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USS Bonhomme Richard Fires Sea Sparrow Missiles

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060709-02
Release Date: 7/9/2006 9:37:00 AM

By Chief Journalist (SW/AW) Walter T. Ham IV, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

ABOARD USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (BHR) (LHD 6) successfully engaged two drones with NATO Sea Sparrow missiles July 7, during a missile exercise off the coast of the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

The test took place from the Pacific Missile Range Facility as a part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2006, a large multinational naval exercise involving the navies of the United States, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Peru, Chile and the United Kingdom.

“I applaud all our fire control Sailors,” said Fire Control Officer Lt. j.g. David Shaulis, a native of Oak Park, Ill. “They demonstrated the ability to fight the ship and accomplish our mission. I believe this test shows that our crew and our systems are up to the task.”

Fire Controlman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Christopher Reynolds, who shot the four Sea Sparrow missiles in three separate salvos, said the missile exercise culminated months of hard work and training.

“It was a good feeling to get the missiles off the rail,” said Reynolds, a native of North Branch, Mich., who shot three other Sea Sparrow missiles during BHR’s last missile exercise in June 2004.

According to Bonhomme Richard’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Steve Greene, the missile exercise and the ship’s operations in support of RIMPAC have demonstrated the crew’s commitment to operational excellence.

“Our primary job is take the fight to the enemy by delivering Marines ashore, but this missile exercise shows we are ready and able to defend ourselves,” said Greene. “While Sea Sparrows are defensive weapons, they enable us to sail into harm’s way and deliver the combat-tested power of United States Marine Corps ashore, anytime and anywhere.”

The San Diego-based Bonhomme Richard got underway for RIMPAC 2006 July 5 after completing a nine-day port visit in Pearl Harbor. The ship is currently operating with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force as a part of RIMPAC’s Bilateral Force in the Hawaiian operating area.

For related news, visit the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/lhd6/.