What is the Combat Direction Center?

They work in the Combat Direction Center.

When you ask them about their job, they tell you, well, not much.

What can we learn about it from open source resources?

Well, a CDC is a room with a bunch of monitors, computers, tracking devices, communications devices. If the ship gets in a fight, the CDC controls things.

One system of many is called Identification of Friend or Foe (IFF). A person sits in front of a circular screen, looking at symbols that represent ships and planes, sort of like an air traffic controller. In this case, the operator isn’t directing anything, he’s gathering information about which of those blips represents an enemy, and which represents a friend. Navy ships and aircraft have electronic devices on board that tell other friendly forces they are in fact friends.

This station is vital for at least two reasons. First, you have to know where the enemy is, and fast. It’s always better to get the first shot off, or just to have more time to think and be tactical, while the other guy is still rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. Second, you don’t want your lethal friends and allies to be shooting at you by mistake.

So, one of those guys or gals hunched at their station is given this responsibility. Naturally, they have to know the screen, and they have to be ready to communicate information to others in the CDC as they acquire it.

Another station is the Display and Tracking Module. An Operations Specialist will be responsible for managing air contacts (air intercept controller), another for communicating tactical information between ships (Link 11 Data Terminal), etc.

There are many different screens, stations, computers, and responsibilities.

Communication is the big problem.

There is a lot of information coming in, and a lot of different sources, and many audiences for the information.

People in the CDC are consequently always practicing their skills, and running simulations to make sure that the all the parts work as a team in an emergency.

USS Kitty Hawk

The USS Kitty Hawk visited Guam two days ago. Stars and Stripes reports that she will stay in commission longer to cover for the USS George Washington, undergoing repairs after a fire on board.

That means that Kitty Hawk will take part in RIMPAC, Rim of the Pacific Exercise.

Picture above: "Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Michael Bramlett, of Moreno Valley, Calif., watches flight operations from an aircraft tow tractor aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). U.S. Navy photoh by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Anthony R. Martinez (Released)"

USNS Mercy Helicopter Faces Gunfire in Philippines

A newspaper in San Diego notes that someone put two bullet holes in the tail section of a helicopter from the USNS Mercy, a hospital ship, that is now doing good work in the Phillipines.

The helicopter was transporting people from inland to the ship and the damage was found when it returned to the ship.

There are various rebel, terrorist and Marxist groups in the area, apparently, who could be responsible.

Photo above is from the Mercy:
U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communications Specialist Jon Gesch

Fleet Reluctantly Leaves Burma

I heard on the news last night that the fleet waiting offshore to help with the disaster in Burma has finally had to leave because it was not allowed to help, in spite of many, many offers to help.

Just a few flights were allowed in.

Who knows how many people could have been saved, and could still be helped, by those ships.

It's a real tragedy.

The military "leaders" of Burma serve nobody but themselves, not the people, no higher good, just "I, me, mine."