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The CDC is not a specific department per se, but a function within operations. The CDC’s mission is to keep the Commanding Officer apprised of the overall tactical situation and recommend courses of action as appropriate. CDC accomplishes this mission by collecting, processing, displaying, evaluating, and disseminating tactical information in a timely fashion. CDC is vested with tactical decision making responsibility with respect to ship’s defensive systems and makes recommendations to warfare commanders for overall battlegroup defense. Specific divisions are listed below:

1. OI Division
   OI Division is responsible for tracking all contacts. This division provides tactical information support, control of the ship’s defenses, and supports ship’s safe navigation. Enlisted Operations Specialists (OSS) typically man this division.
2. OW Division
   OW Division analyzes data collected from the electromagnetic spectrum. Its mission is to detect, identify, and classify any contacts via passive detection means aided by the use of electronic support measures (ESM) equipment. Enlisted Electronics Warfare Technicians (EWs) typically man this division.
3. OX Division
   The OX Division provides mission support to the battlegroup’s warfare assets. It is responsible for the ship’s defensive systems and is the fusion center for all operations conducted by the Battlestar’s scouting aircraft such as Raptors.
4. OEM Division
   This division maintains the Close In Weapons System (CIWS) for short-range defense against missiles or aircraft. Most every ship has this system to help protect it from anti-ship missiles. Enlisted Fire Control crewmen (FC) typically work in this division.
5. Strike Operations Division
   Strike Operations Division coordinates with all warfare commanders to establish a viable AIRPLAN for battlegroup functions. During air operations, Strike Operations coordinates with Air Operations, CDC, and the Air Department (AB, AP) to ensure that air sorties are managed to meet the requirements dictated by combined warfare commanders. In support of the air wing, Strike Operations aids in weaponeering of ordnance (i.e., determines what ordnance will best be employed to destroy either individual or specific sets of targets).