Military

Lake Erie Conducts Successful BMD Tracking Mission

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080606-01
Release Date: 6/6/2008 6:00:00 AM

By Ensign Brittany Lynn, USS Lake Erie Public Affairs

ABOARD USS LAKE ERIE (NNS) -- Returning from a three-week port visit to San Diego, the Pearl Harbor-based guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) participated in the first Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) mission on June 5, since the famous "satellite shot" in February 2008.

Lake Erie, along with other elements of the BMD System to include Sea Based X-Band Radar, Beal AFB Upgraded Early Warning Radar, and transportable AN/TPY-2 radar, successfully detected and tracked one Minuteman III, a long-range missile, over the Pacific Ocean.

This test, known as Glory Trip 197, served as a target of opportunity for several Mission Defense Agency's emerging technology programs.

As part of Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense, Lake Erie was part of a continuing program to evaluate and demonstrate operational readiness of the ground-based strategic deterrent force, conduct long-range surveillance, and track provided critical tactical data link information to other participating BMDS elements.

The Naval Sea Systems Command Port Hueneme Shipboard Test Team led by Stanley Williams and James Jones, provided technical, and test and evaluation support.

Williams explained that "once again America's finest, those that serve, continue to demonstrate their technical prowess, and tactical ability while meeting the challenges of ballistic missile defense. I am in awe of the Lake Erie Sailors that proudly serve."

Glory Trip 197 was the first BMD mission for Lake Erie's new Commanding Officer, Capt. Ron Boxall.

Despite a last-minute, 125-mile weather divert, Lake Erie's execution of the tracking exercise was flawless.

"I was impressed with the professionalism and flexibility of our folks, as well as our civilian and industry partners," Boxall remarked.

Lake Erie will continue BMD testing in June 2008, launching the Stellar Scorpion (FTM-14) campaign. Stellar Scorpion will consist of two events, and will include the firing of two Standard Missile-2 Block IV missiles, as validation for the Navy's Near-Term Sea-Based Terminal capability.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Hawaii, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrh/.