Vice Adm. Jeff Jablon oversaw the sinking of the decommissioned USS Peleliu and USS Mobile Bay during the RIMPAC 2026 maritime exercise.
Vice Adm. Jeff Jablon, the RIMPAC 2026 Commander, Combined Task Force, led a series of live-fire sinking exercises (SINKEX) during the world’s largest international maritime exercise. The operations resulted in the sinking of the decommissioned USS Mobile Bay on July 12, 2026, followed by the USS Peleliu on July 17. Both vessels were sunk in waters 15,000 feet deep, located more than 50 nautical miles off the northern coast of Kauai. The exercises provided hands-on training for 30 nations, including the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and Army, alongside partners from Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, and Spain. These nations utilized the SINKEX to sharpen precision targeting and coordinate sophisticated maritime operations. Rear Adm. Inho Kim noted that the successful execution of these maneuvers demonstrates a shared commitment to regional stability. The exercises were conducted in compliance with several environmental acts to ensure the protection of marine species and habitats during the live-fire events.