Naval Weapons and Operations

Dramatic scenes of naval ships performing live-fire exercises, showcasing missile launches and weapon systems at sea during operations.

July 17, 2012 - The guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) launches a harpoon missile for a sink exercise in the Pacific Ocean during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012.

960709-N-2160C-001. Base: USS Constellation (CV 64)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 27, 2022) The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), conducts a close-in weapons system (CIWS) live-fire exercise, Sept. 27, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

DN-SC-88-00776. Country: Unknown

The US Navy (USN) TICONDEROGA CLASS: Guided Missile Cruiser, USS BUNKER HILL (CG 52) launches the first tomahawk missile to be fired in Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: USS Bunker Hill (CG 52)

July 17, 2012 - The guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) launches a harpoon missile for a sink exercise in the Pacific Ocean during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012.

020705-N-6967M-006. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS 43-03 Base: Uss Fife (DD 991) Scene Major Command Shown: destroyer USS Fife (DD-991)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 16, 2021) An evolved sea sparrow missile (ESSM) launches from one of the weapons sponsons of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) during combat systems ship qualification trials (CSSQT), April 16, 2021. CSSQT is a Naval Sea Systems Command requirement to verify that ship personnel can operate and maintain their combat systems in a safe and effective manner. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting its final independent steaming event of post-delivery tests and trials.

1983 - An aerial port bow view of the battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) launching an RGM-84 Harpoon missile on the Pacific Missile Test Center Range..

031015-N-9214D-048. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A starboard bow view of the nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser USS BAINBRIDGE (CGN-25) firing a Harpoon missile during an Operation Red Reef III exercise. Subject Operation/Series: RED REEF III Base: USS Bainbridge(CGN 25)

The battleship USS IOWA (BB 61) fires one of its Mk 28 5 in. guns to starboard. Base: USS Iowa (BB 61) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 14, 2018) The amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) fires a rolling airframe missile (RAM) during a live-fire missile exercise for the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 4 composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is the final pre-deployment exercise that certifies the combined Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU) planning and execution of challenging and realistic training scenarios. CSG 4 mentors, trains and assesses East Coast units preparing for future deployments.

A RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile is launched from the starboard side forward Mark 29 NATO Sea Sparrow Missile (NSSM) launcher aboard the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64). Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

GULF OF ADEN (May 11, 2016) A close-in weapons system (CIWS) fires during a live-fire exercise aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66). Gonzalez is currently operating with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

A BGM-109 Tomahawk long-range cruise missile is launched from the battleship USS MISSOURI (BB-63). (Fifth in a series of eight views.). Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

A RIM-66C Standard SM-2 MR missile is fired from a cell in the aft vertical launch system (VLS) aboard the guided missile destroyer ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG-51). The destroyer, now undergoing sea trials, is scheduled for commissioning on July 4, 1991. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SC-87-03282. Base: USS Iowa (BB 61) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

The battleship USS IOWA (BB-61) fires Mount 51, the first Mark 28 5-inch/38-caliber gun mount on the starboard side. Country: Unknown

120719-N-LP801-225 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 19, 2012) An MK-53 Nulka Decoy Launching System launches an electronic decoy cartridge from the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) during a Nulka fire exercise as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in the biennial RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3 in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971.

The battleship USS IOWA (BB 61) fires its 16-inch 50-cal. guns off the port side during Operation UNITAS XXV. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XXV Country: Western Caribbean

A Mark 15 Phalanx 20mm close-in weapon system (CIWS) is fired aboard the guided missile destroyer USS KIDD (DDG-993) near the coast of Puerto Rico. Country: Caribbean Sea

220715-O-QR492-1002-CA PACIFIC OCEAN (July 15, 2022) Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331) fires the Multi Ammunition Softkill System launcher in support of Technical Cooperation Program Anti-Ship Threat Project Arrangement (TAPA) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 15. Twenty-six nations, 38 surface ships, four submarines, nine national land forces, more than 30 unmanned systems, approximately 170 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel will train and operate in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California, June 29 to Aug. 4. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Royal Canadian Navy photo by Sgt Ghislain Cotton)

110620-O-ZZ999-002KAUAI COUNTY, Hawaii (June 20, 2011) A Standard Missile (SM 2) is fired from the Royal Australian Navy guided-missile frigate HMAS Sydney (FFG 3) during a live-fire exercise near the Pacific Missile Range off the coast of Hawaii. Sydney was on a Mid Pacific (MIDPAC) deployment to test and evaluate the Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) upgrade.

The battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-64) fires one of its Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber guns at an Iraqi shore target during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

A Mark 33 3-inch 50-caliber gun is fired aboard a U.S. Navy ship during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

Pacific Ocean, July 30, 2009 - The Aegis-class destroyer USS Hopper (DDG-70) launches a standard missile (SM) 3 Blk IA during exercise Stellar Avenger, successfully intercepting a sub-scale short-range ballistic missile launched from the Kauai Test Facility at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, Kauai, Hawaii.

