others are used for several different applications. In the next section, we will first cover shipboard computer networks and workstations, followed by a discussion of SHF satellite broadcasts and HF facsimile broadcasts. We will complete the chapter with a discussion of shipboard HF radio systems. Q33. Q34. Q35. Q36. REVIEW  QUESTIONS What is the purpose of the PMSV? What does the proword "WILCO" indicate? What would be the proper pronunciation of a wind direction of 250° at 17 knots? When  relaying  a  current  U.S.  Navy  ship observation  to  a  pilot  over  PMSV,  what information must not be released? SHIPBOARD  ENVIRONMENTAL WORKSTATIONS  AND COMMUNICATIONS  SYSTEMS LEARNING  OBJECTIVES:  Identify  the components of the Tactical Environmental Support System (TESS). Identify the systems associated with the Navy Integrated Tactical Environmental Subsystem (NITES). Identify the  components  of  the  Interim  Mobile Oceanographic Support System (IMOSS). Identify  the  basic  functions  of  TESS  and IMOSS. There  have  been  dramatic  changes  to  shipboard communications  over  the  last  several  years.  The  advent of  the  Internet  and  other  advancements  in communications   technology   have   improved connectivity between ships and shore-based facilities. These  changes  have  greatly  enhanced  the  quality  of environmental  support  provided  by  shipboard Aerographer’s Mates. To make the most of these changes,   several   new   environmental   computer workstations and communication networks have been, and will continue to be, introduced. TACTICAL ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT SYSTEM (TESS) Aboard ship, a large portion of your workday will be spent working at one of the Tactical Environmental Support  System  (TESS)  workstations.  TESS  is  a modular,  interactive,  computer-based  system  that collects,   processes,   analyzes,   displays,   and disseminates METOC data and products. It has been installed afloat on most major combatant ships, such as aircraft carriers and command ships, as well as ashore at NAVMETOCCOM regional centers and facilities, and at Tactical Support Centers (TSC). The original version of TESS was developed in the mid  1980s  as  the  first  stand-alone  environmental workstation and has been the backbone of METOC- related  information  for  the  shipboard  Aerographer’s Mate.  TESS  has  gradually  evolved  into  a  complete environmental  and  communications  workstation.  In 1990, the TESS (3) system was introduced. It provided a larger selection of meteorological and oceanographic products  and  was  the  first  system  that  provided connectivity  between  ships  and  shore-based  METOC activities.     The   Shipboard   Meteorological   and Oceanographic Observing System (SMOOS) was also introduced in conjunction with TESS (3). Since then, technology  advancements  such  as  the  Internet  have made enormous amounts of environmental information readily  available.     As a result, TESS-Next Century (TESS-NC) was introduced in 1997 to take advantage of this technological surge. However, until TESS-NC is fully fielded, an interim system, known as TESS-NC Transition, has been made available to the fleet. The environmental software programs in TESS are ultimately designed to provide tailored meteorological and  oceanographic  products,  as  well  as  electromagnetic propagation, acoustic, and satellite products. This information is used to provide direct tactical support to naval air, surface, and USW operations. TESS assesses the effects of the environment on fleet platforms, weapons, and sensors. TESS products are designed to be  timely,  valid,  and  practical.  The  analyses  and predictions  from  TESS  are  based  on  information obtained from various telecommunications channels as well as on-scene observations. In addition, TESS makes  use  of  radio  teletype  information,  HF  and satellite  information,  scientific  models,  and  historical data. In chapter 2, we will describe some of the TESS software programs and their applications. TESS-NC Transition The  TESS-NC  Transition  system  consists  of several  personal  computers  and  accessories.  The TESS-NC Transition takes advantage of a variety of Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products, hardware, and  software.  Installation of this system provides added functionality not previously supported by TESS (3), including   direct   ship-to-ship   and   ship-to-shore 1-28