Fleet Combat Training Center Atlantic

• Origins: The Fleet Combat Training Center Atlantic (FCTCLANT) was established in Dam Neck, Virginia Beach, Virginia, during World War II to train naval gunners and radar operators for combat readiness. • Former Names: The facility was originally known as the Naval Gunnery School, Dam Neck, before evolving into FCTCLANT in the 1960s as naval warfare technology advanced. • Role in the Cold War: FCTCLANT played a vital role in training sailors in anti-air and anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War, preparing crews for potential conflicts with Soviet forces. • Simulator Pioneers: The center was one of the first Navy facilities to employ advanced combat simulators, enabling realistic and safe training for missile and radar operations. • Training Scope: FCTCLANT trained not only U.S. Navy personnel but also service members from allied nations, strengthening NATO and international partnerships. • Integrated Training: The center specialized in integrating training for entire ship combat systems, including Aegis-equipped ships, ensuring cohesive operations among bridge, combat, and engineering teams. • Gulf War Preparation: Prior to Operation Desert Storm in 1991, FCTCLANT played a major role in preparing surface fleet crews for combat operations in the Persian Gulf. • Base Realignment: In 2004, FCTCLANT was realigned under the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) as part of Navy-wide training reforms, but its legacy continues at Dam Neck. • Unique Location: Dam Neck’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Virginia Capes Operating Area provided direct access to live-fire ranges and sea training exercises. • Heritage: The “Fleet Combat Training Center Atlantic” name is still revered within Navy circles for its decades-long contribution to fleet readiness and innovation in naval training.