Decoy Launch System Installed Aboard USS Ramage

USS RAMAGE, At Sea (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) departed Souda Bay following a scheduled mid-deployment maintenance and installation period, Dec. 5.

During the port visit, Sailors worked alongside workers from Naval Ship Support Activity Detachment Naples, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Bath Iron Works and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division to perform the first installation of a Mk 59 decoy launching system on a U.S. Navy ship, as part of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Speed-to-Fleet initiative.

"The Mk 59 system, being first installed on USS Ramage overseas in a condensed timeline proved that we can accomplish anything through teamwork, effort and creative thinking," said Lt. Anthony Griffin, systems test officer and installation coordinator. "Although this install was challenging, the Mk 59 brings added capability to the Navy and the benefits are well worth the endeavor."

The system itself consists of a deck-mounted launch tube similar to the SLQ-49 "Rubber Duck" system phased out in the 1990s. Upon firing, the decoy automatically inflates on the surface beside the ship and floats freely past the stern to effectively counteract inbound threats. The advanced system offers increased defense capability against modern anti-ship missile threats, providing additional protection for the U.S. and its allies.

Ramage is the first ship to receive the Mk 59 installation, with additional surface combatants scheduled for the next five years.

"This installation proves one of the reasons why the U.S. Navy is still the most capable Navy in the world," said Cmdr. Dave Stoner, commanding officer aboard Ramage. "No other Navy can assemble a combined team of program office, public and private shipyard, technical experts and local workers along with a ship's crew and in just weeks accomplish a first ever installation on a forward-deployed ship. Our maintenance and logistics teams are strong and capable."

Ramage is currently on a scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

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For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.c6f.navy.mil.