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USS Mitscher Unleashes Firepower in Live-fire Exercises

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070620-02
Release Date: 6/20/2007 7:47:00 AM

By Ensign Laura Dogger and Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Damien Horvath, Destroyer Squadron 40 Public Affairs

USS MITSCHER, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57), a unit of Partnership of the Americas (POA) Task Group 40.0, conducted a sinking exercise June 3 during Teamwork South 2007.

Teamwork South is a Chilean biannual exercise designed to enhance interoperability between participating nations. It was held from May 30 through June 12, with navies from Argentina, Chile, France, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“During Teamwork South, Mitscher’s weapons systems worked flawlessly in every instance and Mitscher’s technicians deserve all the credit," said Mitscher Commanding Officer Cmdr. William P. McKinley. “This SINKEX was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and their daily hard work and dedication made all the difference.”

Mitscher demonstrated her capabilities in a series of live-fire exercises alongside other ships from Task Group 40.0 and partner nation navies during this phase of POA 2007.

The ship's on-board weapons systems include Standard missiles, Harpoon missiles, Vertical Launch ASROC (VLA) missiles, Tomahawk missiles; MK-46 torpedoes, one 5-inch, .54-caliber MK-45 (lightweight gun), and two 20 mm Phalanx Close In Weapons Systems (CIWS).

In an intense two days of training scenarios, Mitscher shot three Standard missiles and three Harpoon missiles at a retired Chilean fishing vessel, which was provided as a target. The CIWS mounts were fired as well.

These firing events presented a unique opportunity for the crew of the Mitscher. Some Sailors aboard have waited years to put intense training on high-tech weapon systems to use. Although this is only a training exercise, hours of preparation are put into firing even a single missile.

"Ordinarily we are only doing routine operations checks to prepare for a launch," said Fire Controlman 1st Class Kenneth McGraw. “In this case we knew that we were in fact preparing for an actual launch, so everyone was obviously excited for live fire.”

Mitscher also participated in Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS), during which a Chilean spotter ashore called in fire missions to the ship’s weapons control team. This was the first time the current NSFS team had the chance to fire at land and fired 20 rounds on target.

“The NSFS event was an excellent experience because I actually got to fire on a target on land,” said NSFS team member and gun console operator Fire Controlman 3rd Class Mitchell Lawrence. “During the trainer and when we actually qualified, we shot at simulated targets in the water. Firing ashore and coordinating the mission with a partner nation spotter and other ships was extremely satisfying. The best part was watching through the optical site as the rounds I shot hit our target on the beach.”

Coordinating with the U.S. Navy, the Chilean Navy provided range clearance before the launch. Using aircraft and communicating with nearby vessels, the Chilean Navy ensured range safety by promptly informing any surrounding boats to steer clear of the designated firing range.

“Sailors spend a lot of time training in many different environments, simulating launches and aiming at virtual targets," said Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40 chief staff officer Cmdr. John Wilshusen. "It is very gratifying to see the results of all those hours of training and practice. Mitscher’s team performed flawlessly at every opportunity. Events like this validate our training programs and encourage Sailors to become even more proficient.”

“I have been in the Navy for 17 years, and this was easily the best experience I have had,” said Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW) Kevin Jones.

Task Group 40.0 consists of dock-landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), Mitscher, guided-missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) and Chilean frigate CS Almirante Latorre (FFG 14) under the leadership of Capt. Randy Snyder, commander, DESRON 40. POA 2007 is being carried out by Task Group 40.0 under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command.