Watch: U.S., Partner Nations Sink 2 Retired Warships In RIMPAC 2026 Live-Fire Exercise
Our take
The recent RIMPAC 2026 exercise, involving a formidable coalition of 30 nations and a vast array of naval and air assets, culminated in a live-fire exercise sinking two retired U.S. warships. While such exercises are routine demonstrations of military capability, the scale of RIMPAC, coupled with the geopolitical context, warrants careful consideration. The inclusion of 30 surface ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, over 190 aircraft, and 30,000 personnel underscores the exercise’s significance as a major display of maritime power projection and interoperability. This demonstration of coordinated action occurs against a backdrop of shifting naval dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region, notably exemplified by the Chinese Navy’s increasingly assertive posture, as seen in their recent high-intensity drills aboard the Type 075 assault ship Watch: Chinese Navy’s Type 075 Assault Ship Hainan Conducts High-Intensity South China Sea Drills. The absence of Russian warships in the Mediterranean, a departure from previous deployments Russia Has No Warships In The Mediterranean For The First Time Since 2013, further reshapes the strategic landscape, potentially influencing alliance dynamics and resource allocation within the exercise.
The sinking of retired warships, while environmentally impactful and requiring stringent mitigation protocols, serves a practical purpose. It provides a realistic training environment for live-fire exercises, allowing participating forces to practice anti-ship warfare tactics and assess the effectiveness of various weapon systems in a controlled setting. The selection of older vessels minimizes risk to operational assets and personnel. However, the exercise also reveals a strategic message: the United States and its allies maintain a robust capability to neutralize surface threats, regardless of technological sophistication. The timing of RIMPAC, occurring in proximity to reports of Iranian attacks targeting U.S. Navy infrastructure utilizing AI and drone technology Iran Attacks U.S Navy’s AI & Drone Operations Infrastructure In Bahrain, highlights the evolving nature of maritime security challenges and the need for adaptable defense strategies. This situation calls for a renewed focus on integrated data ecosystems and real-time intelligence gathering to counter asymmetric threats.
Beyond the immediate demonstration of military prowess, RIMPAC’s value lies in its fostering of collaborative relationships. The exercise provides a vital platform for nations to refine communication protocols, standardize operational procedures, and build trust among participating forces. This integrated approach to maritime security is crucial in an era of complex geopolitical tensions and transnational threats, including piracy, illicit trafficking, and environmental degradation. The longitudinal nature of such exercises allows for the calibration of strategies and the identification of areas for improvement in interoperability. The data generated from these events, when analyzed through a rigorous, peer-reviewed framework, contributes significantly to our understanding of maritime dynamics and informs future operational planning. Focusing on empirical data and validated methodologies is essential for ensuring that these exercises translate into tangible improvements in global ocean intelligence.
Looking ahead, the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems in naval warfare necessitates a deeper exploration of ethical and operational implications. The RIMPAC exercises, and similar multinational endeavors, provide a fertile ground for testing and refining these technologies in a collaborative, internationally-vetted environment. A critical question emerging from these developments is how to ensure responsible innovation in maritime AI, balancing enhanced operational capabilities with the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to international law. The continued evolution of naval power, coupled with the imperative of ocean stewardship, demands a proactive and collaborative approach to shaping the future of maritime security.
The United States and partner nations sank two decommissioned U.S. Navy warships during live-fire sinking exercises (SINKEX) held as part of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise, using ships, submarines, aircraft and land-based missile systems in coordinated attacks.
The guided missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG-53) was sunk on July 12, while the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA-5) was sunk on July 17. Both vessels were sent to the seabed in waters about 15,000 feet deep, more than 50 nautical miles north of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, the U.S. Navy said.
The exercises involved forces from Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Spain and the United States. According to the U.S. Navy, the drills were designed to improve tactics, targeting and live-fire coordination against surface ships, helping partner nations train together in complex maritime operations.
“Watching our Sailors work side-by-side with partners from around the world, executing complex maritime events together, is the strongest reminder of why these relationships matter,” U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Jeff Jablon, commander of RIMPAC 2026 Combined Task Force, said.
“SINKEXs are a prime example of the strength and readiness our partnerships create.”
Republic of Korea Navy Rear Adm. Inho Kim, Combined Force Maritime Component Commander for RIMPAC 2026, said the exercises showed the coalition’s growing capabilities.
“The successful execution of multiple SINKEXs highlights the unbreakable bond and growing capability of our coalition,” Kim said. “Together, we are demonstrating a shared commitment to regional stability by developing tactics and skills in maritime operations.”
A U.S. Defense Department video released on Wednesday showed several weapons and military platforms used during the exercises.
These included a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet carrying an AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launches by the U.S. Army’s 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery, Type 12 Surface-to-Surface Missiles fired by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopters launching Spike Non-Line Of Sight missiles. The video also included footage of USS Mobile Bay sinking.
A separate U.S. Army release said the 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force carried out a combined live-fire strike on USS Mobile Bay on July 11.
Before the exercise, the official RIMPAC social media account posted photos showing Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Columbia (SSN-771) loading a UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile for a SINKEX mission.
Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) had earlier announced that submarines would conduct precision long-range strikes during RIMPAC 2026 using Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
The Navy said the capability allows submarines to engage surface threats from long range while supporting joint and combined operations.
Several partner navies also released details of their participation.
A Royal Australian Navy aviation detachment embarked aboard U.S. Navy destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108) launched an AGM-114N Hellfire missile against a target ship alongside Royal Australian Navy destroyer HMAS Sydney (DDG 42), which is equipped with the Naval Strike Missile.
The Spanish Navy said frigate ESPS Álvaro de Bazán (F101) carried out a coordinated attack on USS Peleliu with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Kongo (DDG-173) using RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
The Royal New Zealand Navy said frigate HMNZS Te Mana (F111) used its embarked SH-2G(I) helicopter to fire a Penguin anti-ship missile at USS Peleliu.
The Italian Navy said the SH-101 helicopter aboard multi-role combat vessel ITS Giovanni delle Bande Nere (P434) launched a Marte anti-ship missile during RIMPAC 2026, but did not identify the target.
The U.S. Navy said SINKEX operations are conducted only after the area has been checked for people, ships, aircraft and marine life.
The exercises are carried out under U.S. environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act.
USS Mobile Bay, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, was commissioned on Feb. 21, 1987, and was initially homeported in Mayport, Florida, before joining the U.S. 7th Fleet in Yokosuka, Japan, in 1990.
During more than 36 years of service, it supported Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom, and took part in humanitarian relief following the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption in the Philippines. The ship was decommissioned in August 2023.
USS Peleliu, a Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship, entered service on May 3, 1980, and was homeported in San Diego. During 17 deployments, it supported Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom, and assisted humanitarian missions following the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption and the 2010 Pakistan floods. The nearly 40,000-tonne ship was decommissioned in March 2015 after 35 years of service.
RIMPAC 2026 is being held around the Hawaiian Islands from June 24 to July 31. The exercise includes 30 nations, 30 surface ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 190 aircraft and 30,000 personnel.
First held in 1971, RIMPAC is taking place for the 30th time and is intended to strengthen cooperation among participating militaries and improve maritime security.
References: USNI, US Navy
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