Pre-fire checks

U.S. Navy Fire Controlman 3rd Class Ryan Dawson performs pre-fire checks on a Phalanx 20 mm close-in weapons system aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) while under way in the Atlantic Ocean April 1, 2010. Dawson is performing a check on the defensive weapon system to ensure no live rounds are loaded into it. Laboon is in transit to participate in Joint Warrior 10-1, a semi-annual event that encompasses multinational and multi-warfare exercises designed to improve interoperability between allied navies. The exercise is designed to prepare participating crews to conduct combined operations during deployment. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Darius O. Jackson, U.S. Navy/Released)