USS Mitscher destroyer tests Aegis upgrades with missile firing drill

U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) performed a Standard Missile (SM) launch off the coast of Virginia to test the latest version of the Aegis Weapon System.

USS Mitscher recently completed the AEGIS ACB-12 upgrade during and extended dry-dock selected restricted availability where major portions of the ship’s combat systems were upgraded.

The missile shoot is part of Mitscher’s overall test schedule that will flex the entire combat system ensuring total combat lethality.

The navy said the SM was launched against a representative target which was successfully destroyed.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the crew coming together as a team after a long yard period. They demonstrated their professionalism and performed flawlessly,” Brett Oster, commanding officer USS Mitscher, said.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jeffrey Goforth was responsible for verifying the veracity of the firing solution information and firing the missile. His role as the missile systems supervisor ensured the missile was aligned to the target.

“It’s always exciting to fire a missile whether it’s in training or in real life. These types of events are the key to prepare us to go into harm’s way and to be able to defend the ship against any threat,” Goforth said.

Mitscher is the second U.S. Navy warship named in honor of Adm. Marc A. Mitscher. Adm. Mitscher was a famed naval aviator who earned distinction as one of the U.S. Navy’s great battle commanders in his 41 years of service to his country.