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Friday, March 29, 2024

US tests aircraft strength with huge explosion that triggered an earthquake

WASHINGTON: The US Naval forces Friday set off a giant explosion with at least 20 metric tons of explosives near the Navy aircraft carrier [USS Gerald R. Ford.] which caused an earthquake east of the Florida coast.

The huge explosion near the first-in-class aircraft carrier triggered an earthquake alert from the United States Geological Survey as the blast registered as an earthquake east of the Florida coast.

Reports in International media cited that the intense testing is not an act of war as it was the first scheduled explosive event planned as part of the giant ship’s ‘Full Ship Shock Trials’ or FSST.

The US Navy tried the $13 billion first-in-class vessel to check its efficacy withstand combat conditions and war capabilities.

A statement issued by the Naval spokesperson stated ‘Ford’s shock trials are being conducted off the East Coast of the United States, within a narrow schedule that complies with environmental mitigation requirements, respecting known migration patterns of marine life in the test area.’

Adding that, ‘The Navy also has employed extensive protocols throughout FSST to ensure the safety of military and civilian personnel participating in the testing evolution.’

Explaining the motive to conduct such huge blasts, it stated that ‘The purpose of the FSST is to ensure the ship is properly hardened to withstand battle conditions. Because this is a first of its kind aircraft carrier, Navy experts will analyze data captured in and around the ship from these explosions to confirm the ship is capable of dealing with potential battle conditions with real enemy forces at sea.’

Reports quoting US Navy cited that ‘the huge blast centered around 105 miles east of Ponce Inlet on the Florida central east coast was picked up by seismographs and was recorded as a 3.9 magnitude earthquake – a significant seismic event for this region.

It further stated that at the conclusion of these drills, the aircraft carrier will undergo modernization, maintenance, and repairs prior to its operational employment.

Meanwhile, the east coast residents should be aware of additional likely earthquake alerts following the giant explosion.

Commenting about the results of the first explosive event, it stated that ‘the leadership and the crew demonstrated Navy readiness fighting through the shock, proving our warship can take a hit and continue our mission on the cutting edge of naval aviation.’

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