West Coast-based Naval Special Warfare (NSW) operators recently concluded a joint training exercise focused on enhancing operational capabilities and partnerships in mid-December that included work at Silver Strand Training Complex.
The joint training included forces from 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, 1st Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 137th Special Operations Wing, 527th Space Aggressor Squadron (SAS), and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Naval Special Warfare is the nation’s elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet’s reach and gain and maintain access for the Joint Force in competition and conflict.
Training at the ‘elephant cage’
The complex is located on the Coronado-Imperial Beach border and is considered the premier training facility for the military’s special forces, according to the Navy.
It has been called the “elephant cage,” which is the nickname of a large landmark located there or the large “Wollan Weber” circular antenna, according to the Navy.
The antenna area was used several years ago to provide primary communication links for the Navy’s submarine community.
Today this 450-acre facility provides an excellent training environment with waterborne approaches from both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay sides, according to the Navy. The city-like layout of the base also provides a realistic site for critical urban warfare training.
“Our nation’s strategic advantage is bolstered by our collective ability to operate effectively in the joint environment,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Blake Chaney, commander, Naval Special Warfare Group 1. “NSW’s capability to augment the joint force offers our nation’s leaders unparalleled and distinctive options.”
Training for complex missions
During the exercise, the forces conducted numerous interoperability and training iterations, demonstrating the tactics and skills required for complex missions.
The training encompassed direct action raid iterations, close-quarters combat techniques, maritime boat operations, aviation insertions, and combat medical tactics.
“The 15th MEU’s ability to integrate and partner with Naval Special Warfare enhances our capabilities as a crisis response force,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Sean Dynan, commanding officer of 15th MEU. “Premier training like this allows us to complement each other to support Combatant Commanders and the Joint Force.”
‘Best sparring partner’
The joint training exercise allowed each force to leverage its unique capabilities and share best practices. The exchange of knowledge and experiences among the units contributed to continuously improving tactics and strategies for future employment.
“The service members of the 527th and the 26th SAS provide the best sparring partner possible to our joint force partners by knowing, teaching, and replicating adversary electromagnetic warfare and cyber threats,” said U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. C. Gene Adams, commander of 527th Space Aggressor Squadron. “Training like this is essential to maintain U.S. advantage in great power competition.”
