Standard Missile Launch from USS Leyte Gulf

The guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) launches a Standard Missile 2 during a Live Fire With a Purpose (LFWAP) event. The LFWAP program is a reinvigorated missile exercise program designed to increase fleet lethality and tactical proficiency. It provides the surface warfare enterprise an opportunity to examine human, system and tactics, techniques, and procedure performance with an eye toward rapid increases in tactical proficiency, crew confidence, and lethality. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jesse Marquez Magallanes/Released)