Environmental briefings for surface ship operations vary considerably, depending upon the type(s) of ships and the mission being undertaken. Remember, you must be aware of all phases of an operation in order to evaluate and comment on how environmental conditions will influence the operation.

Elements of interest in operations briefings vary depending on the operation being under-taken. You should consider the following elements when preparing an operations brief for surface ships:

Tropical cyclones (typhoons/hurricanes) Make a special effort to keep a track chart on these storms. COs are very aware of the danger they present and want as much advance notice as possible on their development and movement. Even though Oceanography Centers keep all ships advised of the location, intensity, and forecast movement of these storms through warnings and advisories, do not let these messages lull you into a false sense of security. Remember, the on-scene meteorologist/oceanographer or leading aerographer is responsible for keeping everyone informed about these storms. That person will often be asked to make a recommendation on what course of action the ship should take to avoid or lessen the effects of these storms. 

Sea conditions and wind speeds as related to the development of seasThese are important items for most ships, because winds and seas affect so many surface operations.

VisibilityThis element is of utmost impor-tance to the safety of a ship. It can also control a ships speed of advance (SOA). For example, if an extensive fog bank is expected to be encountered enroute, the CO may desire to increase the ships SOA while visibility is good. In port, sailing times may have to be altered if fog is expected at the time of departure. 

Weather and obstructions to visionThese items cover a multitude of possibilities in the realm of operations. Rain, snow, freezing precipitation, etc., can all affect certain operations. If the bosun has scheduled topside painting and rain is in the forecast, you might be wise to inform the bosun. Of greater importance, the weapons officer should be briefed on forecast precipitation. This brief could stop the planned loading of missiles that are adversely affected by precipitation. 

Cloud coverage and ceilingsThese are important primarily to flight operations. However, in time of war it may be desirable to conduct surface operations beneath heavy cloud cover to lessen the chances of detection from the air. The use of fronts and squalls to avoid detection was common in World War II.

Radar and sonar conditionsThe effect of the environment on these systems is extremely important. COs want to know the effect of the environment on their ships systems and the systems of their adversaries. This information can be obtained using on-scene data in conjunction with computer programs, or it may be requested from the Fleet Numerical Oceanography Center. 

Air temperature and sea temperatureThese two elements are highly important in areas of cold-weather operations. When air temperatures dip below freezing, an accumulation of ice top-side can seriously affect a ships stability and endanger the lives of personnel. Of importance in times of war, a ship coated with ice is easier to see than one that isnt ice coated. Ice on a flight deck is extremely hazardous as has already been mentioned in a previous lesson.

Sea ice and drift iceBoth types of ice can be a hazard to navigation. When operating in polar climates, be sure to brief the distance to all known ice edges and drifting ice. Information on ice edges, bergs, etc., is available from the Naval Polar Oceanography Center. 

Chill factorAnytime personnel are working outdoors in near- or below-freezing temperatures, the wind becomes an added factor in how long personnel can safely remain outside without suffering from exposure. At sea, owing to the ships SOA, the added wind across the deck must be taken into consideration. This information should always be briefed so that personnel may be advised on the type of clothing they should wear.

Learning Objective: Explain the impor-tance of a special evolutions/briefing checklist, and how one is developed.

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