US Navy to Introduce RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile to Filipino Sailors for Familiarization

19 Juni 2015

RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (photo : maquetland)

Filipino sailors will be given a chance to see personally and get familiarized with the American RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile during the June 18 to 30 Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2015. CARAT 2015 public affairs officer Lt. Liezl M. Vidallon said the US Navy will be introducing the weapon to our sailors for familiarization purposes, according to a state news report.

RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) is a small, lightweight, infrared homing surface-to-air missile.

Aside from the gunnery exercises, Filipino and American sailors will also conduct helicopter crash and salvage drills, deck-landing qualifications, visit, board, search-and-seizure and weapon system training.

CARAT-Philippines 2015 was officially started today and will be formally opened on June 22, 1:30 pm at the Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoni at Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Vidallon added that the said maritime exercise will “strengthen both navies’ combined capabilities in amphibious operations, special operations, surface warfare, and modern naval warfare; enhance information sharing; and will promote relationship and goodwill.”

BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) will participate in the said training. US Navy’s Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth is also set to join the said maritime exercise.

USS Fort Worth is known to be equipped with BAE Systems 57 mm main gun, Raytheon RIM-116 RAM launcher and two Mk 46 Mod 2 Bushmaster 30 mm guns.

(AngMalaya)