A view of an RIM-7 Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missile shortly after a test launch aboard the destroyer USS MERRILL (DD-976). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

220712-O-LR179-1011-CA PACIFIC OCEAN (July 12, 2022) Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Winnipeg (FFH 338) fires two harpoon missiles as part of a sinking exercise (SINKEX) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. RIMPAC 2022 military forces from Australia, Canada, Malaysia and the U.S., fired upon and sunk the decommissioned ex-USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60), July 12, during a SINKEX to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live firing against a surface target at sea. SINKEX vessels are put through a certified cleaning process, including removing all environmentally harmful material including trash, floatable material, mercury, fluorocarbon and petroleum. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29-Aug 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooper

221205-N-GF955-1037BALTIC SEA (Dec. 5, 2022) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) remote live-fires a Mark 38 25 mm machine gun during a pre-action calibration firing, Dec. 5, 2022. Paul Ignatius, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

110329-N-XO436-010MEDITERRANEAN SEA (March 29, 2011) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) launches a Tomahawk cruise missile to support Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn. Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973.

120820-N-NL401-030U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Aug. 18, 2012) The MK-45 5-inch/.54-caliber lightweight gun fires aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) during a live-fire exercise. James E. Williams is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

Aerial starboard bow view of the battleship NEW JERSEY (BB-62) firing its 16-inch/50-caliber guns. The NEW JERSEY, after recently completing renovations and modernization is undergoing sea trials and is scheduled to be reactivated in January of 1983. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Guns firing from the USS Iowa

DN-ST-89-02460. Base: USS Wainwright (CG 28) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

220828-N-UA460-1008 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 28, 2022) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) launches a Standard Missile (SM) 2 during a live-fire missile exercise as part of Pacific Vanguard (PV) 22 while operating in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 28. PV22 is an exercise with a focus on interoperability and the advanced training and integration of allied maritime forces.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 23, 2024) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) fires an SM-2 Block III missile during a live-fire exercise, Jan. 23, 2024. Michael Murphy is assigned to Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting advanced tactical training that increases warfighting capability and tactical proficiency across all domains.

A "Tomahawk" cruise missile launches from the destroyers aft (rear) missile deck in the early morning hours. The Arleigh Burke class, guided missile destroyer, USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66). GONZALEZ is participating in day eight of NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Country: Unknown

220714-O-QR492-1003-CA Pacific (July 14, 2022) Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331) fires the Multi Ammunition Softkill System (MASS) from the starboard bridge wing during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 surface ships, four submarines, nine national land forces, more than 30 unmanned systems, approximately 170 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel will train and operate in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California, June 29 to Aug. 4. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Royal Canadian Navy photo by Sgt Ghislain Cotton)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Aug. 14, 2017) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) fires its Mark 45 5-inch gun during a live-fire exercise. Pinckney is deployed in the U.S. 5th fleet area of operations conducting maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, preserving freedom of navigation and maintaining the free flow of commerce.

050713-N-4374S-001. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS 46-05 Base: USS Thomas S. Gates (CG 51)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 7, 2016) - A phalanx close-in weapons system (CIWS) fires from the fantail of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike). Ike is currently underway as part of Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG)s deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. With CVN 69 as the flagship, strike group assets include the embarked squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 and ships USS San Jacinto (CG 56), USS Monterey (CG 61), USS Stout (DDG 55), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94).

110629-N-ME988-298ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 29, 2011) The Russian navy destroyer RFS ADM Chabanenko (DD 650) fires the AK-130-MR-184130 mm gun at a distant target during a gunnery exercise as part of the at-sea phase of FRUKUS 2011. FRUKUS is an invitational exercise designed to enhance communication and interoperability between the navies of France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

ARABIAN GULF (Nov. 2, 2018) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) fires its M45 5-inch gun as part of a live-fire exercise, Nov. 2, 2018. Jason Dunham is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (April 22, 2013) The guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) fires the MK-45 5-inch/.54-caliber lightweight gun during a live-fire exercise. Stockdale is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

GULF OF OMAN (Dec. 8, 2013) The guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) fires its 5-inch gun during a live-fire exercise. Mason is deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

220614-N-ED646-0124 ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 14, 2022) USS Gravely (DDG 107) fires a Mark 45 .62-caliber gun during a live-fire exercise in the Atlantic Ocean, June 14, 2022. Gravely is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

The Mark 16 Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS) in Mount 21 aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) is pointed foward prior to a test firing. Country: Caribbean Sea

090730-N-XXXXX-001 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 30, 2009) During exercise Stellar Avenger, the Aegis-class destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) launches a standard missile (SM) 3 Blk IA, successfully intercepting a sub-scale short range ballistic missile, launched from the Kauai Test Facility, Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Barking Sans, Kauai

