Amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) conducted a live-fire exercise using a rolling airframe missile (RAM) against a target drone, Jan. 11.

The missile launch demonstrated the self-defense capabilities of the ship not only with the RAM, but also using the ship's Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS).

"The exercise consisted of the ship identifying, tracking, and ultimately firing a missile at a rapidly approaching drone that was mimicking an anti-ship cruise missile," said RAM Launch Supervisor, Chief Fire Controlman Justin Tucker.

Using the CIWS serves a dual purpose -- allowing Bataan's fire controlmen to perform a maintenance check, as well as readying the mounts for any active targets.

The evolution is part of Bataan's a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), which is the last opportunity to conduct open ocean training before her upcoming deployment.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Bataan (LHD 5), visit http://www.navy.mil/.