The
Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR) serves as independent and objective agency within the
United States NavyThe United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
for the operational testing and evaluation (OT&E) of
naval aviationNaval aviation is the application of manned military air power by navies, including ships that embark fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters. In contrast, maritime aviation is the operation of aircraft in a maritime role under the command of non-naval forces such as the former RAF Coastal Command or a...
,
surface warfareModern naval warfare is divided into three operational areas: surface warfare, air warfare and submarine warfare. Each area comprises specialized platforms and strategies used to exploit tactical advantages unique and inherent to that area....
,
submarine warfareNaval warfare is divided into three operational areas: surface warfare, air warfare and underwater warfare. The latter may be subdivided into submarine warfare and anti-submarine warfare as well as mine warfare and mine countermeasures...
,
C4IIn military usage, a number of abbreviations in the format C followed by additional letters are used, based on expanded versions of the abbreviation C2 - command and control.C2I stands for command, control, and intelligence....
,
cryptologicCryptography is the practice and study of techniques for secure communication in the presence of third parties...
, and
spaceThe militarisation of space is the placement and development of weaponry and military technology in outer space.-History:Acquisition of high grounds for military advantage has been a perennial feature of military campaigns. For thousands of years, military tacticians have exploited the concept of...
systems in support Navy and U.S. Department of Defense acquisition programs.
Background
OPTEVFOR traces its origins to the final months of
World War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
when the need arose for an effective means to combat Japanese
kamikazeThe were suicide attacks by military aviators from the Empire of Japan against Allied naval vessels in the closing stages of the Pacific campaign of World War II, designed to destroy as many warships as possible....
attacks. On 2 July 1945, the
Composite Task Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, was formed to develop tactics and evaluate equipment to counter the Kamikazes. This force was commanded by
Vice AdmiralIn the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps, and the United States Maritime Service, vice admiral is a three-star flag officer, with the pay grade of...
Willis A. LeeWillis Augustus "Ching" Lee, Jr. was a Vice Admiral of the United States Navy during World War II. Lee commanded the American ships during the second night of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal and turned back a Japanese invasion force headed for the island...
, USN, and consisted of miscellaneous types of combatant ships and drone aircraft.
Following the end of World War II, the Composite Task Force was consolidated with other fleet units doing development work and in December 1947, was re-designated as the
Operational Development Force (OPDEVFOR), with the force commander flying his flag on the
USS Adirondack (AGC 15)The third USS Adirondack was laid down on 18 November 1944 under a Maritime Commission contract by the North Carolina Shipbuilding Company in Wilmington, North Carolina; launched on 13 January 1945, sponsored by Mrs. E. L...
, as an operational command reporting to Commanderic-Chief of te U.S. Atlantic Fleet. In 1949, the command moved ashore to the
Norfolk Naval BaseNaval Station Norfolk, in Norfolk, Virginia, is a base of the United States Navy, supporting naval forces in the United States Fleet Forces Command, those operating in the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Indian Ocean...
. With its expanding OT&E responsibilities, a subordinate liaison command, located the San Diego Naval Base, created to serve as a liaison with the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
In May 1959, the command was renamed
Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR) to reflect more accurately its increased responsibilities regarding weapon systems and tactics testing and evaluation (T&E). In 1960, the OPTEVFOR headquarters moved to its present location, mocated off Terminal Boulevard near the U.S. Atlantic Fleet headquarters.
Due to Congressional and
DODThe United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
initiatives to improve the defense acquisition process, in 1971, OPTEVFOR was designated the Navy's sole (OT&E) agency, with greater involvement in the research and development (R&D) process and production decision-making process. In keeping with these expanded responsibilities, the Force Commander (COMOPTEVFOR) began reporting directly to the
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO)The Chief of Naval Operations is a statutory office held by a four-star admiral in the United States Navy, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Navy. The office is a military adviser and deputy to the Secretary of the Navy...
.
Scope of Responsibilities
COMOPTEVFOR provides OT&E policy direction, technical and procedural guidance, and financial support for the independent and objective testing and evaluation of the systems and tactics at the direction of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). For operational control of fleet units, COMOPTEVFOR reports to the
Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (COMUSFLTFORCOM)The United States Fleet Forces Command is an Atlantic Ocean theater-level component command of the United States Navy that provides naval resources that are under the operational control of the United States Northern Command...
; the
Commander Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT)The United States Pacific Fleet is a Pacific Ocean theater-level component command of the United States Navy that provides naval resources under the operational control of the United States Pacific Command. Its home port is at Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hawaii. It is commanded by Admiral Patrick M...
; and the
Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe (COMUSNAVEUR)United States Naval Forces Europe is the United States Navy component of the United States European Command and provides forces for United States African Command....
. It also closely follows all R&D programs within the Navy and its
laboratoriesThe Office of Naval Research , headquartered in Arlington, Virginia , is the office within the United States Department of the Navy that coordinates, executes, and promotes the science and technology programs of the U.S...
, with the CNO authorizing direct liaison between COMOPTEVFOR and the heads of development agencies involving all technical matters for Navy research, development, testing, and evaluation. Evaluation of systems are done by personnel with technical experience with the equipment being tested and evaluated. Finally, OPTEVFOR coordinates operational test and evaluation (OT&E) activities with the operational test agencies of the other U.S. military services as well as the
DOD Director of Operational Test and EvaluationThe Director, Operational Test and Evaluation is the principal staff assistant and adviser to the Secretary of Defense on operational and live fire test and evaluation activities involving U.S...
, who establishes operational test policy for the U.S. Defense Department.
Fleet RDT&E Support Process
The Fleet Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Support Process conforms to the most current version of SECNAVINST 5000.2 pertaining to Navy or multi-service testing and evaluation (T&E) activities. It recommends that T&E requests for fleet commander support be made in writing, via
CNO-OPNAV (N091/N912)The Chief of Naval Operations is a statutory office held by a four-star admiral in the United States Navy, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Navy. The office is a military adviser and deputy to the Secretary of the Navy...
, nine (9) month prior to the actual testng activity. The Fleet RDT&E Support Process defines the appropriiate formats for request for T&E activities. Fleet RDT&E Support Process defines the levels of fleet commander support as follows:
- Dedicated support, which precludes employment of the supporting unit(s) in other missions.
- Concurrent support, which permits employment of the supporting unit(s) in activities other than RDT&E support, but could have an operational impact upon unit employment.
- Not-to-interfere-basis (NIB) support, which permits RDT&E operational employment of the supporting unit(s) without significant interference with primary mission accomplishment.
The Fleet RDT&E Support Process also mandates that all T&E requests be submitted and updated on a quarterly basis beginning nine (9) months prior to the quarter that the T&R activity in order to provide adequate scheduling for the fleet command, and manates that CNO-OPNAV (N091/N912) be promptly notified of any cancellaions. The Fleet RDT&E Support Process defines prioritization of fleet commander support for T&E activities as follows:
- Priority One - Fleet commander support of a T&E activity takes precedence over normal fleet operations.
- Priority Two - Fleet commander support of a T&E activity takes precedence within normal fleet operations.
- Priority Three - Normal fleet operations take precedence over fleet commander support of a T&E activity.
Finally, he Fleet RDT&E Support Process also defines unscheduled RDT&E support requirements, including the appropriate format for Emergency Fleet Support Requests. The Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR) is designated as the RDT&E fleet-support scheduling agent for CNO (N091), including all at-sea operational testing and evauation (OT&E) activities.
Command Staff
- Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR) is designated by Chief of Naval Operations to be the sole OT&E authority for the United States Navy, with responsibility for establishing OT&E policy while serving as liaison with senior and subordinate commands throughout the DOD regarding the U.S. Navy's OT&E issues.
- Deputy Commander/Chief of Staff handles the day-to-day operations of the COMOPTEVFOR and its Flag Staff.
- Assistant Chief of Staff for Administration reports to the Deputy Commander/Chief of Staff, providing oversight to the Flag Staff and OPTEVFOR's non-operational programs.
Administration
- COMOPTEVFOR Command Administration Section - This section oversees pay, personnel records, medical, dental, mailrrom operations, central files, and other administrative functions, and is the primary liaison between the command and the Personnel Support Detachment.
- Facility - This section maintain the headquarters facility, its grounds, and equipment within the OPTEVFOR headquarters area.
- Logistics and Supply - This section provides support for all supplies, equipment, and maintenance needs of the Staff, including all travel and vehicular issues.
Aviation Warfare
The Aviation Warfare Division is responsible for the planning and execution of operational testing and evaluation (OT&E) activities pertaining to the Navy and Marine Corps' aviation acquisition programs. Testing of these programs are done at the following field activities:
- VX-1 - Naval Air Station Patuxent River
"Pax River" redirects here. For the river, see Patuxent River.Naval Air Station Patuxent River , also known as NAS Pax River, is a United States Naval Air Station located in St. Mary's County, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay near the mouth of the Patuxent River. It is home to the U.S...
at Patuxent River, Maryland
- VX-9
VX-9. Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine, is a United States Navy air test and evaluation squadron based at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California...
- Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake- About : is part of under Commander, Navy Installation Command and is located in the Western Mojave Desert region of California, approximately north of Los Angeles. Occupying three counties – Kern, San Bernardino and Inyo – the installation’s closest neighbors are the cities of Ridgecrest,...
at China Lake, California
- VX-9 Detachment - Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico
Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico is a United States Marine Corps airfield located within Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. It was commissioned in 1919 and is currently home to HMX-1, the squadron that flies the President of the United States. The airfield is also known as Turner Field,...
at Naval Air Station Point MuguNaval Base Ventura County Point Mugu or NBVC Point Mugu is a military airbase located in Point Mugu, Ventura County, California, United States. Due to realignment actions which occurred in 2000, the base is now part of Naval Base Ventura County , a consolidated organization that also includes...
at Point Mugu, CaliforniaPoint Mugu , California is an unincorporated area and geographical promontory on the Pacific coast in Ventura County, near the town of Port Hueneme and the city of Oxnard. The name is believed to be derived from the Chumash Indian term Muwu, meaning beach, which was first mentioned by Cabrillo in...
- HMX-1
Marine Helicopter Squadron One , is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron responsible for the transportation of the President of the United States, Vice President, Cabinet members and other VIPs...
- Quantico, Virginia.
These programs include
strike/fighterIn a current military parlance, a strike fighter is a multi-role combat aircraft designed to operate primarily in the air-to-surface attack role while also incorporating certain performance characteristics of a fighter aircraft. As a category, it is distinct from fighter-bombers...
, assault weapon, airborne electronic warfare, air-based
anti-submarine warfareAnti-submarine warfare is a branch of naval warfare that uses surface warships, aircraft, or other submarines to find, track and deter, damage or destroy enemy submarines....
, aviation maintenance, and trainer systems.
- Air C4I & Trainer Systems - This section is responsible for E-2C airborne early warning systems and related trainer programs, including:
- C-2A(r) Greyhound Block Upgrade/Service Life Extension Program (SLEP)
- E-2C Combined Engagement Capability (CEC)
- E-2C Mission Computer Upgrade (MCU) Program
- Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS)
The Joint Primary Aircraft Training System was an aircraft procurement program of the United States in the 1990s by the United States Air Force and United States Navy, a merger of 1980s era training aircraft programs. The winner was declared in 1995 and entered service a few years later as the...
- Air Electronic Warfare Programs - This section is responsible for Navy and Marine Corps aviation airborne early warning (AEW) programs, including:
- EA-6B Block 89A Aircraft Upgrade
- EA-6B Improved Capability III (ICAP III)
- Air Weapons Systems – This section is responsible for air-to-ground missile, air-to-air missiles, and mission planning programs, including:
- AGM-88 High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM)
The AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile is a tactical, air-to-surface missile designed to home in on electronic transmissions coming from surface-to-air radar systems. It was originally developed by Texas Instruments as a replacement for the AGM-45 Shrike and AGM-78 Standard ARM system...
- AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM)
The AGM-158 JASSM is a low observable standoff cruise missile developed in the United States. It is a large, semi-stealthy long-range weapon of the class. The missile's development began in 1995, but a number of problems during testing delayed its introduction into service until 2009...
- Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW B/C)
- AIM-9X Evolved Sidewinder
- AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM)
The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM , is a modern beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile capable of all-weather day-and-night operations. Designed with the same form-factor as the previous generation of semi-active guided Sparrow missiles, it is a fire-and-forget...
- Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM)
The Joint Direct Attack Munition is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs" into all-weather "smart" munitions. JDAM-equipped bombs are guided by an integrated inertial guidance system coupled to a Global Positioning System receiver, giving them a published range of up to...
- Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response (SLAM-ER)
- Avionics and Support Systems - This section is responsible for all aviation maintenance programs, including:
- Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)
An Active Electronically Scanned Array , also known as active phased array radar is a type of phased array radar whose transmitter and receiver functions are composed of numerous small solid-state transmit/receive modules . AESAs aim their "beam" by broadcasting radio energy that interfere...
- Advanced Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System (ATARS)
Advanced Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System is a system for image acquisition, data storage, and data link used by the United States Marine Corps on it F/A-18D Hornet aircraft...
- Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)
A traffic collision avoidance system or traffic alert and collision avoidance system is an aircraft collision avoidance system designed to reduce the incidence of mid-air collisions between aircraft...
