US fighter jets have dropped four unarmed bombs on the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the jewel in the environmental crown of America’s strongest ally in the Asia Pacific.

According to a statement released Saturday by the US 7th Fleet, cited by the Associated Press, the bombing by two AV-8B Harrier jets was part of a training exercise gone wrong. , the two jets were meant to drop the bombs on Queensland’s Townshend Island bombing range, but aborted the mission when hazards were reported in the area.

The jets, from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and launched from aircraft carrier USS Bonhomme Richard, were taking part in Talisman Saber 2013, according to the US Navy’s website.

A joint investigation by the US Navy and Marine Corps had been launched.

(2013). Retrieved July 22, 2013, from http://www.globalpost.com