The $2BN Guided Missile Destroyer Defending the USA: USS Gravely | FULL EPISODE | MIGHTY

Editorial Summary

The video follows the USS Gravely, a two billion dollar Arley Burke class guided missile destroyer, during a week of intensive live fire training and shakedown exercises. Led by Captain Doug Kunsman, the crew, many of whom are fresh from basic training, undergoes various simulated combat scenarios to validate the ship's combat systems and automation. The training includes defending against aerial threats using the forward 5-in gun and the SeaWiz close-in weapon system, as well as conducting anti-submarine warfare drills using sonar and simulated underwater targets. The crew also practices damage control by responding to a simulated engine room fire and manages high-speed maneuvering for man overboard rescues. During the final day of the mission, the ship encounters a real crisis when a tactical air navigation antenna snaps, dangling precariously from the mast. The crew utilizes torpedo slings to secure the heavy equipment, preventing further damage to the vessel. After returning to port for rapid repairs, the ship successfully returns to sea on schedule, demonstrating the crew's ability to maintain readiness despite unexpected mechanical failures.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.