USS Philippine Sea Completes MISSILX

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian Read Castillo, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

USS Philippine Sea, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) completed a missile exercise (MISSILX), Aug. 4.

Philippine Sea, and USS Truxtun (DDG 103) simultaneously launched Navy Standard Missile-2's (SM-2) while USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) launched shortly afterwards.

The MISSILEX required that all three ships fire SM-2's at a remote controlled, subsonic missile drone, or (BQM). The SM-2 is the U.S Navy's primary surface-to-air air defense weapon and a vital element of the Aegis Weapon System (AWS) aboard Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, launched from the MK 41 Vertical Launcher System (VLS).

During the exercise a BQM was flown out to sea by an aircraft and dropped into mid air. The drone is then reverted back towards the ships requiring them to shoot it out of the sky, said Senior Chief Fire Controlman Jeremy R. Rasnick, combat systems fire controlman leading chief petty officer.

"After it was dropped, shore command flew the BQM inbound," said Rasnick. "Once inbound our mission is to get good telemetry data back to shore command so they can evaluate how the missile and its systems preformed."

The missiles fired were not armed with warheads. Instead, each missile attempts to approach the BQM as close as possible simulating an actual intercept.

Each SM-2 has proximity sensors capable of recording the distance from the BQM as it flies by indicating a "hit", said Rasnick.

"The missiles try to get as close as they can to the drone and instead of it exploding it just continues to fly by," said Rasnick. "Once recovered they can figure out whose missiles were within the blast radius.

The MISSILX simulates a cruise missile attack scenario that could be encountered by the George H.W. Bush Strike Group (GHWB CSG) on deployment.

"This missile is specifically designed to simulate a C-802 missile which is an anti-ship cruise missile", said Rasnick.

After two days of "mock" drills involving Learjet fly-by's simulating a BQM, the Philippine Sea was ready to conduct the MISSILX and learn from the experience of an actual launch.

"The rehearsals were very beneficial and went very well," said Master Chief Fire Controlman Craig M. Cotherman, combat systems maintenance manger. "But a couple things were a little bit different today, things we can't rehearse and simulate, things we can't prepare for."

Cotherman feels the MISSILX provided an invaluable experience.

"We definitely have some lessons to take away from the experience," said Cotherman. "Aside from actually having to fire on a target, this is as real as it gets."

The last missile launch aboard the Philippine Sea took place in 2010 making this not just a learning experience, but also a rare and exciting event for the crew.

I was standing in the bridge when it happened," said Quartermaster 3rd Class Cameron A.Wheylan. "It was cool to see what we can actually do and feel the power of it all. It's definitely something I will never forget."

Philippine Sea is participating in the George H.W. Bush Group Sail to improve strike group interoperability and prepare for an upcoming deployment.

USS Truxtun Completes COMPTUEX, Begins Joint Task Force Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Richard J. Stevens, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) and its crew of more than 290 Sailors, departed Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Feb. 14, for Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) as part of the USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group.

Truxtun traveled to Fort Lauderdale for a liberty call after completing a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), which tested unit-level and individualized warfare skill sets through a variety of simulated scenarios.

"We're experiencing a sample of the operational tempo for deployment," said Cmdr. Ron Walker, USS Truxtun executive officer.

During the port visit, the Fort Lauderdale and Broward Country Navy Leagues hosted a ceremony for more than 125 Sailors from Truxtun and USS Mitscher (DDG 57).

"It's always a great experience to be with Sailors," said Larry M. Ott, Fort Lauderdale Navy League member. "The Navy is standing watch for the peace of our country, and the defense of the world."

The Navy League of the United States is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating citizens about the importance of sea power to U.S. national security and supporting the men and women of the sea services and their families.

"Their hospitality was outstanding," said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Jason R. DeShields. "It meant a lot to me and my shipmates to have folks with great spirits welcome us. Thank you for the great evening before we start JTFEX."

JTFEX tests the capability of a carrier strike group to operate with multinational forces in a joint environment.

"Now that COMPTUEX is complete, we are focused on applying proven tactics and lessons learned toward the challenges and tasks ahead in JTFEX," said Walker. "We also have an added focus of ensuring our coalition partners are folded into the mission, and this is what makes a JTFEX truly joint on a multi-national level."

Along with USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), GHWB Strike Group assets participating in COMPTUEX/JTFEX include USS Mitscher (DDG 57), USS Gettysburg (CG 64), USS Truxtun (DDG 103), USS Anzio (CG 68), the squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, the Spanish frigate ESPS Almirante Juan de Borbón and the French frigate FS Primauguet (D 644). GHWB Strike Group is scheduled to depart on its first overseas deployment this spring

Second Fleet Ships Conduct PASSEX with Japanese Counterparts

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian Goodwin, Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

USS TRUXTUN, At Sea (NNS) -- Three Norfolk-based U.S. Navy ships participated in a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with the Japanese Navy off the east coast of Virginia, July 30.

USS Truxtun (DDG 103), USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and USS Dallas (SSN 700) of Destroyer Squadron 22, rendezvoused with the Japanese destroyer Sawayuki (DD 125) and training vessels Kashima (TV 3508) and Yamagiri (TV 3515) during PASSEX, which featured personnel exchanges and allowed both nations' Sailors to get a better understanding of each other and train in multiwarfare areas.

