A massive military explosion off Florida’s coast triggered a 3.9 magnitude earthquake on Friday.
The Navy was testing its new aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford in a “shock trial,” about 100 miles off the coast of Ponce Inlet, Florida. The explosion helps to test a ship’s ability to withstand nearby explosions.
#ICYMI USS Gerald R. Ford @Warship78 completes the 1st explosive event of Full Ship Shock Trials! Continuing the mission #NavyReadiness pic.twitter.com/Tx3w3c7eCm
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) June 20, 2021
Military officials said all tests comply with environmental requirements.
Friday’s blast was the first time the Navy has conducted shock trials since 1987.