COMMAND COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION

The structure of the communications organization of a command depends on command size and whether the command is ship- or shore-based. Not all Navy ships have a communications department. Basic Operational Communications Doctrine (U), NWP 4 (NWP 6-01), designates the types of ship that should have a communications department. In ships that are not so designated, communications personnel are assigned to the operations department, but the communications functions are the same as those for ships with a communications department. Future organization may structure communication and automated systems into a combined information systems department.

Senior enlisted personnel may be assigned communications duties normally assigned to officers if there are insufficient officers to fill communications billets. Figure 2-3 shows a normal shipboard communications organization. Key billets are further discussed in this chapter.

Commanding Officer

The commanding officer of a ship or a shore command is responsible for the communications of that command. The only exception to this is when a flag

officer is embarked aboard a ship, making that vessel the flagship. In such cases, the embarked commander assumes control of flagship communications. The commanding officer is still responsible for the proper handling of message traffic within the ship.

Communications Officer

The communications officer (COMM officer) is responsible for the organization, supervision, and coordination of the command's exterior communications. At shore stations, the COMM officer is the department head. Aboard ship, the COMM officer may be assigned as a department head or may be assigned under the operations officer. Aboard ship, the COMM officer is also responsible for the management of related internal communications systems.

Radio Officer

The radio officer is in charge of the communications center. This officer is responsible for organizing and supervising assigned personnel to ensure accurate, secure, and rapid communications. The radio officer is responsible to the communications officer for: @ Preparing the command's communications plan;

Figure 2-3.-Communications organization.

Monitoring the proper allocation of equipment for operations;

Preparing and maintaining the communications watch, quarter, and station bill;

Conducting the communications training program; and

Preparing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the communications center.

On small ships, the communications officer and the radio officer maybe the same person.

Communications Security Material System (CMS) Custodian

The CMS custodian is responsible to the commanding officer for:

Managing the CMS account in accordance with the instructions contained in the

Communications Security Material System (CMS) Policy and Procedures Manual, CMS 1;

Advising the commanding officer on matters concerning the physical security and handling of CMS publications and materials;

Stowage of CMS publications and materials, as well as the drawing, correcting, and authorized destruction; and

Submitting all reports concerning the accountability and issuance of CMS publications and materials.

Watch Section Personnel

The functions of the operational organization of a communications command consist of:

Message processing, circuit operation, technical control, data processing, and operation; and

Control of voice circuits and the operation of satellite circuits, where installed.

The combined efforts of the operational organization are performed in various spaces simultaneously. In the next section, we will discuss the duties and responsibilities of some of the key billets within this organization.