Guided missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) recently completed installation of the Cooperative Afloat Networks Enterprise Services (CANES) program.
Leveraging lessons learned from the first few ships in the fleet to receive the upgrade, Russell was the first ship to complete installation in only seven days. Previous installations required over a month.
The CANES program brings major improvements to the security and convenience of computers aboard Russell. Security advantages include easier patching with the latest updates, distributed server architecture and automatic backups. The Sailors enjoy numerous benefits from the new system, including faster computers, a newer operating system (Windows 7), remote trouble shooting, and fewer corrupted profiles. The system even includes a Space and Naval Warfare System Command (SPAWAR) designed Wi-Fi network that ship’s laptops and printers can connect to, thereby increasing the number of spaces usable for computer work.
The Navy began installing CANES on its ships at the end of 2013. CANES supports the priority of building a relevant and capable future force and the vision statement of using new technologies and operating concepts to sharpen the warfighting advantage against evolving threats, part of the “Sailing Directions” released by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert.
The current plan is to have the system installed on more than 190 ships, submarines and Maritime Operations Centers by 2021.
[mappress] Press Release, June 26, 2014; Image: Wikimedia