Navy Destroyer damaged during test missile explosion in Virginia

US Navy Photo obtained by USNI News (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

WAVY – NORFOLK, Va. — A malfunctioning test missile damaged a destroyer during a Navy exercise near Norfolk Saturday, Navy officials confirmed to USNI News.

During a planned missile exercise, the SM-2 missile malfunctioned around 9 a.m. as it was fired from the guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans, according to a Naval Sea Systems Command statement provided to USNI News.

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While the exact location of the explosion has not been released, NAVSEA's statement said it happened off the coast of Virginia and that The Sullivans then returned to Naval Station Norfolk.

The explosion caused a small fire on the port side, but no one was injured, according to USNI News.

The Navy has not yet determined the cause of the malfunction or if the resulting damage will affect the ship's schedule, NAVSEA's statement said.

USNI News reports the USS Carney was performing the missile exercise along with The Sullivans, but that it was not damaged by the explosion.