Naval Live-Fire Exercises

Images of naval ships conducting live-fire exercises, showcasing weapons systems in action during training or operational deployments.

GULF OF ADEN (March 23, 2013) A Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS) fires aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) during an exercise. 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.

The Nos. 1 and 2 Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber guns are fired to starboard during a main battery firing exercise aboard the battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62). Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

221206-N-YV347-2307 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 6, 2022) The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) fires its close-in weapon system (CIWS) during a training exercise. Bunker Hill, part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is currently underway conducting routine operations.

A view of two Mark 143 armored box launchers (ABLs), one in the raised position, aboard the battleship USS MISSOURI (BB-63). The MISSOURI carries eight Mark 143 ABLs, which are used to launch BGM-109 Tomahawk anti-ship missiles (TASMs) and Tomahawk land attack missiles (TLAMs). Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

Pacific Ocean, July 30, 2009 - The Aegis-class destroyer USS Hopper (DDG-70) launches a standard missile (SM) 3 Blk IA during exercise Stellar Avenger, successfully intercepting a sub-scale short-range ballistic missile launched from the Kauai Test Facility at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, Kauai, Hawaii.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 28, 2018) The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) launches a Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) in the Virginia Capes operating area as part of an exercise to test the ship's ability to defend against a close-in aerial attack. The Sullivans deployed with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group in support of NATO Allies, European, and Africa partner nations, coalition partners, and U.S. national security interest in Europe and Africa.

DN-ST-87-02990. Base: USS Leftwich (DD 984)

PACIFIC OCEAN (March 2, 2013) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) plows through rough seas. McCampbell is part of Destroyer Squadron15, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, and is underway to conduct exercise Foal Eagle 2013 with allied nation Republic of Korea in support of regional security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region.

010511-N-7741S-002. Base: Uss John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

GULF OF ADEN (April 15, 2013) Civilian contractors from Insitu, Inc., launch an unmanned aerial vehicle from the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17). Scan Eagle is a runway independent, long-endurance, unmanned aerial vehicle system designed to provide multiple surveillance, reconnaissance, and battlefield damage assessment missions. San Antonio is deployed as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU), is deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperations efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

110717-N-RC734-101ARABIAN GULF (July 17, 2011) A MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Chargers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 hovers over the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8) during a vertical replenishment with the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), background, and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45), not pictured. Comstock and Green Bay are underway supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

STRAIT OF MALACCA (March 27, 2017) An MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter approaches the littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) for landing. The ship is on a rotational deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. Coronado is a fast and agile warship tailor-made to patrol the region's littorals and work hull-to-hull with partner navies, providing 7th Fleet with the flexible capabilities it needs now and in the future.

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

DN-ST-90-01870. Base: Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A missile launch drill launched on a visit of President Carter to the Carrier Dwight Eisenhower in March 1978

The battleship USS IOWA (BB 61) fires its Mark 7 16-inch/50 caliber guns from the No. 1 and No. 2 turrets while underway in formation with task force ships participating in the multilateral NATO exercise BALTOPS '85. Subject Operation/Series: BALTOPS '85 Country: Baltic Sea

A view of the Mark 7 16-inch 50-caliber guns of turrets No. 1 and 2 aboard the battleship USS MISSOURI (BB-63) as waves break over the vessel's bow in rough seas. Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

110110-N-7981E-558PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 10, 2011) Information Systems Technician Seaman Kevin Thompson communicates with other ships in the formation from the bridge wing of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) during a passing exercise between Stockdale, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Kurama (DDH 144). Stockdale and Gridley are underway with the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group on a deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

221128-N-DW158-1186 PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 28, 2022) The U.S. Navys only forward deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship, USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7), in the Philippine Sea, Nov. 28. Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 is the U.S. Navy's premiere maritime mobile logistics organization that supports the Seventh Fleet area of operations. Located to Southeast Asia COMLOG WESTPAC in conjunction with Military Sealift Command Far East, logistically supplies the U.S. Navy's deployed units in the Western Pacific along with regional Allies and partners. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports Alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

APRA HARBOR, Guam (March 20, 2013) Sailors aboard the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) assist during a torpedo offload at the start their continuous maintenance availability. Oklahoma City is one of three forward deployed submarines stationed in Guam.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Chadrick Wisniewski, an UH-1Y Venom crew cheif with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires a GAU-21 .50-caliber machine gun in an UH-1Y Venom during a specific weapons delivery training in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 2, 2023. The specific weapons delivery training increased the squadrons weapons proficiency in close air support. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America 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.

