NMFS Biological Opinion on U.S. Navy training ... - Govsupport.us

FINAL PROGRAMMATIC BIOLOGICAL OPINION ON U.S. NAVY ACTIVITIES IN THE HAWAII RANGE COMPLEX 2008-2013
Combat System Ship Qualification Trial. Combat System Ship Qualification Trial (which the Navy abbreviates as
CSSQT) are performed at Pacific Missile Range Facility and are categorized as T&E operations. Combat system ship
qualification trials are conducted for new ships and for ships that have undergone modification or overhaul of their
combat systems. Although combat system ship qualification trials can vary from ship to ship as requirements dictate,
the primary goals are to ensure that the ship’s equipment and combat systems are in top operational condition, and
that the ship’s crew is proficient at operating these systems. Therefore, combat system ship qualification trials can
include operating any or all of a ship’s combat systems and might include firing missiles and conducting gunnery
exercises.
Electronic Combat/Electronic Warfare. Electronic Combat/Electronic Warfare (EC/EW) operations include tests
designed to assess how well EC/EW training exercises are performed. The EC/EW operations, which occur typically in
W-188, are monitored at Pacific Missile Range Facility shore sites. No ordnance is used during these activities.
High Frequency. High frequency T&E operations include the use of high frequency radio signals and the evaluation
of their effectiveness. High frequency in the radio spectrum refers to frequencies between 3 megahertz (MHz) and 30
MHz. This frequency range is commonly used for maritime and amateur short-wave radio transmissions. These
operations can take place both at Pacific Missile Range Facility shore sites and within W-188.
Missile Defense. Aerial targets are launched from Pacific Missile Range Facility, mobile sea-based platforms, or
military cargo aircraft. During Navy Aegis missile defense RDT&E operations, a ballistic missile target vehicle is
launched from Pacific Missile Range Facility and intercepted by a ship-launched missile. The test operations can
involve:
• Aegis ships
• Use of the Mobile Range Safety System
• On-load and off-load of aircraft
• Long-Range and Short-Range Air Launch Target
• Smart Test Vehicle
• Light Detection and Ranging
• Mobile At-Sea Sensor System
• Use of the Battle Management Interoperability Center
• Transportation of liquid propellants to Pacific Missile Range Facility
• Flight Termination System preparations for an operation
• Dress rehearsals and dry runs for specific missile defense operations
The Army’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) is part of the Department of Defense Ballistic Missile
Defense System. THAAD is the antimissile system designed to intercept and destroy missiles in the final phase of
their trajectories. THAAD Pacific Missile Range Facility training operations include midcourse tracking of ballistic
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