- Carrier and Amphibious Support - This section is responsible for all assault support helicopters, combat support helicopters, and fixed-wing and rotary-wing ASW aircraft, combat search and rescue (CSAR) aircraft, airborne mine warfare programs, and the V-22 Osprey
The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is an American multi-mission, military, tiltrotor aircraft with both a vertical takeoff and landing , and short takeoff and landing capability...
.
- Carrier Strike - This section is responsible for all F/A-18 Hornet
The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is a supersonic, all-weather carrier-capable multirole fighter jet, designed to dogfight and attack ground targets . Designed by McDonnell Douglas and Northrop, the F/A-18 was derived from the latter's YF-17 in the 1970s for use by the United States Navy and...
, F/A-18E/F Super HornetThe Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a twin-engine carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft. The F/A-18E single-seat variant and F/A-18F tandem-seat variant are larger and more advanced derivatives of the F/A-18C and D Hornet. The Super Hornet has an internal 20 mm gun and can carry air-to-air...
, and related programs.
- Future Programs – This section works closely with requirements officers, program offices, and contractors on future projects and systems, including:
- CVN-21
- Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine, fifth generation multirole fighters under development to perform ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defense missions with stealth capability...
- Modeling, Simulation and Analysis - This section provides analytical support and technical advice on modeling and simulation issues for operational testing throughout the Aviation Warfare Division.
C4I & Space
The C4I & Space Division responsible for the planning and execution of operational test and evaluation (OT&E) activities pertaining to the Navy's ashore and afloat command, control, communications, computer and intelligence (C4I) systems.
- Automated Information Operations - This section performs operational test and evaluation for ashore and afloat automated information systems.
- Command, Control, (C2) and Intelligence - This section performs operational testing and evaluation for ashore and afloat command and control systems, intelligence and imagery systems, tactical information management, decision support, and meteorological and oceanographic (METOC) systems.
- COTF Pacific (San Diego SPAWAR Detachment) - The OPTEVFOR Pacific Detachment (SPAWAR Liaison Office - San Diego
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific is the U.S. Navy's research, development, test and evaluation, engineering and fleet support center for command, control and communication systems and ocean surveillance. SSC Pacific provides information resources to support the joint warfighter in...
) provides on-site OT&E expertise to assist system developers and program managers in the southern California.
- Information Warfare - This section performs operational testing and evaluation for ashore and afloat information warfare systems, including all UAV
An unmanned aerial vehicle , also known as a unmanned aircraft system , remotely piloted aircraft or unmanned aircraft, is a machine which functions either by the remote control of a navigator or pilot or autonomously, that is, as a self-directing entity...
programs.
- Software, Modeling, and Simulation Analysis - The section is responsible to the Operational Test Director (OTD) for all analytical aspects of planning and evaluating the operational testing of C4I systems.
- Tactical Data and Support - This section performs operational testing and evaluation for ashore and afloat tactical data systems, tactical link systems, and tactical training systems.
- Space and Navigation Systems - This section performs operational testing and evaluation for ashore and afloat communication systems, electronic navigation systems, and other space-based systems.
- Terrestrial Communications and Radar Systems - This section performs operational testing and evaluation for ashore and afloat communication systems, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), and radar systems.
Comptroller
The Comptroller/Resource Management Division provides the plans, programs, and budgets of OPTEVFOR's fiscal resources.
Expeditionary Warfare
The Expeditionary Warfare Division is responsible for the planning and execution of operational test and evaluation (OT&E) activities of Joint
ChemicalChemical warfare involves using the toxic properties of chemical substances as weapons. This type of warfare is distinct from Nuclear warfare and Biological warfare, which together make up NBC, the military acronym for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical...
/
BiologicalBiological warfare is the use of biological toxins or infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi with intent to kill or incapacitate humans, animals or plants as an act of war...
traditional acquisition programs, Anti-Terrorist Force Protection (ATFP) programs,
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)Bomb disposal is the process by which hazardous explosive devices are rendered safe. Bomb disposal is an all encompassing term to describe the separate, but interrelated functions in the following fields:*Military:...
,
riverine warfareBrown-water navy is a term that originated in the United States Navy, referring to the small gunboats and patrol boats used in rivers, along with some of the larger ships that supported them as "mother ships," from which they operated...
, and
divingA frogman is someone who is trained to scuba diving or swim underwater in a military capacity which can include combat. Such personnel are also known by the more formal names of combat diver or combatant diver or combat swimmer....
and
salvageMarine salvage is the process of rescuing a ship, its cargo, or other property from peril. Salvage encompasses rescue towing, refloating a sunken or grounded vessel, or patching or repairing a ship...
programs.
