FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii--Forty-two senior leaders of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command toured the USS O'Kane as part of their monthly Leader's Seminar Training Oct 28.
The tour highlighted the capabilities of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Cruiser/Destoyer and the PATRIOT weapon system, fostering a relationship and understanding of Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense assets in the region.
The group visited and learned about the ship's various weapons systems onboard to include BMD interceptors, 105mm cannon, Harpoon Anti-ship Missile and the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System. Also included in the tour was a state room, the pilot house and its navigation tools and the Combat Operations Center better known as the "brain of the ship."
"I have a better understanding of how the forces come together in execution of DOD directives and strategic war planning," said Master Sgt. Reginald Creech.
Master Sgt. Creech also expressed how he enjoyed meeting the crew members of the ship and gaining a better understanding of what Sailors do when their ship is docked.
O 'Kane is a guided missile destroyer that provides multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities and can operate independently, or as part of carrier battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups and underway replenishment groups.
The vessel was launched in March 1998 and commissioned on October 23, 1999, under the command of David Hulse at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The vessel was named after the Medal of Honor recipient Rear Admiral Richard O'Kane.
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