USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) completed the second of three combat systems
testing and sea trials, in support of the first-ever integrated air
and missile defense (IAMD) destroyer Aegis baseline nine combat systems
upgrade, July 19. The upgrade, part of the Navy's destroyer modernization
program, began in April 2012 and will be completed following the third
combat systems testing and sea trials, scheduled for September. |
"The
capabilities that this new Aegis baseline brings to the fleet are remarkable.
Our ability to serve as a multi-mission platform has expanded in ways
we are just now exploring," said Cmdr. Andrew J. Thomson, commanding
officer, USS John Paul Jones. "I am very pleased with the hard
work and dedication of the entire waterfront maintenance organization,
Aegis modernization team and especially the ship's crew, who have made
the IAMD destroyer a reality."
The destroyer modernization program is designed to upgrade in-service
ships to keep pace with evolving threats while enabling ships to meet
service life requirements and future operational commitments. Destroyer
modernization enhances overall combat systems capability through numerous
system improvements.
The baseline nine upgrades installed onboard USS John Paul Jones include
an overall Aegis weapon system (AWS) upgrade with an enhanced SPY-1D
radar that now utilizes a multi-mission signal processor for anti-air
warfare and ballistic missile defense in support of IAMD. The AWS is
complemented with the addition of cooperative engagement capability
(CEC), AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 upgrades and improvements to the MK 160 gun control
system for the MK 45 5-inch gun.
In addition, the evolved sea sparrow missile will be introduced aboard
all modernized destroyers along with the SM-6 and Navy integrated fire
control counter air capability. This baseline nine capability is planned
for introduction on six DDG destroyers, improving capability across
the majority of the destroyer's mission areas.
PEO IWS, an affiliated program executive office of the Naval Sea Systems
Command, manages surface ship and submarine combat technologies and
systems, and coordinates Navy enterprise solutions across ship platforms.
From: Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems public
affairs |
