Naval Special Warfare Units Merge Combat Tactics With Attack Submarines

By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow

Naval Special Warfare (NSW) units, based on the West Coast, recently engaged in intensive fleet interoperability training off the coast of Southern California. This exercise, conducted on June 24, emphasized enhancing warfighting capabilities within the maritime domain. The training featured collaborative efforts between the Commander, U.S. Naval Air Forces, and the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Greeneville (SSN 772), which operates under the aegis of Commander Submarine Squadron 11 (CSS-11).

The primary objective of this comprehensive training session was to integrate NSW operators with submarine warfare units, creating a seamless operational environment that leverages the strengths of both forces. Captain Kenneth Douglas, Commander of Submarine Squadron 11, highlighted the significance of such exercises: “This training opportunity provided the submarine warfighters aboard USS Greeneville the chance to practice a unique capability. Expanding joint interoperability capabilities effectively demonstrates our asymmetric advantage on and under the world’s oceans, and I look forward to continued training events with our Naval Special Warfare operators.”

During the exercise, NSW operators executed a series of complex maneuvers, including military freefall jumps and the airborne deployment of combat rubber raiding crafts (CRRC). These operations were carried out with precision off the coast of Southern California. Following the airborne deployment, NSW teams rendezvoused with the USS Greeneville at a predetermined location, showcasing their ability to integrate seamlessly with submarine operations before returning to shore.

Captain Blake L. Chaney, Commander of Naval Special Warfare Group 1, underscored the critical nature of these operations: “Undertaking an operation of this caliber highlights the indispensable role that NSW and the submarine force play within the joint force. By synchronizing our operations, activities, and investments, we not only bolster fleet lethality but also provide substantial value in securing access to either denied or contested areas.”

The collaborative training between NSW and CSS-11 is a testament to the U.S. Navy’s commitment to maintaining a robust and versatile maritime force. This joint exercise reflects the Navy’s strategic focus on enhancing fleet lethality through coordinated and multifaceted training initiatives.

Mr. Young Bang, Principal Deputy, Asst. Sec of the Army Acquisition, Logistics & Talks to Warrior About AI