Overview
- AP cites planners who say officials insisted the president needed to see explosions and that early plans called for inert bombs at the Oct. 5 Norfolk event.
- The White House, via deputy press secretary Anna Kelly, says no switch occurred and that live rounds were always planned as part of training.
- Using live bombs required revised safety arrangements for the demonstration, according to people familiar with the planning.
- The showcase featured destroyers firing guns and SM-2 missiles, carrier aircraft dropping general‑purpose bombs, and helicopters launching rockets and guns.
- Scrutiny has grown after an Oct. 18 Camp Pendleton misfire sent shrapnel onto Interstate 5, prompting inquiries from California lawmakers and criticism from Gov. Gavin Newsom.