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.
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CSS-11’s fleet, comprising five Los Angeles-class fast attack submarines, plays a crucial role in various mission profiles, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. The ability to seamlessly integrate NSW operators into these mission profiles significantly enhances the operational flexibility and effectiveness of the submarine force.
The Los Angeles-class attack submarines, exemplified by the USS Greeneville, are pivotal assets within the U.S. Navy’s arsenal. These submarines are designed for stealth, agility, and endurance, capable of conducting prolonged operations in contested waters. Equipped with advanced sonar systems, torpedoes, and cruise missiles, Los Angeles-class submarines can engage a wide range of targets with precision and lethality.
The integration of NSW operators with these submarines presents unique operational advantages. NSW’s ability to deploy from submarines via freefall and CRRC insertions adds an unconventional layer to submarine operations, enabling stealthy infiltration and exfiltration in hostile environments. This capability is particularly valuable in scenarios where access to contested areas is restricted, and traditional surface operations may be compromised.
When compared to other naval special operations forces globally, the U.S. Naval Special Warfare community stands out due to its extensive integration with conventional naval forces. This interoperability is not only a force multiplier but also a strategic advantage in multi-domain operations. For instance, the Royal Navy’s Special Boat Service (SBS) and Russia’s Spetsnaz Naval units possess significant maritime capabilities, but their level of integration with submarine forces and the breadth of their joint training exercises are not as extensively documented as those of the U.S. Navy.
The emphasis on joint training and interoperability within the U.S. Navy ensures that NSW operators are not only proficient in their specialized skills but are also capable of operating seamlessly within larger naval and joint force constructs. This holistic approach to training and operations sets the U.S. Naval Special Warfare community apart, enhancing its effectiveness and adaptability in diverse operational environments.
The recent fleet interoperability training involving Naval Special Warfare and Submarine Squadron 11 underscores the U.S. Navy’s commitment to maintaining a lethal, versatile, and integrated maritime force. By combining the elite capabilities of NSW operators with the advanced technology and firepower of Los Angeles-class submarines, the Navy ensures its readiness to face the challenges of a dynamic and competitive maritime environment.
In an era where maritime security challenges are increasingly sophisticated and multifaceted, the integration of Naval Special Warfare and Submarine Squadron 11 represents a powerful combination. This collaboration not only enhances the U.S. Navy’s operational capabilities but also reaffirms its position as a dominant force in global maritime security.
