U.S. Navy & Allies Unleash Multi-Domain Coordinated Strikes In Philippine Sea Sinking Exercise

U.S Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) spearheaded a live-fire sinking exercise (SINKEX) in the Philippine Sea, demonstrating the naval capabilities of allied forces in the Western Pacific.

The exercise took place on June 27, 2026, as a cornerstone event of the biennial Exercise Valiant Shield 2026.

The amphibious transport dock ship, the former USS Juneau (LPD 10), served as a live target for naval forces.

The ship, which had served in the Vietnam War and also in Operation Desert Storm, was positioned 40 nm off Guam.

The vessel was decommissioned in 2008, which is why it was chosen for the exercise.

USS George Washington launched F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters from its flight deck, which joined air, surface, and subsurface assets to carry out multi-domain strikes on the target.

According to senior naval officials, the SINKEX offered the participating units real-world experience which cannot be achieved in a simulator training environment.

The live-fire exercise allowed officers to sharpen their target-engagement skills and also their weapon deployment techniques.

Valiant Shield 2026 is a premier field training exercise that focuses on joint, cross-combatant integration across the sea, land, air, and cyberspace domains.

It brings together U.S Armed Forces and partner nations to enhance interoperability in the region.

U.S. Pacific Command stated that the exercise’s success demonstrates the strength and versatility of the Joint Force, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.