Amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) completed live-fire training exercises in the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 24.

Sailors and Combat Cargo Marines aboard New Orleans received antiterrorism/force protection (AT/FP) training while firing the MK-240B machine guns on floating targets in the water.

Chief Gunner's Mate Nicholas Peters conducted the training. He instructed Sailors and Marines on the proper procedures for shooting the gun and basic antiterrorism force protection (AT/FP) tactics.

"The human factor that Sailors and Marines bring to antiterrorism force protection is irreplaceable," said Peters. "Even the most advanced radars and weapon systems in the world cannot determine hostile intent and apply proportional force as effectively as well trained Sailors and Marines, so these training events are imperative."

Capt. Glenn Jamison, commanding officer of New Orleans, oversaw the training, joining the crew on the bridge wings.

"Training events such as this live-fire exercise are integral components of our daily routine aboard New Orleans," said Jamison. "These evolutions allow us to continually hone the skills of our Sailors and Marines, which directly translates to improved mission readiness."

The ship regularly conducts varied training exercises while deployed. These exercises help to keep both ship and crew mission ready.

More than 4,500 Sailors and Marines from the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) team are currently transiting the Pacific Ocean toward the 7th Fleet area of operations during a scheduled deployment.

For more information on USS New Orleans and Commander, Amphibious Squadron 1, please visit:
www.navy.mil/local/lpd18/