Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center - SMWDC

✈️ SEE FURTHER - STRIKE HARDER 💥

Today, RDML T.J. Zerr, commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Center, welcomed RDML Craig Mattingly, commander of Patrol and Reconnaissance
Group, to our San Diego headquarters.

The mission is clear: Increase lethality through integration. By syncing surface force tactics with elite air assets—including the P-8 and MQ-4—we are sharpening the Fleet’s ability to find, fix, and finish threats across every domain.

Strategic partnerships like this ensure our Sailors have the clear sight picture needed to outmatch any adversary.

This week, RDML T. J. Zerr, accompanied by Command Master Chief Smith, conducted an all-hands call at the Mine Countermeasures Technical Division (MCMTD) in Point Loma. During the discussion, leadership answered questions and highlighted how MCMTD’s day-to-day mission directly supports the Navy’s broader strategic objectives in today’s increasingly contested maritime environment.

As a key directorate within the SMWDC enterprise, MCMTD plays a vital role in advancing the Navy’s mine warfare capabilities. Through concept development, experimentation, systems assessments, and tactical refinement, the team delivers critical fleet analysis and advanced training to surface mine countermeasures forces and CTF staffs.

In an era of evolving maritime threats, MCMTD’s work helps ensure the Navy is prepared to secure sea lines of communication, preserve freedom of navigation, and maintain sea control wherever it is challenged.

Today, RDML T. J. Zerr conducted an all-hands call at the Mine Countermeasures Technical Division (MCMTD) in Point Loma to recognize IS2 Amaya Yuille as the Junior Sailor of the Year (JSOY).

The JSOY program recognizes the Navy’s top-performing junior enlisted Sailors who demonstrate sustained superior performance, leadership, professionalism, and a strong commitment to mission accomplishment.

As a key directorate within the SMWDC enterprise, MCMTD plays a critical role in advancing the Navy’s mine warfare capabilities by leading technical and tactical innovation, conducting operational assessments and experimentation, and refining tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). The team’s work directly supports fleet requirements while ensuring surface mine countermeasures forces and CTF staffs are equipped with the advanced training and analysis needed to operate effectively in today’s maritime environment.

🔱 Lethality is a full-body requirement.

Before a single missile is tracked or a tactical order is given, combat credibility is forged in the dirt.

Today, SMWDC HQ and the Surface Advanced Warfighting School (SAWS) took to Naval Base San Diego for command PT to harden the foundation of our force.

We don’t view fitness as a checkbox; we view it as a prerequisite for victory. Technical brilliance means nothing if the warfighter lacks the physical resilience to sustain the high-end fight. We hold the line on our standards so we can hold the line at sea. 💪

🇺🇸 🤝 🇦🇺

Today, RDML T.J. Zerr, Commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC), hosted Commodore Anita Williams, Deputy Fleet Commander of the Royal Australian Navy, and CAPT Ben Hissink, Director of the Maritime Warfare Centre, for an office call in San Diego.

The engagement focused on advanced integration between the two forces, featuring an SMWDC 101 Brief followed by tours of the Surface Advanced Warfighting School (SAWS) and the Mine Countermeasure Technical Division (MCMTD) in Point Loma. MCMTD specializes in sharpening mine warfare capabilities through rigorous doctrine development, training, and operational support.

Interoperability isn’t a concept, it’s the precision alignment of our platforms and weapon systems. By synchronizing our tactical standards and learning from each other's operational expertise, we continue to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Rear Adm. T.J. Zerr, Commander of Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center, visited Fleet Training Atlantic (FT-LANT) in Little Creek this week to meet with Sailors, discuss the future of surface warfare training, and talk about what it takes to prepare crews for the high-end fight. ⚓️

At FT-LANT, that preparation comes through reps and sets in realistic Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) scenarios that push warfighters to think, adapt, and fight in complex environments.

During the visit, Rear Adm. Zerr also recognized standout Sailors from both the active-duty and Navy Reserve teams with Bravo Zulus for their contributions to fleet readiness and tactical excellence. The U.S. Navy Reserve continues to play a critical role in strengthening the Surface Force by bringing operational experience, depth, and flexibility to the mission. 🇺🇸

By training realistically today, FT-LANT helps ensure the fleet remains ready to fight and win tomorrow.

Built in the foundry. Tempered in the fleet. Forged to fight.

Collaborative innovation is in full swing today at SMWDC HQ in San Diego. 🤝

The N8/9 team is hosting our industry partners both in-person and virtually for a series of deep-dive sessions. We’re moving beyond the page to discuss the recent white paper submissions sent to the Surface Requirements Group (SURFRG).

Our mission is centered on a single goal: increasing the lethality of the Surface Force. By leveraging the expertise of our "all patch" Warfare Tactics Instructors (WTIs), we are able to pinpoint specific tactical gaps and find the most effective ways to bridge them.

We remain deeply committed to working hand-in-hand with industry leaders across the nation to ensure our waterfront and our Sailors have the tools, technology, and edge they need to be lethal. Whether we’re meeting in the boardroom or connecting across digital platforms, the focus remains the same: making sure the men and women on the deckplates are prepared for the high-end fight. 🚢⚓️