Kilby: LVC allows Navy to train with new capabilities before revealing them

The Navy views live, virtual and constructive training as an increasingly valuable capability because it allows the fleet to experiment and practice with new weapon systems and tactics without exposing them to adversaries, according to Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James Kilby.

“We want to be able to train our strike groups and our amphibious ready groups at sea, not attached to a range on the United States, where we can maintain currency and proficiency, where we don’t have to divulge our tactics, where we don’t have to divulge our systems,” Kilby said today during an event held by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

“Up until recently, we’ve had to kind of retract back and reset our force because we didn’t want people to watch our tactics,” Kilby continued during the panel discussion with other service branch vice chiefs.

LVC technology is used to simulate battle scenarios and virtually connect forces located in separate geographic areas, allowing ships on opposite sides of the globe to train together.

The technology is being used in various training events, including large-scale exercise 2023, which brought together six carrier strike groups, three amphibious ready groups and over 25 live and 50 virtual ships for joint exercises last July.

By allowing the Navy to covertly establish proficiency with new capabilities and then choose when and where to reveal them to adversaries, LVC enhances strategic deterrence, Kilby said today.