The guided missile frigate USS Sides (FFG 14) fires its Mark 75 ~ 76mm rapid-fire gun at ex-USS Towers (DDG 9), a decommissioned Adams-class destroyer, during a live-fire sinking exercise (SINKEX) conducted off the California coast. Using decommissioned ships for live-fire operations gives ships' crews experience in firing operational weapons and hones their war-fighting skills. Working with the state and environmentalists, the Navy sinks decommissioned ships ? first made environmentally safe ? in coastal waters to provide an artificial reef, thus promoting the growth of marine life and enhancing recreational fishing and sport diving opportunities. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Andrew Betting.