Pacific Ocean – The decommissioned USS Peleliu was struck by two Harpoon anti-ship cruise missiles during a live-fire sinking exercise as part of Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2026.

The amphibious assault ship was hit by missiles fired from the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Columbia on July 17, 2026.

The USS Peleliu served more than 35 years in the Navy. With a displacement of nearly 40,000 tons, the ship launched a variety of aircraft from its flight deck while conducting combat operations and humanitarian missions across half the globe.

The exercise took place during RIMPAC 2026, the world’s largest international maritime exercise, involving 30 nations, 30 ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 190 aircraft and over 30,000 personnel.

RIMPAC 2026 was held in and around the Hawaiian Islands from June 24 to July 31. The exercise provides training opportunities while supporting cooperative relationships among participants focused on maritime safety and security.

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