Navy Warfare Center Showcases Groundbreaking Over-the-Horizon Missile Launch from Destroyer

PORT HUENEME, California – A significant advancement in naval capabilities marked the recent Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in Hawaii. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) successfully led the first firing demonstration of a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) from a U.S. Navy destroyer, the USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62).

Under a tight schedule, NSWC PHD, along with various partners, installed the Over-the-Horizon (OTH) Weapon System on the destroyer just in time for its launch at a decommissioned target ship on July 18. Key contributors included Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS) 3H, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) China Lake, General Dynamics Mission Systems, and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS.

Eric Romero, a customer advocate at NSWC PHD, emphasized the high visibility of this requirement for the Navy. The OTH system, already fitted on several littoral combat ships, extends surface warfare capabilities with its long-range, anti-ship guided missiles.

In a challenge issued by the Chief of Naval Operations in late September 2023, PEO IWS tasked NSWC PHD with readying the USS Fitzgerald for an OTH demonstration at RIMPAC 2024, a timeline of just nine months. Despite the aggressive schedule, the team at Port Hueneme pulled together to achieve this goal.

Undertaking various projects that included ship installation drawings and cybersecurity approvals, nearly 20 organizations contributed to this milestone. Todd Jenkins, lead for platform integration, praised the collective efforts against expected roadblocks due to the compressed timeframe.

This first-of-class installation typically requires at least two years, but NSWC PHD managed to streamline the process by treating the OTH system as a temporary change. Alteration Installation Team manager Tony Honeycutt highlighted frequent meetings with stakeholders to prevent setbacks and maintain momentum.

Cybersecurity accreditation for the OTH software, known as authority to operate (ATO), was expedited from the usual year to just two months. This swift process ensured installation could commence on schedule.

The installation at Naval Base San Diego was completed from mid-March to late May, where the system’s components, including a launcher and operator interface console, were tested. NSWC PHD also provided training for the ship’s crew to operate the system effectively.

During RIMPAC, USS Fitzgerald took part in a sinking exercise, SINKEX, engaging a target ship near Kauai. With support from NSWC PHD staff, the NSM was successfully launched and accomplished its mission, marking a major milestone.

Looking ahead, NSWC PHD plans to support USS Fitzgerald’s deployment with the OTH system, aiming to secure a permanent installation. Contributions from this initiative will inform future deployments on other Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.