On the night of 2 October 1992, tragedy struck during the NATO exercise Display Determination. The U.S. aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60) accidentally launched two live Sea Sparrow missiles at her Turkish ally, the destroyer TCG Muavenet (DM-357). Five sailors — including the ship’s captain — were killed, and many more were injured. This remains the only time in NATO history that a U.S. Navy warship has mistakenly fired missiles at an allied vessel.
During the exercise, the two ships were about three miles apart, steaming north in the Aegean Sea, when the missiles were launched. One missile struck the bridge, killing the commanding officer and several crew members instantly, while 15 others were badly hurt. A fire broke out on board as the blast tore through the upper decks.
The blast and shrapnel caused severe damage: the ship’s radar antenna, forward gun turrets, and Hedgehog anti-submarine mortar launcher were hit. Fragments from the second missile penetrated the forward gun turret as well as the cabins of the supply officer and executive officer.
A fire also ignited in the ammunition chamber of the Hedgehog system. Had the rounds detonated, the ship might have been lost.
These two photos show the extensive damage caused by the missiles.
Though the Sea Sparrow was designed to shoot down enemy aircraft, it ended up crippling an allied warship.
It took considerable skill and determination to contain the fire before it reached the “B” position gun turret. If the blaze had spread into the turrets and ammunition chambers, the ship would not have survived.
All of this firefighting and damage control took place without the ship’s commander, who had already been killed. This fact highlights the professionalism of the officers and the bravery of the crew. They refused to give up their ship.
The five sailors who paid the ultimate price were:
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Commander Kudret Güngör
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Ensign Alpertunga Akan
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Petty Officer 3rd Class Serkan Aktepe
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Sergeant Mustafa Kılınç
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Private Recep Akan
The Muavenet tragedy remains unique in NATO’s history. It was the only time a U.S. Navy warship mistakenly fired missiles at an allied vessel. Remembering the incident today honors not only the sacrifice of her crew but also the enduring need for vigilance, trust, and responsibility within allied navies.
For further reading:
US Navy Court of Inquiry
My previous writings about the incident.
And one video documentary about the incident:
devrimyaylali.com 