Silver Dolphin Return
Return To POV-021DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE
7958 BLANDY ROAD NORFOLK, VA 23551-2492Canc frp: MAR 98 COMSUBLANTNOTE 1530 N12 03 MAR 1997 COMSUBLANT NOTICE 1530
Subj: MIDSHIPMEN SUMMER CRUISE PROGRAMS
Ref: (a) CNETNOTE 1530 (Midshipmen Summer Training Program, 1997)
(b) NAVEDTRA 37300 Series (Midshipmen Summer Training Manual)
(c) COMSUBLANTNOTE 1533 (NROTC THIRD CLASS SUBMARINE CAREER ORIENTATION AND TRAINING (CORTRAMID - 97))
1. Purpose: To promulgate policies for midshipmen submarine cruises for First and Second Class Midshipmen (SUBLANTRAMID), Career Orientation and Training of Midshipmen Third Class (CORTRAMID) for NROTC Midshipmen, and Professional Training of Midshipmen (PROTRAMID) for U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen.
2. Background: The detailed objectives of midshipmen cruises are delineated in references (a) and (b). As summarized below, midshipmen submarinecruises are established annually in three distinct programs:
a. Midshipmen First and Second Class Fleet Cruise Training (SUBLANTRANMID)
(1) Midshipmen second class training should focus on the operation of a work center, while first class training should concentrate on division officer responsibilities.
(2) Both USNA and NROTC midshipmen are assigned to submarines for their major annual cruises. No more than seven midshipmen are generally assigned to each participating submarine. Each cruise varies from four to eightweeks in length, with the exception of midshipmen assigned to an SSBN who may complete the entire patrol. The purpose of each cruise is to provide the midshipmen with detailed exposure to and training in the submarinewarfare specialty. This not only includes at-sea, but in-port as well. Midshipmen are given the opportunity and encouraged, as in the past, to work towards Diving officer of the Watch qualifications (first class) and Helmsman/Planesman/Lookout qualifications (second class), as well as additional watchstation qualifications that may be appropriate. Additionally, enlisted submarine qualifications may be pursued dependent on ship's schedule and the guidance in paragraph 3.a.(4). To assist the midshipmen in becoming integrated into the crew as quickly as possible, each midshipman will be assigned a running mate. Midshipmen first class will be assigned motivated submarine qualified junior officer running mates. Midshipmen second class will.be assigned high caliber, motivated submarine qualified petty officer (E-5/6) or chief petty officer (E-7) running mates. A submarine qualified Midshipmen Training officer will be assigned to coordinate midshipmen training.
b. PROTRAMID and CORTRAMID
(1) PROTRAMID. Approximately 80 USNA midshipmen second class per week will participate in the submarine portion of PROTRAMID during the period 9 June through 1 August 1997. Two additional weeks of PROTRAMID (19 May and 4 Aug) are also being considered this year. USNA midshipmen second class will receive training coordinated by COMSUBGRU 10. In-port training will be conducted at Submarine Base Kings Bay, GA. Underway training willembark and debark from Port Canaveral Naval ordnance Test Unit (NOTU). Female midshipmen will embark for daylight underways only. Ships can expect 18-22 midshipmen for overnight underway periods. NOTU Port Canaveral will assist in arranging berthing for ship crewmembers left in port during underways from PCAN, but the ship is responsible for providing a senior stay behind coordinator. Ships are encouraged to contact NOTU in regards to "bump and go", evolutions and berthing at Port Canaveral. The point of contact at NOTU Port services is BMC Watson, commercial 407-853-1240 or DSN 467-1240. COMSUBGRU 10 will promulgate further guidance for commands in King's Bay and ships participating in PROTRAMID '97.
(2) CORTRAMID. Approximately 500 NROTC Midshipmen third class will be in Norfolk, VA during the period 29 May through 30 June 1997 to participate in the CORTRAMID program. For submarines, underway training will be coordinated by COMSUBRON 8 and will cover the period from 2 June to 27 JUNE COMSUBRON 6 will provide berthing for ship crewmembers left in port. Ships can expect 25-35 midshipmen for overnight underway periods. Female midshipmen will embark for daylight underways only. Inport training will be conducted by SUBTRAFAC and assigned tenders. Units in Norfolk and ships participating in CORTRAMID '96 should review reference (c).
C. Academic Year Cruises. In special instances where a NROTC or USNA midshipmen is unable to participate in the normal SUBLANTRAMID cruise program, a shortened submarine cruise can be arranged upon the request of CNET or the USNA. These cruises occur during the normal academic year, usually during school vacations.
3. Discussion:
a. Midshipmen First and Second Class Fleet Cruises
(1) Programs. Shipboard cruise programs that have resulted in well motivated midshipmen, provided positive critique comments, and excellent feedback from the ship's officers have included the following features:
(a) Personal involvement and a genuine interest in the progress of each midshipman by the Commanding Officer. This should include, at a minimum, a welcome aboard interview, a progress session during the cruise, and a departure interview. The results of these interviews should be included in the midshipman's report of performance.
(b) Effective utilization of in-port periods to include setting goals that are obtainable while in-port. Additionally, the use of enthusiastic and interested running mates will make the in-port training experience morebeneficial for midshipmen.
(c) An enthusiastic, knowledgeable Midshipmen Training officer.
(d) Assignment of top-notch running mates who have been briefed and unde= rstand the purpose of the midshipmen cruise program.
