The US Navy’s lead America-class amphibious assault ship LHA 6 has conducted a live firing demonstration in the Philippine Sea.
During the trial, the vessel launched its RIM-116 rolling airframe missile to identify, track, and intercept decoys.
The event was held to validate the weapon system’s capability and sailors’ warfighting readiness.
“This exercise demonstrated our team’s ability to work together, coordinate across multiple departments, and ultimately execute safely and effectively,” USS America Operations Officer Cmdr. Avery Wilson stated.
“We demonstrated that through the hard work of our technicians and logistics support, our equipment is fully operational and our watch-standers in the Combat Information Center are trained and prepared for any threat.”
The USS America
The USS America operates under the US Navy 7th Fleet area of operations, the service’s largest forward-deployed group.
The ship routinely collaborates with allied forces and partners in the Indo-Pacific to maintain regional security.
Currently, the vessel sails with Amphibious Squadron 11 and the USS Green Bay (LPD 20) as the America Amphibious Ready Group warfighting team.
“The ship has to always be ready to deploy a lethal combat capability if necessary,” USS America Commanding Officer Capt. Shockey Snyder said.
“This evolution reminds every Sailor aboard this ship that they, as tactical watchstanders, are the tip of the spear and we are ready to execute the nation’s defense strategy.”