Sea-Based Defense Vessel Arrives in Seattle for Maintenance
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SBX passes the Seattle skyline as it enters Elliott Bay just before arriving at Vigor Shipyards Seattle.
CREDIT: Missile Defense Agency |
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency's Sea-Based X-band Radar (SBX) vessel has made its way into Seattle for maintenance and upgrades that will take up to three months to complete.
The radar – designed to operate in high winds and heavy seas – entered the Strait of Juan de Fuca in Northwest Washington on Monday and began its transit up Puget Sound. It arrived in Seattle, Washington early Wednesday morning, just after midnight.
The floating, self-propelled radar station , which is one of the sensors for the U.S. missile defense system, is used to identify ballistic missile threats and relay that information to the battle management, command, control and communications system for missile defense.
Although the vessel will receive maintenance at the Vigor Shipyard Seattle, formerly Todd Pacific Shipyards, it will not be based in the Seattle area and will not operate while in the shipyard.
While SBX is moored at Vigor Shipyard Seattle, a naval vessel protection zone (NVPZ) will be in effect around the vessel.
The U.S. Coast Guard will also be assisting with the NVPZ.
Reach TechNewsDaily senior writer Samantha Murphy at smurphy@techmedianetwork.com. Follow her on Twitter @SamMurphy_TMN
