New classes of military vessels undergo tests, called ship-shock trials, to determine their ability to
withstand explosions (Commander_Naval_Air_Warfare_Center 1994). During a ship-shock trial, a large
chemical explosion (e.g. 10,000 lb) is detonated near the vessel’s hull, while measurements of hull stress
are conducted. Ocean explosions are also conducted by other Navy programs, such as the “Sinkex”
program that sinks retired ships using torpedos or other chemical explosions. Weapons are tested during
development, and operational stores are test-fired to monitor their military readiness. During the recent Iraq
war, Navy SEALS disposed of a dozen 500 pound sea mines confiscated from the Iraqi Navy by
simultaneously detonating them in the Persian Gulf, a blast that could be heard 50 miles away in Kuwait
(Dao 2003).