MANILA, Philippines — The United States Navy's largest forward-deployed destroyer squadron (DESRON) conducted live fire exercises in the Philippine Sea last Sunday.
Photos and videos released by the US Navy showed guided-missile destroyers USS Rafael Peralta, USS Benfold and USS John S. McCain holding the drills.
The three forward-deployed guided-missile destroyers are assigned to Task Force 71/DESRON 15, which is also the US 7th Fleet's principal force. — Patricia Lourdes Viray
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Benfold (DDG 65), left, and USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), right, sail during a live-fire exercise with USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115). Rafael Peralta is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy's largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force.
US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Aron Montano
Fire Controlman 2nd Class Christopher Pele, from Phoenix, fires an M240 machine gun aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) during a live-fire gunnery exercise. John S. McCain is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.
US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeremy Graham
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), USS Benfold (DDG 65), furthest, and USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), middle, conduct a live-fire exercise. Rafael Peralta is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy's largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force.
US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Aron Montano
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) fires a Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) during a live-fire exercise. Rafael Peralta is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy's largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force.
US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Aron Montano
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) fires a MK 38 machine gun during a live-fire exercise. Rafael Peralta is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy's largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force.
US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Aron Montano