Load testing of the 57mm at the Naval Surface
Warfare Center,
Dahlgren, Va., took place Sept. 24. Photo by PAC Jeff Murphy, (USCG).
Members of the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy DDX program conducted a day of Human Systems Integration (HSI) testing on the MK 110 Mod 0/57mm gun at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren, Va., Sept. 24. HSI is the technical process of integrating the five HSI domains including Human Factors Engineering, Personnel Manpower, Training, Systems Safety, and Health Hazards.
To assist in the testing, 16 Coast Guard students and staff members from MK 76 Gun “C” school at Training Center Yorktown, Va., provided the manpower and conducted hands-on training with the new equipment.
“Each test team member provided valuable input on every facet of testing and system operation,” said Lt. Tim Hackett of Deepwater Sponsors Representative’s office. “The testing was demanding not only during the test procedure, but also the time in-between each evolution to collect data. Years from now each participant will see improvements made to the 57mm ammunitions container and system loading procedures as a result of their input.”
The students who volunteered to assist with the training, experienced first-hand the capabilities of the 57mm and how it will help shape the future of the Coast Guard. Most students shared the same opinion.
"This is a huge upgrade from the 76mm," said GM3 Robert Boyer, stationed at the Armory Department in Ketchikan, AL. "As far as maintenance and accuracy of the new weapon, the all-around ability is a lot easier to handle compared to our current armament. I'll definitely look forward to working on the 57mm gun."
The 57mm gun will be installed on the forthcoming Maritime Security Cutter Large (WMSL) as it joins the Coast Guard fleet.
The new appropriations bill provides $6.3 billion for the Coast Guard for FY 2005, an 8.6 percent ($500 million) increase over 2004, and a 66 percent ($2.5 billion) increase over 2001 levels. As part of funding for Coast Guard programs, the appropriations bill includes $724 million for the Deepwater multi-year acquisition to modernize and recapitalize the Coast Guard's inventory of cutters, aircraft, and supporting systems. This Deepwater appropriation includes approximately $185 million for aircraft, $364 million for surface ships, $53 million for a state-of-the-art command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) system, and $121 million for an integrated logistics network and program management. The FY 2005 funding level is $46 million more than the President's request of $678 million, and $56 million above the FY 2004 appropriation of $668 million.
Last Updated: 15-October-2004
The Integrated Deepwater System is critical to the Coast Guard's future and to America's ability to safeguard our homeland and maritime security for generations to come. Learn more about the IDS Program.
Keep up-to-date on the IDS Program by checking out our Recent Milestones and the planned phases for Deepwater assets.
A Deeper Meaning: Interview with RADM Stillman, Unmanned Vehicles, August 2004
Deepwater Contracts Awarded for Two Maritime Security Cutters, The Bulletin, August 2004
