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Marines Maintain Proficiency with New Orleans' Indoor Weapons Trainer

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081213-12
Release Date: 12/13/2008 5:51:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Daniel Barker, USS Boxer Public Affairs

USS NEW ORLEANS, At Sea (NNS) -- Marines aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) have the unique opportunity to train with a variety of weapons indoors, unaffected by elements or time of day.

The Indoor Simulated Markmanship Trainer (ISMT) is a training facility located below decks, that uses a computer-based system to provide a realistic environment, feel and action of weapons used by the U.S. Marine Corps.

"This is about as real as you can get," said Combat Cargo Assistant Marine Staff Sgt. Antonio Serrano. "We are using real weapons, converted to use compressed air and a laser, so you get the recoil and same reaction as firing a live weapon."

The trainer has three types of scenarios for shooting practice: lanes training; simulating shooting at known distances at both still and moving targets; and computer-generated imagery. Results are recorded by the computer and include visual shot grouping, accuracy ratings and pass/fail grading, allowing Marines to identify the areas needed to improve their marksmanship.

"No other ship in the amphibious class has this system," said Marine Gunnery Sgt. Ty Jones, ISMT instructor. "We are always improving, always getting sharper, and this facility allows us to train anytime, day or night."

The ISMT is comprised of: a digital projector, a video screen, a computer and a laser heat-detecting weapon with a CO2 burst that provides the feel of firing a real shot and loading a new round. The weapons used aboard the New Orleans' facility include M-16 rifles, M-9 pistols, and the 50-caliber guns that are mounted on Marine Humvees and amphibious assault vehicles.

New Orleans is currently underway as part of the Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG) conducting certification exercises to prepare for an upcoming deployment.

BOXESG is comprised of Amphibious Squadron 5, USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS Chung Hoon (DDG 93), USCGC Boutwell (WHEC 719), USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21, Naval Beach Group 1, Assault Craft Unit 5, Assault Craft Unit 1, Beach Master Unit 1 and Fleet Surgical Team 5.

The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit is comprised of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced), Combat Logistics Battalion 13 and Battalion Landing Team 1/1.

For more news from USS Boxer (LHD 4), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd4/.