Central Command Area of Responsibility, April 23, 2003 - Crewmembers aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) conduct a Pre-Action Calibration fire from the ship's forward 5" Mk 45 gun while conducting underway operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

040722-N-1464F-008. Complete Scene Caption: A view from onboard the US Navy (USN) Ticonderoga Class Guided Missile Cruiser (Aegis), USS THOMAS S. GATES (CG 51), showing two BQM-74E Aerial Target Drones spotted on the aft section, while the ship is underway in the Pacific Ocean, conducting operations in support of Exercise UNITAS 45-04. The smoke trail from a previous drone launch obstructs the view. Naval forces from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and observers from Mexico and Canada are participating in UNITAS 45-04, the premier naval exercise in the region, which is conducted under the direction of Commander US Naval Forces Southern Command and hosted this year by the Peruvian Navy. UNITAS is designed to develop interoperability among the participating navies while increasing readiness and providing the training in a high-tech environment. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS 45-04 Base: USS Thomas S. Gates (CG 51) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-SC-87-03278. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An overhead view of the three Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber gun turrets of the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61) being fired during a gunnery demonstration off the coast of Costa Rica. Country: Caribbean Sea

110701-N-NL541-147PACIFIC OCEAN (July 1, 2011) A BQM-74E aerial drone launches from the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) during a live-fire exercise for the Pacific phase of UNITAS 52. Ships from Chile, Colombia, Peru and the U.S. participated in the exercise. UNITAS is a multinational exercise as part of Southern Seas 2011.

Smoke and dust surround a Multiple-Launch Rocket System (MLRS) launcher after the test firing of an Army Tactical Missile System (TACMS) missile. Base: White Sands Missile Test Range State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-01387. Country: Unknown

An aerial bow view of the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61) with its 15 guns (nine 16-inch and six 5-inch) firing a salvo off the starboard side. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 30, 2018) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) fires its Mark 45 five-inch gun during a live-fire exercise. Bainbridge, homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

A view of a Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) firing a round of ammunition. Base: White Sands Missile Test Range State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220502-N-DE439-120 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 11, 2022) Fire Controlman (Aegis) 3rd Class Kenley Celiscar, front, and Chief Fire Controlman (Aegis) Brett Bengston, do step-ups at the aft missile deck aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78), May 11, 2022. Porter is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S., Allied and partner interest in Europe and Africa.

EDITERRANEAN SEA (Feb. 26, 2015) The guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) conducts a live-fire gunnery exercise with the MK 45 5-inch gun as part of a passing exercise with the French navy frigate La Fayette (F 710). Donald Cook is forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, and is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

Battleship USS Wisconsin firing its guns

160719-N-ZZ999-113PACIFIC OCEAN (July 19, 2016) USS Coronado (LCS 4), an Independence-variant littoral combat ship, launches the first over-the-horizon missile engagement using a Harpoon Block 1C missile. Twenty-six nations, 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 30 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2016 is the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Rear view of a fighter plane moving on the runway, F/A-18A Hornet, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), US Navy

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 28, 2022) JJapan Maritime Self-Defense Force Takanami-class destroyer JS Takanami (DD 110) fires a RIM-7M missile while conducting a live-fire exercise during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force photo by Petty Officer 1st Class MIURA Naoto)

A view of a Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) firing a round of ammunition. Base: White Sands Missile Test Range State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Harpoon RGM-84 surface-to-air missile is positioned in a Mark 13 launcher aboard the guided missile destroyer USS GOLDSBOROUGH (DDG-20) during exercises off the coast of southern California. Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

DN-ST-85-05434. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

USS Iowa

PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 25, 2012) A Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) launches from the guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) as apart of a joint ballistic missile defense exercise. Americas Sailors are Warfighters, a fast and flexible force deployed worldwide. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting.

Patriot air target rocket on the open day of Leeuwarden.The patriot unit has returned from Israel.

An AIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile is test fired from the Mark 29 NATO Sea Sparrow launcher on the port quarter of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). The LINCOLN is on the homeward bound leg of a six month deployment on WestPac '93. Subject Operation/Series: WESTPAC '93 Base: USS Abraham Lincoln @@(Cvn 72) Country: Central Pacific

An MQM 107D Drone launches off the flight line. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division, fire rockets from an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Yausubetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 14, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

A surface-to-air rocket simulator known as a Smokey Sam launches in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, April 13, 2022. This equipment is used for the AATTCs Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course which allows aircrews to learn and employ defensive tactics in a training environment.

