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Mysterious 'experimental explosion' detected off Florida coast sparks earthquake alert
Dialy Mail ^ | 7/28/2026 | Stacy Liberatore

Posted on 07/28/2026 6:02:18 PM PDT by sopo

An 'experimental explosion' has been detected off the coast of Florida, nearly two weeks after a similar event occurred.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) detected a 3.9 magnitude earthquake east of Flagler Beach on Tuesday.

It was listed with a depth of zero feet, indicating the seismic source was at or very near the surface, a characteristic more consistent with an explosion than a typical tectonic shake.

The location is about 20 miles from where another event was recorded on July 16, east of Ponce Inlet, an area where the US Navy is known to conduct Full Ship Shock Trials (FSST).

These controlled underwater detonations test how new or upgraded warships, like aircraft carriers or combat vessels, withstand battle-like explosions near mines or torpedoes.

A Navy spokesman said after the July 16 event that the future USS Ted Stevens had successfully completed the first of two planned trials, part of the certification process for its DDG 51 Flight III destroyer program.

In 2021, a test explosion occurred near its new aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, also off the coast of Ponce Inlet.

The Daily Mail has contacted the Navy and USGS for comment.

The US Geological Survey detected a 3.9 magnitude earthquake east of Flagler Beach on Tuesday

While Tuesday's event may have been planned, the public is still in shock after seeing it register on the USGS site.

One X user posted: 'What the hell is going on? This is the second 3.9 magnitude "experimental explosion" earthquake off northeast Florida in the last two weeks. Same spot, same magnitude.'

Another user highlighted that no explanation has been attached to the USGS listing.

The USGS records experimental explosions because its network of highly sensitive seismographs detects the ground vibrations they produce.

Seismologists then analyze the signals to distinguish human-made blasts from natural earthquakes.

Such events are typically linked to controlled military exercises, including underwater ship shock trials, as well as scientific seismic research and industrial mining operations.

These Navy tests use large explosive charges, such as tens of thousands of pounds in past cases, to simulate battle conditions like nearby mines or torpedoes and test warship resilience. No damage or injuries are expected or reported, as these are planned, permitted tests with environmental considerations for marine life.

The Navy has been conducting them for decades after discovering that nearby explosions can knock out critical ship systems without inflicting significant physical damage.

The aircraft carrier was designed using advanced computer modeling, extensive testing and engineering analysis to withstand the shock of combat.

Recent tests have included the littoral combat ships USS Jackson and USS Milwaukee in 2016, the amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde in 2008, the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp in 1990, and the guided missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay in 1987.

The last aircraft carrier to undergo the trial was the USS Theodore Roosevelt in 1987


TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: earthquake; explosion; usstedstevens

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Nice cover story, but I bet this is what Trump meant when he said "We are going to destroy Pickaxe Mountain and there's not a thing you can do about it." The popcorn's going to be burnt on this one
1 posted on 07/28/2026 6:02:18 PM PDT by sopo
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To: Chris Robinson

looks like I better try again, or sombody can cover my error


2 posted on 07/28/2026 6:05:53 PM PDT by sopo
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To: sopo

I think a weapon that can create earthquakes would be very useful in a tunneling system.


3 posted on 07/28/2026 6:06:44 PM PDT by Jonty30 (When I go to the kitchen to find food, I get disappointed because all I find are ingredients.)
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To: sopo

Bookmark


4 posted on 07/28/2026 6:11:38 PM PDT by Southside_Chicago_Republican (The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog.)
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