The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) conducted live fire-training, Jan. 10. The crew fired its MK 45 5-inch gun against a remote-controlled unmanned surface target simulating a small, fast boat approaching the ship. Operators aboard the Navy training boat USNS Hunter (8202) controlled the drone target.
The practice fire round was followed through to completion. Due to weather, however, Forrest Sherman was unable to complete the exercise.
“We did a lot of things successfully, such as coordination and planning,” said Lt. Xia Yang, prospective weapons officer on board Forrest Sherman. “Our Sailors were excellent watch standers and were very attentive to everything happening. I don’t think we could have done it better.”
Forrest Sherman conducted the live fire training as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), engaging the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG). The purpose of COMPTUEX, which is conducted by Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 4, is to evaluate the mission readiness of all deployable assets, exercising each ship with unplanned and fast-paced tests that will simulate various real-world scenarios.
The TRCSG consists of the staff of Carrier Strike Group 12, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), and the Arleigh- Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), USS Forest Sherman (DDG 98) and USS Farragut (DDG 99). Independent deployers USS McFaul (DDG 74) and USS Laboon (DDG 58) are also participating in the TRCSG COMPTUEX.
Forrest Sherman will deploy with the TRCSG later this year to provide an overseas forward presence and maintain maritime security abroad.
Press Release