March 7, 2026 — The retired U.S. Navy frigate USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG‑60) was deliberately sunk during a recent military exercise, marking the final chapter in the decades-long service of the Cold War–era warship.
According to officials from the United States Navy, the ship was used as a target during a sinking exercise, commonly known as a SINKEX, designed to test weapons systems and provide valuable training for naval forces. The vessel was struck by a Harpoon missile, which ultimately sent the decommissioned frigate beneath the ocean’s surface.
Cold War–Era Warship
Commissioned in 1982, the Oliver Hazard Perry–class frigate served during the final decade of the Cold War and the years that followed. Ships in this class were primarily designed for anti-submarine warfare and convoy protection during a period when tensions between major powers made maritime security a top priority.
The vessel was named after Rodney Maxwell Davis, a U.S. Marine Corps sergeant who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for sacrificing his life to save fellow Marines during the Vietnam War.
Throughout its operational career, USS Rodney M. Davis participated in patrol missions, multinational exercises, and maritime security operations across various regions of the world. Thousands of sailors served aboard the ship over the decades, maintaining its systems and operating it across thousands of miles of ocean.
Preparation for Final Mission
Before the sinking exercise took place, the ship underwent a thorough preparation process to remove hazardous materials and sensitive military equipment. This standard procedure ensures that environmental risks are minimized and that classified technology does not remain aboard the vessel.
Once prepared, the stripped-down hull was towed to a designated training area where it served as a realistic target for live-fire weapons testing.
Military officials say such exercises help naval forces evaluate weapon performance and provide valuable training for sailors and pilots under controlled conditions.
A Symbolic Farewell
For some observers, the sinking marked an emotional moment. Many former crew members and naval personnel view the retirement of ships like USS Rodney M. Davis as the closing of an important chapter in naval history.
Over its years of service, the ship represented both the strategic demands of the Cold War and the everyday life of sailors who worked and lived aboard the vessel during long deployments.
Training and Readiness
The U.S. Navy says sinking exercises play a key role in maintaining combat readiness. By using retired ships as targets, military forces can test real-world weapon systems and gather data that contributes to improving naval tactics and defense planning.
While the vessel now rests beneath the ocean, officials say its final mission contributed to training the next generation of naval personnel and strengthening maritime defense capabilities.
For the sailors who once served aboard USS Rodney M. Davis, the ship’s final deployment represents both the end of a long career and a lasting legacy within the fleet.
