AEGIS Ashore Program Celebrates Training Milestone
By Robert W. Polt, Director, Aegis Ashore Team Trainer
Virginia Beach, Va. - The Aegis Ashore program achieved a historic milestone marking the certification of its 100th watch team at the AEGIS Ashore Team Trainer (AATT), Mar 6. This accomplishment, a decade in the making, underscores the program's enduring commitment to providing the highest caliber of training for Sailors entrusted with the critical ballistic missile defense (BMD) mission in Europe.
The AATT, established in 2015 onboard Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck Annex, stands as a testament to the program's dedication. This unique facility replicates the complex environment of the two land-based Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Systems in Romania and Poland, providing Sailors with an unparalleled level of realism and training fidelity. The 100th team certification serves as a powerful symbol of the AATT's effectiveness in preparing Sailors for their crucial role in defending our NATO allies.
The journey to this milestone began in 2009 when the U.S. called for a phased, adaptive approach to missile defense in Europe. The AEGIS Ashore system, leveraging proven technology from U.S. Navy warships, emerged as the ideal solution. The AATT was then conceived to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that each watch team arrived at their assigned Aegis Ashore site fully prepared for the complexities of BMD operations.
Over the past decade, the AATT, through its rigorous eight-week program, has honed the skills of hundreds of Sailors. The curriculum, meticulously crafted and executed by the Surface Combat Systems Training Command Hampton Roads, Afloat Training Group (ATG) Norfolk, and Tactical Training Group Atlantic (TACTRAGRULANT), covers a wide spectrum of knowledge and skills:
?Basic Phase (five weeks): Focuses on
system fundamentals, console operation,
and BMD mission planning.
?Qualification Phase (one week): Sailors
undergo a rigorous BMD Qualification
administered by ATG Norfolk.
?Certification Phase (two weeks): The
culmination of training, involving a BMD
certification exercise overseen by
TACTRAGRULANT, simulates real-world
scenarios and tests the team's ability to
coordinate with other BMD assets.
The 100th team certification is not merely a numerical achievement; it represents the dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the defense of NATO allies. The AEGIS Ashore program, through the AATT, continues to produce highly skilled watch teams ready to stand watch and ensure the safety and security of Europe.
#SCSTC #USNavy #AegishAshore #NavytheNationNeeds #AmericasWarfightingNavy #TrainedtoFight #Preparedness #TeamworkTuesday #bravozulu
Naval Education and Training Command MyNavyHR Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic Navy Recruiting Command Naval Air Station Oceana US Fleet Forces Command Afloat Training Group