USS William P. Lawrence Participates in USWEX

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Carla Ocampo, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

USS WILLIAM P. LAWRENCE, At Sea (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) along with the Nimitz Strike Group Surface Action Group (SAG) conducted an under sea warfare exercise (USWEX) Jan. 20-23.

The goal of USWEX was to test the undersea warfare capabilities of the SAG in real-world scenarios. Lawrence Sailors received the opportunity to practice identifying and tracking a sub, using both active and passive detection techniques.

"This was a good learning experience, especially for our junior Sailors," said Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class Nickolas Neilan. "The fact that we got to work with actual submarines and not just simulated contacts gave Sailors forceful back up of what we teach them and what they learn in our schools."

Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class Reginald Carter said that the exercise also helped the bridge watch team, lookouts and sonar watch teams learn about the different aspects of a submarine.

"This exercise has helped us hone our skills not only on board the ship but with the strike group," said Carter. "It was very successful."

Lawrence is currently underway on its maiden deployment as part of the Nimitz SAG, which consists of the guided missile destroyers Lawrence, USS Stockdale (106), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Shoup (DDG 86) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23.

The SAG is deploying to the Western Pacific to focus on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, which help establish conditions for regional stability.