The US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Howard (DDG 83) has successfully completed its light-off assessment (LOA) following completion of dry-docking selected restricted availability period.
Conducted by Afloat Training Group (ATG), the LOA is aimed at validating if a ship is able to safely light-off and operate its engineering plant.
USS Howard has been undocked from the Pride of San Diego British Aerospace Engineering Dry Dock, following which the crew demonstrated material readiness and operational proficiency at Continental Maritime San Diego, US.
In addition to engineering mobility ATG assessments, the destroyer has successfully completed a damage control material assessment, crew certification, and demonstrated its readiness.
With assistance from the members of Commander, Destroyer Squadron 23 (COMDESRON 23), ATG also analysed its training programme and manning readiness for the frigate.
USS Howard commanding officer Commander David Zook said that Howard and DESRON 23 team worked together to improve material condition with minimum equipment and ready USS Howard warship for sea.
The damage control programme was intended to test the satisfactory material condition and abilities to safely handle a casualty onboard.
The 509ft-long General Dynamics-built USS Howard has a displacement capacity of 9,200t and can cruise at speeds in excess of 30k.
Powered by four GE LM 2500 gas turbines, the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers are armed with 56 Tomahawk cruise missiles.
The ship is named after Gunnery Sergeant Jimmie E Howard, who received a medal of honour for his leadership of a platoon against repeated battalion-sized Viet Cong force attacks.
A part of Destroyer Squadron 23 in San Diego, USS Howard frigate is scheduled to undergo next set of evaluations and the upcoming training cycle.
Image: USS Howard undergoing a mission. Photo: US Navy photo by photographer’s mate, airman Richard R Waite (Released).
