USS John C. Stennis First with New Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 7, 2008) A Surface Launch Intercept Missile (RIM-162D-1) launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during combat system ships qualification trials (CSSQT). Stennis is the first carrier to successfully launch the new sea sparrow missile. Stennis is conducting CSSQT off the coast of southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle Steckler.)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 6, 2008) Sailors assigned to the combat systems department aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) lower a Surface Launch Intercept Missile (RIM-162D-1) into the forward Sea Sparrow missile launcher. The RIM-162D-1 features advanced range and maneuvering capabilities and is being tested for the first time aboard Stennis during a Combat System Ships Qualification Trials conducted off the coast of Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication 2nd Class Elliott Fabrizio.)

Focus on Defense:

USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea, Oct. 8, 2008 -- USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) claimed the first successful hit and kill with the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) during a Combat System Ship's Qualification Trials (CSSQT) off the coast of Southern California Oct. 7.

Stennis' Tactical Action Officer Ens. Clay Cunningham said, "This is the first successful ESSM kill from an aircraft carrier."

Combat systems department launched the new missiles, the RIM-162 D-1, during a live-fire exercise by engaging drones inbound to Stennis.

"The evaluation team from Port Hueneme [California] said Stennis' combat systems team performed at the top of the fleet," said Combat Systems Officer Cmdr. Greg Gaskey.

The ESSM has advantages in range, agility and advanced technology over the RIM-7.

A short-range missile, the ESSM is designed to provide self defense for surface ships. The new missile is launched from the existing NATO Sea Sparrow Launcher.

(Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Elliott J. Fabrizio, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs.)

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