Network Centric Operations (NCO) Case Study: U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet Task Force 50 in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM

Abstract : The purpose of this case study report is to describe the evolution of network enabled capabilities in the context of naval operations conducted under the command of RADM (now retired) T. Zelibor. The focus is on the background and creation of Task Force 50 (TF-50), and primarily on the evolution of the transformational capabilities that permitted TF-50 to succeed in the manner that it did. The study examines those transformation innovations from their inception up through current day. The evidence is drawn from discussions with key naval and TF-50 personnel, as well as open-source data. This case begins with an overview of the overall case study and introduction. It is followed by a brief review of TF-50. The report then describes the study methodology. The findings section follows, and describes in detail the development and success of TF-50, including information regarding various technological systems, information sharing practices, and the importance of strong leadership. The final section of this report includes the conclusions. This study finds that it is the continuous evolution of a variety of factors that lead to the effectiveness and efficiency of TF-50. It did not require unlimited financial resources to make this change happen. Rather this transformation occurred as a result of intuitive leadership, a culture to allow for change, and personnel willing to trust a new method of operating.