- ATFP Section - This section is responsible for ATFP programs, including detection, delay, deterrence, assessment, and response functions for protecting government assets. Programs include:
- Access Control and Vehicle Inspections
- Navy Emergency Response Management System (NERMS)
- Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA) Information Management Pilot Program (IMPP)
- Wide Area Alert/Notification (WAAN)
- Reconnaissance - Unmanned Ground Vehicles, Flight Line Radar, Adaptive Network
- Virtual Perimeter Monitoring System (VPMS)
- Joint Modular Intermodal Distribution System (JMIDS)
- Chemical/Biological Acquisition Programs Section - This section is responsible for the planning and executing of operational testing and evaluation of traditional chemical and biological programs, including:
- Joint Biological Agent Identification and Diagnosis System (JBAIDS)
- Joint Biological Point Detection System (JBPDS)
- Joint Biological Standoff Detection System (JBSDS)
- Joint Chemical Agent Detector (JCAD)
- Joint Effects Model (JEM)
- Joint Operational Effects Federation (JOEF)
- Joint Services Lightweight Standoff Chemical Agent Detector (JSLSCAD)
- EOD/Riverine/Diving & Salvage - This section is responsible for EOD, riverine warfare, and diving and salvage programs, including:
- Acoustic Firing System (AFS)
- Advanced Radiographic System Program (ARS)
- Counter Bomb/Counter Bomber (CB2) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration/Demonstrator (ACTD)
- Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal (JEOD
- Magneto-Inductive Signaling Device System (MISDS)
- Main Charge Disrupter (MCD)
- Medium Disposal Explosive Tool (MDET)
- Next Generation Underwater Breathing Apparatus (NUBA)
- Non-Lethal Weapons Technology (NLWT)
- Remote Activation Munitions System XM-152 (RAMS)
- Sea Eagle Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration/Demonstrator (ACTD)
- Special Warfare Demolition Firing Device (EX-51)
- Submarine Rescue Diving and Recompression System (SRDRS)
- Swimmer Detection Sonar (SDS) System
- Sympathetic Detonation
A sympathetic detonation , also called flash over, is a detonation, usually unintended, of an explosive charge by a nearby explosion. Sympathetic detonation is caused by a shock wave, or impact of primary or secondary blast fragments.The initiating explosive is called donor explosive, the initiated...
(SYDET)
Information Resources (IR)
The Information Resources Division assists the staff with current and planned automated information systems (AIS), technology and office automation, and telecommunications, including hardware and software support, configuration control and management, requirements analysis and system analysis, design recommendations, and user training.
Security
The Security Division oversees and coordinates OPTEVFOR security policy and programs.
Surface Warfare
The Surface Warfare Division is responsible for the planning and execution of operational test and evaluation (OT&E) activities of U. S. Navy surface ships and associated engineering, auxiliary, combat systems, and systems, as well as the U. S. Coast Guard's
Deepwater acquisition programThe Integrated Deepwater System Program is the 25-year program to replace all or much of the United States Coast Guard's equipment, including aircraft, ships, and logistics and command and control systems...
.
- Area Air Defense Section - This section is responsible for planning and executing operational testing and evaluation of U.S. Navy medium-range and long-range air defense systems, including:
- Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (ABMD)
- AN/SPY-1 Aegis radar system
The AN/SPY-1 is a US naval radar system manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The array is a passive electronically scanned system and is a key component of the Aegis Combat System. The system is computer controlled, using four complementary antennas to provide 360 degree coverage...
- Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) guide-missile destroyers
The Arleigh Burke class of guided missile destroyers is the United States Navy's first class of destroyer built around the Aegis combat system and the SPY-1D multi-function phased array radar. The class is named for Admiral Arleigh "31-Knot" Burke, the most famous American destroyer officer of...
- RIM-66 Standard Missile-2 Block IIIB (SM-2 BLK IIIB)
- RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM)
- Modeling & Analysis - This section provides analytical support for of all surface warfare projects.
- Naval Surface Strike/DD(X) - This section is responsible for the planning and execution of the operational testing and evaluation of cruise missiles, associated fire control systems, and the DD(X) program, including:
- BGM-109 Tomahawk Missile System
The Tomahawk is a long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile. Introduced by General Dynamics in the 1970s, it was designed as a medium- to long-range, low-altitude missile that could be launched from a surface platform. It has been improved several times and, by way of corporate divestitures...
- BGM-109 Advanced Tomahawk Weapon Control System (ATWCS)
- RGM-84 Harpoon Block 1CR Weapon System
The Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile system, developed and manufactured by McDonnell Douglas . In 2004, Boeing delivered the 7,000th Harpoon unit since the weapon's introduction in 1977...
- Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS)
The Advanced Gun System is a naval gun system under development by BAE Systems Armaments Systems for the Zumwalt class destroyer of the United States Navy. Production has started; the first magazine was delivered to the U.S...
- Land Attack Destroyer (DD(X))
The Zumwalt class destroyer is a planned class of United States Navy destroyers, designed as multi-mission ships with a focus on land attack. The class is a scaled-back project that emerged after funding cuts to the larger DD-21 vessel program. The program was previously known as the "DD"...
- Point Defense Systems - This section is responsible for planning and executing the operational testing and evaluation of U. S. Navy short-range air and surface defense systems, including:
- AN/SPQ-9B Radar
AN/SPQ-9A, , is a United States Navy multi-purpose surface search & fire control radar used with the Mk-86 gun fire-control system . It is a two dimensional radar, meaning it provides only range and bearing but not elevation...
- AN/SSQ-129A Shipboard Protection System
- AN/SPS-74 Radar
- AN/SPY-3 Multi-Function Radar (MFR)
The AN/SPY-3 is a radar designed for both blue-water and littoral operations. It can combine the functions of up to five radars and ten antennas:-Ancestry:...
- Close-In Weapon System (CIWS)
A close-in weapon system , often pronounced sea-whiz, is a naval shipboard point-defense weapon for detecting and destroying at short range incoming anti-ship missiles and enemy aircraft which have penetrated the outer defenses....
- RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM)
The RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile is a small, lightweight, infrared homing surface-to-air missile in use by the American, German, South Korean, Greek, Turkish, Saudi and Egyptian navies. It was intended originally and used primarily as a point-defense weapon against anti-ship cruise missiles...
- Ship Self Defense System (SSDS)
Ship's Self Defense System is an integrated weapons system used aboard large U.S. Navy ships, such as Nimitz class supercarriers and various amphibious assault ships, such as LHDs and LSDs. SSDS is an integrated combat direction system...
- Volume Search Radar (VSR)
- Total Ship Amphibibious - This section is responsible for planning and executing the operational testing and evaluation of amphibious warfare ships, including:
- Total Ship Combatant/CLF - This section is responsible for planning and executing of the operational testing and evaluation of surface combatants, combat logistics force (CLF) ships and strategic sealift ships, including:
- Auxiliary Cargo and Ammunition Ship (T-AKE)
The Lewis and Clark class of dry cargo ship is the next class of Combat Logistics Force underway replenishment vessels to be constructed for the United States Navy's Military Sealift Command. Lewis and Clark-class ships will replace the existing fifteen Mars- and Sirius-class combat store ships...
- Improved Naval Lighterage System (INLS)
A lighter is a type of flat-bottomed barge used to transfer goods and passengers to and from moored ships. Lighters were traditionally unpowered and were moved and steered using long oars called "sweeps," with their motive power provided by water currents...
- Littoral Combat Ship (LCS)
A Littoral Combat Ship is a type of relatively small surface vessel intended for operations in the littoral zone . It is "envisioned to be a networked, agile, stealthy surface combatant capable of defeating anti-access and asymmetric threats in the littorals." Two ship classes are the first...
- Strategic Sealift Program (SSP)
- U. S. Coast Guard Deepwater System - This section is responsible for planning and executing the operational testing and evaluation of U.S. Coast Guard's next-generation surface, aviation, command and control, and logistics assets developed as part of its Integrated Deepwater System Program
The Integrated Deepwater System Program is the 25-year program to replace all or much of the United States Coast Guard's equipment, including aircraft, ships, and logistics and command and control systems...
, included:
- 110-123’ WPB Conversion
- C-130J
The Lockheed Martin C-130J "Super" Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. The C-130J is a comprehensive update of the venerable Lockheed C-130 Hercules, with new engines, flight deck, and other systems. The Hercules family has the longest continuous production run of any...
Long Range Search (LRS)
- Fast Response Cutter (FRC)
The Sentinel class Cutter, previously known as the Fast Response Cutter, is part of the United States Coast Guard's Deepwater program.At it is similar to, but larger than the 123-foot extended Island Class Cutters, like the USCGC Matagorda...
- Long Range Interceptor (LRI)
The United States Coast Guard Long Range Interceptor is an 11 meter high speed launch vessel designed to be deployed from cutters via a rear launching ramp....
- Medium Range Search Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MRS MPA)
- Multi-Mission Cutter Helicopter (MCH)
- Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC)
The United States Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutter isone design among several new cutter designs developed as part of the Integrated Deepwater System Program....
