Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, part of the USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group, completed Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) re-certification, Feb. 5, off the coast of San Clemente Island.

Having re-attained this certification allows the destroyers USS Shoup (DDG 86) and USS Momsen (DDG 92) to support our nation’s maritime strategy by coming to the aid of forces ashore under enemy fire. NSFS, an exercise in which destroyers and cruisers train to fire deck guns ashore in support of ground troops, was an important re-qualification for DESRON 9.

“This exercise is an important test of a ship’s firing capabilities,” said Lt. Lawrence Repass, a Chicago native and prospective training and readiness officer for DESRON 9. “There is a slim margin of error involved with firing over the heads of friendly forces and the point of this is to ensure ships can hit their targets without endangering civilians or our troops.”

According to Repass, the whole exercise began in January when the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific (EWTGPAC) visited Shoup and Momsen. EWTGPAC monitored the skills of the ships’ firing teams, ensuring that they were ready for the live test out to sea.

The live test was a scenario-based exercise in which Shoup and Momsen fired their five-inch, 62-caliber guns at practice targets. The destroyers were presented with the challenge of having to use indirect fire to shoot at targets that may not even be visible from the ship.

The completion of NSFS was a major step forward for DESRON 9 in accomplishing their Sustainment Exercise (SUSTAINEX). “The overall purpose of the SUSTAINEX is to ensure that the ships of DESRON 9 are major combat ready,” said Repass.