By Captain Jenn Jackson
Located two decks below the bridge of Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa is a room with restricted access cloaked in mystery.
It's called the Operations Room, and it never sleeps.
Working at its stations are dedicated sailors who maintain a 24/7 watch at sea ensuring the ship is ready to fight.
“When you think of a ship, the Bridge is the eyes, the Machinery Control Room is the heart and the Operations Room is the brain,” explains Lieutenant Commander Will Chong, HMCS Ottawa's Operations Officer.
“All data from our sensors and communications flows to the Operations Room where it is analysed so decisions can be made to determine the best course of action to support the current tactical situation.”
In the centre of the room is the Operations Room Officer (ORO) who has overall responsibility for running the Ops Room. They work in parallel with the Officer of the Watch to maintain the operational tempo.
“You have a team around you that makes sure no information gets missed, and an Ops Room Supervisor that makes sure everyone is on the same page” says Lieutenant (Navy) (Lt(N)) Eric Dignard, Ottawa's Tactics Officer and an ORO.
A Naval Combat Information Operator (NCI Op), the Ops Room Supervisor (ORS) acts as the bridge between the port, starboard and front rows to ensure the tactical picture is maintained and that the intent from the back row (the ORO and Warfare Directors) is communicated forward.
“As an ORS, you are in…
Continue Reading This Article At The Canadian Armed Forces Website
