PACIFIC OCEAN (July 17, 2010) A NATO Sea Sparrow missile is launched from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson is underway conducting local operations off the coast of Southern California.(U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Matthew Haran
USS Carl Vinson shoots 12 missiles within seven-day period
7/28/2010
by MCSN Rosa A. Arzola
USS CARL VINSON, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) reached an historic milestone July 24 following the successful launch of 12 missiles within a seven-day period.
The ship launched 11 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) and one Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) as part of the Combat System's Ship Qualification Trial.
"It's unique that a ship can accomplish such a task as shooting 12 missiles," said Richard Dodson, Operational Test and Evaluation Force Test Team analyst. "We rarely have an opportunity to bring this many missiles on board and shoot this many targets in such a short window [of time]."
The missile launch was not only a significant milestone for Carl Vinson. The evolution set a new Navywide standard.
"This is the biggest test that we have done in a long time, not only aboard Vinson but aboard any other ship," said Lt. Gregory McLean, operational test director of Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force. "It took a lot of assets, a lot of coordination, and three years of planning to accomplish twelve missile shoots."
Vinson launched the missiles to see how effective and suitable the ESSM and RAM are for Vinson's Self Defense System in a combat situation.
"This mission was something stressful but at the end this is the most realistic training Sailors are going to get while underway," said Dodson.
Both Dodson and McLean said this mission was successful because of Carl Vinson Sailors.
"The successful missile launch was a really great accomplishment. Everybody on board Carl Vinson did exactly what they needed to do," said Dodson. "We got a lot of support and help from the ship."
"I feel privileged to be part of this milestone," said McLean. "But this wouldn't have been possible to accomplish without the help and hard work of Operations and Combat Systems Sailors."
"I feel really good of being part of this milestone. It's gratifying. All the guys worked hard to accomplish this missile shoot," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class (SW/AW) James Worley, the ship's Combat Systems assistant leading petty officer. "I feel proud to be able to show how well we can defend our ship."
Dodson noticed how Vinson's Sailors are always ready and have a great work ethic.
"I wish I could do more missile shoots on board. Vinson has a great impressive crew with a superb attitude. They are always willing to get things done," said Dodson. "I have been on a lot of Navy ships and I am impressed with the Sailors here."
Vinson uploads, launches missiles for qualifications
7/21/2010
by MCSN Rosa Arzola
USS CARL VINSON, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) uploaded and launched Evolved Sea Sparrow Surface Missiles (ESSM) and Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) July 16 and 17 to support Combat Systems Ship's Qualification Trials (CSSQT).
This is the first time Vinson has had missiles on board since the completion of a five-year refueling complex overhaul.
"It's part of the qualifications for Combat Systems to test its equipment and abilities underway," said Lt. Cmdr. Michael Bornstein, Vinson's ordnance handling officer.
These qualifications indicate that the ship is ready to defend itself from attack.
The ESSM weighs approximately 590 pounds, while the RAM is a lightweight 200-pound missile. Both are quick-reaction, fire-and-forget missiles designed to destroy both incoming anti-ship missiles as well as asymmetric air and surface threats. They are used for air-to-air defense, always ready to be launched toward any enemy force.
"These guys have never done this before, so there has been a lot of training for the junior personnel to prepare them for this operation," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class James (SW/AW) Worley, the ship's Combat Systems assistant leading petty officer. "They are all very excited."
"I love my job and my experience here so far," said Fire Controlman Kevin Van Gorder. "I'm excited. This is what we train for. We train like we fight, we fight like we train. This is what it's all about, our sole purpose as fire controlmen is to defend the ship."
This was the first time in four years that Combat Systems and Weapons departments worked together.
"It was fairly easy to accomplish the movement of the missiles," said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW/SW) Joshua Shryock, Weapons Department's G-3 Division leading petty officer. "Combat Systems dictated ordnance control while Weapons department physically moved the missiles."
After Weapons department personnel loaded the missiles on July 16, Combat Systems launched the missiles the following day.
"We did a lot of work for our ship to be functional now," said Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW/PJ) Eric McQuitty. "Launching these missiles gives us more purpose to do our job everyday because we feel more prepared and motivated."
"Most Sailors don't have the opportunity to shoot this many missiles in their entire career, and we are going to do it within a week period," said Chief Fire Controlman (SW/AW) Derek Besand, Combat System's CS-7 Division leading chief petty officer. "Launching missiles shows our ship, the Navy, and the world that Vinson is ready for combat."
"We successfully shot three missiles; one RAM and two ESSMs. We passed our qualifications and certifications for the ship's self-defense system, which demonstrates that Carl Vinson can defend itself from any attack," said Worley. "It felt awesome. We put in a lot of long hours and a lot of hard work, and it paid off. All eyes were on us, and we delivered."
