Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC)

Happy 132nd Birthday Chiefs! Today at SMWDC HQ, we had the privilege of celebrating our outstanding Navy Chief Petty Officers on their 132nd birthday. Chiefs across SMWDC embody strength, commitment, and professionalism—leading the way and shaping the future of our Navy. Your leadership, dedication, and service make a lasting impact on the Fleet and the Sailors you inspire every day. Here’s to many more years of excellence! Hooyah, Chief’s Mess! #AmericasNavy250 #CPObday #Warfighting

Today SMWDC was honored to host members of the Royal Australian Navy for an information exchange focused on enhancing Australia’s naval capabilities and strengthening its national defense assets. This visit is part of a broader effort aligned with SMWDCs’ core mission to support our allies and partners, reinforcing our shared commitment to developing and maintaining a warfighting advantage.

During an all-hands call, RDML Marks commended his team for their steadfast dedication to enhancing the tactical and technical proficiency of the Surface Force. He also had the honor of awarding the Navy Commendation Medal to LCDR Joseph Lewis and LCDR Alexander White for their exceptional contributions across multiple complex training events, significantly enhancing warfighting readiness across the Fleet.  Bravo Zulu! Your commitment to excellence continues to strengthen the Fleet.

Happy WTI Wednesday! Meet Lt. Jose Gonzalez, originally from Chula Vista, Calif. He is one of the rare Mine Warfare graduates from the WTI course of instruction and is now joining the USS Warrior (MCM 10) to lead the MIW charge on the high seas! If you or someone you know is a top-talented, qualified Surface Warfare Officer interested in becoming a WTI and joining the SMWDC team, like Lt. Gonzalez and so many others, then contact swo_wti@navy.mil for more information, application procedures, and deadlines. We look forward to hearing from you.

Happy WTI Wednesday! Meet Lt. j.g. Austen Cowper, originally from Lake Havasu City, AZ. He is freshly graduated from the December '24 WTI course of instruction and highly motivated to make his ship, USS Portland (LPD 27), a more capable and battle ready component of the surface force. If you or someone you know is a top-talented, qualified Surface Warfare Officer interested in becoming a WTI and joining the SMWDC team, like Lt. j.g. Cowper and so many others, then contact swo_wti@navy.mil for more information, application procedures, and deadlines. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sailors from SMWDC Fleet Training Atlantic (FT-LANT) recently toured the tactical spaces aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). Led by Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) TWO, the tour focused on DESRON integration with CVNs. By staying up-to-date on the latest tactics and procedures, SMWDC FT-LANT Warfare Tactic Instructors help ensure the Fleet remains ready for future warfighting challenges. Special thanks to Gerald R. Ford and DESRON TWO for the insightful tour!

On behalf of Commander, Naval Surface Force (CNSF), the Surface Requirements Group (SURFRG) is inviting commercial companies to attend a classified SECRET/NOFORN presentation on key U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Tactical Challenges on both the East and West Coasts. This presentation will cover the recently approved (March 2025) SWO Boss’ priority tactical gaps, as well as adversary intelligence. Following the briefings in Norfolk and San Diego, companies are encouraged to submit issue papers on initiatives addressing one of the presented gaps. Details: San Diego, CA: Date: 26 March 2025, 0900-1200 Location: SMWDC HQ, Dry-Side San Diego Naval Base, 4170 Norman Scott Road, Suite 4, San Diego, CA 92136 Security Check-in: 0800-0900 Norfolk, VA: Date: 27 March 2025, 0900-1200 Location: Afloat Training Group Auditorium, Naval Base Norfolk, 8952 1st St STE. 121, Norfolk, VA 23511-3786 Security Check-in: 0800-0900 REGISTER HERE FOR SAN DIEGO: https://lnkd.in/gSpiBqmH REGISTER HERE FOR NORFOLK: https://lnkd.in/gXnFmCjr We look forward to seeing you in March in San Diego or Norfolk! For questions, email SURFRG_info@us.navy.mil.  

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Mary Ann Lewis, Surface Advanced Warfighting School (SAWS), as SMWDC's Civilian of the Quarter – 1st Quarter FY25.   As the Surface Advanced Warfighting School (SAWS), Mary has excelled in all administrative and supply areas with remarkable speed. In her role as both CPPA and DTS Reviewing Officer (RO), she effectively tracked expenditures, coordinated travel, and managed the submission of travel authorizations and vouchers. Additionally, as the DTS RO, she oversaw SAWS travel authorizations, ensuring full compliance with the Joint Travel Regulations, Commander, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP), and SMWDC policies. Her positive attitude and "can-do" approach to customer service have significantly enhanced the overall quality of life for both SAWS staff and students. Mary's performance consistently exceeds expectations for her position and pay band. In her role as DTS RO, she reviewed 202 authorizations and vouchers totaling over $270K, all with zero discrepancies.   Additionally, Mary's meticulous attention to detail as the Command Pay and Personnel Administrator (CPPA) enabled her to flawlessly process over 100 pay and personnel transactions for students, as well as newly reporting and transferring command members. Furthermore, she successfully managed the processing of 150 awards, 55 evaluations and fitness reports, and 400 individual pieces of correspondence during this demanding period.   Please join us in congratulating Mary for her outstanding and meaningful contributions! Her commitment to excellence and hard work highlights the positive impact our civilian teammates bring to our organization each and every day.  

Happy WTI Wednesday! Meet Lt. j.g. Dominique Avallone! Originally from Seabrook, TX. Lt. j.g Avallone is an Anti Sub / Anti Surface WTI who earned her patch during the December 2024 WTI course of instruction. She is currently attached to USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) where she is spreading her knowledge and expertise in order to make the surface force more capable and lethal. If you or someone you know is a top-talented, qualified Surface Warfare Officer interested in becoming a WTI and joining the SMWDC team, like Lt. j.g. Sebold and so many others, then contact swo_wti@navy.mil for more information, application procedures, and deadlines. We look forward to hearing from you.