PANAMA CITY, Fla. –
Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) provided valuable communication equipment to Task Force New York (TFNY) while supporting operations in the fight against COVID-19 in the New York City area.
The Joint Expeditionary Command and Control team (JEXC2) from NSWC PCD, in collaboration with Shore and Expeditionary Integration Program Office (PMW 790, PEO C4I) fielded the Expeditionary Carry-On Network (ExCON) kit to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit 2 (EODESU2) and is actively supporting them as they provide advanced communications functions to TFNY.
“The ExCON kit was designed with small platforms in mind; everything is contained in three cases to allow units to connect in the most austere environments,” said Mark Chastain, NSWC PCD ExCON project manager. “It is rugged and designed to operate without much intervention.”
The ExCON kit provides Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet), Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)/Voice over Secure Internet Protocol (VoSIP) connectivity with Defense Information System Agency (DISA) or other tactical networks. It uses a commercial satellite communications (SATCOM) on the move antenna for use when mobile operations are necessary and has an agnostic transport capability, current in use by TFNY, that allows any commercial bandwidth of opportunity (LTE, Wifi, or hardline) to provide secure, high-speed voice, video and data, enabling reliable transmission of voice and data in a variety of situations.
During the fielding of each kit, the JEXC2 team provides in person training, as well as around-the-clock technical assistance from their Mission Support Center support the systems in the JEXC2 portfolio as the need arises.
In addition to providing communication support, NSWC PCD scientists and engineers are using their unique skillsets during the COVID-19 crisis.
“Our personnel are making 3D printed masks for our mission essential personnel, we also have two teams developing ventilator prototypes that are going through the testing phase, and if approved, will serve to save lives in hospital settings,” said Capt. Aaron Peters, NSWC PCD commanding officer. “I couldn’t be any prouder of the integral role our command is playing during this crisis.”
NSWC PCD’s mission is to conduct research, development, test and evaluation, and in-service support in Mine Warfare, Naval Special Warfare, Diving and Life Support, and Amphibious and Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare Systems, as well as other missions in the Littoral Battlespace.
For more information on NSWC PCD, visit https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/Warfare-Centers/NSWC-Panama-City/ .