Naval Communications and Information Warfare: Key Events and Systems

Battle of Midway

3-5 June 1942 - the turning point of the Pacific war.

D-Day Landing

The largest amphibious assault in history on June 6, 1944.

Joint Fleet Telecommunications Operations Center (JFTOC)

Serves as the central command and control hub for all telecommunications operations.

Attack on the USS LIBERTY

8 June 1967, while in international waters, Liberty was struck by Israeli aircraft.

Attack on the USS STARK

17 May 1987, the USS Stark was attacked by an Iraqi Mirage F1 fighter.

Technical Control Facility (TCF)

The physical and operational center for managing signal routing and circuit control.

Network Operations Center (NOC)

Provides centralized monitoring and management of Navy IP networks.

Transport

Refers to the infrastructure and systems that carry data, voice, and video across Navy networks.

Message Center

Handles formal message traffic using legacy and modern messaging systems.

Communications Watch Officer (CWO)

Responsible for managing all communications operations during a watch period.

Message Center Supervisor

Oversees the processing and distribution of naval message traffic.

Information Systems Watch Officer (ISWO)

Manages the operational status of Navy IP networks during a watch.

Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Communications Support

Provides specialized support for handling SCI-level communications.

Technical Control Supervisor

Leads the Technical Control Facility (TCF) team.

COMMSHIFT

To formally notify all relevant parties of a change in a unit's communications status or location.

Dual-Routing

To enhance message delivery reliability by sending communications through two separate paths.

IP Service Request

To initiate provisioning or modification of IP-based services.

Plain Language Address (PLAD)

A standardized address used in naval message traffic to identify a specific command.

POTS

The Plain Old Telephone System refers to an un-enhanced telephone service.

IP

Internet Protocol based solutions intended to enhance DoD Gateways capabilities.

RF

Satellite communications can be used to connect phones using RF.

Minimize

To reduce non-essential message traffic during high operational demand.

Web-based messaging system

Used to transmit official command and control communications across Navy networks.

Communications account

Assigned to a mobile unit enabling access to messaging services while deployed.

Message Format Requirements

All general message traffic must follow the USMTF or other approved formats.

Mandatory Fields

Includes originator, precedence, classification, and routing indicators.

Purpose of PLAD

Allows mobile platforms to send and receive official message traffic.

Message format restrictions

Simplifies routing and delivery of messages by providing a unique identifier for each unit.

PLADs

Unique, readable identifier for each unit used in message routing and delivery.

C2OIX

Facilitates secure, reliable exchange of formatted messages between commands.

Mobile User Account (MUA)

Contains actual message content formatted according to message type.

Drafter

Individual who composes the message content.

Drafter Responsibilities

Ensures message accuracy, completeness, and proper formatting.

Approver

Authority who reviews and validates the message before release.

Approver Responsibilities

Confirms message content aligns with command policy and intent.

Releaser

Designated individual authorized to transmit the message.

Releaser Responsibilities

Final check of message formatting, routing, and security markings.

Directed net

Necessary when complicated traffic patterns or security factors exist.

Free net

Member stations can transmit traffic without prior permission from NECOS.

IRIDIUM phones

Provide global, secure, and reliable satellite-based voice communications.

Communications Information Advisories (CIAs)

Provide time-sensitive, temporary guidance related to communications operations.

Communications Information Bulletins (CIBs)

Deliver formal, enduring guidance on communications procedures and policies.

SIPRNET

DoD's largest interoperable command and control data network.

JWICS

Secure global network for TS/SCI multimedia intelligence communications.

NIPRNET

Global long-haul IP based network for unclassified IP data communications.

HF

Frequency selection in HF band depends on ionosphere and time of day.

EHF

Provides Joint interoperable Low Data Rate and Medium Data Rate communications.

SHF

Provides tactical commanders seamless access to DII/DISN for improved C4ISR support.

UHF

Navy UHF SATCOM system provides reliable, long-haul communications services.

Allocation

Deliberate assignment of available communications resources to specific platforms.

Restriction

Limitation or disabling of certain communications systems to reduce electromagnetic signature.

Prioritization

Ranking of communications needs to determine service access.

ADNS

Automated routing and switching of IP-based data between Navy platforms and external networks.

CANES

Provides common computing network and operating system for C4I systems on Navy ships.

DoDIN (GIG)

Globally interconnected set of information capabilities for managing information.

DISN

Enterprise network for providing data, video, and voice services for 40 years.

NMCI

Information System for interoperability between CONUS Navy and Marine commands.

ONENET

OCONUS version of NMCI.

IT21/ISNS

Shipboard network being replaced by CANES.