USS Anzio EMPRESS II Trial

The Navy conducted a total ship electromagnetic pulse (EMP) trial of a Baseline IV AEGIS Cruiser (USS Anzio, CG 68) in the summer of 1993 using the second-generation Electromagnetic Pulse Radio-frequency Environment Simulator for Ships (EMPRESS II). The trial marked the only full-scale test of its kind to be performed. After years of preparation, a full-scale, total ship EMP trial took place at sea off the Virginia coast. It had two primary objectives. The first objective was to completely baseline the survivability of shipboard equipment at EMP field strengths high enough to obtain accurate test data but low enough to minimize equipment damage from multiple electromagnetic pulses. The second objective was to determine the ability of the ship to fight after a full-scale level EMP. Both objectives of the EMP trial were successfully met. The results verified pretrial hardening predictions and efforts, revealed hardening weaknesses, and provided a baseline for future platform hardening initiatives. EMPRESS II was dismantled shortly after the trial, having fulfilled its mission of serving as the surface Navy's essential EMP test tool. This paper presents a background on the EMP program, an overview of the EMP assessment processes, Anzio trial preparations, and some of the significant trial results. It also details some of the lessons learned from the trial that will help to ensure EMP survivability for future ship design.