- National Security Cutter (NSC)
The United States Coast Guard National Security Cutter , also known as the Legend class and Maritime Security Cutter, Large, is one design among several new cutter designs developed as part of the Integrated Deepwater System Program....
- Short Range Prosecutor (SRP)
The United States Coast Guard Short Range Prosecutor is a 7 meter, high speed launch designed to be launched from cutters, at speed, from a rear launching ramp....
- Vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VUAV)
-References:* This article contains material that originally came from the web article by Greg Goebel, which exists in the Public Domain.-External links:** * ....
Training
The Training Division provides general military and acquisition-specific training as well as that which is acquisition specific.
Undersea Warfare
Tests and evaluates all undersea warfare systems, including submarine, surface and aviation anti-submarine warfare and mine warfare systems.
- Administrative Support - This section provides administrative and personnel support services to the division.
- C4I and Wires - This section isis responsible for operationally testing submarine C4I systems, including such programs as:
- Photonics mast (AN/BVS-1)
A photonics mast is a sensor similar in concept to a submarine periscope, except that it doesn't require a periscope tube thus freeing design space duringconstruction and limiting risks of water leakage in the event of damage...
- Submarine Local Area Network
A local area network is a computer network that interconnects computers in a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building...
(SubLAN)
- Mine Warfare - This section is responsible for the operationally testing and evaluation of all mine warfare systems.
- Remote mine-hunting system (RMS)
- Surface mine counter measure unmanned undersea vehicles (SMCM UUV)
An autonomous underwater vehicle is a robot which travels underwater without requiring input from an operator. AUVs constitute part of a larger group of undersea systems known as unmanned underwater vehicles, a classification that includes non-autonomous remotely operated underwater vehicles...
- Platforms System - This section is responsible for operationally testing for all anti-submarine warfare and related systems, including such programs as:
- Advanced SEAL
Seal commonly refers to:* Pinniped, a diverse group of semi-aquatic marine mammals many of which are commonly called seals* Seal , a device which helps prevent leakage, contain pressure, or exclude contamination where two systems join...
delivery system (ASDSAdvanced SEAL Delivery System was a midget submarine operated by the United States Navy and United States Special Operations Command that is designed to provide stealthy submerged transportation for special operations forces from the decks of nuclear submarines for primary use as an insertion...
)
- SSGN conversion
- Virginia-class (SSN-774 class) submarines
The Virginia class is a class of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines in service with the United States Navy. The submarines are designed for a broad spectrum of open-ocean and littoral missions...
- Submarine ASW - This section is responsible for the operational testing and evaluation of all submarine-based anti-submarine warfare
Anti-submarine warfare is a branch of naval warfare that uses surface warships, aircraft, or other submarines to find, track and deter, damage or destroy enemy submarines....
systems, including such programs as:
- Mark 48 advanced capability (ADCAP) torpedo
The Mark 48 and its improved ADCAP variant are heavyweight submarine-launched torpedoes. They were designed to sink fast, deep-diving nuclear-powered submarines and high-performance surface ships.-History:...
- Mark 54 lightweight hybrid torpedo (LHT)
The Mark 54 Lightweight Hybrid Torpedo is a standard 12.75 inch antisubmarine warfare torpedo used by the United States Navy.- Development :...
- Surface/Air ASW - This section is responsible for operationally testing and evaluation of all surace and aerial anti-submarine warfare systems, including such programs as:
- AN/UQQ-2 Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS)
The AN/UQQ-2 Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System is a towed array sonar system of the United States Navy.SURTASS began as development program in 1973 using the new research vessel Moana Wave. In 1980 SURTASS passed OPEVAL...
upgrades
- Littoral combat ship (LCS)
A Littoral Combat Ship is a type of relatively small surface vessel intended for operations in the littoral zone . It is "envisioned to be a networked, agile, stealthy surface combatant capable of defeating anti-access and asymmetric threats in the littorals." Two ship classes are the first...
ASW mission packages
OPTEVFOR Facilities
OPTEVFOR exercises operational control over four aircraft squadrons that conduct operational test and evaluation (OT&E) programs:
- Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VX-1) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River
"Pax River" redirects here. For the river, see Patuxent River.Naval Air Station Patuxent River , also known as NAS Pax River, is a United States Naval Air Station located in St. Mary's County, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay near the mouth of the Patuxent River. It is home to the U.S...
- Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9)
VX-9. Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine, is a United States Navy air test and evaluation squadron based at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California...
at the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake- About : is part of under Commander, Navy Installation Command and is located in the Western Mojave Desert region of California, approximately north of Los Angeles. Occupying three counties – Kern, San Bernardino and Inyo – the installation’s closest neighbors are the cities of Ridgecrest,...
