USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG-60) Sink After hit by a Harpoon missile(VDO)…see more
The USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG‑60) met a dramatic and deliberate end after being struck by a Harpoon anti‑ship missile during a live-fire sinking exercise. Once an active warship patrolling global waters, the vessel was intentionally sunk as part of a carefully coordinated naval training operation designed to evaluate modern weapons and tactics under realistic combat conditions.
Commissioned in 1982, the ship was part of the Oliver Hazard Perry‑class frigate fleet built during the Cold War. These frigates were primarily designed for anti-submarine warfare but also carried capabilities to counter surface and aerial threats. Over more than two decades of service with the United States Navy, USS Rodney M. Davis participated in numerous deployments, multinational exercises, and maritime security operations. The vessel played an important role in escorting carrier strike groups and maintaining stability in contested regions.
Following its decommissioning, the frigate was selected for one final mission — serving as a target during a SINKEX (sinking exercise). These controlled exercises allow naval forces to assess the performance of weapons such as the AGM‑84 Harpoon while collecting valuable operational data for fleet commanders, engineers, and defense planners. Before the exercise began, crews removed hazardous materials from the vessel to minimize environmental impact and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
During the operation, the Harpoon missile struck the ship with precision. Designed to fly just above the ocean surface to avoid detection, the missile penetrated the vessel and detonated, causing significant structural damage. Observers reported a powerful explosion followed by thick smoke rising from the ship as fires spread internally, highlighting the destructive capability of modern anti-ship weapons against older naval platforms.
Despite the severe damage, the ship did not sink immediately. Like many warships, USS Rodney M. Davis had been built with compartmentalized sections to improve survivability. However, after sustaining additional flooding and structural weakening, the vessel eventually listed heavily before slipping beneath the waves. The sinking marked the end of a long operational history while also providing valuable real-world data for naval analysts.
The exercise highlighted the evolving nature of naval warfare, where anti-ship missiles remain a major threat in modern conflicts. Training operations like this help naval forces refine defensive tactics, improve ship survivability, and adapt to emerging maritime challenges.
For veterans who once served aboard USS Rodney M. Davis, the moment carried emotional weight. Though no longer in active service, the ship symbolized years of duty, camaraderie, and shared experiences. Watching it sink served as a reminder that even historic warships eventually transition into history.
In its final mission, USS Rodney M. Davis continued to serve. By contributing to weapons testing and naval readiness, the ship helped provide insights that may influence the design of future vessels and improve protection for the next generation of sailors.