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Nimitz: Missiles 2, Drones 0

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090529-34
Release Date: 5/29/2009 5:13:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Scott A. McCall, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) fired RIM-162D Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) on moving targets May 27.

The exercise was performed to complete the ship's combat systems ship qualification trials, which started during the tailored ship's training availability and final evaluation problem in March.

"It was awesome," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gregory Peele, tactical action officer. "I think with the procedures we practice and train in, the combat direction center (CDC) and combat systems department as a whole, we were able to fully test our capabilities and carry out an effective missile launch."

Each launcher aboard Nimitz fired one ESSM that successfully connected head-to-head with the two BQM-74E drones.

"The purpose of the exercise was to test our launchers and to make sure our engagement doctrine is activated by simulated enemy targets," said Peele.

Although the first drone was shot down with ease, the second drone presented the CDC watch team with a bit of a challenge by making an indirect approach.

"Safety was a paramount concern," said Peele. "It's always tense when you're firing a live weapon.
What this exercise showed the whole watch team is that an enemy target coming in at low altitude might not be seen until it's right before our eyes. We might see it just in the range of the [Sea Sparrow] missile, and we have to kill it."

The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG), commanded by Rear Adm. John W. Miller, is comprised of Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Nimitz; its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11; embarked Destroyer Squadron 23; the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65); the guided-missile destroyers USS Sampson (DDG 102), USS Pinckney (DDG 91) and USS Higgins (DDG 76); and the guided-missile frigate USS Rentz (FFG 46).

CVW 11 squadrons include the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, the "Tophatters" of VFA 14, the "Warhawks" of VFA 97, the "Sidewinders" of VFA 86, the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6, the "Black Ravens" of Electronic Attack Squadron 135, the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 and the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron 117.

For more news from USS Nimitz, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn68/.