US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) performed a standard missile (SM-2) launch in the Virginia Capes operating area shortly after deploying as part of the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group.
The destroyer got underway from Naval Station Mayport, Florida, May 26 and performed the missile launch on may 28.
The missile exercise demonstrated The Sullivans’ ability to defend against a close-in aerial attack, the US Navy said. A BQM-74E air-launched drone served as the target. The ship also demonstrated its ability to employ a layered defense construct to engage a target with both the Mk 45 MOD2 (5″/54) caliber gun and the Aegis weapons system.
“Our crew has trained and prepared for over a year to be ready to deploy with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group,” said Cmdr Russ Moore, the commanding officer. “We are a team. The success of this missile exercise is a testament to the abilities and preparedness of our combat systems, and our outstanding crew as we deploy to support maritime security overseas.”
The destroyer is joining the Truman carrier strike group which deployed over a month ago to the US 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations. The group just completed their deployment’s first port call with a visit to Greece.