Naval Combat Systems

Detailed views of close-in weapon systems aboard naval ships, showcasing military technology in action at sea during training and defense operations.

Pacific Ocean, September 1, 2009 - The guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) fires the MK 45 five-inch gun system off the coast of Okinawa, Japan during a live-fire exercise. McCampbell is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and is permanently forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.

DN-SC-86-11602. Country: Gulf Of Mexico

The Mark 16 Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS) in Mount 21 aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) is fired during a test. Country: Caribbean Sea

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 10, 2012) A Phalanx close-in weapons system (CIWS) aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63) fires at a missile decoy towed by a jet on a long cable. Cowpens is part of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group based out of Yokosuka, Japan, and is conducting a patrol of the western Pacific Ocean.

060404-N-8485T-012. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

120629-N-YQ369-022 ARABIAN SEA (June 29, 2012) A close-in weapons system (CIWS) mount fires rounds during a live-fire exercise aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and combat flight operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pacific Ocean, September 1, 2009 - The guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) fires the MK 45 five-inch gun system off the coast of Okinawa, Japan during a live-fire exercise. McCampbell is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and is permanently forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Jan. 8, 2013) A round exits the barrel of an MK45/54-caliber 5-inch lightweight gun during a live-fire exercise aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81). Winston S. Churchill is deployed with the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

040915-N-9376H-001. Country: Arabian Sea

DN-ST-85-10918. Subject Operation/Series: READEX 2-83 Base: Vieques Island Country: Puerto Rico (PRI)

110504-N-NL541-127ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 4, 2011) A BQM-74E aerial drone is launched from the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) to simulate an incoming missile for a weapons firing exercise during the Atlantic phase of UNITAS 52 off the coast of Brazil. Ships from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and Argentine, Brazilian and Mexican navies participated in the firing exercise.

A BGM-109 Tomahawk Land-Attack Missile (TLAM) is launched toward an Iraqi target from a Mark 143 Armored Box Launcher (ABL) aboard the battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-64) during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

220716-N-DK460-1124 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 16, 2022) U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) fires its Mark 45 5-inch caliber gun during a live fire exercise as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

120323-N-ZF681-015ARABIAN SEA (March 23, 2012) The MK-45 5-inch/54-caliber lightweight gun aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) fires during a live-fire exercise. Halsey is the flagship for Combined Task Force 151, a multinational, mission-based task force working under Combined Maritime Forces, to conduct counter-piracy operations on Southern Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean.

100711-N-1004S-192PACIFIC OCEAN (July 11, 2010) A Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launches from the forward RAM sponson aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercises. RIMPAC is a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve multinational interoperability.

An aerial starboard beam view of the Aegis guided missile cruiser USS YORKTOWN (CG 48) firing an RIM-66 Standard (SM-2) medium range guided missile. Country: Unknown

220414-N-TT639-1032 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 14, 2022) - Amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) fires a RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) from the ships forward launcher during a live-fire exercise, April 14, 2022. Tripoli is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

220628-N-TC847-1103 ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 28, 2022) The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) fires a MK 45 5-inch gun during a live-fire exercise, June 28, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is underway completing a certification exercise to increase U.S. and allied interoperability and warfighting capability before a future deployment. The George H.W. Bush CSG is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat Americas adversaries in support of national security.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 4, 2012) The guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) fires its Mark 45 Mod 2, 5-inch 54-caliber, lightweight gun toward a range on the coast of Scotland. Gettysburg is taking part in Exercise Joint Warrior. Joint Warrior takes place off the coast of Scotland and is designed and led by the joint tactical exercise planning staff in the United Kingdom. It is intended to improve interoperability between allied navies and prepare participants for a role in a joint maritime environment during deployments. Americas Sailors are Warfighters, a fast and flexible force deployed worldwide. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 11, 2015) A 5 Inch 54-caliber lightweight gun fires a round on the foc'sle of the guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) during a Missile Exercise (MSLEX). Sailors from the John C. Stennis Strike Group are participating in a sustainment training exercise (SUSTEX) to prepare for future deployments.

120427-N-OV802-260ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 27, 2012) The guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) fires its MK-45 5-inch/54-caliber lightweight gun during a live-fire exercise. Jason Dunham is part of Carrier Strike Group 8, which is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise in the Atlantic Ocean.

Test firing of a Phalanx Mark 15 close in weapons system (CIWS) on board the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). The LINCOLN is on the homeward bound leg of a six month deployment for WestPac '93. Subject Operation/Series: WESTPAC '93 Country: Central Pacific

030323-N-6946M-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: USS Cape Saint George (CG 71) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

An aerial port bow view of the battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) launching an RGM-84 Harpoon missile on the Pacific Missile Test Center Range. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 17, 2022) Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) transits the Philippine Sea during routine operations. Chancellorsville is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 70, a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of its allies and partners in the region.

