The explosion of the USS Mount Hood at Seeadler Harbour in Manus, Admiralty Islands, marked one of the deadliest peacetime incidents involving a naval vessel during World War II. This ammunition ship, commissioned in 1944, was undergoing supplies and stratagems to support ongoing military operations in the Pacific Theatre. On November 10, an unexpected ignition of volatile materials led to a massive detonation. Witnesses reported a fire preceding the blast, which resulted in a cataclysmic explosion that obliterated the ship and caused widespread destruction in the port area.

The severity of the explosion caught many off guard. The shockwaves generated created considerable damage to other nearby vessels, facilities, and infrastructure, amplifying the tragedy. Emergency crews quickly mobilized to assist the injured, with reported casualties reaching at least 432 dead and 371 wounded. The toll struck not only military families but also the broader military community engaged in that theater of war, as seen in the recovery efforts that followed.

In the wake of the explosion, analyses were conducted to understand the cause and prevent future occurrences. This incident underscored the precarious nature of wartime logistics, especially concerning ammunition handling and storage. Over the following years, military regulations regarding ammunition transportation were reassessed and changed to enhance maritime safety protocols.