CHAPTER 8 FORWARD DEPLOYED NAVAL FORCE (FDNF) CARRIER TRAINING CYCLE

CHAPTER 8 FORWARD DEPLOYED NAVAL FORCE (FDNF) CARRIER TRAINING CYCLE 8100 PURPOSE 1. This chapter provides FDNF-specific responsibilities and procedures for the FDNF CSG and carrier. It provides guidance for training, assessment, evaluation and reporting of FDNF unit- level requirements and events. 2. Due to the unique nature and requirements of the FDNF, it has a cycle which resides in a continuous Sustainment Phase. This chapter refines the FDNF cycle in order to meet USFF OFRP and Commander, SEVENTH FLEET (C7F) training and certification requirements while providing an efficient equivalency to CONUS- based carriers. Previously based on a 24-month cycle, the FDNF cycle is updated to 36 months to more closely align with the 36- month CONUS cycle. It is important to note that ULT requirements will vary from year to year during the 36-month OFRP based on the periodicity of events as established in Appendix II. 8101 DISCUSSION 1. As an addendum to USSF OFRP training requirements, C7F instruction 3501A directs SEVENTH FLEET units to establish a training continuum, tailored to its unique operating environment. It is annotated as the SEVENTH FLEET Training Program (7FTP). The 7FTP consists of two components: Certification and Sustainment Training. Both will leverage Fleet operations and exercises including Fleet Training Exercises (FTX), Command Post Exercises (CPX) and multi-warfare synthetic exercises implemented through the FST program as described in CFFCINST 3500.2 (series). The 7FTP encompasses training through assessed underway and in port events in the following areas: warfare proficiency, operational requirements, SEVENTH FLEET unique missions, OPLANs, mission rehearsal and FDNF/Joint/Coalition interoperability 2. ULT Requirements. The FDNF cycle is based on a 36-month timeline. Every effort will be made by C7F, CSG (CTF 70) and TYCOM to afford the FDNF carrier a training plan (schedule) with sufficient opportunity to conduct meaningful training and maintain maximum readiness levels consistent with TYCOM and C7F requirements, missions and OPLANs. Because the FDNF carrier operates continually in the Sustainment Phase, it cannot follow the CONUS-based carrier OFRP cycle (i.e. FEP event following each annual maintenance availability period). As a result, a tailored training plan is required to ensure currency and proficiency in all areas with associated performance targets. On a periodic basis (event-based as well as rolling calendar), the FDNF carrier will be tasked to conduct training, certifications and assessments in areas that may degrade during the maintenance cycle, or be overcome by previous operational requirements. 8-1

3. FDNF Periodicities. FDNF periodicities are prescribed in Appendix II. Every event has a prescribed periodicity for experience and performance. They will vary slightly from CONUSbased carriers to account for the 36-month FDNF cycle but remain in compliance with USFF OFRP and C7F requirements. 8200 GENERAL A description of training progression for the FDNF carrier is provided in Figure 8-1 and paragraphs below. Figure 8-1 FDNF Carrier Training Readiness Sustainment (36-month cycle) 8201 TRAINING SUPPORT FOR OFRP EVENTS As a part of the FDNF tailored cycle, training, certification and assessment events will be implemented to meet overall requirements. The FDNF carrier will accomplish the same training objectives of CONUS-based carriers. ATG continues to provide SMEs to support these events. The FDNF carrier shall request ATGWP support via naval message early in the 8-2

