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Navy Detonates 1950s 'Super Bazooka' Round Found on Mugu Beach

Erosion is exposing decades-old naval munitions, prompting more frequent Navy on-site disposals

Overview

  • Lifeguards discovered the oblong unexploded round on Mugu Beach, which washed up Sunday and was later identified as a 1950s-era Super Bazooka round.
  • Ventura County bomb technicians confirmed the device still held live explosives and the U.S. Navy assumed disposal responsibility because the munition is naval ordinance.
  • Navy explosive teams detonated the round in a sand-filled hole at the scene after authorities evacuated the beach and briefly closed the nearby Pacific Coast Highway, and no injuries were reported.
  • Responders dug the hole, placed the munition inside, detonated it, filled the hole and the Ventura County Bomb Squad posted video of the blast as part of cleanup and public-safety documentation.
  • Point Mugu adjoins Naval Base Ventura County and was used for mid-20th century weapons training, officials say roughly 10 similar finds have occurred in recent years and they urge the public to leave suspect objects alone and call 911.