020321-N-9849W-001. Base: Uss Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Scene Major Command Shown: USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63)

The battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-64) fires one of its Mark 7 16-inch 50-caliber guns of turret No. 2 while underway. This is the last firing of the vessel's guns prior to its decommissioning. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (July 16, 2018) The guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) fires its Mark 45 5-inch gun during a gunnery exercise. Jason Dunham is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

Aviation ordnancemen aboard the aircraft carrier USS CORAL SEA (CV-43) load CBU-59 cluster bombs onto the wing of an A-6E Intruder aircraft prior to an air strike on targets in Libya. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

110719-N-BK435-045PHILIPPINE SEA (July 19, 2011) Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Patrick Boettger, assigned to the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), fires a Mark 38 25mm machine gun during a training exercise. Frank Cable conducts maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

GULF OF THAILAND (June 8, 2013) Sailors assigned to the weapons department aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) position the ships 5-inch gun and clear the deck after a live-fire exercise during the at-sea phase of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2013. More than 1,200 Sailors and Marines are participating in CARAT Thailand. CARAT is a series of bilateral military exercises between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor Leste.

120331-N-RI884-007 PACIFIC OCEAN (March 31, 2012) The guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) fires a MK-45 5-inch/54 caliber lightweight gun during a training exercise as part of Koa Kai 12-2. Koa Kai is a semiannual exercise in the waters around Hawaii designed to prepare independent deployers in multiple warfare areas and provide training in a multi-ship environment. This is the first year San Diego-based ships are participating.

220520-N-GP384-1145 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 20, 2022) A close-in weapon system onboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CNV 75) fires during a live-fire exercise, May 20, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and Partner interests.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 14, 2018) A RIM-7P missile is fired from a NATO Sea Sparrow missile launcher during a live-fire missile exercise aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Kearsarge is underway for amphibious ready group training and deployment certifications.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 7, 2021) A RIM-7 NATO Sea Sparrow Missile (NSSM) is fired from the forward launcher during a live-fire exercise aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Aug. 7, 2021. Tripoli is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet.

220904-N-DE439-1068 IRISH SEA (Sept. 4, 2022) Toby Stewart, ground crew, helps with a VBAT unmanned aerial system test flight aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) during routine operations in the Irish Sea, Sept. 4, 2022. Arleigh Burke is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

220722-O-QR492-1015-CA Pacific (July 22, 2022) Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331) fires its Naval Remote Weapons System on the starboard bridge wing during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 surface ships, three submarines, nine national land forces, more than 30 unmanned systems, approximately 170 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel will train and operate in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California, June 29 to Aug. 4. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Royal Canadian Navy photo by Sgt. Ghislain Cotton)

Smoke rolls down the barrels of the forward-starboard-mounted MK 15 Phalanx Close-In weapons System (CWIS) as it tracks and fires at an aerial target drone towed over the bow of the USN Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier USS Harry S. Truman. CIWS is the self-defense system combining a 20mm Gatling gun with search and tracking radar providing surface ships with terminal defense against anti-ship missiles.

Pacific Ocean, September 26, 2011 - The Mk-45 5-inch .54-caliber gun is fired from the forecastle during a pre-action calibration live-fire exercise aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63).

A view of an RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile being launched from the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A starboard bow view of the Ticonderoga Class Aegis guided missile cruiser VINCENNES (CG-49) firing an RUR-5A anti-submarine rocket from the forward Mark 26 missile launcher. The VINCENNES is undergoing sea trials prior to its commissioning on July 6, 1985. Country: Unknown

020321-N-9849W-002. Base: Uss Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Scene Major Command Shown: USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)

221114-N-GF955-1058ENGLISH CHANNEL (Nov. 14, 2022) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) fires a Mark 38 25 mm machine gun during a pre-action calibration firing, Nov. 14, 2022. Paul Ignatius, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

DN-ST-89-01388. Country: Unknown

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 22, 2022) The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) fires its Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) during a pre-action calibration fire (PACFIRE) while operating in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 22. Milius is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navys largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleets principal surface force.

A view of an RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile being launched from the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A flight deck crewman places chocks under the wheels of an SH-2F Seasprite light airborne multi-purpose system (LAMPS) helicopter upon landing on a Unitas XXI ship. The helicopter is attached to Light Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 34 (HAL-34). Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XXI Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A SH-3 Sea King helicopter approaches the flight deck of the Spruance class destroyer USS INGERSOLL (DD-990), during at-sea landing qualifications for Reserve Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 84 (HS-84). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

981009-N-3287O-001. Base: Uss Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

220927-N-XK462-1030 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 27, 2022) The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) conducts a live fire exercise with USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Chung Hoon (DDG 93). Wayne E. Meyer is currently operating with Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (July 22, 2017) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) fires its Mk. 38 Mod. 2 machine gun during a live-fire exercise. Howard is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.

