SINKEX of USS Guam (LPH-9)

This is a SINKEX video made by myself and DESRON-2 on the USS John F Kennedy battlegroup in Oct 2001. The aircraft are from CAG-7. Total composition- 2 HARM missiles, 2 Hellfire Missile, 2 Penguin Missiles, 4 Maverick Missiles, CBU-99 Cluster Bombs, about 40 Laser Guided Bombs (LGB) using the MK-82 500lb warhead, 1 air-launched Harpoon Missile, 9 surface-launched Harpoons, Naval gunfire, and finally a MK-48 ADCAP torpedo. This is a short version of a very long video.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• sinkex
• carrier
• aviation
• missiles

[Toetinger]

A cd and the foil got scratched off. Careless. Sinkex and we didn't get to see her sink. I know it was a long time ago, but you did a really shitty job. Disrespectful to every Guam crew member. I should get over it and let it slide but it just pisses me off.

[nagelsullivan]

@Toetinger I happen to know the previous skipper of the Guam and he thought it was respectful. Remember that the ultimate goal was not to make a video. It was to prepare the Airwing for battle before a deployment immediately following 9/11. I appreciate your constructive criticism.

[IsengardMordor]

What is the depth of the wreck?

[nagelsullivan]

@IsengardMordor Not exactly sure off the top of my head.  It was 500 miles due east of Jacksonville.

[geeayevette]

Comment, part two:

Yes, I know there's NO way to accurately duplicate a combat SINKEX as the ship will never be loaded with operational stores. Enviormentalists would just 'scream'..but I digress..I wish to say that the damage control personnel and the ship fitters onboard, (if this were actually an operational scenario), would have, or may have kept her afloat..until she was able to get to the blocks for major repair. Sad to see the 'ol girl die. Thanks for letting me rant a little. Best again

[nagelsullivan]

@geeayevette All hatches were opened to ensure that it sank. (They didn't want to have to manually scuttle it.) However, the SINKEX was carefully coordinated to ensure that everyone got a chance to get get their quals in. The firing order, fuzing, and locations were deliberately chosen.

[Cnturion2k]

All I can say is Sheeeittt!!! I worked on that Flight Deck from 78 to 82 as a Blue, Yellow, Red Shirt, and lastly a Grape! Scary watching all that hit my old turf! I knew the Navy decommissioned and then sunk the ship, but seeing it actually happen is really eerie! I'm still amazed it took that much firepower to sink it. Reading posts in here brought back some memories as well.. it's funny how some things carry through the years like the infamous "Guam Balls" and "Going Under Any Minute"..

[sample66]

thought about her today looked on Wikipedia and started to look at the sinkex. I was on her last pump 22 MEU 3/6 Marines. I remember we use to try to scrub away the green slime from the bulkheads and it would never go away LOL, as BOOTS we made up names for her like the USS guano.

Called my father while we were overseas and he revealed to me that he and my grandfather all marines were deployed on that same ship as I was. Needless to say I became more respectful of her legacy.

[shadowleep]

Ok, for all you that want to see the USS Guam up close I added this video of her in the video response & also will be posting more videos of little snid bits from 1988-1989 from a Med float.

[dihnat53]

The Guam was my first navy cruise as a midshipman in the summer of 1973. Lisboa, Portugal...then north of the Arctic Circle...the large box painted on the hull in the engine room, with an 'X' in it and the caption "In case of fire, kick here"...more memories than I can recount. It was fashionable at the time to decry the old girl, but looking back on it, that was the best deployment ever. (Every ship I was ever on has been decommissioned now. *Sigh*.)

[jamesditt]

I loved this ship. Could've made a more appropriate music selection for this execution. something with bagpipes maybe. She was a good ship and didn't deserve to sink at the hands of friendlies. The MIGHTY NINE... She was home, and I shall miss her.

Marines: Those of you who sailed on this gal. Happy birthday. I'm dedicating my November 10th to remembering this fine warrior... This awesome MARINE platform. Semper Fi, Devildogs! Semper Fi.

[navyreviewer]

@geeayevette The purpose of a sink-ex is to test the weapons not the target.