Combat System’s Anti-Ship Missile Defense (CS-7) division is ready for sea aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike)  after completing a successful Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launch, Sept. 11.

CS-7 operates and maintains the Close-In Weapons systems (CIWS), RAM systems, Rearchitectured NATO Seasparrow Surface Missile System, SPQ-9B Fire Control Radar,  and the Ship’s Self Defense system. The division has run numerous drills in preparation for Ike’s Tailored Ship’s Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP). After last launching missiles in April 2016, their primary objective during TSTA/FEP was successfully firing a RAM.

“Not a lot of people get to shoot a weapons system,” said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Emmanual White, CS-7’s defense weapons coordinator, who was behind the controls of the system that shot off a RAM. “This was my first time and it was really exciting.”

Ike has two RAM launchers, each holding 21 missiles and has a range of three to five nautical miles. The team tested the missiles on drones as part of a detect-to-engage sequence.

“We’re the weapons side of combat systems,” said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Cody Sims. “We do preventative maintenance on weapons systems that keep us safe.”

CS-7’s Sailors have worked together to maintain and ensure the readiness of Ike’s defense systems.

“We want to become a better team and get everybody where they need to be so that we can be the best team in combat and the best team on the ship,” said White.

While CS-7’s Sailors are ready for Ike’s next step in the mission, they still acknowledge the hours, work and training behind them.

“Technicians conducted hours of pre-fire maintenance checks on both the RAM and CIWS,” said Chief  Fire Controlman Andrew Weber, the leading chief petty officer of CS-7. “They also loaded the aft RAM launcher and both CIWS mounts in preparation for the evolution. We’re focusing on getting all divisional personnel qualified in all watch positions to ensure the entire division can support all watch stations.” 

Weber said CS-7 is excited about being battle ready and that his Sailors are excited to be able to do the work for which they joined the Navy.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Denerio Kennedy, the division officer for CS-7, said there are still a few items to be addressed within the division.

“Battle-ready is a mindset for CS-7,” said Kennedy. “What that means to us is being proficient in our watch standing, troubleshooting our equipment and being ready to answer our nation’s call no matter when it may be.”

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