Photo by Alan Gragg, 29APR2009.

In 2009, a Mexican MBB (Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm) Bo-105 Bolkow helicopter attacked the former USS Conolly (DD-979).  It was part of a multi-national effort to sink the ex-U.S. Navy ship.

It was part of an international wargame called UNITAS Gold (‘Gold’ referring to the 50th Anniversary of the wargames).  Participating countries were Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Germany, Mexico, Peru, United States and Uruguay.

2.75 inch rocket hits Conolly in the signal tower.

Photo by Alan Gragg.

U.S. Navy’s guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79) joins in, firing on the Conolly in the background.

USN photo by Petty Officer Third Class Seth Johnson.

The Spruance class destroyer was named for Admiral Richard Lansing Conolly.  Laid down 29SEP1975, launched 19FEB1977,  commissioned 14OCT1978, decommissioned 18SEP1998, sunk 29APR2009.  Efforts were made to turn it into a museum ship in Illinois, but failed due to lack of financial support.

Radar equipped Bo-105, 26APR2009, USN photo by Petty Officer Second Class Brandon Shelander.

Video report about UNITAS 2009:

Vehicle I-D: MARINA ARMADA DE MÉXICO MIL 17