Midway's longevity included serious mishaps. Her 1980s service saw onboard explosions alongside the ordinary hazards of operating an air wing at sea. In one accident, a bomb dropped from an F/A-18 Hornet struck the escorting warship Reeves. The impact started fires and injured five sailors, although it killed no one. Aviation ordnance could endanger ships within the carrier group even outside enemy action, making flight discipline and damage control part of daily operational survival.
Notable Point · 35:18-35:50
Explosions and an accidental bomb strike on an escort
Midway's later career included onboard explosions and an accidental bomb strike on Reeves, reminders that routine carrier aviation exposed the ship and her escorts to serious risks.