Navy Sinks Ships–Russia Freaks!

U.S. Navy’s SINKEX program powerfully showcases American naval might, sending an unmistakable message of deterrence to aggressors like Russia and China amid rising global tensions.

Story Highlights

Navy sinks decommissioned warships in live-fire exercises, honing skills vital for peer-level conflicts.
Recent multinational SINKEX with Japan sank ex-USS Denver, boosting allied interoperability.
Program delivers cost-effective disposal while ensuring fleet readiness against threats.
Strict EPA regulations balance environmental concerns with national security needs.

SINKEX Origins and Purpose

The U.S. Navy launched SINKEX as a dual-purpose initiative for live-fire training and ship disposal. Decommissioned vessels serve as realistic targets, towed to depths exceeding 6,000 feet and over 50 nautical miles offshore. Gunnery, missiles, and torpedoes test multi-domain capabilities on full-scale hulls. From 1970 to 1999, SINKEX handled 8% of Navy disposals, expanding post-2000 due to obsolete ship maintenance costs. This approach outperforms costly scrapping while building combat proficiency.

Regulatory History and Revival

In 1989, the Navy suspended SINKEX after discovering PCBs violating the Toxic Substances Control Act. A 1990s modeling study assessed risks to ocean life. The EPA reinstated the program in 1996 via a general permit under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act. Ships now undergo stripping of liquid PCBs and oils before sinking. Over 117 vessels have sunk without violations since, with marine mammal surveys in Pacific sites like off Hawaii ensuring compliance. This framework prioritizes security without environmental harm.

Recent Multinational Exercises

U.S. and Japanese forces recently sank ex-USS Denver in waters over 15,000 feet deep north of Kauai during a multi-domain SINKEX. The exercise integrated partners, demonstrating operational capabilities and skill refinement. Navy officials highlight how these drills prepare deployable combat-ready units for real-world threats. MARAD supplies ships through agreements, aiding efficient disposal of hazardous hulks up to 80,000 tons. Such actions underscore America’s commitment to allied strength under President Trump’s leadership.

Strategic Value in a Tense World

SINKEX bolsters long-term fleet readiness for peer conflicts, informing ship design and weapons development. Media notes adversaries like China observe these events, implying a deterrence effect despite no official “warning” label. Environmental monitoring post-1996 shows minimal PCB impacts, countering NGO calls for stricter rules. Economically, it saves on scrapping while avoiding coastal hazards. Politically neutral yet essential, the program aligns with conservative priorities of strong defense, limited spending, and common-sense regulation—vital as Trump restores order after years of weakness.

SINKEX: Why the U.S. Navy Sinks Its Own Warships as a Warning to Russia and Chinahttps://t.co/OIsUzRxUGK

— 19FortyFive (@19_forty_five) February 14, 2026

Stakeholder Roles and Balance

The Navy operates SINKEX for tactical training; MARAD provides ships; EPA enforces permits. Partners like Japan enhance interoperability in events tied to RIMPAC. No major conflicts exist post-1996 agreement, though NGOs petition for oversight. Decision-makers include Navy coordinators and regulators. This collaboration ensures national security prevails, rejecting globalist overreach that once hampered readiness. Under Trump, such programs thrive, protecting American interests without apology.