"It's a great opportunity for both nations to see how another nation operates," said Commander, Destroyer Squadron 22 Capt. Jeffrey Wolstenholme. "It was great training for the Truxtun's officers, because as we prepare to go on deployment next year, they're going to do this more with other nations."

During the personnel exchange, one of Truxtun's junior officers was surprised to see how similar the Japanese conduct their routines aboard their ships.

"It was awesome to see how their bridge team operated during a fleet maneuvering exercise," said Lt. j.g. Edward McGuinnis. "They are great with management of their people through communication."

Sawauki, Kashima and Yamagiri are currently on an around-the-world deployment with their newest officers receiving hands-on training with other nations.

Ensign Yuichiro Maehara, a submarine officer in-training aboard Yamagiri, said it was his first time aboard a U.S. Navy warship.

"It is a beautiful ship," Maehara explained. "I'm loving the chance to see similar and different systems aboard an American ship."

According to Wolstenholme, the Japanese Navy's deployment into the Atlantic provided a rare opportunity to work with a partner nation that does not usually operate off the east coast of the United States.

"Most interactions between our services usually happen with the U.S. Navy's Pacific fleet, so it's a real treat to be able to have the Japanese ships off our own coast and have this interaction with our Atlantic fleet," said Wolstenholme.

USS Truxtun Joins the Fleet

By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Daniel Gay, Navy Public Affairs Element Detachment Southeast

CHARLESTON, S.C. (NNS) -- The Navy's newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Truxtun (DDG 103), was commissioned Saturday, April 25, during a ceremony at Naval Weapons Station Charleston, S.C.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead gave the principal address.

"I had the privilege of putting an Arleigh Burke destroyer into commission in my younger days, and I know what's ahead, there is a lot of hard work, a lot of challenges, but there is also going to be tremendous satisfaction," said Roughead.

The process of commissioning a Navy ship takes many years of trials and training and to finally reach this milestone is very important said Cmdr. Timothy Weber, commanding officer, USS Truxton.

"I feel exhilarated and relieved because we finally made it to this process after many years of hard work preparing to go operational," said Weber. "It's such a great feeling to join the fleet today with this great crew of men and women that are dedicated to supporting and defending our country."

Designated DDG 103, the destroyer honors Commodore Thomas Truxtun (1755-1822) who embarked upon a seafaring career at age 12. When the U.S. Navy was initially organized, he was selected as one of its first six captains on June 4, 1798. He was assigned command of USS Constellation, one of the nation's new frigates. Truxtun put to sea to prosecute the undeclared naval war with revolutionary France. On Feb. 9, 1799, Truxtun achieved one of his most famous victories when Constellation battered the French warship L'Insurgente into submission in one of the most illustrious battles of the quasi-war with France.

The newest ship in the fleet shares its namesake with five previous Navy ships: a brig launched in 1842, two destroyers DD 14 and DD 229, a high speed transport APD 98 (initially designated as destroyer escort DE 282), and a nuclear-powered frigate (DLGN) later re-designated cruiser CGN 35.

The plank owners of Truxton will share in this great naval history.

"This crew will be close for the rest of their lives," said Roughead. "The things that they have had to do, the effort they have put into building this ship, preparing this ship for where it is today, it's something that's brought them together in ways that ship crews don't normally have the opportunity to do."

The 53rd Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, Truxtun, is able to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Truxtun can also fight air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and she contains a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to apply maritime power to protect U.S. vital interests in an increasingly interconnected and uncertain world.

"I feel confident, because my crew is such a great group of young professionals dedicated to doing a job well done," said Weber. "If we have to steam into harm's way we are ready for action."

Carol Leigh Roelker and Susan Scott Martin, descendants of the ship's namesake, served as sponsors of the ship and the ceremony was highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when they gave the first order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"

The 9,200-ton Truxtun was built by Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Ingalls Operations, Pascagoula, Miss .and has a crew of 276 officers and enlisted personnel. The ship is 510 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and a navigational draft of 31 feet. Four gas turbine engines can power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots and push her wherever her country needs her next.

Navy To Commission Guided Missile Destroyer Truxtun

The Navy's newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, Truxtun, will be commissioned Saturday, April 25, during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony in Charleston, S.C.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Carol Leigh Roelker and Susan Scott Martin, descendants of the ship's namesake, will serve as sponsors of the ship. The ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when they give the first order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"

Designated DDG 103, the destroyer honors Commodore Thomas Truxtun (1755-1822) who embarked upon a seafaring career at age 12. When the Navy was initially organized, he was selected as one of its first six captains on June 4, 1798. Assigned command of the USS Constellation, one of the nation's new frigates, Truxtun put to sea to prosecute the undeclared naval war with revolutionary France. On Feb. 9, 1799, Truxtun achieved one of his most famous victories when Constellation battered the French warship L'Insurgente into submission in one of the most illustrious battles of the quasi-war with France.

Five previous Navy ships have been named Truxtun: a brig launched in 1842, two destroyers DD 14 and DD 229, a high speed transport APD 98 (initially designated a destroyer escort DE 282), and a nuclear-powered frigate (DLGN) later re-designated cruiser CGN 35.

The 53rd Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, Truxtun will be able to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Truxtun will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and contains a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to apply maritime power to protect U.S. vital interests in an increasingly interconnected and uncertain world.

Cmdr. Timothy Weber, a native of Decatur, Ga., will become the first commanding officer and lead the crew of 276 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Truxtun was built by Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Ingalls Operations, Pascagoula, Miss. The ship is 510 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and a navigational draft of 31 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.