Friday, July 24, 2015

Missile Explodes After Launch From A U.S. Navy Guided Missile Destroyer (Photos)

A Raytheon SM-2 Block IIIA guided missile explodes over USS The Sullivans during a training exercise on July 18, 2015. US Navy Photo obtained by USNI News

USNI News: Destroyer USS The Sullivans Damaged After Missile Explodes After Launch, No Injuries Reported

This post has been updated with additional information from NAVSEA.

A Navy guided missile destroyer was damaged after a missile exploded shortly after launch during an exercise off the U.S. Atlantic coast on Saturday, Navy officials have confirmed to USNI News.

“On July 18 at approximately 9 a.m. (EDT) a Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) test missile exploded after suffering a malfunction as it was fired from the guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG-68) during a planned missile exercise off the coast of Virginia,” read a statement from Naval Sea Systems Command provided to USNI News.

There were no reported injuries and though the ship suffered a small fire on its port side “from missile debris” the destroyer was able to return to Naval Station Norfolk, Va. unassisted, NAVSEA said.

“It is too early to determine what, if any, effect this will have on the ship’s schedule,” read the statement.

More News On The USS The Sullivans Being Damaged After A Missile Explodes During Launch

USS The Sullivans suffers minor damage, no injuries in missile mishap -- Autoblog
Navy Test Launch Missile Explodes Spectacularly -- Popular Mechanics
Incredible images of missile exploding over USS The Sullivans right after launch -- The Aviationist
Missile blows up on launch just feet above U.S. Navy destroyer (5 PHOTOS) -- Guns.com

1 comment:

James said...

Now that's an Oscar Sierra moment if there ever was one.