Two helicopters armed with Spike missiles fly over the decommissioned USS Mobile Bay (CG-53), a retired Ticonderoga-class cruiser, shortly before its destruction. The USS Mobile Bay was one of two retired ships sunk during RIMPAC 2026. (US Army/Staff Sgt. Christian Morton)
Two Retired US Navy Warships Just Got an Explosive End
The recent exercises near Hawaii included the sinking of the USS Peleliu (LHA-5) amphibious assault ship and USS Mobile Bay (CG-53) cruiser—a more interesting end for both vessels than the scrap heap.
The United States Navy issued a contract award earlier this month valued at more than $400 million for the recycling of its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). In the past, warship recycling has been a net positive for the Navy budget, as old warships have valuable metals that can be recycled for other uses. However, this has largely come to an end in the age of nuclear carriers, which must be carefully disassembled and disposed of for safety reasons. Even among non-nuclear warships, the process has changed dramatically due to high environmental costs and strict security rules.
This development helps to explain why the United States Navy has in many cases opted to use its retired warships as floating targets rather than scrapping them. That trend included two this month, during the ongoing Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 joint exercises near Hawaii in a planned live-fire sinking exercise (SINKEX).
About the Two Historic Warships Sent to the Bottom
Although neither of the warships was a battleship, each was named for a famous US Navy engagement.
The first vessel sunk in the exercises was the former USS Peleliu (LHA-5), a Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship named for the World War II Battle of Peleliu in late 1944. Commissioned in May 1980, LHA-5 took part in multiple combat operations during 17 deployments, including the Gulf War and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The nearly 40,000-ton flattop also provided humanitarian assistance to the Philippines following the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo and to Pakistan following a series of deadly 2010 floods. LHA-5, the only vessel named in honor of the Battle of Peleliu, was decommissioned in March 2015 after 35 years of service.
The second vessel used as a target ship in the SINKEX was the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser the ex-USS Mobile Bay (CG-53). Named for the Battle of Mobile Bay during the American Civil War, the cruiser was commissioned in 1987. Like the Peleliu, it took part in both the Gulf War and the invasion of Iraq, and the Mount Pinatubo eruption while homeported at Yokosuka, Japan. CG-53 was decommissioned in August 2023.
How Much Ordnance Does It Take to Sink a US Navy Warship?
Both retired vessels were sunk in waters 15,000 feet (4.75 km) deep, and more than 50 nautical miles (57.5 miles/92.6 km) north of Kauai.
The United States Navy didn’t specify what assets were employed in RIMPAC 2026’s SINKEX, but a video produced by the Department of Defense showed a range of aircraft and systems that may have contributed.
That included a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet armed with an AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), the US Army’s 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery of the Kentucky Army National Guard firing its M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), and US Army AH-64 Apache helicopters launching Spike Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) missiles. Also seen were Type 12 surface-to-surface missiles fired by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
The US Navy’s Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Columbia (SSN-711) also struck the ex-USS Peleliu with the UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile, videos shared on social media showed.
Other navies got in on the fun, too.
“Spanish frigate ESPS Alvaro De Bazan (F101) launches a Harpoon missile at the hulk of ex-USS Peleliu (LHA 5) during a combined sinking exercise in the Pacific Ocean as part of RIMPAC 2026,” read another post on X (formerly Twitter).
RIMPAC officials cited the exercise as a success after its completion.
“The successful execution of multiple SINKEXs highlights the unbreakable bond and growing capability of our coalition,” said Republic of Korea Navy Rear Adm. Inho Kim, RIMPAC 2026 Combined Force Maritime Component Commander (CFMCC). “Together, we are demonstrating a shared commitment to regional stability by developing tactics and skills in maritime operations.”
A total of 30 nations are participating in this summer’s RIMPAC, the 30th iteration of the exercise since its start in 1971. It included operations with 30 surface ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, and more than 190 aircraft. Approximately 30,000 military personnel will play a role in the joint exercises around the Hawaiian Islands that began on June 24 and which will conclude on July 31.
“As the world’s largest combined-joint maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that fosters cooperative relationships among participants,” the US Navy wrote.
A Lot of Planning Goes into a SINKEX
Although it might seem that the SINKEX simply requires that a retired warship be towed into place and is then shot at, like an abandoned car in the desert of the American Southwest, it is vastly more complicated—and requires significant preparation.
Even though the vessels are simply being sent to the deep, the Navy requires that all environmentally hazardous materials be removed, in accordance with guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This includes the removal of all liquid polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from a ship’s transformers, large capacitors, and small capacitors, while oil is drained and then cleaned from the vessel’s tanks, pipes, and reservoirs. In addition, all trash, floatable materials, mercury, and fluorocarbon materials are also removed. Simply put, the ship is about as clean as it likely was at any point during its existence.
“Procedures are also in place to ensure that vessels sink quickly to the ocean floor and remain there permanently without hindering marine navigation in the area. In addition, all sinkings are conducted in water of at least 6,000 feet (1,000 fathoms) and 50 nautical miles from land,” the US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) wrote.
Before a SINKEX takes place, the US Navy must survey the area for the presence of people, marine vessels, aircraft, and marine species.
The exercises are fully compliant with the National Environmental Policy Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and a general permit under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act.
Given what goes into a SINKEX, it would almost be easier to pay a shipbreaker to recycle the retired warship. Yet having such vessels as targets is clearly worth the effort for the training it provides the crews.
“Sinking exercises give us a chance to sharpen our skills, learn from one another, and get real-world experience,” said U.S. Navy Vice Adm. John Wade, RIMPAC 2024 Combined Task Force Commander. “Using advanced weapons and seeing the professionalism of our teams during these drills shows our commitment to keeping the Indo-Pacific region safe and open.”
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed to dozens of newspapers, magazines and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.
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