Independence successfully demonstrated its ability to defend itself against high speed air threats yesterday morning with the NATO Seasparrow Surface Missile System.

The exhaust of a single RTM-7M telemetry missile bellowed from NATO launcher ONE as part of a completion of exercise (COMPEX.) Its mission was to simulate the destruction of a BQM-74 missile target drone launched from the USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), approximately 8,000 yards away.

"Lt. Cmdr. Louie Partida, of CTF-70, gave the exercise a grade of 100 percent," said Lt. George Petersen, one of three Tactical Action Officers on board. "This score kept us in the running for the battle 'E'," he added.

According to Lt. Petersen, an exercise such as this one mandated advance planning and coordination.

"It required many civilians and Sailors from Bunker Hill to launch the drone and several Sailors from Independence to coordinate the launch and interception of that drone. Exercises like COMPEX are important because they allow us to practice our proficiency in protecting the ship," Petersen concluded. "This evolution was a success because of the expertise of our Sailors on board Independence who worked as a team to make it happen."