The Sullivans Completes CMTQ

During the qualification, the crew of The Sullivans was reminded of the high importance of being able to put missiles on targets and supporting the troops on the ground, much in the same fashion that the Navy supported the landings with calls for fire during the invasion of Europe in 1944.

The Sullivans prepared for CMTQ by completing three Limited Team Trainers (LTT) during the month leading up to qualification. The Sullivans completed its first LTT before getting underway for COMPTUEX (C2X) with USS Theodore Roosevelt and Carrier Strike Group 2. The final two LTTs were completed while The Sullivans transited to and from Fleet Week 2008 in New York City. Afloat Training Group Mayport was onboard assisting the Strike and Surface warfare teams by ensuring that they were prepared to execute complex Tomahawk/Harpoon scenarios.

This was the first CMTQ The Sullivans has undergone since its install of the Tactical Tomahawk Weapons System during the summer of 2007. With the successful completion of CMTQ, The Sullivans is now qualified to launch the new Tactical Tomahawk, a critical capability as the ship prepares for her overseas deployment where the call from the National Command Authority could come at any time.

ATG Mayport arrived on June 4 to evaluate the administrative preparations The Sullivans had made prior to executing its evaluated scenario. For the next two days, The Sullivans was evaluated on its ability to execute a successful Tomahawk Missile launch while simultaneously conducting anti-surface warfare attacks. The Sullivans demonstrated outstanding coordination and skill while executing one of the most complex and important warfare areas onboard. The entire crew came together to support the qualification, exemplifying the Sullivans brothers' motto of "We Stick Together!"

After the completion of the evaluated scenario on June 6, ATG recommended to Destroyer Squadron 24 that The Sullivans be certified to launch Cruise Missiles. This marks another successful qualification for The Sullivans, which follows its completion of the Naval Surface Fire Support qualification and its continual training for an impending overseas deployment.