The U.S. Navy’s CIAT: Mastering Pacific Operational Readiness

YOKOSUKA, Japan – Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) Western Pacific (WESTPAC) has taken a significant step towards enhancing U.S. Navy training by participating in the groundbreaking ceremony for the P-39 Ship Handling and Combat Training Facility at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, on October 7.

This new facility promises to be a state-of-the-art multi-story complex designed to house integrated navigation, seamanship, and ship handling trainers. It will also feature a radar navigation trainer and a multi-purpose reconfigurable training system. A pivotal component will be the Combined Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Trainer (CIAT). This latest CIAT installment will accompany existing units in San Diego and Norfolk, contributing significantly to mission readiness.

Lt. Cmdr. Hung-Chi Lee, the officer in charge of SCSTC WESTPAC, highlights the transformative power of this Yokosuka-based CIAT. “The CIAT in Yokosuka will revolutionize our training capabilities for Forward Deployed Forces-Japan, ensuring our warfighters are always ready to face any threat with confidence and skill,” he stated. The facility will enable rapid integration of real-world event lessons into training, exemplified by recent Red Sea incidents.

Strategically situated at the U.S. Navy’s largest overseas base, the facility will enhance training accessibility and flexibility for the surface fleet in the Pacific. This setup reduces travel time, maintains training during ship upgrades, and preserves training continuity, even during operational downtimes.

The CIAT forms part of the Surface Training Advanced Virtual Environment – Combat Systems (STAVE-CS) program, started nine years ago to bolster surface training through advanced technologies. The trainer offers realistic combat scenario simulations, improving readiness for modern warfare’s complexities. Its integrated debrief capability enables comprehensive plan, brief, execute, and debrief (PBED) processes.

Advanced simulation tools provide realistic naval training experiences in areas such as Naval Integrated Fire Control, simulated communications for joint operations, and electronic warfare training. Additionally, the trainer prepares personnel for undersea threats with sophisticated anti-submarine warfare models.

The establishment of the CIAT at Yokosuka is expected to significantly boost the U.S. Navy’s global readiness, ensuring that its warfighters are equipped to handle diverse operational challenges. Rear Adm. Jeffrey Czerewko leads SCSTC under the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), overseeing a network of 15 global learning sites dedicated to maintaining U.S. Navy and allied combat efficiency.