- U.S Marine Helicopter Test and Evaluation Squadron One (HMX-1)
Marine Helicopter Squadron One , is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron responsible for the transportation of the President of the United States, Vice President, Cabinet members and other VIPs...
at the U.S. Marine Corps Air Facility QuanticoMarine Corps Air Facility Quantico is a United States Marine Corps airfield located within Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. It was commissioned in 1919 and is currently home to HMX-1, the squadron that flies the President of the United States. The airfield is also known as Turner Field,...
- U.S. Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron Twenty-Two (VMX-22)
Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron Twenty-Two is a United States Marine Corps tiltrotor squadron consisting of MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft. The squadron, known as the "Argonauts", is based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina...
at the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station New RiverMarine Corps Air Station New River is a United States Marine Corps helicopter base in Jacksonville, North Carolina, in the eastern part of the state. In 1972, the airfield was named McCutcheon Field for Brigadier General Keith B. McCutcheon, one of the fathers of Marine Corps helicopter aviation...
OPTEVFOR also maintains a detachment at the
SPAWAR Systems Center Liaison OfficeSpace and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific is the U.S. Navy's research, development, test and evaluation, engineering and fleet support center for command, control and communication systems and ocean surveillance. SSC Pacific provides information resources to support the joint warfighter in...
at the San Diego Naval Base,
CaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
Task Force 142
Although the Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR) is
listedThe Chain of command leading from the President through the Secretary of Defense down to the newest recruits. The United States armed forces are organized through the United States Department of Defense, which oversees a complex and complicated structure of joint command and control functions with...
as
Task Force 142 under the
United States Fleet Forces CommandThe United States Fleet Forces Command is an Atlantic Ocean theater-level component command of the United States Navy that provides naval resources that are under the operational control of the United States Northern Command...
, the naval component of the
U.S. Joint Forces CommandUnited States Joint Forces Command was a former Unified Combatant Command of the United States Armed Forces. USJFCOM was a functional command that provided specific services to the military. The last commander was Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno...
, OPTEVFOR is a direct report agency to the Chief of Naval Operation (CNO).
See also
- Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E)
The Director, Operational Test and Evaluation is the principal staff assistant and adviser to the Secretary of Defense on operational and live fire test and evaluation activities involving U.S...
- Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC)
- Office of Naval Research (ONR)
The Office of Naval Research , headquartered in Arlington, Virginia , is the office within the United States Department of the Navy that coordinates, executes, and promotes the science and technology programs of the U.S...
- U.S. Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC)
Located at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center is a direct reporting unit of Headquarters, United States Air Force...
- U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (TECOM)
- U.S Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity (MCOTEA)
Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity is the independent Operational Test and Evaluation authority for the U.S. Marine Corps...
- U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL)
The United States Naval Research Laboratory is the corporate research laboratory for the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps and conducts a program of scientific research and development. NRL opened in 1923 at the instigation of Thomas Edison...
Selected bibliography
- Fleet RDT&E Support Process - OPTEVFOR
- SECNAVINST 5000.2C Implementation and Operation of the Defense Acquisition System and the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System] dated 19 November 2004 - Secretary of the Navy - U.S. Department of the Navy
- SECNAVINST 5000.2B Implementation and Operation of the Defense Acquisition System and the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System dated 6 December 1996 - Secretary of the Navy = U.S. Department of the Navy
External links
- Official Web Site - U.S. Navy
- SECNAVINST 5000.2C Implementation and Operation of the Defense Acquisition System and the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System dated 19 November 2004 - Secretary of the Navy = U.S. Department of the Navy
- SECNAVINST 5000.2B Implementation and Operation of the Defense Acquisition System and the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System dated 6 December 1996 - Secretary of the Navy = U.S. Department of the Navy
- NAVY OPNAV 5450.332 Document Information - Office of the Chief of Naval Operations - N091: Mission, Functions and Tasks of Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR) - June 21, 2002
- Statement by The Honorable Philip E. Coyle, Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E), before the AirLand Subcommittee
The Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Airland is one of six subcommittees within the Senate Armed Services Committee.-Jurisdiction:The Airland Subcommittee has primary jurisdiction over all issues related to the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and U.S...
of the United States Senate Armed Services Committee – Russell Senate Office BuildingThe Russell Senate Office Building is the oldest of the United States Senate office buildings. Designed in the Beaux-Arts architectural style, it was built from 1903 to 1908, opened in 1909, and named for former Senator Richard Brevard Russell, Jr. of Georgia in 1972...
, Room 232A – March 25, 1998