USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG-60) Is Sunk During U.S. Navy Missile Exercise

The former USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG-60) was intentionally sunk during a U.S. Navy live-fire training exercise known as a SINKEX. The decommissioned warship was struck by an AGM-84 Harpoon, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern anti-ship weapons under controlled conditions.

Originally commissioned in 1982, the ship was part of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates, designed during the Cold War primarily for anti-submarine warfare and escort missions. Over decades of service, it participated in patrols and joint naval operations across multiple regions.

After being retired from active duty, the vessel was selected for a SINKEX exercise. Before the event, the ship was carefully prepared, with hazardous materials removed in accordance with environmental regulations.

During the exercise, the Harpoon missile successfully struck the ship, causing structural damage and flooding. Despite its built-in survivability features, the vessel eventually lost stability and sank in a designated area.

SINKEX exercises provide valuable real-world data on weapon performance, ship durability, and damage response—insights that cannot be fully replicated through simulations. They play a key role in improving naval tactics, training, and future ship design.

Although the sinking was planned, it marked the final chapter for a ship that served for decades. For many former crew members, the event carried emotional significance, as the vessel represented years of service and shared experience.

The sinking of USS Rodney M. Davis was not an act of war, but a controlled operation aimed at strengthening naval readiness. Even in its final moments, the ship continued to serve a purpose—contributing to the advancement of modern maritime defense.