Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
 
A midshipman from the U. S. Naval Academy looks through the "Big Eyes" while aboard USS GREEN BAY (LPD 20).  
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6/1/2010   
SURFPAC Welcomes Midshipmen for Summer Training

By Lt. Alec Zirkenbach, Naval Surface Forces Pacific Public Affairs

San Diego, CA – Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) welcomed more than 150 Midshipmen to the San Diego waterfront this morning for summer training.

Over eight, one-week long training blocks, Naval Academy and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Midshipmen will experience a wide range of Surface Warfare activities, including demonstrations, ship and shore command tours, and an underway embark. Members of the SURFPAC staff, along with San Diego waterfront leadership, have planned a number of activities designed to introduce Midshipmen to the Surface Navy.

"You are the future leaders of our Navy,” Vice Adm. D.C. Curtis, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, told the Midshipmen during a welcome brief. “I hope you make the most of this opportunity to interact with our great Sailors and learn first hand about the pride, professionalism and opportunities present in today's high-tech Surface Navy."

Summer training emphasizes fleet education by introducing Midshipmen to the missions and requirements of the Navy’s primary warfare communities, reinforcing lessons learned during the academic year with actual operational experience.

“I am extremely excited for this week of training with the Surface Force,” said Midn. Second Class Courtney Banske, from Calumet City, Illinois. “I am looking forward to experiencing firsthand some of the things we learned during the academic year, and to seeing the role of a junior officer aboard a ship.”

After spending two days at sea, the Midshipmen will return to the San Diego waterfront to try out some of the Navy’s newest and most advanced bridge simulators. First, Midshipmen will man the simulated bridge of a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) at the LCS Shore Based Technical Trainer. Next, they will conn (drive) ships from multiple classes at the Navigation, Seamanship and Shiphandling Trainer, a state-of-the art bridge simulator used to train ship crews in navigation and ship handling through three-dimensional virtual technology. Finally, Midshipmen will train in the Naval Station San Diego’s damage control simulator, firefighting trainer, and the Visit, Board, Search and Seizure trainer, and will even fire live rounds from crew-served weapons.

Nearly 1,000 Midshipmen will train with the Surface Force in San Diego this summer.

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet, visit www.surfaceforces.surfor.navy.mil or follow the Surface Force at www.facebook.com/surfacewarriors

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