HMCS Winnipeg Conducts Live Missile Firings at RIMPAC

Photo By Seaman Valerie LeClair | 200824-N-N0842-3573 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 24, 2020) Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Winnipeg fires a missile at a practice target off the coast of the Hawaiian Islands during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC). Ten nations, 22 ships, one submarine, and more than 5,300 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from August 17 to 31 at sea around the Hawaiian Islands. RIMPAC is a biennial exercise designed to foster and sustain cooperative relationships, critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The exercise is a unique training platform designed to enhance interoperability and strategic maritime partnerships. RIMPAC 2020 is the 27th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Royal Canadian Navy photo by Leading Seaman Valerie LeClair)  

PACIFIC OCEAN

08.24.2020

Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet           

PACIFIC OCEAN – Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Winnipeg (FFH 338), along with HMCS Regina (FFH 334), are participating in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2020, RIMPAC is a large-scale international maritime exercise that is held every two years.

As part of RIMPAC, (HMCS) Winnipeg had the opportunity to practice the tactics and procedures involved in firing Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSMs) on August 23-24 2020, off the coast of Hawaii.

ESSMs are medium-range missiles used to protect ships from attacking missiles and aircraft. They provide self-defense battle space and firepower against high-speed, highly maneuverable anti-ship missiles in the naval environment.

A live-firing event is the culmination of months of training and preparation. It provides invaluable data about the ship’s combat management system and demonstrates the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) ability to conduct and support force generation overseas.

“Preparing for a missile shoot begins many months before the shoot itself, and is integrated with a demanding readiness programme that tests the skills and endurance of the entire operations team,” said Royal Canadian Navy Lt. Iain Richardson, Weapons Officer on board Winnipeg.

“We are required to train not only for the shoot, but also for any and all possible system issues or emergencies,” said Richardson. “While the process is long, the privilege of participating in such an important exercise makes it entirely worthwhile.”

The biennial exercise contributes to the increased lethality, resiliency, and agility needed by the Joint and Combined Force to deter and defeat aggression by major powers across all domains and levels of conflict. The exercise provides a unique training opportunity that strengthens international maritime partnerships, enhances interoperability, and improves the readiness of RCN for a wide range of potential operations.

For more information on RIMPAC 2020, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/RIMPAC.

• Date Taken: 08.24.2020
• Date Posted: 08.25.2020 12:16
• Story ID: 376690
• Location: PACIFIC OCEAN