(e) Interaction between the COB and each midshipmen provides extraordinary insight for the midshipmen.
(f) An appropriate welcome to the ship and timely acceptance as functional members of the command by members of the wardroom and crew. This check-in should also include sending an on board report, IAW reference (b), toensure that the Squadron, SUBLANT and CNET/USNA are aware of the midshipmen's safe arrival. 3
(g) Division, watchstation, and special party assignments for midshipmen ready upon their arrival. Midshipmen first class should be assigned to aspecific division officer/assistant division officer billet for the entire cruise. Midshipmen second class should be assigned work center supervisory duties within a division such as A, ET, MM, or ST, with some limited rotation if cruise length permits, plus various indoctrination watches. Meaningful and challenging duties should be assigned rather than special projects or trivial tasks which have been deferred for several months.
(h) Positive, personal interchanges among officers/crew and the embarked midshipmen by a crew that understands the purpose of midshipmen training and is eager and willing to help.
(i) Integration into the crew/watchbill, including participation in exercises and drills.
(2) In-port Training. Due to the number of midshipmen involved in SUBLANTRAMID and the reduced number of platforms available, many midshipmen will embark on ships for a four week training period that may only include 10-12 days of underway time. Therefore, a majority of summer training formany midshipmen will take place while the unit is in-port. Ships need to tailor their midshipmen training program to utilize these inport periods.
(3) Deploying Units. Due to the need to minimize the people involved in "hot racking" on deploying units, it is essential that the midshipmen be treated as part of the crew. They can become your helm/planesman, basic sonar operator, JOOD, or tracking party member. These young men are selected for their academic capability to enter into the nuclear power program. You can train them to help your boat complete its mission. If you treat them as riders, then you are faced with unnecessary "hot racking" and more challenges employing the midshipmen.
(4) Submarine Qualification. Awarding of silver dolphins is approved for midshipmen who satisfactorily complete all current requirements for enlisted submarine qualification (less time on board). However, each midshipmen must be made aware of the importance that the Submarine Force places on submarine qualification. The decision to allow midshipmen to attempt enlisted submarine qualification, if they so desire, should be made by the Commanding Officer when the cruise affords a reasonable opportunity to achieve this goal. The usual high standards of qualification must be maintained for midshipmen who attempt to qualify. Other items to consider include:
(a) Many ships have developed Midshipmen Qualification Cards, which introduce midshipmen to all aspects of ship construction and operation. This type of qualification card is an outstanding alternative for midshipmen who do not have the opportunity to earn their enlisted submarine qualification. Several examples of these qualification cards have been made available to each squadron cruise coordinator for distribution.
(b) Each first class midshipmen will continue to be encouraged to work towards Diving Officer of the Watch qualification and perform as a division officer or assistant division officer. Each second class midshipman will be expected to work towards qualification as Helmsman/Planesman/Lookout, and other watchstations as prescribed by the Commanding Officer.
b. PROTRAMID and CORTRAMID
(1) Procedures. Some general information that has proven useful to maximize the effectiveness of the underway portions of PROTRAMID/CORTRAMID operations in the past is listed below:
(a) Serious crowding onboard is best avoided by leaving in portions of the crew, commensurate with experience and training level of the crew.
(b) To avoid having the midshipmen gather in a group trying to stay out of the way during unstructured time, there must be an active commitment by the wardroom and chief petty officers to seek out the midshipmen and get them involved.
(c) Use an officer whose primary duty is that of Midshipmen Coordinator. This officer should have no other duties during underway periods.
(d) All ships should be prepared to conduct required visitor briefings. Expect to go through up to 75 welcome aboard packages a week.
(2) Further specific guidance for CORTRAMID (Norfolk) is provided by reference (c). COMSUBGRU 10 will provide further guidance for conduct of PROTRAMID.
4. Action:
a. Submarine group and squadron commanders and submarine commanding officers shall implement the midshipmen cruise programs so as to provide each midshipmen with a good insight into submarine warfare. Programs should clearly reflect that the command was prepared for midshipmen and consider them to be a contributing member of the crew or wardroom. Detailed administrative procedures for all midshipmen are contained in reference (b).
b. Each group and squadron commander will appoint a Midshipmen Summer Cruise Coordinator to provide a liaison between the COMSUBLANT Cruise Coordinator (Nl2) and individual ships. The group and squadron cruise coordinators will be responsible for providing support to subordinate units in resolving issues involving individual midshipmen travel, changes in ships' operating schedules, and any other issues that may disrupt the smooth operation of summer midshipmen training. Group or squadron coordinator involvement is especially important to ships that will have midshipmen report or detach while out of their normal homeport.
C. COMSUBLANT will promulgate procedures for conducting CORTRAMID (NROTC) in Norfolk, VA. COMSUBGRU 10 will be responsible for promulgating procedures for conducting PROTRAMID (USNA) at Submarine Base Kings Bay, GA.
5. Cancellation: This notice is canceled on completion of the 1997 Midshipmen Cruise Program.
J.G. HENRY
Chief of Staff
COMSUBLANTNOTE 1530
0 3 MAR 1997 Distribution: (SNDL Parts 1 and 2) FT1 CNET 29Nl SSN (LANT) FA10 SUIBASE FT95 SUIBTRAFAC (LANT) 28Kl COMSUBGRURONS 29Ql SSBN (LANT) FF38 USNA (ANNAPOLIS) FT54 NAVSUBSCOL 32DD1 AS (LANT)