Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) completed a live-fire exercise, June 30, during a group sail in preparation for its upcoming deployment with the George H.W. Bush Strike Group.

As part of the exercise, Cole fired approximately 1300 rounds from its MK 15 Phalanx close-in weapons system (CIWS) at a remote-controlled small vessel off Cole's port side.

"CIWS is one of our countermeasures for a hostile threat," said Ensign Travis Greenaway, Cole's gunnery officer. "When the target comes close to the Cole we can practice engaging while we are moving at a very high speed. We train and practice how we fight, so we are prepared for any situation."

According to Fire Controlman 2nd Class Amber Henderson aboard Cole, CIWS requires more than seven hours of maintenance before it can be fired.

"Yesterday we had a pre-fire checklist to complete; this has to be done 24 hours in advance," said Henderson. "The checklist includes a dry fire, in which we make sure the gun speed looks okay."

The training exercise gave Cole's watchstanders the opportunity to practice with a live target allowing the controller to track, lock and fire on a target, said Henderson. This is important because of how sensitive the control can be.

Cole is conducting routine training and operations in preparations for its upcoming deployment with the George H.W. Bush Strike Group.

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