DN-ST-86-00287. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 24, 2012) The bow of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63) plows through a wave while underway in rough seas. Cowpens is part of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, and is currently conducting a routine patrol in the western Pacific region.

The battleship USS IOWA (BB-61) fires the center Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber gun in the No. 2 turret. The projectile is the 1,000th round fired by the IOWAs 16-inch guns since the ship was recommissioned. Country: Unknown

A RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile is launched from the stern of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) during exercise Beacon Compass.Second view in a series of two. Subject Operation/Series: BEACON COMPASS Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

120318-N-NG317-001ARABIAN GULF (March 18, 2012) A wave crashes onto the focÕsle of the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) while in the Arabian Gulf. Milius is on a routine deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

120512-N-ZE938-099CALLAO, Peru (May 12, 2012) Sailors aboard the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) fire the 40 mm saluting battery as the ship enters the port of Callao, Peru. Underwood is deployed to Central and South America and the Caribbean in support of Southern Seas 2012.

220624-N-XN177-2332 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 24, 2022) - An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 24, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

NORWEGIAN SEA (Nov. 22, 2019) The guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) fires its Mark 45 5-inch gun during a live-fire exercise. Gridley is underway on a scheduled deployment as the flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group One to conduct maritime operations and provide a continuous maritime capability for NATO in the Northern Atlantic.

NORWEGIAN SEA (Sept. 4, 2017) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) transits the Norwegian Sea, Sept. 4, 2017. James E. Williams, home-ported in Norfolk, Va. is on a routine deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

110220-A-2554P-015 PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Feb. 17, 2011) An amphibious assault vehicle returns to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) after supporting Amphibious Southern Partnership Station (A-SPS) 2011. A-SPS is an annual deployment of U.S. ships to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in the Caribbean and Latin America.

A view looking forward from the signal bridge aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) as the ship leans to port while maneuvering at full power. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 16, 2022) ) Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) launches a Standard Missile (SM) 6 during the coordinated multi-domain, multi-axis, long-range maritime strikes against EX-USS Vandegrift as part of Valiant Shield 2022 (VS 22). Exercises such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Task Force the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct long-range, precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Task Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Benfold is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navys largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleets principal surface force and is on routine deployment as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5..

U.S. FIFTH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Sept. 25, 2012) Sailor aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) fires a .50-caliber machine gun during a live-fire exercise. James E. Williams is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

DN-SC-86-11605. Country: Gulf Of Mexico

220520-N-ZE328-1107 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 20, 2022) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the Red Rippers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in support of Neptune Shield 22, May 20, 2022. Neptune Shield 22 is the natural evolution of NATO's ability to integrate the high-end maritime warfare capabilities of an Aircraft Carrier Strike Group, an Amphibious Ready Group and a Marine Expeditionary Unit to support the defense of the alliance.

Side view of a Talos surface-to-air missile, prior to firing aboard the guided missile cruiser USS OKLAHOMA CITY (CG-5). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DF-ST-86-12602. Base: Mountain Home Air Force Base State: Idaho (ID) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (March 11, 2013) Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) prepare to offer rescue assistance to a burning vessel during a transit of the Strait of Hormuz. William P. Lawrence is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 14, 2017) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) handle line during a fueling-at-sea with the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt is currently underway for a regularly scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

A P-15 SS-N-2c Styx SSM is unloaded from the No. 4 missile tube aboard the USNS HIDDENSEE (185NS9201) while the ship is moored at the Naval Sea Systems Command facility at Solomons Annex. The Soviet-built Tarantul I class missile corvette was acquired from the Federal German navy in November 1991, and is currently undergoing testing and evaluation by the U.S. Navy. Named Rudolf Egelhofer when it was part of the East German navy, the ship was renamed HIDDENSEE after the reunification of Germany in 1990. Country: Solomons

The Nos. 1 and 2 Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber guns turrets are fired to starboard during a main battery firing exercise aboard the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61). (Third view in a series of four). Country: Unknown

Two Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 (HM-14) MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters, foreground, and several Marine Corps AH-1T Sea Cobra helicopters sit on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS NEW ORLEANS (LPH-11). The NEW ORLEANS is serving as a platform for mine-clearing operations in the gulf following the cease-fire that ended Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 28, 2013) Quartermaster 1st Class Timothy Sheedy, assigned to the Cyclone-class coastal patrol ship USS Monsoon (PC4), fires .50 caliber machine gun blanks at simulated hostile small boats during an Advanced Phase Training Exercise (APTEX). APTEX is a four-day exercise designed to stress and evaluate the U.S. Navy Patrol Coastal crew in an integrated and advanced level environment and tests the crews ability to complete exercise objectives, demonstrating the ship's ability to work and communicate as a team.

