Proknow ch3 Surface warfare

Mission

To provide combat ready ships to the fleet; and to supply those ships and supporting commands with the leadership, manpower, equipment, training, and material needed to achieve operational excellence and conduct prompt, sustained combat operations at sea to ensure victory.

Surface warfare OFFICER Insignia

first milestone qualification for eligible commissioned officers in surface warfare. The pin depicts waves breaking before a ship’s bow, overlaid on crossed swords, rendered in gold, symbolizing naval service. Introduced in 1975.

The Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) insignia

The silver cutlass, introduced in April 1979, signifies expertise in surface operations.

WTIs “Witties” officers

Warrior-thinkers-teachers

Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) up arrow

Anti-submarine warfare/surface warfare (ASW/SUW) down arrow

Mine warfare (MIW) mine?

Amphibious Warfare (AMW) alligator

SWO(N)

candidates participate in Ship Selection, serve a conventional SWO tour, then attend Nuclear Power School in Charleston, SC. They subsequently serve on a aircraft carrier (CVN) as Propulsion Plant Watch Officers (PPWO). “SWO-NUKE”, “SWOs first”

October 13, 1775

The Continental Navy, conducted its most notable action in the Raid of Nassau, where Commodore Esek Hopkins and Marines under Samuel Nicholas launched an amphibious invasion, marking the creation of U.S amphibious forces and the Navy-Marine Corps bond.

The Naval Act of 1794

Authorized 6 frigates to combat the Barbary States. Only 3 made due to peace in 1795. USS United States, USS Constellation, and USS Constitution.

Quasi-War

With France, Constellation, under Commodore Truxton, employed innovative tactics like grape shot and crossing the T to defeat French ships Insurgente and Vengeance.

The Mediterranean Squadron

Established in 1815 after the Second Barbary War, marked the Navy’s shift from commerce protection to regulation, with SIX permanent overseas squadrons.

Civil War

Transformed the surface navy with steam propulsion and ironclads, whose iron plating render traditional cannons ineffective.

Alfred Thayer Mahan’s

advocacy for sea power — requiring an economic base, colonies, and a strong merchant marine— shaped naval strategy.

President Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet

In 1907, a global voyage of 16 battleships, showcased U.S naval power and identified design flaws.

World War II

a pinnacle for surface warfare, with carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and amphibious ships defeating the Imperial Japanese Navy in the Pacific and protecting Atlantic convoys.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf

WWII. The last major naval battle, saw destroyers of TAFFY-3 protect amphibious ships. “Hunter-Killer” groups, using destroyers and escort carriers, targeted U-boats, advancing ASW technologies.

The Vietnam War

introduced Brown-Water operations, with patrol boats and the SEALORDS strategy combating Viet Cong in rivers and coastal areas.

Admiral Elmo Zumwalt

,who established the SWO insignia in 1975, enhanced irregular warfare proficiency.

President Reagan

600-ship Navy ensured Global presence against the Soviet Union.

The Aegis Weapon System

introduced in 1983 on USS Ticonderoga (CG-47), revolutionized combat capabilities with SPY-1 radar, vertical launch systems, and advanced missiles. Technologies like the Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), Harpoon and Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) remain integral.

Global War on Terrorism

TLAM strikes, such as Operation Viking Hammer (2003) and the 2017 Syrian airfield attack, demonstrated precision strike capabilities.

Aegis-equipped ships provide ballistic missile defense (BMD) against threats from nations like North Korea and Iran.

Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) support mine warfare and coastal operations

Amphibious forces enable rapid Marine deployments

February 2008

USS Lake Erie (CG 70) intercepted a non-functioning satellite with an SM-3 missile in Operation Burnt Frost.

April 2009

USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) marked the Navy’s first successful pirate seizure of a U.S flagged ship since the 19th century.

March 2011

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Operation Tomodachi, supporting Japan’s recovery after the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

October 2016

USS Mason (DDG 87), defended against multiple cruise missile attacks off Yemen. Battenberg Cup for strategic excellence.

April 2017

USS Porter (DDG 78) and USS Ross (DDG 71), launched 59 TLAMs against a Syrian Airfield.

2017 Hurricane Season

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) delivered disaster relief after Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.

December 2019

USS American (LHA 6) arrived in Sasebo, Japan, supporting F-35B Lightning II operations, enhancing forward-deployed fifth-generation capabilities.

