Lessons in Innovation: The SSBN Tactical Control System Upgrade

In late 2013, the Submarine Force decided to modernize the 1990's combat systems on OHIOClass submarines. In early 2014, as the Submarine Combat and Weapon Control Systems (PMS 425) Program Manager, I realized that due to the process we use for developing software and hardware, it would take until 2022 to modernize all SSBN combat systems. Based on this lengthy timeline, I challenged my team "How might we bring as much submarine combat system capability to the entire SSBN Fleet, for as little money as possible, in one year's time?" With no program dollars set aside for this initiative, any resources required would have to come from other organizations or from savings within our program. The one-year target meant we would have to bring capability faster than had ever been done before. However, the most important part of the question was the first three words – “How might we...”