USS Montgomery becomes first LCS to complete SWATT

Littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) became the first ship in its class to complete Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training in the US 3rd Fleet area of operation (AOR).

The training, which concluded April 22, provided the crew of the Independence-class USS Montgomery (LCS 8) advanced level training to increase their tactical proficiency, lethality, and interoperability.

Montgomery conducted several training exercises during the multi-day training event, including anti-submarine, surface, and air warfare. Complex live-fire events included torpedo countermeasure exercises and gunnery exercises.

“SWATT is the culmination of a phased training approach which prepares our ships and our sailors to win the fight,” said Capt. Matthew McGonigle, commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE. “The Montgomery crew demonstrated that they are ready, capable and committed to meet the mission the navy and our nation requires of them.”

Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center mentors, warfare tactics instructors (WTIs), and technical community experts planned the events, briefed shipboard teams, and embarked to train and mentor watch teams throughout the duration of the advanced tactical training. Training evolutions used a formalized plan, brief, execute, debrief (PBED) process.