C4I Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Abstract
The writer will focus on fleet operational C4I requirements and describe the growth in dependence on wide area networks and associated communications paths and the decline in the reliance on traditional message paths, such as CUDIX, NOVA, and NAVCOMPARS. The paper will draw upon Constellation Battle Group's recently completed 1999 Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf deployment and describe the Battle Group C4I architecture and associated challenges maintaining and operating the suite of C4I systems throughout the Battle Group. The deployment included operations in both the Seventh and Fifth Fleet Areas of Responsibility including coalition operations with the Korean and Japanese Navies as well as operations in support of Operation Southern Watch in the Persian Gulf. The paper will provide operational data on the performance of computer and data networks as well as the associated communications paths and discuss the manner in which the Navy provides support to these networks and communications pathways. The paper will review commercial practices with regard to network and communications support and make recommendations on how the Navy can best provide C4I logistics and technical support both in computer network design and in the accompanying supportability strategy. The paper will address what the implications of these operational C4I lessons learned are for the total ship design.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 21, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA377148
Entities
People
- Michael G. Knollmann
- Vincent A. Squitieri