The US Navy returns to HF with STANAG 5066 as the path

With renewed dedication to allied interoperability, several years ago the US Navy launched an initiative to enable digital data interchange at sea between US battle groups and allied/coalition navy units operating in concert. Building on the experience gained from ad hoc efforts with HF e-mail in the mid 90s, the USN applied the technology enhancements in MIL-STD-188-110B (interoperability and performance standards for data modems) and STANAG 5066 (profile for HF radio data communications) to implement a COTS based e-mail system operating in the HF spectrum at speeds up to 9600 bps. This paper describes this fast moving program, entitled Battle Force Email 66, and its rapid implementation on a battlegroup deployment basis, starting with the Harry S Truman BG and the Nassau ARG. Lessons learned are discussed along with successes to date and enhancements being investigated for application in the near future.