The former USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG-60), a guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, was deliberately sunk during a controlled SINKEX after being hit by an AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile.
Commissioned in 1982, the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate served for decades in patrols, joint exercises, and maritime security operations. Named after Medal of Honor recipient Rodney Maxwell Davis, the ship played an important role during and after the Cold War.
Before the exercise, hazardous materials and sensitive equipment were removed to meet environmental standards. The strike allowed analysts to study missile effectiveness and ship survivability.
Though emotional for former crew members, the sinking contributed valuable data for future naval readiness and fleet development.