By
Petty Officer 3rd Class Abigail Rader, Navy
Public Affairs Support Element
SAN DIEGO – A 2008 Chandler High School
graduate and Chandler, Arizona native is serving
in the U.S. Navy as part of a team supporting one of the country’s most
versatile combat ships.
Petty
Officer 2nd Class Daniel Condon
is
an information systems technician and a member of Commander, LCS Squadron One which
supports
both variants of littoral combat ships
based in San Diego.
A Navy information systems technician is
responsible for ensuring the crews are trained and certified correctly to carry out their
administrative jobs on the ships' networks.
“My job makes a bigger difference, because cyber is a
big deal these days, so we get to help deter any threats from happening,”
said Condon.
The LCS platform has a unique manning concept called
“3-2-1,” where three crews serve aboard two different littoral combat ships,
one of which is deployed. This
innovative manning concept allows the LCS to spend
more time forward deployed without overtaxing the crew, according to Navy
officials.
Designed to
defeat threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft, littoral combat ships are a bold departure from
traditional Navy shipbuilding programs. The LCS sustainment strategy was
developed to take into account the unique design and manning of LCS and its
associated mission modules.
“This command is something new, and different,” said
Condon. “It's not something I, or anyone, really, is used to. The integration
of the crews is pretty interesting as well. We have a lot of interaction
between the staff and the crews.”
According to
Navy officials, the path to becoming an LCS sailor is a long one. Following an 18-month training pipeline,
sailors have to qualify on a simulator that is nearly identical to the ship. This intense and realistic training pipeline
allows sailors to execute their roles and responsibilities immediately upon
stepping onboard.
"Sailors that work aboard this platform are expected to
be capable of performing a variety of tasks to assist in the completion of the
LCS mission," said Capt. Warren R Buller, Commander, LCS Squadron One.
"The training that is required of our sailors is
rigorous and difficult. This ensures that they are mission ready to defend and
protect America at all times."
As a service
member supporting the LCS mission, Condon explained they are building a legacy
that will last beyond their lifetimes. Sailors know how important it is for the
Navy to develop new war fighting capabilities to continue their success on the
world’s oceans.
“I'm able to help defend
the country,” added Condon. “I'm doing my part for the country in a unique way.
It's really good training and sets me up for really good opportunities.”
Through
innovative planning, the design of systems, and crew requirements, the LCS
platform allows the fleet to increase forward presence and optimize its
personnel, improving the ability of the Navy to be where it matters, when it
matters.