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Defence has confirmed that the HMAS Supply has successfully undertaken a trial of the Phalanx close-in weapon system as part of a recent deployment.
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The test was a first-of-class firing trial for the weapons system.
According to Defence, the trial required meticulous planning, weapons system checks and safety mechanisms assessments.
The test marks an essential milestone, as the CIWS are essential for protecting the ship from anti-ship missiles, despite the Supply’s primary function as an oil replenishment ship.
“In my role, I maintain and operate the CIWS and prepare it for firings; this includes all safety checks, pre-firing and loading the live ammunition,” Electronic Technician Leading Seaman Sam Chiswell said.
“Our training helps to make sure procedures are fresh in our minds and communication with the warfare team in the operations room is correct, ensuring a smooth firing evolution.”
“There are not many people that can say they were the first to do something like this on an Australian warship,” LS Chiswell continued.
[Related: HMAS Adelaide, Supply return home following regional deployment]
