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BHR Complete PAC Fire Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061203-01
Release Date: 12/3/2006 12:51:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel Taylor, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR) and her crew conducted a Pre-Action Aim Calibration (PAC) fire on the Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) off the coast of Southern California Nov. 28.

BHR Combat Weapons Division Leading Chief Petty Officer, Chief Fire Controlman Daniel Cameron knows the importance of properly calibrating the CIWS, as it is the last line of defense against incoming anti-ship cruise missiles and low flying fixed wing aircraft.

“If the NATO misses it and RAM misses it, then CIWS is the last defense between an incoming target and the ship,” said Cameron.

Chief Fire Controlman Albert Shields said the PAC fire, which is part of the routine maintenance on the MK-15 Phalanx CIWS, makes sure the weapon system is properly sighted, maintaining its readiness as part of BHR’s defense systems. Maintenance like this is important in keeping the weapon system operational.

Shields knows live exercises help Sailors to be ready if the system is ever needed in a real-world scenario.

“By doing this enough, the operators will be able to commit the operation to muscle memory,” he said.

While the object of the PAC fire is to maintain the CIWS’s targeting system, by firing the weapon, operators and maintenance personnel can make sure all components of the system are working and correct any problems that might occur.

Shields said the CIWS has a complex electronic side that needs to be tested and maintained, as well as the mechanical parts.

“It is always a good idea to flex your weapon systems when you get a chance, to make sure they are ready in case you need them,” he said.

This is the last scheduled underway period of the year for the BHR. The ship is scheduled to deploy in early 2007 in support of the global war on terrorism.