Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer Completes MK45 Test

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt completed the first underway test for the MK45 Mod 2 5-inch anti-surface warfare gun on November 23. 

Sailors fired five 54-caliber rounds into open waters in order to evaluate the capability of the on-board weapons system for future test scenarios. Currently, Roosevelt is operating in a simulated training environment with the George H.W. Bush Strike Group.

"If we are going to be out and participating in these real-world inspired simulated events to prepare for deployment, we need to make sure our equipment is in top working order, especially our weapons," said Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Ashlie Umbarger. 

The MK45 5-inch gun is a fully-automatic naval gun mount employed against surface, air and land-based targets. The MK45 was developed to be lighter and more easily maintained than its predecessor, the MK42.

"Our performance was great. The gun fired great. We were more than ready," said Lt. Dawn Makowsky, the Roosevelt's weapons officer. "Our weapons team is amazing. I am very pleased with the readiness level we are at."

Roosevelt is conducting its final pre-deployment evaluation with the George H.W. Bush Strike Group to achieve mission readiness and the ability to work alongside international allies in the execution of the Navy's maritime strategy.