NPS LOC Conducts 2nd Annual Wargame Planning Conference
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NPS LOC Conducts 2nd Annual Wargame Planning Conference
By MC1 Lewis Hunsaker
Operations research Senior Lecturer and retired U.S. Army Col. Jeff Appleget conducts a Wargaming and Research in Littoral Scenarios session during the Littoral Operations Center (LOC) 2nd Annual Wargame Planning Session in Ingersoll Hall, April 23-24.
"This discussion is timely, as the U.S. Navy surface fleet is at a crossroads," said Deputy Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Rear Adm. Chris Paul, who also presented at the conference. "At the beginning of this century, the Navy planned a new approach to surface warfare supported by a family of new ships: missile defense cruiser, land attack destroyer and Littoral Combat Ship (LCS)."
Littoral warfare refers to naval campaigns that take place in shallow coastal areas characterized by heavy traffic, varying depth and nearby population centers. The littorals have been a longtime focal point of 21st century naval strategy, culminating with the development of a new class of ship, the LCS, designed for these unique environments.
"The LOC at NPS is designed to enhance the U.S. Navy's integration of land, air, sea and undersea operations along the world's coastlines, through interdisciplinary research and development involving all the departments and schools at NPS," said LOC Director, NPS Department of Defense Analysis Senior Lecturer Dr. Kalev Sepp.
"I have been very impressed by the great work from the NPS staff and the LOC," said Paul. "It's refreshing to see the LOC staff bring in people from various areas in the Navy, industry, officers, enlisted and foreign allies."
By 2019, there will be an estimated 24 LCS' in naval service.