November 2020

USS John Finn (DDG 113), intercepted an ICBM with an SM-3 IIA missile

2022

USS Preble (DDG 88) was equipped with the High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS)

May 2021

USS Portland (LPD 27) test a high-energy laser weapon against a surface threat.

December 2024

USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) completed a 22 month deployment to the Fifth Fleet AOR.

March 2025

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), USS Gettysburg (CG 64), USS Stout (DGG 55), and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109). The strike group’s F/A-18 Super Hornets and Aegis-equipped destroyers downed numerous drones and missiles, ensuring freedom of navigation through the Bab el-Mandab Strait.

June 2025

USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS The Sullivans (DGG 68), USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117), and USS Oscar Austin (DGG 79) were deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean to counter Iranian Ballistic missile threats against Israel. These BMD-capable destroyers, equipped with Aegis systems and SM-3 Missiles, provided layered defense, intercepting salvos during heightened tensions.

June 2025

USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) and USS Truxtun (DDG 103) patrolled the Suez canal and Red Sea, conducting maritime security operations to protect commercial shipping amid Houthi threats. these destroyers employed SPY-6 radars to neutralize UAVs and small boats.

February 2026

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Operation Epic Fury — a joint military campaign that neutralized Iran’s surface navy, including the IRIS Makran and multiple corvettes via Tomahawk missile strikes by USS Spruance (DDG 111), USS Milius (DGG 69), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116). With no Iranian surface warships remaining in the Strait of Hormuz, US surface assets successfully transitioned to strict blockade enforcement and commercial escort duties.

May 2026

USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), USS Mason (DDG 87), and USS Truxton (DDG 103) escorted two American Flagged merchant vessels safely through the Strait of Hormuz. Engaged and neutralized seven Iranian Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FIAC).

Capabilities of the U.S Navy

1. Stealth

2. Endurance

3. Firepower

4. Mobility

5. Communication

Future Advancements in Surface Warfare

(USVs) Unmanned Surface Vessels

DDG(X)

FFG 62 Constellation-Class Frigate

Laser Weapon System

Hypersonic Weapons

Directed Energy and Electronic Warfare

Boatswain Mate (BM)

Responsible for all topside maintenance, deck gear operation, small boats and seamanship. On ships without air department, BMs are responsible for all aviation operations to include landing, and launching aircraft.

Operation Specialist (OS)

Responsible for monitoring radar systems, communication link systems and back up navigation inside of Combat Central.

Cryptologic Technician Technical (CTT)

Responsible for monitoring and prosecuting electronic signals emitted by other targets as well as electronic countermeasure systems.

Quartermaster (QM)

Responsible for the safe navigation of the ship, and preparing all navigation routes.

Gunner’s mate (GM)

Responsible for the care and maintenance of all small arms, crew served weapons and other installed weapon systems as well as ammunition.

Sonar technician Surface (STG)

responsible for the operation of the ship’s sonar suite as well as anti-submarine warfare.

Fire Controlman (FC)

Responsible for the operation and maintenance of weapon targeting systems, to include the Aegis weapon system.

Electronics Technician (ET)

responsible for the maintenance and operation of all combat system electronic equipment , including radars, radios, and navigation positioning system, less the SPY - 1/6 Radar.

Information System Technician (IT)

Responsible for the operation and maintenance of the ships LAN and computer systems.

Engineman (EN)

Responsible for the operation and maintenance of all diesel engines and their sub systems.

Gas Turbine Systems Technician Mechanical (GSM)

Responsible for the operation and maintenance of the ship’s installed gas turbine engines, less the electronic control systems.

Gas Turbine Systems Technician Electrical (GSE)

responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Gas Turbine electronic control system.

Electrician’s Mate (ET)

responsible for the distribution and maintenance of electrical power systems throughout the ship.

Machinist’s Mate (MM)

Responsible for the maintenance and operation of all auxiliary engineering systems onboard to include, water, air, and hydraulic systems.

Damage Controlman (DC)

Responsible for the maintenance and operation of all installed and portable damage control gear located throughout the ship.

Hull technician (HT)

Responsible for the physical structure of the ship. Their specialties include welding, brazing, and repair of broken tools and equipment.

Retail Service Specialist (RT)

Responsible for operation of the ships store and support services such as laundry, and hotel services.

Logistics Specialist (LS)

Responsible for ordering and maintenance of stock control of all required spare and replacement parts.

Culinary Specialist (CS)

responsible for the order and stock control of food, and well as meal prep for the entire crew 3 times a day.

Yeoman (YN)

Responsible for processing of all administrative tasking as well as personnel reporting request