Imagine a fleet of plastic boats, brightly colored and seemingly harmless, designed not for leisure but for destruction. These aren’t your average watercraft—they’re built to be sunk. But here’s where it gets fascinating: these vessels are the unsung heroes of U.S. Navy training, serving as target practice for live-fire exercises. While dry-fire drills have their place, nothing prepares sailors for real combat like the adrenaline-pumping intensity of firing live ammunition. Take, for instance, the month-long training off the coast of Southern California in 2020, where the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center put sailors and vessels to the test. But what exactly are they shooting at?
The Navy employs a range of targets, from advanced, remotely controlled floating platforms up to 50 feet long to simpler, more cost-effective options. Enter the Polyethylene Tow Target (PETT), a 15-foot, bright orange boat that costs just $5,000—a bargain compared to the $180,000 price tag of its powered counterparts. These PETTs are tethered to remote-controlled vessels, keeping personnel safely out of harm’s way during training. But here’s where it gets controversial: these targets sometimes go rogue. In one bizarre incident, a PETT drifted from Florida across the Atlantic, eventually washing up on a beach in Cornwall, UK, after a 4,000-mile, year-long journey. While losing a target boat is far less costly than, say, the $60 million Navy jet that fell off an aircraft carrier (https://www.jalopnik.com/1847298/60-million-us-navy-jet-lost-at-sea/), it raises questions about accountability and recovery efforts.
And this is the part most people miss: PETTs aren’t just simple dummies. They’re designed to withstand serious punishment—think over 30 half-inch holes—before they finally sink. Plus, they can be equipped with additional gear to mimic different radar or infrared signatures, adding complexity to training scenarios. For those who stumble upon these drifting targets, like the Instagram user who shared his encounter on @paddlegoat (https://www.instagram.com/reels/DSgWWNlgRyu/), it’s a surreal sight. The boat’s stern clearly marked “USN PETT” leaves no doubt about its purpose.
But let’s pause for a moment—is this the most efficient way to train? While PETTs are cost-effective, their occasional disappearance raises concerns. And it’s not just the Navy using unconventional targets; even killer whales have been spotted practicing their hunting skills on yachts in Spain’s coastal waters (https://www.jalopnik.com/killer-whales-use-yachts-for-target-practice-as-attac-1851635121/). So, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In the balance between cost, effectiveness, and environmental impact, are PETTs the best solution for naval training? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this unconventional yet critical aspect of military preparedness.
