NSWC Collaboration Leads to Rapid Technology Fielding

(Crane, Ind., December 23, 2009) -- Warfighters on board riverine assault boats (RAB) supporting efforts in Operation Iraqi Freedom are now safer from radio-controlled improvised explosive devices (RCIED) because of collaborative efforts between two Naval Surface Warfare Centers (NSWCs).

NSWC Crane and NSWC Carderock teamed to complete Counter RCIED Electronic Warfare (CREW) system installations on RABs six months ahead of schedule. The systems prevent enemy RCIED detonation, providing significant protection to warfighters patrolling waterways in Iraq.


The NSWC Crane team completed the critical installations on Dec. 15. This mission was originally scheduled for completion in June 2010. However, mission requirements necessitated the installations be expedited to facilitate crucial ongoing efforts in Iraq.

During an in theater deployment in November, NSWC Crane Commanding Officer, Capt. Charles LaSota, met with fleet leadership and discussed the mission. This meeting resulted in an accelerated CREW temporary installation executed by the NSWC Crane and Carderock team.

Radiation hazard (RADHAZ) safety testing and preliminary concept of operations tests were conducted by NSWC Dahlgren and NSWC Crane at Lake Glendora Testing Facility, an NSWC Crane detachment. NSWC Carderock, Norfolk Detachment, is the boat design agent and systems integration agent. NSWC Dahlgren is the lead Navy technical laboratory for RADHAZ. NSWC Crane holds the engineering agent assignment for 2.1 CREW and provides total lifecycle leadership from its development to sustainment.

After learning about a more urgent need date for JCREW systems from Riverine forces in theater, LaSota contacted NSWC Carderock Commanding Officer, Capt. Chris Meyer, to develop a collaborative and innovative approach to field the system as quickly as possible.

"Both warfare centers' work to meet this urgent RAB requirement was exemplary," said LaSota. "From the engineers to the installation team, everyone helped make this happen, and now our warfighters have the increased protection they need."

NSWC Carderock accelerated the process by completing installation drawings and material procurement and performed final material inspections to support the installations. On Dec. 9, NSWC Carderock delivered 11 pelican cases (approximately 1,800 pounds) of installation material directly to the NSWC Crane installation team headed to theater.

In only six days, the NSWC Crane team completed the CREW system installation on the RABs.

Collaborative efforts between the Warfare Centers, Joint CREW Composite Squadron-1, Riverine Squadron-3 and CREW Program Management Office made the mission a success.

"This was a terrific example of collaboration between Naval Surface Warfare Center divisions," said Meyer. "When presented with this warfighting need we were able to complete the design, accelerate material deliveries, and hand over kits ready to go. The interface between the experts at Crane and at Carderock was seamless. My hats off to the entire team."

Source : US Navy