enhancing their capabilities with cutting-edge training simulators, thanks to a significant collaboration within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) enterprise.

This innovative training initiative, named Simulators at Sea, is a result of efforts by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), Joint Simulation Environment (JSE), Webster Outlying Field (WOLF), and the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD). These entities teamed up with industry giants like Boeing, Collins Aerospace, and General Dynamics Information Technology to bring this vision to life.

Simulators at Sea marks a historic advancement, offering the first integrated training system for an air wing deployed on a Navy carrier. This system enhances readiness for aviators operating F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, and E-2D Hawkeyes from CVW-9 aboard the Abraham Lincoln.

The suite of virtual desktop trainers allows aviators to rehearse complex missions, including wartime scenarios, while out at sea. This capability was previously constrained due to the risks, costs, and strategic visibility associated with live drills.

NAWCAD JSE Director Blaine Summers highlighted the challenge, stating, “Ensuring that naval aviators’ skills remain sharp while deployed was essential. We recognized the urgency to address this capability gap with a seamless carrier air wing solution, setting the ground for expansion across the fleet.”

Despite the absence of formal requirements or funding, the determined team quickly implemented the plan, leveraging the wealth of talent and technology within the NAVAIR enterprise. The simulators reached CVN 72 in under a year.

Executing this complex operation involved integrating various technical disciplines. Obstacles, particularly in cyber and security realms, were swiftly addressed by escalating issues to senior leaders capable of facilitating solutions.

A.J. Lawrence from NAWCAD’s WOLF division emphasized, “The challenges we faced were unprecedented—tight deadlines, extensive ship modifications, and unforeseen hurdles. Strong relationships were pivotal in navigating these complexities.”

Since July 2024, CVW-9 aviators have been rigorously training on these simulators. The initiative’s remarkable success is prompting plans to extend Simulators at Sea to other aircraft carriers through strategic partnerships.

Mark Mckinnis recounted a moment of validation: an E-2 aviator expressing to Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Stephen Koehler that the new training surpassed any they received ashore, enabling practice in unparalleled scenarios.