US Navy sets off massive, live explosives in warship shock trials

Aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) completes the first explosive Full Ship Shock Trials event in the Atlantic Ocean, June 18, 2021. (Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Seelbach/U.S. Navy)

Using live explosives in shock trials helps the U.S. Navy confirm that new warships can meet demanding mission requirements under harsh conditions they might encounter in battle.