Currently, a family of shore-based training devices is available to train flight crews to safely operate and fully employ their weapons systems. Weapons System Trainers (WSTs) are used extensively to provide mission training and to build and maintain proficiency. This capability is not available at forward-deployment locations for the Navy or Marines, and is not available aboard ship. Additionally, recent operations have disclosed the absolute need for deployed tactical aviation mission rehearsal capability. As a result, the Navy is pursuing the development of a family of training devices designed to serve remotely located tactical aviation units, under the overall program title of "Deployed Tactical Aircraft Training System (DTATS)."

"OK, kid. Before you can fly, you've got to go down to the seventh deck and get your simulator hop. I'll see you there in fifteen minutes."