Story by Lt. j.g. Jane Baird, USS William P. Lawrence Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN – Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) completed the first Undersea Warfare Exercise (USWEX) of the calendar year, Feb. 1.

The anti-submarine warfare (ASW) team practiced fathometer, a sonic depth finder, familiarization and submarine detection exercises, while bridge watchstanders implemented submarine tracking and torpedo evasion techniques.

Researchers from the Applied Research Laboratories at the University of Texas (ARL-UT) in Austin observed the ASW team throughout the exercises and conducted advanced sonar analysis.

Senior acoustic analyst Daniel Waldrep said he “was very impressed with Lawrence’s sonar team. Their professionalism, knowledge, and dedication to their mission ensure that they are ready and willing to handle any challenge…in the Western Pacific.”

The exercise was an opportunity for the crew to work together as a team to practice and refine a very precise skill set.

“USWEX was challenging, but the Combat Acoustic Division feels confident that this exercise has fully prepared us to track any challenging threats,” said Sonar Technician 1st Class Milton Muralles.

Providing a combat-ready force to protect collective maritime interests, Lawrence, in conjunction with the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, is operating as part of the Great Green Fleet on a regularly scheduled Western Pacific Deployment.

Commissioned June 4, 2011, Lawrence is named after Vice Adm. William P. Lawrence, a naval aviator, former Vietnam prisoner of war and former commander of U.S. 3rd Fleet. Commanded by Cmdr. Walter C. Mainor, is home ported in San Diego.

For more news from the John C. Stennis Strike Group visit http://www.stennis.navy.mil or http://www.facebook.com/stennis74.