annual maintenance availability, prior to Crew Certification. A sample Training Support Request message can be accessed via the CNAF N7 SharePoint portal. The utilization of an external agency other than ATG for event grading must be approved by the TYCOM through submission of an External Evaluator Waiver request. External evaluators shall be carefully chosen based on seniority, technical background and experience. Figure 3-5 of Chapter 3 lists ATG training support for each OFRP event by mission area. 8202 COMMAND ASSESSMENT OF READINESS AND TRAINING (CART). 1. CART is an internal event conducted during the return home from each FDNF deployment. It facilitates maximum benefit from limited training assets and opportunities. The FDNF carrier must have a clear understanding of the specific training and assessments it will require and a detailed plan for accomplishment. 2. During CART, the ship looks ahead to the next deployment and determines who will fill critical billets. The ship then constructs a comprehensive Watch Team Replacement Plan depicting how personnel will be trained to fill each billet. Requests for school quotas should be transmitted to quota control authorities with sufficient lead time to afford maximum attendance prior to completion of the scheduled maintenance availability. Watch Team Replacement Plan (WTRP) shortfalls identified during CART shall be documented on the Consolidated Ship s Discrepancy Log (CSDL). The ship will provide mid-month CSDL updates to CNAL/CNAP N7 via the CSG throughout the Maintenance Period. 8203 CREW PREPARATION 1. During the annual maintenance availability period, the carrier will commence a period of crew preparation to ready itself for a return to sea. The duration of the crew preparation period is at the discretion of the CO but must be sufficient to allow for completion in the following: a. ANTI-TERRORISM AND FORCE PROTECTION (ATFP). b. SHIP BOARD TRAINING TEAM (SBTT) c. CREW CERTIFICATION II/III d. FAST CRUISE e. SEA TRIALS f. FLIGHT DECK/CATCC CERTIFICATION 2. Because of the dynamic environment of FDNF, ATFP events must be scheduled during the annual SRA to ensure adequate in port time to train and exercise prior to the annual deployment. The certification cycle is 24 months allowing for no more than 30 months between certifications. 8-3

The FDNF Carrier must schedule well in advance with the CSG, ATG and TYCOM to complete ATFP requirements. On the first year a Phase I, II and IV certification must be completed. In the second year, sustainment is required by conducting a Phase I and Phase II LTT. These LTTs must be completed with ATG observing and reporting findings to the CO. This will ensure continuous readiness in conjunction with the required annual events observed by the CSG. 3. Ship Board Training Team (SBTT) is a Course of Instruction (COI) scheduled and conducted with ATG prior to Crew Certification III. The ship will receive training on drill packages, TACs, Safety Walk-Throughs, and other topics to ensure the ITT is prepared to train the crew and meet TYCOM standards and conditions. 4. Crew Certification II/III is the process by which the CSG Commander, supported by the TYCOM and ATG, ensures the ship is ready to proceed safely to sea with a qualified crew. Due the short duration of the FDNF SRA, only Crew Certification Phases II and III are required annually utilizing guidance outlined in Chapter 3 and checklist CL2 and CL3 which are available at the CNAF N7 SharePoint site. During Crew Certification, the CSG and ATG are tasked to confirm: a. Appropriate administrative programs in place b. Required instructions and bills in force c. Up-to-date, effective PMS program d. Effective training and PQS programs in place e. Dock Trials plan (as outlined in OPNAVINST 9080.3 (series)) 5. Fast Cruise shall be conducted per the Joint Fleet Maintenance Manual (COMFLTFORCOMINST 4790.3 (series)), OPNAVINST 9080.3 (series) and the Engineering Department Manual for Nuclear Powered Ships (EDM). Additional guidance is outlined in Chapter 3 of this manual and the COMNAVAIRFOR N7 SharePoint site. 6. Sea Trials shall be conducted as outlined in Chapter 3, sub- section 3305 of this instruction. 7. Flight Deck/CATCC Certification assesses the FDNF carrier s ability to safely conduct routine day/night aircraft launch and recovery operations in a safe manner. These assessments are conducted in accordance with CNAFINST3500.71 (series). 8-4

8204 CORE TRAINING (CT) I AND II 1. CT I and II shall be conducted upon completion of the annual maintenance availability period. 2. The purpose of CT I/II is to train and assess the carrier s training teams and watch standers in requisite warfare areas with emphasis on core competencies (DC, Navigation, Training Teams, etc). 3. CT I and II are intended to assist in updating training shortfalls in preparation for ULTRA-S and follow-on operations. The schedule of events and warfare training requested during the CT periods is at the discretion of the carrier CO and CSG but must be coordinated and approved by the TYCOM. Both periods of Core Training are nominal 5-day periods when ATG/MTT will be available to support both/either period if requested. The overall objective is to include all training necessary to ensure Sustainment Phase experience and performance requirements are maintained. 4. If the FDNF carrier, CSG, ATG and TYCOM agree training currency and proficiency exist for a particular warfare area or event, the carrier may request assessment in that area/event during CT periods vice the sequential ULTRA-S event. This precludes unnecessary training in routinely performed events and affords a more tailored, efficient ULTRA-S event. However, the P requirement indicated in the CORE column of APP II, specifies the events that must be graded for P by the end of CORE Training. CORE P grades will be assessed under MCO conditions. Careful attention must be paid to ensure periodicities can be maintained in respective areas during the remainder of the 36-month cycle. 8205 UNIT LEVEL TRAINING ASSESSMENT - SUSTAINMENT (ULTRA-S) 1. ULTRA-S shall be conducted annually upon completion of CT I and II and serves as the CONUS-based equivalent of latter stage TSTA and FEP. Since the FDNF CVN continually executes in the Sustainment Phase, the capstone FEP event for CONUS-based carriers in transitioning to Integrated Phase training is not relevant. ULTRA-S will serve as the primary assessment event to ensure standardization in TYCOM and C7F requirements. 2. ULTRA-S is a nominal four to five day graded event that captures the culmination of the FDNF carrier s ULT and its overall proficiency. During this period, the ship will renew various performance assessments including annual core competencies. Although operational commitments prevail, the FDNF carrier shall strive to accomplish ULTRA-S early on in their deployment cycle. 3. ULTRA-S SOE will be tailored according to event periodicity in the Sustainment column of Appendix II of this instruction. It must include, but is not limited to, those events with assessments set to expire. SOE is developed by the ship/csg, but requires TYCOM coordination and approval. 4. Standardization. ATG is the TYCOM/CSG executive agent for procedural and 8-5

standardization issues during ULTRA-S. ATG will advise the CSG of procedural and standardization issues to ensure TYCOM requirements are met. 8206 RESPONSIBILITIES. Responsibilities for conducting FDNF Training (CT I, CT II, ULTRA-S): 1. TYCOM. Assume role as Senior Observer. Monitor CT I, II and ULTRA-S training and assessments, and resolve questions and concerns, as required. 2. CSG. a. Assist ship in scheduling required resources and services and coordinating the embarkation/debarkation of aircraft/vehicles/boats to support events. b. Review the CT, ULTRA-S SOEs presented by the carrier. c. Submit a training support requirements message upon completion of the training scheduling conference. d. Act as external evaluator when authorized by TYCOM. 3. ATG. a. Develop and deliver background information required for the ship/csg to construct training scenarios. This package will include geo-political, Electronic Order of Battle (EOB), Naval Order of Battle (NOB), required services, etc. To provide realism and complement the scenario, ATG will assist ship s CSTT to coordinate intelligence data including source, time sensitive data and exercise messages. b. Provide SME personnel for the training periods and coordinate scenario/soe tailoring with the ship s ITT. The ATG CVN TLO will report directly to the Senior Observer. c. The TLO or designated representative will provide the TYCOM, CSG and CO an objective assessment by mission area of crew performance upon completion of each phase. 4. Commanding Officer: a. Task ITT to develop and execute CT I, II and ULTRA-S scenario/soe. The ITT will use the CT I, II, and ULTRA-S background information provided by ATG as a guideline, ensuring all scenarios meet required CSG/ATG objectives and safety requirements. b. Provide a Ready-to-Train letter to the ATG TLO at the in-brief: At a minimum, the Ready-to-Train letter shall include: CO s Battle Orders, current copy of the ship s eight o clock reports, Condition I/II/III Watch Bills, WTRPs, training team designations and a list 8-6

