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The response and failure mechanism of circular aluminum and S-2 glass fiber/polyester resin matrix composite panels response to underwater shock of loading were investigated. The response of the aluminum panels was compared to the characteristic response of thin circular metal plates subjected to shock loading with a good degree of correlation. The response of the aluminum panels was used a reference with which to compare the response of the composite panels. The response and failure mechanism of the composite panels were found to be highly dependent on the boundary conditions of the panel. For the conditions of this test series, in which the panel boundary was allowed limited motion in the radial direction, the response of the composite panel was determined to be generally similar to the response of the aluminum panels, mitigated by the high strength in tension of the glass fiber. The failure mechanism appeared to be localized matrix failure in compression due to the high circumferential stresses generated as the panel was transversely deflected by the shock wave. (jes)