NUWC Division Keyport Adopts a Culture of Readiness for Wartime Scenarios

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division in Keyport is actively preparing for potential conflicts, with a specific focus on enhancing wartime readiness. Led by Troy Kelley and Wendy Kierpiec, the Warfighting Readiness Action Team (WRAT) aims to achieve operational capability by September 30, 2025. This initiative is crucial as tensions with China heighten, known as the “Davidson window,” named after Adm. Phil Davidson, who alerted Congress about potential threats to Taiwan by 2027.

Transitioning from peacetime efficiency to wartime effectiveness, the WRAT is developing strategic response plans. This includes improving communication, establishing a crisis response center, and conducting monthly readiness drills. These drills simulate realistic scenarios such as naval vessel attacks and large-scale military operations to assess the team’s response capabilities.

The WRAT, comprising senior leaders and technical experts, is addressing challenges like communication disruptions and the logistics of deploying personnel across the vast distance between Keyport and the Indo-Pacific. Wendy Kierpiec highlights the importance of being adaptive, citing a need for flexible and real-time crisis response strategies.

Jeff Kistler and Amy Abbott play vital roles in managing the Crisis Response Center (CRC), focusing on maintaining robust communication systems and ensuring operational continuity. They emphasize preparedness, drawing on the expertise of their personnel to support naval operations.

Bryan Duffey, leading the Enterprise Systems Engineering Division, stresses the need to pivot resources to meet wartime demands. Additive manufacturing at NUWC is identified as a key capability, potentially providing critical parts for military use in various situations.

Despite the urgency, Jack Smith from the Warfighting Readiness Directorate and Melissa Berry recognize the broader goal of deterring conflict. They stress the significance of showcasing naval strength to prevent warfare.

At home, Amy Abbott underlines the importance of personal preparedness, advising families to plan for emergencies. While NUWC Keyport continues vital operations in Washington and beyond, it remains committed to supporting naval superiority.