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 11, 2022) Explosive Ordnance Disposal 2nd Class Matt Webb, from Cherryville, N.C., assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 3, secures the superstructure during a helicopter visit, board, search and seizure (HVBSS) training aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

PHILIPPINE SEA (FEB. 25, 2021) Marines and Sailors with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), participate in a moving drill aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 25, 2021. These drills train Marines to be able to engage targets while on the move. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of Amphibious Squadron 11 in the U.S. 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.

GUNNER's mates aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) inspect a Mark 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) prior to a test firing of the weapon. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 10, 2022) Amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) transits the Pacific Ocean, May 10, 2022. Essex is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

One of the Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber guns in the No. 1 turret aboard the battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-64) is fired during a night gunnery exercise near Puerto Rico. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

RIM-66 Standard MR/SM-2 missiles on a Mk-26 launcher, prior to being fired from the Aegis guided missile cruiser USS TICONDEROGA (CG 47) during tests near the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Training Facility, Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

110701-N-ZI300-025PACIFIC OCEAN (July 1, 2011) The guided-missile frigate USS Boone (FFG 28) fires the MK 75 76mm mounted gun during a live fire exercise as part of the Pacific phase of UNITAS 52. UNITAS is a multinational exercise as part of Southern Seas 2011.

The battleship WISCONSIN (BB-64) fires its Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber guns to port during sea trials. Country: Gulf Of Mexico

DN-ST-89-07564. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (July 8, 2015) Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) participate in a low-light small arms training exercise. Ross is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

140915-N-XK455-141 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 15, 2014) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) fires two SM-2 missiles during a sinking exercise as part of Valiant Shield 2014. Air and sea units from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force participated in the sinking of ex-USS Fresno (LST 1182). Valiant Shield is a U.S.-only exercise integrating U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army and Marine Corps assets.

LGM-118A Peacekeeper flight test missile 10 lifts off during the second silo test launch of the system. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Standard Missile Three (SM-3) is launched from the Mark 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) onboard the US Navy Ticonderoga Class Guided Missile Cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG-70) at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii.

The three Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber gun turrets of the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61) are fired during a main battery firing exercise. Country: Caribbean Sea

220717-N-SG068-1001-SG PACIFIC OCEAN (July 17, 2022) Republic of Singapore Navy guided missile frigate RSS Intrepid (69) conducted a successful Aster surface-to-air missile firing on a target simulating as a high-speed sea-skimming missile during 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. (Republic of Singapore photo by Chai, Sian Liang)

Standard Missile-3 USS Lake Erie (CG 70) US Navy

A Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is launched from a pad on the coast. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The guided missile cruiser BUNKER HILL (CG-52) test fires an RIM-66C SM-2 missile from the stern Mark 41 vertical launching system (VLS) during sea trials. Country: Unknown

040929-N-6616W-002. Base: USS Saipan (LHA 2) Country: At Sea

DF-ST-86-12121. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-10946. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

A BGM-109 Tomahawk Land-Attack Missile (TLAM) takes to the air after being launched from the battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-64) during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

DF-SC-86-12611. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040726-N-0000X-002. Base: Point Mugu Sea Range State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Senior Airman Kyle Boyes of the U.S. Air Forces 45th Weather Squadron out of Patrick Air Force Base in Florida releases a weather balloon during Underway Recovery Test-8 in the Pacific Ocean in March 2020. Winds data gathered from weather balloons will help inform the course of the U.S. Navy ship carrying NASAs Landing and Recovery team based out of Exploration Ground Systems at Kennedy Space Center, as it heads to where Orion will splash down following Artemis missions.

040826-N-0000X-002. Base: Point Mugu Sea Range State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 18, 2022) Sailors run on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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