DefenseNews

Watch: AC-130J gunship pummels Navy vessel during Rim of the Pacific

AC-130J Gunship Sinks Retired Navy Vessels

A U.S. Air Force AC-130J gunship took part in battering and sinking a retired U.S. Navy vessel during this summer’s 2024 Rim of the Pacific exercise, according to explosive footage released by the Air Force.

A New Mexico-based 27th Special Operations Wing crew manning the AC-130J bludgeoned the Austin-class amphibious transport dock Dubuque with cannon fire from the air as part of a live-fire sinking exercise last month.

The former amphibious assault ship Tarawa was also sent to the ocean floor as part of the exercise. Footage of the Tarawa’s final moments above the ocean’s surface has yet to be released.

This year’s Rim of the Pacific Exercise, or RIMPAC, involved 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel. It is the largest international maritime exercise and allows militaries the opportunity to test high-powered weapons in real-world scenarios.

Also Read: Top General: Tiny Drones Now a Major Middle East Threat

Over the roughly minute-and-a-half video, which was recorded off the coast of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, the AC-130J ambushes the Dubuque with a barrage of cannon fire.

Impacts can be seen across the vessel’s surface, with billows of smoke signaling each heavy strike.

Though not included in the video, Dubuque was also hit by U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopters and elements from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

The Dubuque, which now rests 15,000 feet below the waves, was commissioned in 1967 and went on to serve in Vietnam before being decommissioned in 2011.

Ships sunk during the RIMPAC exercise must be cleaned of any toxic substances, such as mercury or petroleum, in compliance with Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Vessels must also sink at least 6,000 feet underwater and 50 nautical miles from land.


Author: Riley Ceder
Source: DefenseNews

Related posts
GamingNews

Escape From Tarkov Players Will Have To Buy The Game Again If They Want to Play It On Steam

GamingNews

Amid Legal Drama Over $250 Million Bonus, New Developer Vlog Shows Work on Subnautica 2 Continues

GamingNews

'Stop Removing the Modern Day!' Assassin's Creed Fans React as Black Flag Remake Reportedly Cuts Everything Outside the Animus

CryptoNews

Bitcoin Briefly Shoots Past $116K After Fed Cuts Rates

Sign up for our Newsletter and
stay informed!