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US Navy releases footage from inside USS Peleliu during live-fire sinking exercise
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The U.S. Navy provided a unique perspective on its latest SINKEX (live sinking exercise) by placing cameras inside and around the decommissioned amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu as it was struck by two UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship cruise missiles fired from the USS Columbia submarine. The event, which also involved sinking the cruiser USS Mobile Bay, took place off the coast of Hawaii on July 17, 2026. Footage released on July 29 shows the warship shuddering from the powerful blasts. This was the third SINKEX in recent weeks, following the sinking of the USS Juneau during the Valiant Shield exercise in June. The article also provides historical context for the Peleliu, noting its service from 1980 to 2015, including deploying Marines to Afghanistan after 9/11 and its role in capturing American Taliban fighter John Walker Lindh.
Source report
The U.S. Navy has offered a rare and unique perspective in its latest SINKEX (live sinking exercise) event, releasing footage from inside a former warship as it was struck by anti-ship cruise missiles.
SINKEX Event Overview
On July 17, two former U.S. warships—the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu and the cruiser USS Mobile Bay—were sunk off the coast of Hawaii during a live-fire sinking exercise.
On July 24, the Navy released footage of the sinking, including video of the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) , an uncrewed surface vessel, targeting the USS Peleliu.
On July 29, the Navy released b-roll footage captured from inside the Peleliu as it was struck by two UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship cruise missiles, fired from the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Columbia.
Cameras placed inside and around the vessel show the warship shuddering as the powerful blasts tear through its interior.
Recent SINKEX Activity
The sinking of the Peleliu and Mobile Bay was the third SINKEX event in recent weeks. The former USS Juneau was sent to the ocean floor during the Valiant Shield exercise (June 22–July 1) off the coast of the Mariana Islands Range Complex.
USS Peleliu: A Historical Note
Commissioned in May 1980, the USS Peleliu—nicknamed the "Iron Nickel"—served for 35 years and steamed more than one million miles before its decommissioning in March 2015.
Notable historical milestones include:
- First ship to deploy Marines to Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks, with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit commanded by then-Marine Brig. Gen. James Mattis under Task Force 58.
- That same task force captured John Walker Lindh in November 2001. Lindh, an American citizen-turned-enemy-combatant, later confessed to being a member of Al-Qaeda while aboard the Peleliu.
About the Author
Claire Barrett is an editor and military history correspondent for Military Times. She is also a World War II researcher with an affinity for Sir Winston Churchill and Michigan football.
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RIMPAC 2026 SINKEX Sinks Two Retired Warships Off Hawaii