Trailblazer’s 20-Year Commitment: Honoring Two Decades of Service to Aegis Warfighters

DAHLGREN, Va. – Since its establishment in 1985, the Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) AEGIS Training and Readiness Center (ATRC) has trained the U.S. Navy and allied forces in operating and maintaining the AEGIS system. Over the years, many prominent figures such as Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Rear Adm. Wayne E. Meyer have been part of this illustrious institution. However, one name that stands out is Lt. Cmdr. Jeff Noordyk, who joined as the Director of Officer Training and eventually transitioned to a civilian role as Director of Training (DoT).

Under Noordyk’s leadership, the SCSTC ATRC has executed its crucial role as the Curriculum Control Model Manager for Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) and Aegis Fire Controlman (FCA) training. He oversees 33 electronic classrooms, 50 labs, and the annual training of 500 officers and 850 enlisted students. His vision and innovative leadership have significantly influenced the AEGIS community.

Cmdr. Jonathan Schermerhorn, SCSTC ATRC’s commanding officer, praised Noordyk for his forward-thinking approach. “Jeff is very good at pointing out what needs to be reworked but also, what needs to be accomplished in the future,” Schermerhorn said. “His efforts have renewed our focus on building both technical and tactical skills and ultimately, preparing our warfighters to own the fight.”

One of Noordyk’s significant contributions includes the implementation of collaborative training initiatives and increased lab efficiencies. By combining training events and optimizing lab schedules, he reduced manpower requirements and improved the learning process for multiple courses, including the Warfare Tactics Instructors course. Additionally, Noordyk led the FCA pilot for the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations N12, which became part of the Navy’s Ready, Relevant Learning (RRL) initiative.

Noordyk has also been instrumental in developing a continuum for Aegis and IAMD training, covering both individual and fleet preparations. His initiatives were extended to Ship Self Defense System Mark 2 and Anti-Submarine Warfare (AWT) training, becoming essential elements of basic phase training for ships. Furthermore, many tactical concepts from IAMD AWT courses became official Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures.

Moreover, Noordyk supervised the development of Aegis Firing Point Procedures (FPP), which set the training standards for weapon control from Aegis platforms. These standards were eventually adopted fleet-wide by Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He also played a key role in the requirements, development, and implementation of new Aegis baselines, including 5.4, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

Beyond his work on baselines, Noordyk collaborated with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division to define the requirements and training concepts for Next Generation Simulation (NGS). Currently, NGS is enhancing the tactical training experience for Aegis warfighters.

Noordyk’s achievements also encompass the evolution of the Aegis Combat Systems (ACS). Ensuring that ATRC’s curriculum, training systems, and networks kept pace with these advancements, he successfully executed the Navy’s RRL and Surface Training Advanced Virtual Environment-Combat Systems (STAVE-CS) requirements. These systems are now delivering critical training to ensure warfighters possess necessary tactical and technical skills.

Throughout his tenure, Noordyk impacted not only military personnel but also government civilians and industry partners. Brian Parker, SCSTC HQ’s Executive Director, highlighted Noordyk’s influence. “Jeff is a role model for our blended workforce across the domain. His technical and professional knowledge is highly respected and sought out by other Navy commands and organizations,” Parker stated.

As Noordyk and his family move to Great Lakes, Illinois for his new role as logistics management specialist, SCSTC ATRC recently bid farewell. Amanda Blackman, SCSTC ATRC’s Director of Training and Facilities Readiness, commended Noordyk’s legacy. “His drive, motivation, and innovation shaped Aegis training and set new standards for his predecessors to aspire to,” she noted.

In his parting message, Noordyk emphasized the importance of excellence in training. “Give the best possible training to the Sailors that come through ATRC,” he urged. “‘Good enough’ is not the standard we want to work towards. In the end, when the mission is being executed, it’s the standard that the peer threat holds the Sailors to at sea that matters. That’s the standard we all should be striving for.”

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