of the ship s standard simulations. c. Obtain/request OPAREA clearances and required services to support CT I, II and ULTRA-S. d. Conduct pre-ct I, II and ULTRA-S briefings as required. e. Submit external evaluator waiver request as required. 8207 FLEET SYNTHETIC TRAINING (FST) 1. FST is the key component of the C7F Training Plan and provides staffs and units the ability to develop working relationships and tactical expertise in naval, joint and coalition environments. 2. The FDNF carrier shall conduct FST in accordance with requirements set forth in COMSEVENTHFLTINST S3501 (series). 8208 REACTOR DEPARTMENT TRAINING 1. CVN Nuclear Engineering Training Requirements. Nuclear engineering training requirements are governed by NAVSEA S9213-41-MAN-000(C) Engineering Department Manual for Naval Nuclear Propulsion Plants and COMNAVAIRFORINST C1512.3 (series) Nuclear Power Training Manual. 2. For general information concerning ORSE and Reactor Department Drills, refer to Chapter 3 of this instruction. 8300 ASSESSMENT OF FDNF OFRP - FDNF END-OF-MISSION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 1. CSG/CTF-70 will provide a summary of training conducted per this instruction, and will report on the carrier s training readiness status and significant issues discovered during the following FDNF OFRP events. Definitions for Restrictive / Major / Minor discrepancies are listed in Section 3701. 2. CART. a. The carrier shall send a message to the TYCOM reporting completion of CART I. The CSG will endorse the ship s message. The message will provide assessments of the: (1) Ship s Integrated Training Teams (ITT) organization. (2) Afloat Self Assessment Check Sheets. (3) Ship s Watch Team Replacement Plan, to include: 8-7

(a) NEC producing/non-nec FLTMPS required schools (b) Enlisted Distribution and Verification Report (c) Officer Distribution Control Report (4) Long Range Training and Requirement Plan (LORTARP), to include: (a) Identification of TADTAR requirements (b) Identification of required schools and team (c) Ship s Required Master Schools List. b. This message will also provide a preliminary schedule of major training events to be accomplished during the 36-month cycle. c. A sample CART message is provided on the COMNAVAIRFOR N7 SharePoint site. 3. Crew Certification Phase II/III a. The CSG shall send a message to the TYCOM reporting completion of Crew s Certification process Phase II/III. b. This message will provide an assessment of the ship s training and administrative readiness and comment on the performance during simulated underway operations and emergency drills. c. The message shall also indicate the number of Restrictive/Major discrepancies identified during the Crew s Certification process. d. A sample Crew s Certification completion message is provided on the COMNAVAIRFOR N7 SharePoint site. 4. Flight Deck Certification/CATCC Certification The CNAF Aircraft Handing Team, in conjunction with CNAF CATCC Team, will prepare and release the Flight Deck/Carrier Air Traffic Control Center Certification message, upon completion of the FDC/CATCC Cert process. 5. CT I and II. a. The ATG TLO will report the results of CT I and II events when completed to the CSG. The CSG will inform TYCOM via message. This message shall include: 8-8

(1) A list all Restrictive/Major discrepancies/training concerns resulting from the CT I and II training and assessment. (2) An assessment of the ship's ongoing training programs. (3) An assessment of the ship s Integrated Training Team (ITT) organization s ability to brief, execute and debrief complex drill sets. (4) An assessment of ITT/watch standers level of proficiency and readiness to train in each mission area. (5) A recommendation regarding emphasis for additional follow-on training as required. b. The CSG CT message shall also provide a mitigation plan and schedule for completing any outstanding events, inspections, certifications, assessments and optional assist visits (ICAVS). c. All discrepancies noted during CT I and II shall be documented on the Current Ship s Discrepancy Log (CSDL). 6. ULTRA-S. a. The ATG TLO shall report completion of the ULTRA-S evaluation event to the CSG, info the ship and TYCOM. The ATG report shall include: (1) A brief overview of training conducted. (2) An assessment of the ship's ongoing training and PQS programs. (3) An assessment of the crew's overall readiness by mission area. (4) Recommendations regarding follow-on training as appropriate. b. The ATG report shall also include ULTRA-S sub-event grades using the Training and Assessment Cards (available at the COMNAVAIRFOR N7 SharePoint site). c. The CSG will report completion of ULTRA-S within two working days to the TYCOM and C7F. d. The CSG message shall make recommendations concerning the ship s ability to continue in the Sustainment Phase and comment regarding requirements for recommended follow-on training. e. The message shall list All Restrictive/Major discrepancies noted during this event and provide a mitigation plan and schedule for completing any outstanding ULTRA-S required training events or ICAVS. 8-9

f. All discrepancies will be documented on the CSDL. The ship, via the CSG, will continue to provide mid-month updates to the TYCOM until final resolution of all noted Restrictive/Major discrepancies. Sample templates for End-of- Mission reports are provided on the COMNAVAIRFOR N7 SharePoint site. 8-10