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Battle Cat Shows Off Sparrows

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040304-17

Release Date: 3/5/2004 3:08:00 AM

By Journalist 3rd Class David Beyea, USS Kitty Hawk Public Affairs

USS KITTY HAWK, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) successfully completed its annual missile exercise (MISSILEX) Feb. 29.

Two RIM-7P Sea Sparrow missiles were launched from Kitty Hawk within moments of each other. Both missiles flew toward two unmanned drone targets launched earlier from USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), a member of the Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group.

To get ready for the missile shoot, Kitty Hawk, which is alson know as "Battle Cat," moved into position 60 miles off the coast of Okinawa, in an area of the ocean designated for the MISSILEX.

"This allows us an operational area clear of air traffic," said Hook. "The air space has to be clear so we can shoot the missiles. It also provides a working area (where) we can control what traffic comes in and out."

The two unmanned drones were launched from Chancellorsville to provide targets for Kitty Hawk's radar to lock on and track. The two BQM-74E drones were sent 40 nautical miles out before they were turned around and sent toward the Battle Cat.

USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) took part in MISSILEX, as well. Curtis Wilbur helped to secure the Battle Cat's MISSILEX working area and guarantee surface clearance for the exercise, explained Hook.

"It was great," said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Kimberly Raponi of Kitty Hawk's combat systems department. "The coordination was excellent. The drones were up and running, and they sent them toward us so we could track them."

As the drones flew toward Kitty Hawk, the two Sparrows flew toward their targets, completing a successful MISSILEX.

"We got two successful birds off the rail," said Raponi.

"The missile shoot is a test of the NATO Sea Sparrow missile system (NSSMS). (It's) an operational test that involves the actual firing of two telemetry NATO Sea Sparrow missiles," said Cmdr. Luther Hook, Kitty Hawk's combat direction center officer.

NSSMS is a surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missile system, explained Raponi. There are two NSSMSs aboard Kitty Hawk, each capable of being armed with eight of the semiactive radar-homing sparrow missiles.

"We can shoot air targets or surface targets within nine nautical miles, such as an incoming enemy aircraft or a small boat attack," said Raponi. "They could also be used against incoming hostile missiles."

MISSILEX provides a chance to train Kitty Hawk's crew on using the system, explained Hook. By testing the system and training the crew, the exercise helps ensure that Kitty Hawk is at maximum readiness.