Navy Restricts Use of ‘A Number’ of SM-2 Missiles Following USS The Sullivans Launch Failure

The Navy has restricted the use of an unspecified number of SM-2 guided missiles following a launch failure on July 18 that damaged destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG-68), Naval Sea Systems Command officials told USNI News.

The older missiles have been restricted to “Wartime Use Only” status while an ongoing Navy failure review board determines the cause of the failure of the SM-2 Block IIIA that exploded shortly after launching from The Sullivans, NAVSEA officials said in a July 24 statement.

Once the findings are complete, “the Navy will reassess its position regarding these particular missiles,” NAVSEA said.

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