The exercise included handling an inert Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) training dummy to demonstrate enhanced maritime cooperation and Australia’s enhanced submarine logistics and support capabilities.
Mississippi Sailors completed the exercise safely and efficiently with RAN Submarine Force personnel.
“Australia is one of our greatest allies and today is a fantastic opportunity for us to work together and learn from each other,” the Lt Col said. Mississippi Commander Edward Barry. “Successful execution of a complex bilateral exercise like this demonstrates that HMAS Stirling can support U.S. submarine logistics and enhance our integrated deterrent.”
During the week, the U.S. Navy provided subject matter experts from Naval Munitions Command East Asia Division, Guam; Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Commander, 1st Submarine Squadron; and Naval Underwater Warfare Center Division, Keyport, to provide guidance on complex evolution and supervision.
Prior to transferring the inert shape, the shore crew team first moved the loading platform and all associated weapons handling devices by crane to Mississippi in preparation for unloading the missile tubes. The shore personnel team held several training activities before the exercise to ensure safe and accurate execution.
“Today, members of the RAN Submarine Force had the opportunity to observe US Navy personnel performing a simulated TLAM loading/unloading aboard the USS Mississippi, providing an excellent opportunity to see what is involved in this type of evolution,” witnessed the Evolution of the Royal Australian Navy Submarine Crew.
This is the first time a Virginia-class submarine has conducted a weapons disposal exercise of this scope, with the RAN in a lead transfer role. In April, the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) conducted a similar exercise. The Emory S. Land-class submarine carrier USS Frank Cable (AS 40) was also present at the Springfield evolution and served as the primary transfer role for TLAM’s inert training shape.
The Mississippi arrived at HMAS Stirling Naval Base in Australia on November 28 for a scheduled port visit to enhance interoperability, communication and strengthen relationships between like-minded nations.
The Mississippi is one of six Virginia-class fast attack submarines at the home port of Pearl Harbor. The submarine is 377 feet long, displaces 7,800 tons and can carry torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles. It has the ability to send special operations forces to a variety of environments and battlefield scenarios.
The USS Mississippi is the fifth naval ship and the first submarine to be named after the people of the Magnolia State. The most recent, USS Mississippi, was a nuclear-powered missile cruiser (CGN 40), which served from August 1978 to July 1997.
For more news on USS Mississippi, visit https://www.csp.navy.mil/mississippi/.
