Wireless Connectivity Bridge Expansion Continues to Improve Sailor Access during Maintenance Availabilities
17 August 2022
NORFOLK, Va. -- NORFOLK, Va. – Sailors now can access and interface with essential services and information available online for their professional requirements during shipyard availabilities using the Wireless Connectivity Bridge (WCB).
WCB uses technology to improve ships network connectivity speeds with minimal cost and infrastructure support required. The sailors on these ships now have the ability to access web applications and information at improved speeds on their temporary local area networks while in a shipyard environment.
With a recently granted Authority to Operate, WCB has now been installed on USS Iwo Jima. WCB was launched as a prototype in early 2022 aboard USS Pinckney (DDG 91) and USS Wasp (LHD 1). This allows high speed access to systems associated with Supply, Ship Personnel matters, Ship Maintenance, etc. making the ship’s force more productive during maintenance periods and allowing them to be ready to jump right into training as soon as the maintenance period is over.
"The WCB has significantly improved my command's ability to communicate and accomplish work! This is some of the fastest internet that the ship has seen onboard," said Capt. Judd Krier, USS Iwo Jima’s Commanding Officer.
In addition to WCB, USS Iwo Jima will be using a prototype Wi-Fi system. By adding the Wi-Fi capability to USS Iwo Jima’s maintenance period, the maintenance team’s production will increase, as well as the quality of life onboard.
CNRMC oversees the operations of Regional Maintenance Centers (RMCs) in their execution of surface ship maintenance, modernization, and sustainment.