The US Navy destroyer USS Paul Ignatius has conducted a live firing of its Mk 45 five-inch gun during a naval surface fire support drill in the Atlantic Ocean, according to information released by the service.
The event took place on 4 December and forms part of the ship’s ongoing deployment with US Sixth Fleet.
Imagery released by the U.S. Navy shows the Arleigh Burke class destroyer engaging from its forward gun mount during what the service described as a naval surface firing support exercise. According to the caption, the activity is intended to contribute to the warfighting effectiveness, readiness and lethality of US Naval Forces Europe Africa as they operate across the region in support of US, allied and partner interests.
USS Paul Ignatius is a Flight IIA technology insertion destroyer that entered service in 2019. While the US Navy routinely conducts surface fire drills, the service continues to make clear the relevance of naval gunnery both for traditional shore support and for engagements in complex maritime environments that do not always justify the use of high cost missiles.
Exercises of this type are also used to assess crew proficiency, confirm fire control system performance and maintain certification for naval gunfire support tasks.
Named after former US Secretary of the Navy Paul Ignatius, the ship is one of eight planned Flight IIA technology insertion destroyers that incorporate selected features being adopted in the later Flight III variant. The destroyer was launched in 2016, christened in 2017 and commissioned in 2019. She is homeported in Rota, Spain, which positions her for continuous forward presence in the European theatre and frequent tasking with US Sixth Fleet.
The Paul Ignatius displaces around 9,300 tonnes, measures 160 metres in length and is driven by four LM2500 gas turbines producing roughly 100,000 shaft horsepower. The destroyer carries a crew of about 380 personnel and fields a broad mix of armaments. Alongside the Mk 45 gun, the ship carries a 20 millimetre Phalanx close in weapon system, Mk 38 machine gun mounts and .50 calibre guns. Its 96 cell Mk 41 vertical launch system enables employment of Standard Missiles, Tomahawks and ASROC anti submarine weapons.
The ship also embarks two MH 60R Seahawk helicopters that can contribute to anti submarine warfare, surface surveillance and targeting.
How much do these cost ?
Not cheap! The last time I fired off the ‘5‑inch main gun’, cost me sixteen years of child maintenance…
Only five inches.. 8inch guns are best for cruising 😉
Vale Stanley Baxter. 99 Years Old.
Saw him in “Cinderella” in Glasgow, while on a family camping / hotelling holiday around Scotland sometime in the late 60s, don’t really remember it too well as I was around 6/7 years old, I do remember nips of rum in our cups tea though. Apparently, Ronnie Corbet was in the panto as well, although I had no idea who he was at the time.