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USS Farragut Ensures Combat Readiness

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS120626-20
6/26/2012

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) A.J. Jones, USS Farragut Public Affairs

USS FARRAGUT, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) successfully completed a live-fire test of a number of shipboard weapons systems June 23.

The weapons firing was conducted to ensure that every weapon is fully ready to carry out its mission of self defense.

"We have to do these exercises every month while out at sea, so that we know at any time we are ready and capable to defend the ship," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Ryan James, a Sailor assigned to the Combat Systems department aboard Farragut. "Our tests were successful on the first try."

One of the most important tests conducted was of the ship's Close-in Weapons System, (CIWS), which automatically tracks and then fires on incoming missiles or surface threats that enter the ship's vital area. The firing of the CWIS allowed for a calibration process of the system to ensure its accuracy in case it needs to be utilized in real situations.

The calibration firing lasted about an hour and resulted in the successful firing of approximately 300 rounds from the CIWS.

"A PACFIRE [Pre-Aim Calibration Fire] is where the system calibrates itself to a fixed electronic reference point in space, then tracks each bullet as it passes thru or close to it," said Fire Controlman 1st Class Robert Additon, Farragut combat systems leading petty officer. "The system can then adjust itself accordingly."

Additionally, Farragut Sailors took the opportunity to fire the ship's MK-45 5-inch/54-caliber lightweight gun and conduct crew certification shoots on .50-caliber, 240 mm and 25 mm guns.

Farragut is on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. Farragut deployed as part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG), which includes CSG 8, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66), guided-missile destroyers USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), as well as the seven squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 7 and Destroyer Squadron 28.