Sinking of the USS America: A Historic Naval Exercise

Name: Sinking of the USS America: A Historic Naval Exercise
Start: 1965-05-14
Location: Unspecified

The Final Voyage of the USS America (CV-66)

The USS America (CV-66) was a supercarrier of the United States Navy that served with distinction until her decommissioning in 1996. On **July 14, 2005**, after a month-long series of live-fire exercises, the USS America was deliberately sunk in the Atlantic Ocean. This event marked a significant moment in naval history as it was the **largest ship ever disposed of as a target** during military practices, showcasing advances in weaponry and military strategy.

Background of the USS America

Commissioned in 1965, the USS America was a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier with a storied service record. Over her 31 years in service, the ship was involved in numerous operations, including the **Gulf War** and **multiple humanitarian missions**. Despite her many accomplishments, by the late 1990s, the need for more modern vessels led to her decommissioning.

The Decision to Sink the USS America

Having been laid to rest in the Navy's reserve fleet, the fate of USS America was decided in 2005 when the Navy opted to sink her as a target. This decision was influenced by the **costs of maintenance** and the desire to use the sinking as a practical test for next-generation weapon systems.

Live-Fire Exercises and the Sinking

The process leading to the sinking of USS America involved extensive **live-fire exercises**, conducted over a period of four weeks and involving multiple branches of the military. The exercises were aimed at testing the efficacy of various naval weapon systems against a large maritime target.

Details of the Final Exercise

The USS America was subjected to an array of weapons during her last moments, including **bombs, missiles, and torpedoes**. The dramatic footage of her sinking was not only a testament to the ship’s service but also demonstrated the impact and power of modern warfare technology.

Significance of the Sinking

The deliberate sinking of the USS America provided invaluable data to the Armed Forces. It underscored the evolution of naval warfare and the shift towards more advanced weaponry, paving the way for future naval tactics and strategies.

Fun Fact

USS America's Legacy

Despite being sunk, the legacy of the USS America lives on. The ship is remembered not just for her role as a military vessel but also for the many sailors who served aboard her, making her an integral part of naval lore.