In a dramatic display of naval power and engineering, the United States Navy has detonated a 20-ton underwater explosive near its newest and most advanced aircraft carrier — a $13 billion behemoth designed to lead the fleet into the next generation of warfare.

The explosion was part of a planned Full Ship Shock Trial (FSST), a series of tests conducted to ensure the vessel's structural integrity and combat readiness under extreme conditions. These trials simulate the impact of nearby explosions, such as from mines or torpedoes, to assess how the ship and its systems respond in real-world combat scenarios.

The aircraft carrier — whose name has not been officially confirmed but is widely believed to be the USS Enterprise (CVN-80) or another Gerald R. Ford-class vessel — successfully withstood the massive underwater blast. The trial marks a major milestone in the U.S. Navy’s rigorous testing process, which also includes builder’s trials and acceptance evaluations before a ship is cleared for full deployment.

“This is an essential step in ensuring the ship’s survivability and resilience in hostile environments,” a Navy spokesperson said. “We must be confident that our warships can perform under the worst conditions imaginable.”

Full Ship Shock Trials are rare and carefully planned events, conducted only a few times per decade due to their complexity, cost, and environmental impact. The last time the Navy conducted such a test was in 2021 with the USS Gerald R. Ford.

Environmental groups often raise concerns about the potential impact of these large-scale explosions on marine life, but the Navy states it takes numerous precautions to minimize harm, including temporarily relocating wildlife in the area prior to detonation.

The $13 billion aircraft carrier involved is equipped with next-generation technology, including electromagnetic catapults, advanced radar systems, and a redesigned flight deck aimed at increasing aircraft sortie rates. Once operational, the ship will serve as a central hub for U.S. naval operations, capable of projecting power across the globe.

This latest test sends a clear message about American military readiness at a time of growing global tensions and evolving maritime threats.