Watch: Decommissioned US Navy ship destroyed and sunk during exercise

A decommissioned US Navy ship has been blasted by missiles and sunk in a joint military exercise.

The decommissioned ex-USS Rodney M. Davis was fired upon by forces from Australia, Canada, Malaysia and the US during a sinking exercise (SINKEX) – allowing troops to practise tactics, targeting and live firing against a surface target at sea. 

The exercise is part of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, taking place in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.

• Russian officials visited Iran to view drones, White House says
• US successfully tests hypersonic missiles, as Russia and China arms race develops
• Navy warship HMS Montrose resumes Middle East patrols

Twenty six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC – the world's largest international maritime exercise – until 4 August.

RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining co-operative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.