U.S. Fleet Forces Command Joint, Synthetic and Sustainment Training Branch
Operation Bold Spectrum, executed Feb. 16-19, 2010, was a force-level event (FST-F) which encompassed critical mission areas including Ballistic Missile Defense, antisubmarine warfare and maritime security operations. The Army and Air Force participated in support of Operation Bold Spectrum, along with Germany and Canada.
The event marked the first time that Riverine Group One and Riverine Squadron One, units of Naval Expeditionary Combat Command, used synthetic training as a deployment certification event. FST-F also marked the BMD certification for USS Vella Gulf (CG 72).
The FST program is administered by U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) in Norfolk, Va. FST in-port training that can be conducted around the globe. It combines shipboard trainers, aircraft and submarine simulators and high-tech simulation centers into an interoperable network. FST helps the Navy maximize opportunities to conduct live training by conducting some training in pier-side events.
“Operation Bold Spectrum demonstrated the ability of Fleet Synthetic Training to help prepare a range of training audiences in critical mission areas and provide certifications,” said Capt. C.J. Deni, head of USFF’s Joint, Synthetic and Sustainment Training branch.
FST leverages U.S. Joint Forces Command’s Joint National Training Capability, which uses a mix of live, virtual and constructive models and simulations in an integrated network to provide the a realistic collective joint mission experience.
The training audience for Bold Spectrum included Carrier Strike Group Twelve, Destroyer Squadron Two, Destroyer Squadron Two Two, Carrier Air Wing One, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), Commander Task Group 20.20, and seven Atlantic Fleet ships. ♦