USS Michael Murphy Conducts ASW Exercise

SOUTH CHINA SEA, USPACOM, AT SEA

03.25.2017

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Daniel Kelley 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SOUTH CHINA SEA (NNS)—Forward-deployed, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) conducted an antisubmarine warfare (ASW) training exercise, March 24.

The ship’s undersea warfare team and embarked Maritime Helicopter Strike Squadron (HSM) 37 coordinated the tracking and simulated destruction of an expendable mobile antisubmarine warfare training target (EMATT). An EMATT is a device that is deployed from the ship, which is preprogrammed to simulate an enemy submarine.

“Sonar teams were able to conduct a live prosecution of the mobile training target, allowing for realistic training on the entire detect to engage sequence,” said Chief Sonar Technician (Surface) Alan Votapka. “We utilized various sonar techniques to conduct multiple simulated engagements on the mobile training target.”

The EMATT allows sonar operators to track a real target as opposed to a computer-generated simulation.

“Training like this doesn’t happen every day,” said Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Ashley Marquardt. “When we get to utilize a device like this to practice real life scenarios, we learn a lot while also sharpening our skills as sonar operators.”

HSM 37 pilots and aircrew were also involved in the tracking and engagement of the EMATT.

“As a squadron, we support the overall antisubmarine warfare mission of USS Michael Murphy,” said Lt. Landon Goodell, an aircraft commander from HSM 37. “During the EMATT exercise we deployed sonobouys and launched a simulated torpedo attack. This type of training allows us, as pilots and aircrew members, to hone in on our ASW skills and practice good communication with the ship.”

Prior to operations in the South China Sea, Michael Murphy conducted training as part of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group off the coast of Hawaii to improve readiness and cohesion as a strike group. Michael Murphy also conducted an 18-day joint mission with the U.S. Coast Guard in the Central and South Pacific under the Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI) to combat transnational crimes, enforce fisheries laws and enhance regional security.

U.S. Navy carrier strike groups have regularly patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific for more than 70 years and will continue to do so. Carl Vinson has deployed to the region several times, starting with a deployment to the Western Pacific in 1983, a year after commissioning. Most recently in 2015, Carl Vinson Conducted port visits and exercises with regional navies in the South China Sea.

Commissioned on October 6, 2012, USS Michael Murphy is named after former U.S. Navy SEAL Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan, June 28, 2005. He was the first person to be awarded the medal for actions in Afghanistan and was the first member of the U.S. Navy to receive the award since the Vietnam War.

U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy. Third Fleet constantly coordinates with U.S. 7th Fleet to plan and execute missions based on their complementary strengths to promote ongoing peace, security, and stability throughout the entire Pacific theater of operations.

• Date Taken: 03.25.2017
• Date Posted: 05.04.2017 14:30
• Story ID: 228697
• Location: SOUTH CHINA SEA, USPACOM, AT SEA