Combat Information Center

The CIC is the tactical nerve center of a naval ship, serving primary roles that include monitoring radar and sonar data for situational awareness, tracking friendly and enemy vessels/aircraft using plotting boards and status boards, coordinating defense and weapons systems particularly during combat or high threat conditions, and communicating with other units via secure radio and data systems.

The Combat Information Center (CIC) on the USS Midway comprised several specialized functions, including:

• Display and Decision (D&D): Integrates and presents real-time tactical data to support command decision-making across all warfare areas.

• Air Warfare (AAW): Assesses and responds to airborne threats through intercept coordination and air defense control.

• Surface Warfare (SUW): Tracks and evaluates surface contacts, directing engagement as needed.

• Electronic Warfare (EW): Monitors and counters electromagnetic threats through detection, jamming, and deception.

• Subsurface Warfare (ASW Support): Supports detection and tracking of submarine threats using offboard sensor data.

• Navigation Support: Provides radar-based navigation data to assist ship positioning and maneuvering.

• Tactical Data Link Operations: Maintains secure, real-time data exchange with allied units to share the tactical picture.

Some of these areas are shown in subsequent photos.