Overview
- The decommissioned USS Juneau, which was sunk on Saturday, June 27, was struck more than 200 nautical miles north of Guam during a coordinated live‑fire sinking exercise as part of Exercise Valiant Shield 2026.
- The strike combined air, surface and undersea weapons including AGM‑84D Harpoons launched from P‑8A Poseidons and an AGM‑158C LRASM fired from a U.S. B‑2 Spirit in the first public acknowledgement of that bomber using LRASM in a maritime role, with a Japan Maritime Self‑Defense Force submarine’s torpedo delivering the final blow.
- U.S. and allied officials said the Juneau was cleaned of hazardous materials and inspected under federal environmental rules before the SINKEX to meet NEPA, Marine Mammal Protection Act and EPA guidelines.
- Valiant Shield 2026 concluded July 1 after 10 days of multinational training that included participants from Japan, Australia, Canada and New Zealand and will feed lessons into planning for Valiant Shield 2028.
- SINKEX events provide real‑world data on weapon effects and tactics that simulations cannot replicate and serve to sharpen crews’ skills, test delivery options and reinforce regional deterrence as the U.S. and partners modernize maritime strike and anti‑submarine capabilities.