A first for the Burkes: Fitzgerald launches NSM

In a historic first, the United States Navy successfully launched a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) from a destroyer during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024. This significant event marks a key advancement in the Navy’s capabilities. While the NSM has been integrated onto several Littoral Combat Ships, this firing represents a crucial expansion of the weapon system.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), while participating in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, fires the first naval strike missile from a U.S. destroyer July 18. Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 27 to Aug. 1. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)


The launch, a live firing against a decommissioned amphibious ship almost 50 nautical miles off the coast of Kauai, was the culmination of a fast-tracked integration effort by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD). The team was tasked in late September 2023 to equip the USS Fitzgerald with the Over-the-Horizon (OTH) Weapon System in time for RIMPAC 2024 – a tight, nine-month deadline. This OTH system, which launches the Kongsberg-developed NSM, expands the reach of surface combatants, enabling them to strike targets beyond their radar horizon.

The installation was a complex undertaking, involving collaboration between nearly 20 organisations, including PEO IWS 3H, NAWCWD China Lake, General Dynamics Mission Systems, and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS. The team streamlined the process by classifying the OTH-WS installation as a temporary change to the USS Fitzgerald, which simplified documentation and drawing requirements. Regular meetings and open communication between stakeholders from NSWC PHD, PEO IWS 3H, and NAWCWD China Lake ensured that challenges were addressed quickly, keeping the project on track.

Taking place at Naval Base San Diego between mid-March and late May 2024, the installation focused on integrating the launcher, operator interface console, and a navigation adapter for destroyer compatibility. Following the installation, NSWC PHD conducted comprehensive training for the ship’s crew, ensuring their proficiency in operating and maintaining the new system.

During RIMPAC, the USS Fitzgerald, along with other ships and aircraft, took part in a SINKEX, targeting a decommissioned amphibious ship approximately 50 nautical miles off the coast of Kauai. With NSWC PHD personnel monitoring remotely, the USS Fitzgerald successfully launched its first NSM from the OTH-WS. The missile performed flawlessly, searching the target area, identifying the target, and finally neutralising it.

Although the OTH system on the Fitzgerald is currently a temporary installation, NSWC PHD is working to secure approval for a permanent modification. The experience gained from this effort will inform future integration of the system on other Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

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