Today’s Photo Of The Day is an R2D2 look-alike that goes “Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrttt“, as enemy objects close-in.

The purpose is to detect and destroy alien objects before they can hit and damage the ship, and it most likely the last line of defense.

The Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) fires a close-in weapons system during a live-fire exercise aboard Fort McHenry.

Fort McHenry is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the central region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

The USS Fort McHenry has 2 × 20 mm Phalanx CIWS (Close-in weapon system).

Each unit consists of a radar-guided, 6-barreled 20 mm M62 Vulcan cannon, using a 20×102 mm cartridge.

The photo was taken by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Roys of the U.S. Navy.