April 6, 2007 - U.S. Navy Petty Officer leans out the door of an SH-60 Seahawk as the helicopter approaches the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) during operations in the South China Sea.

A view of an RIM-67B Standard (SM-2ER) surface-to-air missile on its launch platform aboard a guided missile cruiser. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

220606-N-KY668-1157ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 6, 2022) A 5-inch gun is fired on the focsle aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), during a live-fire exercise, June 6, 2022. Arleigh Burke, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner nations.

No. 1 and No. 2 turret Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber guns are fired off the starboard side of the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61). Country: Unknown

220520-N-GP384-1036 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 20, 2022) A close-in weapon system onboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CNV 75) fires during a live-fire exercise, May 20, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and Partner interests.

A RIM-7M Sea Sparrow missle is launched from the aft mount of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during a weapons training exercise. TRUMAN is currently conducting advanced battle group training in preparation for it's maiden deployment in November 2000. The aircraft on the flight deck are a S-3B Viking from VS-22 "Checkmates" (foreground) and F-14 Tomcat from VF-32 "Swoardsman". A RIM-7M Sea Sparrow missle is launched from the aft mount of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during a weapons training exercise. TRUMAN is currently conducting advanced battle group training in preparation for it's maiden deployment in November 2000. The aircraft on the flight deck are a S-3B Viking from VS-22 "Checkmates" (foreground) and F-14 Tomcat from VF-32 "Swoardsman".

USS Wisconsin firing Mark 7 guns

220703-N-QI593-1194 IONIAN SEA (July 3, 2022) An MK38 machine gun fires during a fire power demonstration aboard USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) in the Ionian Sea, July 3, 2022. Bainbridge is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

The USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 913) conducts a MK-75 gun exercise while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, Sept. 10, 2022. The MK-75 gun is a fully automated, remote controlled gun installed aboard medium and high endurance Coast Guard cutters.

A Marine mans his station on the Mark 37 director for Mark 28 5-inch 38-caliber guns aboard the battleship USS MISSOURI (BB-63) during Exercise RimPac '88. A Mark 25 radar is atop the director. Subject Operation/Series: RIMPAC '88 Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

120321-N-VH054-571ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 22, 2012) The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) transits the Atlantic Ocean. Enterprise is deployed is deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

A TA-4J Skyhawk aircraft from Training Wing 2 (TW-2) catches an arresting wire on the flight deck of the auxiliary aircraft landing training ship USS LEXINGTON (AVT 16). Base: USS Lexington (AVT 16) Country: Gulf Of Mexico

DN-SC-88-03740. Base: Arabian Sea

090429-N-4879G-349 ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 29, 2009) A Harpoon missile is launched from the guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) during the sinking exercise portion of UNITAS Gold.

PACIFIC OCEAN (April 25, 2021) The guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) launches a missile during U.S. Pacific Fleets Unmanned Systems Integrated Battle Problem (UxS IBP) 21, April 25, 2021. UxS IBP 21 integrates manned and unmanned capabilities into challenging operational scenarios to generate warfighting advantages.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 19, 2012) The forward deployed Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63) fires its Phalanx close-in weapons system (CIWS) during a weapons test while underway. Cowpens is part of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, the U.S. Navys only forward deployed carrier strike group based out of Yokosuka, Japan and is currently conducting a routine Western Pacific patrol.

US Navy SEALs load into a US Air Force MH-53 Pave Low helicopter on the flight deck of the USNS LEROY GRUMMAN during a search and seizure exercise. (Exact date shot unknown). Country: Adriatic Sea

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago (Sept. 7, 2012) Sailors fire the 40 mm saluting battery as the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) approaches Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Underwood is deployed to Central and South America and the Caribbean in support of Southern Seas 2012.

PHILIPPINE SEA (March 14, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) fires its 5-inch gun during a live-fire gunnery exercise. John S. McCain is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navys largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleets principal surface force.

A rear view of one of the three Phalanx Mark 15 (3X1) weapons systems installed on the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66). The 20mm gun is capable of firing 3,000 rounds-per-minute and simultaneously measuring the location of both target and projectiles in flight and automatically correcting the fire control solution. Country: Unknown

A view of a RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile being launched from the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Sept. 11, 2016) - Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Corey Dickens, right, re-enlists on the forecastle aboard USS Carney (DDG 64) while on patrol in the Mediterranean Sea Sept. 11, 2016. Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting a routine patrol in the U.S. 6th fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 4, 2014) Sailors spray down the foc'sle aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) during a freshwater washdown of the ship. Donald Cook is underway en route to Rota, as the first of four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers to be stationed in Rota.

