FITZGERALD Back in the Fight after Successfully Completing Post Repair Validation Trials

UNITED STATES

03.05.2021

Courtesy Story

Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

PACIFIC OCEAN (Mar. 5, 2021) - The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) successfully completed its Post Repair Validation Trials (PRVT) March 5, including a combination of simulated and live-fire exercises conducted off the coast of Southern California. These trials marked the end of three years of material repairs and upgrades to the ship’s Aegis Weapon System. PRVT culminated with a successful SM-2 Live Fire missile shot against a remote operated target.
Following extensive repair periods, ships are required to test their combat systems suites to ensure the repairs meet specification in a process called Post Repair Validation Trials. The rigorous testing associated with PRVT ensures full mission capability before executing operational missions. Following Fitzgerald’s homeport shift to San Diego, the ship underwent months of preparation with ship’s force technicians working alongside contractors to return combat systems to full readiness.
“The system testing provided during PRVT has been invaluable for Fitzgerald.” said Lt. Cmdr. Beth Spangenberg, Fitzgerald’s combat systems officer. “I am proud of our technicians onboard and how they took equipment that had not been operated in three years and turned it into a fully operation system. The team can now move forward with confidence knowing our systems work, and continue to fulfill assigned tasking.”
Throughout preparations for PRVT, the crew onboard Fitzgerald was supported by a team of over 50 technical experts, who assisted the crew with resolving system problems and provided crew training. The successful completion of PRVT would not have been possible without the dedicated support of members throughout the Naval Surface Warfare Center enterprise.
During the event, Fitzgerald Sailors demonstrated their proficiency with ship’s weaponry during several evolutions including; live-fire exercises and Anti-Submarine Warfare tactics. These events tested the Aegis Weapons System and validated repairs conducted during the ships repair period in Pascagoula, MS.

During the second week of underway testing, Fitzgerald integrated with HSM-75 to conduct torpedo firings that demonstrated the enhanced ASW capabilities available onboard.
“Today is an important milestone in the life of Fitzgerald, and represents a significant effort to restore and test the combat systems of our ship,” said Cmdr. Scott Wilbur, Fitzgerald’s commanding officer. “I’m exceptionally proud of my crew, and grateful for the support of the various technical organizations that helped ensure FITZ is ready to fight. After three years in the shipyard and months of focused preparation, the crew has shown that our ship is ready to continue our warfighting training, and continue to embody the ship’s motto ‘Protect your people.’ Our team’s confidence in material readiness gives them the confidence to know that their combat system will respond when needed.”
USS Fitzgerald is part of Carrier Strike Group Three and Destroyer Squadron Two One, and will be training with USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

• Date Taken: 03.05.2021
• Date Posted: 03.29.2021 18:30
• Story ID: 392413
• Location: US