Lockheed Martin and the crews of the Spanish Navy frigate Alvaro de Bazan and the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Mason made history in late July with the successful completion of the first international joint Combat System Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT). The Alvaro de Bazan is the world's first Aegis-equipped frigate and the first ship in the Spanish Navy F-100 Program.

During the CSSQT, the ships' Aegis Weapon Systems were evaluated for combat-readiness through comprehensive manned raids, electronic attack, tactical data link and air defense testing. The air defense testing is the culmination of the CSSQT, where live missiles are fired against live targets.

Both Aegis-equipped ships achieved 100 percent mission success in air defense scenarios, and each Aegis Weapon System exhibited excellent performance. USS Mason is equipped with the newest upgrade in Aegis capabilities for the DDG 51 class, including Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) and Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC).

"Bringing these two ships together at this critical stage of their transition to the fleet not only marks the first international joint Aegis CSSQT, but is an incredible example of international teamwork and interoperability. The contributions of our industry partners, IZAR, INDRA, RYMSA, SAINSEL and other Spanish companies have been critical factors in the success of this program," said Fred Moosally, president of Lockheed Martin's Maritime Systems & Sensors business. "The success of this testing once again demonstrates the versatility of the Aegis Weapon System and its ability to evolve to meet emerging threats."

Jose A. Casanova, president of Spanish shipbuilder IZAR, said, "We are extremely proud of the Alvaro de Bazan, her crew and the CSSQT success. The successful integration of the Aegis Combat System into a uniquely designed hull and deckhouse can be attributed to the effective trans-Atlantic cooperation displayed between IZAR and Lockheed Martin. This partnership has already been extended to the Norwegian Frigate Program and will continue into the future as we provide for the naval defense of Spain and her allies around the world."

Several senior Spanish defense officials joined the crew of the Alvaro de Bazan for the missile firing phase of the CSSQT: Spanish State Secretary of Defense Fernando Diez Moreno, Spanish Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Francisco Torrente, Director of Defense Policy Adm. Rafael Lorenzo and State Secretary Chief of Staff Vice Adm. Miguel Beltran. In addition, Capt. Jose Sanjurjo, the Spanish Navy F-100 program manager, and Capt. Joseph McGettigan, a U.S. Navy international programs manager, were on board for the testing.

"In my opinion it has been proved, beyond any doubt, that the Aegis Weapon System is the very best we can find onboard any ship in the world," said Torrente. "Our program is such a success that we all -- Lockheed Martin, IZAR, U.S. and Spanish navies -- can be very proud of it."

Rear Adm. Anthony Lengerich, vice commander of the U.S. Navy's Naval Sea Systems Command, was on board Alvaro de Bazan for the missile firings, also. "Success does not begin to describe the day. The dignitaries observed two successful Aegis/SM-2 firings from the bridge that resulted in `hard kills,'" he said. "I was most impressed with the ship, the systems, the crew, their training and readiness and her officers."

The Aegis Weapon System includes the SPY-1 radar, the Navy's most advanced computer-controlled radar system. When paired with the MK 41 Vertical Launching System, it is capable of delivering missiles for every mission and threat environment in naval warfare. The Aegis Weapon System is currently deployed on 66 ships on station around the globe, and 25 more ships are currently planned. In addition to the U.S. Navy and Spain, Aegis programs are currently active for Japan, Norway and Korea.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.

For additional information, visit our website:

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin