Image of the Day: USS Essex Fires Sea Sparrow Missile

The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) fired a RIM-7 NATO Sea Sparrow Missile (NSSM).

The operation was conducted in the Pacific Ocean, on March 9, during a live-fire exercise from the forward launcher aboard the vessel.

Essex is underway conducting an amphibious squadron and Marine expeditionary unit integration training exercise with Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 3 and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU) in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

Image: US Navy