USA 🇺🇸
The U.S. Navy successfully carried out its first-ever vertical launch system (VLS) replacement in open sea conditions. On October 11, the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Chosin conducted the operation off the southern coast of California, approaching the supply ship USNS Washington Chambers to transfer an empty missile weapon container.
The operation utilized a Transferrable Reload At-Sea Method (TRAM) device, which enabled the safe and efficient transfer of the container while both ships were at sea. According to the Navy, the ability to reload missile systems in high seas is a critical advancement, especially as the U.S. faces increasing challenges from China and other non-standard threats that may demand a higher expenditure of ammunition.
This milestone marks a significant step in improving the Navy’s combat readiness and operational flexibility in response to evolving global threats.
