In this decisive decade, marked by global uncertainty, how does the U.S. Navy prepare for the evolving landscape of modern warfare — all while maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs? The answer lies within the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division. There, the Threat Target Systems Department (TTSD) showcased its innovation, resourcefulness, and operational effectiveness during the recent Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 exercise, including a live-fire sinking exercise of the decommissioned USS Tarawa (LHA 1).

RIMPAC, the world's largest maritime exercise, is a complex ballet of ships, aircraft, and personnel from across the globe. Behind this impressive display of international cooperation, the diverse teams within the TTSD worked tirelessly to ensure the exercise ran seamlessly. They embraced challenges as opportunities, demonstrated an abundance mindset, found innovative solutions to unexpected problems, and consistently delivered exceptional results. TTSD leveraged multifaceted skills and missions to bolster fleet readiness and global partnerships. Their crucial support enhanced collective capabilities across maritime domains.

Kevin Gross, TTSD's director, brings firsthand experience and a deep appreciation for RIMPAC's mission. From the cockpit to the flight deck, Gross supported several RIMPAC exercises as a Marine Corps Harrier weapons and tactics instructor and landing signal officer.

"Supporting RIMPAC with electronic warfare systems to train joint and coalition forces is a critically important mission," Gross said. "Providing aircrew the tools to refine their tactics is the best compliment we can receive from the fleet."

Bryan Norton, an engineer and part of the Engineer and Scientist Development Program on the Mobile Emitter Team, witnessed innovation and global teamwork firsthand at RIMPAC 2024.

"Participating in RIMPAC 2024 was an incredible opportunity to overcome unique challenges while attempting several first-time events," Norton said. "It was astounding to witness the collaboration and unity of many different countries."

During the RIMPAC 2024 exercise, the U.S. Navy used the decommissioned Tarawa as a target for a live-fire SINKEX in the waters off Pearl Harbor. The Mobile and Integrated Threat Division's (MITD) MOBE team, which falls under TTSD, provided an electronic emitter to support a long-range, air-to-surface missile engagement with the Tarawa. The expensive emitter system would typically be lost to the ocean's depths along with the vessel.

To prevent this costly loss, the MITD team developed 'Kraken-1,' a repurposed 7-person life raft that they transformed into a guardian of critical equipment, exhibiting their solution-oriented mindset. It detached from the Tarawa upon missile impact, protecting the signal generators and equipment from "meeting Davy Jones," said Gross.

Once the Tarawa began to sink, Kraken-1 deployed remotely, skillfully navigating to a designated recovery zone.

The successful deployment of Kraken-1 saved the Navy nearly half a million dollars. It recovered a critical electronic warfare system, ensuring its availability for future missions. This innovative solution shows the MOBE team's resourcefulness and cost-effectiveness in action. Releasing the Kraken demonstrated the team's engineering skill, collaboration, and foresight.

"To have gone through the cycle of design and implementation to execution and have it successfully work is an amazing first-time engineering achievement for this team," said Salam Ali, RIMPAC exercise lead on the MOBE team. "The ability to overcome challenges in real-time and leverage the team's varied areas of expertise made Kraken-1 a success!"

MITD staff faced technical issues. They needed to solve them creatively while mindful of the environment and the schedule. Faced with potential range connectivity issues, the team procured a commercial off-the-shelf solar panel and battery backup pack from a local hardware store. This solution provided a constant and reliable power source for the repeater, ensuring the LHA-1 could maintain a strong signal connection throughout the test event.

"Supporting RIMPAC has been very exciting," said Lilly Becker, an SSEP student on the MOBE team. "It's rewarding to see both our long-term preparation and the on-site efforts pay off, especially considering how much saving our equipment would affect our future operations. I appreciate our team's hard work and enjoyed working with them, and I am happy to be a part of it all!"

While the MOBE team's innovative solution, Kraken-1, successfully tackled challenges at sea, TTSD's ingenuity and resourcefulness also extended to land-based operations.

At the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Barking Sands, Kauai, Chris Zavatson evaluated a new radome cover for the BQM-177A aerial target. By preventing nose cone damage during post-mission handling, Zavatson's work resulted in a $25,000 cost avoidance. He trained on-site personnel, including PMRF staff and PRMF Detachment Far East sailors, on properly using and maintaining the radome cover. His efforts ensured the safe and efficient recovery of the BQM-177A targets, highlighting effective resource management and operational efficiency.

In addition to equipment protection, TTSD played a crucial role in supporting training exercises.

To simulate real-world threats and enhance training, the Airborne Threat Simulation Organization deployed two teams to Oahu and Kauai. Active-duty sailors from VX-30 provided adversary electronic warfare presentations with electronic warfare pods installed on contracted aircraft, while the second team configured BQM-177 aerial targets with electronic attack payloads. These targets served as realistic adversary threats, enabling allied naval forces to hone their skills in a challenging environment.

"While the event was a success, the test team experienced moments of stress and frustration. Despite these hurdles, the team supported one another, combining their varied areas of expertise to develop solutions," said Kyle Blades, MITD division head.

During RIMPAC 2024, TTSD exemplified the critical behaviors necessary to fulfill NAWCWD's mission of delivering warfighters the decisive advantage in this decisive decade. TTSD demonstrated the power of innovation, collaboration, and adaptability in the face of adversity by thinking differently, focusing on outcomes, and ensuring everyone could contribute to discovering solutions. As the Navy navigates an uncertain future, TTSD's success is a model for cultivating the skills and mindset needed to maintain a decisive advantage in an evolving global landscape.

To learn more about RIMPAC 2024 click here.