MK 30 Mobile ASW Target Supports Littoral ASW Training in Hawaii
NAVSEA News
By NUWC Keyport Detachment Pacific
BARBERS POINT, Hawaii -- In response to a request from Submarine Forces Pacific (SUBPAC) for more realistic Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) littoral training, Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport Division, Detachment Pacific recently deployed two MK 30 MOD 1 targets in non-instrumented areas for the first time in waters near the Hawaiian Islands.
This is a significant accomplishment as it demonstrates the capability to safely deploy MK 30 targets practically anyplace the Fleet wants to train. Prior to this evolution, MK 30 targets were restricted to three-dimensional underwater tracking ranges.
The first event, a tracking exercise, was completed on March 26 about five miles off the northeastern coast of Oahu. The second event was conducted near Maui and included the firing of two exercise torpedoes. Both events were Training Readiness Evaluation (TRE) exercises.
Preparation for these events required manufacturing a target launcher and installing it onboard SUBPAC's torpedo weapon retrievers, which served as launch and recovery platforms.
Detachment Pacific personnel spearheaded this successful operation which involved close teamwork with SUBPAC, Naval Sea Systems Command, NUWC Newport and Keyport. Detachment Pacific personnel prepared the targets at the MK 30 Operating Site on Kauai, and also manufactured and installed the target launcher.
The Coast Guard, Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai and Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (Light) 37 (HSL-37) provided support services to ensure target safety and security, and environmental compliance.
Detachment personnel will conduct a hot wash-up to assess MK 30 target performance and discuss lessons learned, as well as provide exercise reconstruction, analysis, and feedback on the training events.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
