Explosion registered a magnitude of 3.9, says USGS
The Future U.S.S. Ted Stevens. (U.S. Navy)
A new U.S. destroyer conducting tests was responsible for the “experimental explosion” off the Florida coast on Thursday, according to a U.S. Naval spokesperson.
The USS Ted Stevens is conducting tests as part of the certification process for its missile program.
According to the Navy, the guided-missile destroyer’s system will have offensive and defensive capabilities.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the strong explosion about 91 miles east-northeast of Ponce Inlet at about 3:04 p.m. Thursday. The explosion registered a preliminary magnitude of 3.9.
According to the statement from the Navy spokesperson:
“Future USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) is currently underway off the Atlantic Coast and has successfully completed the first of two scheduled test events for Full Ship Shock Trials (FSST) as part of the certification process for the DDG 51 Flight III program. FSST validates a ship’s shock hardness and ability to sustain operations in a simulated combat environment using live ordnance. These trials are complex evolutions, conducted during a precise operating schedule in compliance with exacting environmental and safety requirements.”
Navy Spokesperson
The USGS noted that the Navy has conducted Full Ship Shock Trials in that area in the past.
On Friday, the Navy said the USS Ted Stevens would conduct another test in about two weeks.
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About the AuthorChristie Zizo headshotChristie Zizo
Christie joined the ClickOrlando team in November 2021. She cultivated her political reporting skills at Spectrum News 13, and before that at UCF. She spends her spare time with her beagle, Lulu, finding hidden gems around Central Florida, playing the violin and indulging her love for all things geek with her friends.