WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The firing took place during a Sink Exercise training operation in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Guam, the release stated.
“This event marked the first time that the ‘Eagles’ from [F-18] Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 successfully fired a JSOW C-1 precision-guided gliding munition, a weapon that has not previously been used in an exercise of this nature,” according to the release.
The Rentz sank within five hours of sustaining 22 hits, finally succumbing to Hellfire missiles shot by the “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Squadron 12, the Navy said.
Use of retired Navy vessels in Sink Exercises must comply with regulations set by the US Environmental Protection Agency, the release explained. Surveys are conducted to ensure humans and marine mammals are not in an area where they could be harmed during a drill.
