The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) conducted a live-fire exercise as part of composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) with the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 4, Jan. 19.
The Laboon’s Small Caliber Action Team (SCAT) started the exercise by placing targeting balloons in the water, and the ship moved into position to safely open fire.
Laboon kicked off target practice with its MK-45 5-inch gun, sending vibrations throughout the ship. The event continued with the forward close-in weapons system (CIWS) sending a barrage of ammunition into the balloons. Port MK-38 25mm machine gun, and all portside .50-caliber and M-240 machine guns then opened fire simultaneously to further puncture the targets.
After several passes and countless empty shells hitting the deck, the balloons sank, and Laboon secured from the exercise.
Laboon is scheduled to finish COMPTUEX in early February before deploying to provide an overseas forward presence and maintain maritime security abroad.
Press release, Image: US Navy