The USS Nevada, a battleship commissioned by the United States Navy, played an important role during World War II, participating in significant battles such as the attack on Pearl Harbor and the invasions of North Africa and Normandy. After the war, the ship was repurposed for post-war testing and exercises to evaluate the impact of nuclear weapons on naval vessels. In July 1946 and July 1947, the USS Nevada was subjected to two atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll, which marked a critical point in understanding the effects of nuclear detonations on battleships.

Following these tests, it was used for target practice by various naval ships, demonstrating its durability and the ability to withstand extreme forces. Ultimately, on July 31, 1948, the ship met its end when it was sunk by an aerial torpedo fired by the USS Halsey Powell, effectively completing its transformation from a critical wartime asset to a test subject for the evolving tactics of naval warfare. This event illustrated the changing strategies of the Navy in the face of new technological advancements.

The sinking of the USS Nevada served as a significant milestone for the U.S. Navy, symbolizing a shift in warfare strategies where traditional battleships were increasingly viewed as vulnerable to modern air attacks and nuclear weapons. The lessons learned from the Nevada's testing helped shape future naval design and strategic planning.