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

A U.S. Air Pressure AC-130J gunship took half in battering and sinking a retired U.S. Navy vessel throughout this summer time’s 2024 Rim of the Pacific train, in line with explosive footage launched by the Air Pressure.

A New Mexico-based twenty seventh Particular Operations Wing crew manning the AC-130J bludgeoned the Austin-class amphibious transport dock Dubuque with cannon fireplace from the air as a part of a live-fire sinking train final month.

The previous amphibious assault ship Tarawa was additionally despatched to the ocean ground as a part of the train. Footage of the Tarawa’s last moments above the ocean’s floor has but to be launched.

This yr’s Rim of the Pacific Train, or RIMPAC, concerned 29 nations, 40 floor ships, three submarines, 14 nationwide land forces, greater than 150 plane and 25,000 personnel. It’s the largest worldwide maritime train and permits militaries the chance to check high-powered weapons in real-world eventualities.

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 fireplace.

Impacts may be seen throughout the vessel’s floor, with billows of smoke signaling every heavy strike.

Although not included within the video, Dubuque was additionally hit by U.S. Military AH-64 Apache helicopters and parts from the Japan Floor Self-Protection Pressure.

The Dubuque, which now rests 15,000 toes under the waves, was commissioned in 1967 and went on to serve in Vietnam earlier than being decommissioned in 2011.

Ships sunk throughout the RIMPAC train have to be cleaned of any poisonous substances, corresponding to mercury or petroleum, in compliance with Environmental Safety Company rules. Vessels should additionally sink no less than 6,000 toes underwater and 50 nautical miles from land.