Afloat Training Group Pacific Northwest (ATG PNW) recently began a surface warfare officer (SWO) introduction course at Naval Station
Everett. The four-week course prepares SWOs to be effective contributors to the success of their ship from day one.
According to Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Vice Adm. D.C. Curtis, the goal of the SWO Introduction Course is to “further empower
new officers in their leadership roles and give them the tools necessary to run shipboard divisions, maintain required equipment and
lead Sailors at sea to prepare them for success.”
ATG employs top Navy Sailors that keep their warfare expertise sharp by maintaining technical in-rate currency of professional knowledge
and skills through a robust training program of formal Navy schools, installation and factory training, technical symposiums, informal
training and self study. Course highlights include 24 hours of hands-on training in Navy Seamanship Ship handling Training (NSST).
The NSST is a state-of the art trainer with the latest equipment found on the bridge of a modern Navy warship. 
The trainer allows bridge watch standers to hone their skills in the art of ship handling, threat detection, and response. 
“It’s a really good way for an officer of the deck to test their skills,” said Ensign Casey Burnette, USS Ford (FFG 54).
The students attended several damage control trainers that included a day-long firefighting course where they learned and applied firefighting
techniques and a day-long damage control wet trainer where they were taught pipe-patching, shoring and dewatering. Damage control
techniques are fundamental skills that every Sailor needs to know. 
“This was the first time for hands-on training with DC equipment - a great opportunity for learning to be a team leader,” said Ensign Heidi
Sandell, USS Ingraham (FFG 61).
Students also attended handgun familiarization and safety followed by the Navy handgun qualification course, practical weapons course and
low-light weapons course.
“I was surprised; I shot a perfect score. It was good to have time blocked out for the gun shoot,” said Ensign Christopher Harris, USS Shoup
(DDG 86).
Students also get swim qualified and by the end of the course have completed most of the prerequisites to become boat officer qualified.
The SWO Intro course is providing the groundwork of knowledge and qualifications to give the future Surface Warfare Leaders the foundation
to excel.
“This course is a milestone in our training capabilities,” said Lt. Cmdr. Dan Straub, executive officer of ATG PNW.  “It’s important for us to be
able to offer this basic course right here at NAVSTA Everett where these officers and their ships are stationed.”