U.S. Navy’s Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) tested its SeaRAM missile against an aerial drone, destroying the target in a test off the Southern California coast, April 22.
The drone was simulating an anti-ship missile as part of a combat system ship qualification trials (CSSQT) event to demonstrate the self-defense capability of the ship against an aerial target.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my crew and all the hard work we have put forth in preparing for and accomplishing the CSSQT events,” said Cmdr. Patrick Keller , Jackson’s commanding officer.
CSSQT events are designed to test the ship’s ability to track and disable high-speed maneuvering surface targets and defeat long range anti-shipping air threats. The tests also included firing exercises using the 57mm gun against a fast attack craft.
Constructed by Austal USA in Mobile, Ala. USS Jackson is an Independence variant LCS and the third vessel of the trimaran design. Jackson was christened March 22, 2014 and commissioned December 5, 2015 in Gulfport, Mississippi.