110319-N-2593S-164MEDITERANEAN SEA (March 19, 2011) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55)launches a Tomahawk missile in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn. This was one of approximately 110 cruise missiles fired from U.S. and British ships and submarines that targeted about 20 radar and anti-aircraft sites along Libyas Mediterranean coast. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973.

Pacific Ocean, September 5, 2012 - A closed-in weapons system fires from the fantail during a live-fire exercise aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis.

BLACK SEA (Oct. 14, 2015) The guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) fires its close-in weapons system during a live-fire exercise as part of a passing exercise with allied and partner nations Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine in the Black Sea. Porter is on a routine patrol conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (April 14, 2013) Cmdr. William Davis, executive officer of the guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66), observes as one of the shipÕs 5-inch guns fires during a practice fire. Hue City is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

220917-N-AL206-1475 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 18, 2022) The Arleigh Burke-class guided missle destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) shoots at an unmanned vessel target during a simulated straight transit while underway conducting Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT). McFaul is underway with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group conducting SWATT exercises to increase lethality, ensure combat readiness, and promote tactical innovation. SWATT is led by the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center, whose mission is to increase the tactical proficiency and lethality of the surface force.

DN-ST-88-03604. Base: Persian Gulf

120629-N-JY929-095 ARABIAN SEA (June 29, 2012) A Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) mount fires during a live-fire exercise aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and combat flight operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

A BGM-109 Tomahawk land-attack missile (TLAM) rises into the air after being launched from the forward vertical launch system (VLS) aboard the guided missile cruiser USS BUNKER HILL (CG-52) during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

221030-N-FM230-1058 ADRIATIC SEA (Oct. 30, 2022) Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) test a jet engine cell on the ships fantail, Oct. 30, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

A photo taken from the bridge captures the explosion of the No. 2 16-inch gun turret aboard the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61). It was later determined that 47 sailors were killed by the blast, which occurred as the IOWA was conducting routine gunnery exercises 330 miles northeast of Puerto Rico. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters parked on the forward flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS IWO JIMA (LPH-2) during flight operations off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon. Visible on the starboard side of the ship is a Sea Sparrow missile launcher. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Caribbean Sea, September 21, 2012 - A team from NAVAIR Norfolk Detachment prepare a BQM-74E drone for launch from the flight deck of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Underwood.

A port view of the frigate USS BARBEY (FF-1088) firing two Harpoon missiles from the forward ASROC launcher. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

U.S. Navy Sailors with Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) standby for cargo during a replenishment at sea aboard LHA 7, in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 15, 2022. This RAS delivered food, supplies, parts, and mail to Sailors and Marines underway across multiple naval ships. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 18, 2018) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) launches a Standard Missile (SM) 2 Block IIIA. Bainbridge is underway with Norfolk-based cruiser-destroyer (CRUDES) units from Carrier Strike Group 12 conducting a Live Fire With a Purpose (LFWAP) event. LFWAP is a reinvigorated missile exercise program designed to increase fleet lethality and tactical proficiency. It provides the surface warfare enterprise an opportunity to examine the human, system and tactics, techniques and procedure performance with an eye toward rapid increases in tactical proficiency, crew confidence, and lethality.

111224-N-RG587-414 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 24, 2011) Waves break over the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) as the ship receives fuel from Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during a refueling at sea. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway on a western Pacific deployment.

220527-XN177-1111 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 27, 2022) - Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart captures a photos of an F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 launching from the flight deck of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), May 27, 2022. Tripoli is conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet.

The No. 1 Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber gun is fired to port aboard the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61) during a main battery firing exercise. Country: Unknown

GULF OF OMAN (April 16, 2022) The guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) fires its Mark 38 25mm machine gun system during a live-fire exercise in the Gulf of Oman, April 16. Gridley is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security in the Middle East region.

CARIBBEAN SEA (Sept. 21, 2012) An team from NAVAIR Norfolk Detachment prepare a BQM-74E drone for launch from the flight deck of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36). Underwood is participating in UNITAS Atlantic 53-2012, a combined South America and U.S. 4th Fleet-sponsored annual exercise that incorporates participants from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States.

120718-N-VY256-261 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (July 18, 2012) Gunners Mate 2nd Class Tyler Gunsenhouser washes the MK-141 Harpoon missile launchers aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) during a freshwater washdown. Cape St. George is deployed as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, which is also comprised of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9. CSG-9 is operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

An overhead view of the three Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber gun turrets of the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61) being fired during a gunnery demonstration off the coast of Costa Rica. Country: Caribbean Sea

130103-N-BX824-047YOKOSUKA, Japan (Jan. 3, 2013) Sailors reeve an arresting gear engine on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).

130918-D-ZZ999-001PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 18, 2013) An SM-3 Block 1B interceptor is launched from the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) during a Missile Defense Agency test and successfully intercepted a complex short-range ballistic missile target off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii. (Department of Defense photo/Released)

of 2