The amphibious transport docks ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) participated in a live-fire missile exercise (MISSILEX), June 14, while underway with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (KSGARG) and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

During the exercise, Arlington fired three MK31 guided missiles at a target simulating an inbound real world threat.

"Arlington was able to successfully demonstrate that we could track and engage an inbound target with the self-defense missile system," said Lt. Thomas Pavlik, the combat systems officer aboard Arlington. "All of our technicians received valuable experience in getting the system ready to fire, as well as all of the watchstanders that had the opportunity to be in a real world situation with a live, incoming target and learn how the system works to defend us from those threats. It was a learning experience for everyone involved."

Detailed preparation, rehearsals, briefs, debriefs and maintenance ensured a safe missile exercise aboard Arlington, which worked with the other ships in the KSGARG, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2, Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility, Virgina Capes (FACSFAC VACAPES) and contractors from Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme (NSWC PHD) to ensure a successful MISSILEX.

"There was a lot of maintenance and training done over a period of time to make sure we could pull this off, from the loading of the missiles to the daily maintenance actions that were required before firing," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Joshua Toohey, the missile systems supervisor for the MISSILEX. "A lot of work was put in over a long period of time and it really was a great opportunity for everyone involved to have a chance to actually see these missiles fired in real time. It was great to see the system do what it was supposed to do. So I would definitely call the entire exercise a success for Arlington."

Arlington is underway with the KSGARG and 26th MEU participating in ARG/MEUEX, a scenario-based amphibious integration exercise, in preparation for a future deployment.

For more news from USS Arlington (LPD 24), visit www.navy.mil/.