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Lincoln Sea Sparrow Missiles Impact Multiple Targets During Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070814-24
Release Date: 8/14/2007 5:16:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James R. Evans, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) tested its defensive capabilities, Aug. 13 when it fired four RIM-7P NATO Sea Sparrow missiles during a live-fire training exercise.

Two of the missiles were fired on BQM-74E remote operated drones and two were fired on a remotely-operated rigid hull inflatable boat rigged for remote operation to simulate a High-Speed Maneuvering Surface Threat.

“The purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate the ability of a carrier to defend itself against a coordinated air and surface attack,” said Lt. Cmdr. Matt Hendrickson, the ship’s tactical action officer (TAO) for the event.

For Lincoln’s Combat Systems and Weapons Departments, the shoot was the culmination of several weeks preparation to ensure that every system was functioning at peak performance.

“This evolution really started four weeks ago,” said Fire Controlman 1st Class Adam Acker, Combat Systems work center supervisor. “Everyone in my work center has been working 16-hour days ‘tweaking and peaking,’ performing quality control and preventative maintenance on the systems and making sure we got a good look at everything before the event.”

As Firing Officer’s Console Operator during the exercise, Acker actually pushed the button to fire two of the missiles.

Acker said that the event, which pitted Lincoln’s self-defense systems against fast-moving aircraft and a quickly maneuvering surface threat simultaneously, was designed to simulate the types of threats a carrier could be faced with while deployed in support of the global war on terrorism.

“They’re not going to send just one thing to try to take out a carrier,” said Acker. “This was a chance for us to see what a combined attack looks like on our scopes and learn how to defend against it.”

For many of the personnel involved, this was the first time they’ve been able to put all of their training to the test and engage real targets with live missiles.

“It was definitely a thrill,” said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Lee Johnson, a radar console operator for the event, who has been aboard Lincoln for just over a year. “I have a lot more confidence in the ship’s ability to engage a target now that I’ve seen how everything comes together.”

For Lincoln, the live-fire missile exercise fulfilled the ship’s final qualification in anti-air defense for Tailored Ship’s Training Availability (TSTA), as well as qualified Combat Systems Department for a possible Battle Efficiency Award.

“We accomplished our goals for visual shot and the event was graded as a success,” said Acker.

Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 are underway off the coast of Southern California conducting TSTA.