U.S. Navy Conducts First Ever At-Sea Missile Reload Off San Diego Coast
The U.S. Navy has achieved a groundbreaking feat by conducting its first at-sea missile reload using the TRAM system aboard the USS Chosin off the coast of San Diego.
This innovative system, the Transferrable Reload At-sea Method (TRAM), allows warships to rearm their MK 41 Vertical Launching Systems while remaining at sea, enhancing combat readiness.
By eliminating the need to return to port for missile reloads, TRAM drastically reduces downtime, keeping ships closer to the battlefield and combat-ready for longer.
During the test, the USS Chosin successfully transferred a missile canister from the USNS Washington Chambers, showcasing the efficiency of this new rearming process.
This development marks a critical advance in naval warfare, offering the Navy the ability to maintain a faster operational pace with greater flexibility and endurance in combat.
Secretary of the Navy witnessed the test and highlighted its importance as a deterrent against potential adversaries, strengthening the Navy’s strategic edge.
TRAM not only reduces replenishment time but also streamlines the reloading process, allowing ships to remain fully armed and ready without breaking formation.
The Navy plans to deploy TRAM within the next two to three years, setting a new standard for naval combat operations and securing a tactical advantage for future conflicts.