The Shipboard Protection System (SPS) - an Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection capability - was installed on the USS Laboon (DDG 58) by Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) engineers. Navy warfighters aboard USS Benfold (DDG 65), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) and USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) are also using this capability in real world operations after months of testing the system with civilian engineers. SPS is approved for production, the Program Executive Officer, Littoral and Mine Warfare (PEO LMW) announced on Sept. 17.

Navy warfighters, however, are already using this capability in real world operations aboard the USS Benfold (DDG 65), USS Laboon (DDG 58), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) and the USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) after months of testing the system with civilian engineers.

“What is especially notable is that system design and development was accomplished by the Naval Surface Warfare Center in a short, three-year span,” said Capt. John Day, Program Manger for Anti-Terrorism Afloat Program Office. ‘‘Starting with guided missile destroyers, SPS will provide warfighters additional capability to help protect Sailors from attacks similar to the small-boat attack on the USS Cole (DDG 67).“

The SPS program will provide multiple classes of U.S. Navy ships with an enhanced ability to accomplish self-protection against asymmetric threats.

“The opportunity for the Naval Surface Warfare Centers to develop and install SPS demonstrates the confidence and trust the NAVSEA (Naval Sea Systems Command) and Program Executive Offices have in NAVSEA field activities,“ said NSWC Dahlgren Division Commander Capt. Sheila Patterson. “It reinforces the warfare centers as leaders in providing the fleet and warfighter with significant technology that increases the superiority of our forces to fight the global war on terrorism.“

SPS is a system of systems that coordinates command and control of sensors, ship's equipment, software, personnel and procedures.

‘‘It has taken the effective planning, execution, monitoring, reporting and adjustments of many complex engineering related disciplines and personnel to develop and deliver this capability on-time and within budget,” said Thomas O’Neill, NSWC SPS Project Manager. “SPS is already providing four U.S. guided missile destroyers with an increased situational awareness and protection capability by allowing navy warfighters to effectively examine, identify and classify all contacts of interest within a typical anti-terrorism - force protection envelope.“

NSWC Dahlgren and NSWC Crane engineers collaborated to conduct a series of developmental tests aboard USS Benfold and at Naval bases in Dahlgren, Va., and Crane, Ind. This collaboration resulted in the deployment of three SPS Block 1 configurations on the USS Laboon, USS Oscar Austin and USS Benfold. NSWC engineers also evaluated the Block 3 version of SPS aboard the USS Donald Cook in March.

The Navy's Anti-Terrorism Afloat Program Office, a division of PEO LMW, is now authorized to enter into a Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) and deploy up to 12 Block 3 systems. The Block 3 configuration incorporates the ability to warn and lethally engage short range surface threats.

“Achieving a favorable Milestone C decision and attendant permission to enter Low Rate Initial Production are major accomplishments for SPS,“ said Day.

Installation and testing of SPS on Aegis class cruisers, “L“ class amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers is anticipated in fiscal year 2012.

To benefit from various technology development programs such as the Navy's Fleet Force Protection Future Naval Capabilities initiatives, and to meet an aggressive schedule, SPS was fielded via installation of equipment and software sub-sets, or “block“ upgrades. This approach facilitated the early delivery of useful technologies at an economical cost and addressed important capability gaps.

Future pre-planned product improvements and enhanced capabilities will continue to be incorporated as research and development efforts mature and available resources permit.

“Shipboard Protection System, Low Rate Initial Production, is a vital step toward protecting our Sailors, Marines, ships and systems,” said Program Executive Officer, Littoral and Mine Warfare Ms. E. Anne Sandel. ‘‘SPS LRIP will enable the Navy to field systems, and gain valuable fleet feedback to evolve the technology further.“

PEO LMW is an affiliated Program Executive Office of the Naval Sea Systems Command which designs, delivers and maintains the systems, equipment and weapons needed by the warfighter to dominate the littoral battle space and provide the warfighter assured access.