One of the Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber guns in turret No. 3 aboard the battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-64) is fired during a gunnery exercise. The WISCONSIN is deployed in the gulf in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Persian Gulf

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division, fire rockets from an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Yausubetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 14, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter conducts flight operations from the helicopter pad of the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61). The No. 3 Mark-7 16-inch/ 50-caliber gun is silhouetted in the foreground. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Baker Battery, 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment (3-321 FAR), 18th Field Artillery Brigade, fires a Reduced-Range Practice Rocket (RRPR) from an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during a Latvian-led field artillery live fire exercise, NAMEJS, at Liepāja, Latvia, Sept. 27, 2022. The 3-321 FAR is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

230203-N-TD381-1216 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 3, 2023) Sailors assigned to Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) conduct a live-fire exercise on the fantail. Vinson is currently underway conducting routine maritime operations.

A view of an RIM-7 Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missile silhouetted against the superstructure of the destroyer USS MERRILL (DD-976) during a test launch. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

110319-N-2593S-939 MEDITERANEAN SEA (March 19, 2011) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) launches a Tomahawk missile in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn. This was one of approximately 110 cruise missiles fired from U.S. and British ships and submarines that targeted about 20 radar and anti-aircraft sites along Libyas Mediterranean coast. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973.

U.S. Army and Marine Corps High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems assigned to 1st Battalion, 94th Field Artillery Regiment, and 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division conduct the combined arms live-fire exercise during Balikatan 22 at Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base, Tarlac, Philippines, March 31, 2022. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades shared experiences. Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, is a long-standing bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. BK22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

220710-N-XK047-1014PACIFIC OCEAN (July 10, 2022) - A Phalanx close-in weapons system fires during a live-fire exercise aboard amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), July 10. The Navy trains, certifies, and deploys combat ready naval forces to face a full range of missions from humanitarian and peacekeeping operations to ballistic missile defense around the globe. Makin Island is currently underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 9, 2021) A RAM-116 missile launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during a live-fire exercise during Tailored ShipÕs Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP). Harry S. Truman, with embarked Carrier Air Wing 1, is underway conducting TSTA and FEP to assess their ability to conduct combat missions, support functions and survive complex casualty control situations in preparation for full integration into a carrier strike group.

The third in a series of four views of the launch of an RIM-7 Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missile from the destroyer USS MERRILL (DD-976). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

The No. 1 turret Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber guns are fired aboard the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61) during exercise Ocean Safari '85. Subject Operation/Series: EXERCISE OCEAN SAFARI '85 Country: Norwegian Sea

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 26, 2016) An MK 15 Phalanx close-in weapons system (CIWS) expends rounds during a live fire exercise aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS HuŽ City (CG 66). HuŽ City is conducting routine training and operations in preparation for an upcoming deployment with the George H. W. Bush Strike Group.

Caribbean Sea, September 21, 2012 - A BQM-74E drone prepares to launch from the flight deck of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) during a live-fire drone exercise.

A night time test firing of the Phalanx Mark 15 Close In Weapons System (CIWS) located on the port side forward on board the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). In the background can be seen the tracer fire from the port stern CIWS. Country: Central Pacific

A Hawk missile is fired from Launch Complex 32. Base: White Sands Missile Test Range State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A P-15 aircraft firefighting and rescue truck sprays water to herald the return to base of the final C-130 Hercules aircraft taking part in exercise Volant Cape. The exercise, which is designed to test the capabilities of the 314th Tactical Airlift Wing's War Readiness Spare Parts Kit, requires members to use only the parts provided in the kit to keep a squadron of 16 C-130s operational over a 30-day period. Subject Operation/Series: VOLANT CAPE Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

180217-N-KA046-0512BOSPHORUS STRAIT (Feb. 17, 2018) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) transits the Bosphorus Straits, Feb, 17, 2018. Carney, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on its fourth patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of regional allies and partners, and U.S. national security interests in Europe.

A BGM-109 Tomahawk Land-Attack Missile (TLAM) gains altitude after being fired at an Iraqi shore target by the battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-64) during Operation Desert Storm. Country: Unknown

U.S. Marines assigned to Kilo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, Marine Forces Reserve, fire a HIMARS launcher while conducting rapid insertion training at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, May 10, 2022. The Marines of Kilo Battery conducted their annual training alongside the U.S. Air Force during exercise Emerald Warrior 22.1. The exercise prepares special operations forces, conventional force enablers, partner nations, and interagency elements, to integrate with and execute full-spectrum special operations rapidly around the globe.

A Peacekeeper ICBM lifts off. Country: United States Of America (USA)

A semiballistic missile is launched from a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) launcher as the Army Tactical Missile System (TACMS) is tested during a night firing at Launch Complex No. 33. (No. 4 in a series of 6 views). Base: White Sands Missile Test Range State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

EAST CHINA SEA (July 28, 2020) The amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) fires a close-in weapons system during a live-fire exercise, July 28, 2020. Germantown, part of America Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serves as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

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