By MC2 Michaela Garrison, USS Coronado Public Affairs
USS Coronado (LCS 4) operates off the Hawaiian Islands during exercise RIMPAC 2016 in July. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Michaela Garrison) >>
PEARL HARBOR - Littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Aug. 26 to continue its independent deployment to the Western Pacific. The ship's departure follows participation in exercise Rim of the Pacific 2016, in which the ship successfully completed a Harpoon Block 1C missile LCS-based launch.
The firing of the Harpoon missile from Coronado represented the first time other(over)-the-horizon (OTH) missile technology has been introduced to the littoral combat ship class.
Coronado and its crew of about 70 Sailors assigned to LCS Squadron 1 began their deployment June 22 after departing their homeport of Naval Base San Diego.
Cmdr. Scott Larson, commanding officer of Coronado and LCS Crew 204, said he is motivated to demonstrate to the fleet and coalition maritime partners the unique capabilities the Independence-variant LCS provides.
“Throughout deployment I expect a total team effort culminating with a safe and successful deployment characterized by smart execution, conspicuous professionalism, rigorous preparation, and the completion of all assigned operational tasking,” said Larson.
While deployed to 7th Fleet, Coronado will conduct routine patrols, port visits and exercises with regional navies. Prior to arriving at Changi Naval Base in Singapore this fall, Coronado will join exercise Kakadu in Australia, followed by Deep Sabre in Singapore.
Each LCS is designed to support different mission packages depending on the tactical environment in which they are involved. Coronado is designed to operate in littoral seas and shallow water to counter mines, submarines, and fast surface craft threats in coastal regions. Additionally, the ship supports flight operations for search and rescue, maritime surveillance and interdiction, intelligence gathering, amphibious assault and combat action.
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 deployed aboard Coronado with two MQ-8 Fire Scouts equipped with maritime surveillance radar (Telephonics AN/ZPY-4).
The ship is assigned to U.S. 3rd Fleet. U.S. 3rd Fleet and U.S. 7th Fleet complement one another across the spectrum of military operations in the Pacific.