Posted: 10/01/2004
Washington, D.C. (Sept. 29, 2004) � The U.S. Navy formally introduced the Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile into the Navy�s arsenal at a fleet introduction ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The Block IV officially achieved initial operation capability (IOC) on May 27 with the loading of the first missile aboard USS Stethem (DDG 63). Block IV Tomahawk has a two-way satellite data link that enables the missile to respond to changing battlefield conditions. The missile can be redirected to a new target and for the first time it can execute Global Positioning System missions. Tomahawk is the Navy�s weapon of choice for critical, long-range precision strike missions against high value, heavily defended targets.