WATERS NEAR GUAM (Mar. 07, 2016) The Arleigh Burke-Class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG-85) fires an MK-54 exercise torpedo (EXTORP) over the port side during an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) event as part of MULTI SAIL 2016. MULTI SAIL is a bilateral training exercise aimed at interoperability between the U.S. and Japanese forces. This exercise builds interoperability and benefits from realistic, shared training, enhancing our ability to work together to confront any contingency. McCampbell is on patrol in the 7th fleet of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bryan Jackson/released.)
Long a staple of ASW training, exercise/recoverable torpedoes (extorps/rextorps) have been around for the Mk44, Mk46, Mk48, Mk50 and 54 variants and are typically the reworked warshot fish in which the explosive is replaced with an electronic signaling and guidance package that records the position of the device for data analysis after the exercise, and various signaling devices that help locate the torpedo in the water for recovery afterward.
They are pretty brightly marked, and colorful.
130924-N-XZ912-002 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Sept. 24, 2013) – Gunners Mate 3rd Class Amelia Sandoval, left, and Gunners Mate 2nd Class Samuel Ervin perform maintenance on a torpedo tube aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52). Barry, homeported in Norfolk, Va., is currently on a scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the 6th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christopher B. Stoltz)
Almost always retrieved after tests or exercises, they are refurbished and shot again, sometimes dozens of times.
040129-N-9288T-087 Pacific Ocean (Jan. 29, 2004) Ð Search and rescue swimmers Quartermaster 2nd Class Justin Peel, from Polson, Mont., and Sonar Technician Surface 2nd Class Stephen Stavros, from Springtown, Mass., secure an MK-46 exercise torpedo to be hoisted aboard the guided missile cruiser USS Vincennes (CG 49) after a successful torpedo exercise. Vincennes is participating in Multi-Sail, a combat readiness exercise in the Okinawa operational area. Its designed to complete Surface Force Training Manual Requirements and to exercise participants in a multi-ship operational environment. U.S. Navy photo by PhotographerÕs Mate 2nd Class Brandon A. Teeples. (RELEASED)
If not recovered by retrieval personnel for some reason, they have a ‘phone home’ marking on the casing should a random skin diver or fisherman chance upon one.
130926-N-ZI955-062 MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan (Sept. 26, 2013) Staff Sgt. Justin Walter, left, originally from Greenville, S.C., inspects a MK46 Recoverable Exercise Torpedo as Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Jeremy Rooks, a native of Chesapeake, Va., observes during a fuel spill response drill at the Navy Munitions Command East Asia Division (NMC EAD) Unit Misawa complex on board Misawa Air Base, Sept. 26, 2013. Walter serves as an explosive ordnance disposal technician for the 35th Fighter Wing Civil Engineer Squadron and Rooks is a weapons training team observer for NMC EAD Unit Misawa. NMC EAD Unit Misawa is conducting a Torpedo Readiness Assessment, which calls for the command to inspect and validate its Otto Fuel II response procedures. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Daniel Sanford/Released)
