Historical Events tagged with "navy"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

USS Missouri Decommissioned in Long Beach

March 31st, 1992 32 years ago

The USS Missouri, a prominent battleship of the United States Navy, was officially decommissioned in Long Beach, California. This marked the end of an era for battleships in the U.S. Navy, as Missouri had been a key player in several significant military operations. After serving her country since World War II, she was retired from active duty, representing a shift in naval warfare towards more modern ships and technologies. The decommissioning ceremony included a number of dignitaries and former crew members.

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Military & Warfare

Explosion in Gun Turret on USS Iowa

April 19th, 1989 35 years ago

The USS Iowa experienced a catastrophic explosion in one of its 16-inch gun turrets while conducting gunnery exercises off the coast of Puerto Rico, resulting in the deaths of 47 crew members. Investigations revealed that a chemical reaction caused the explosion, which led to significant damage to the turret and sparked ongoing debates regarding ship safety and operational protocols within the Navy. This tragic accident not only affected the families of the victims but also raised concerns about the aging battleship's equipment and overall safety standards.

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Military & Warfare

Sinking of Soviet Submarine Komsomolets

April 7th, 1989 35 years ago

The Soviet submarine Komsomolets sank in the Barents Sea after a fire broke out on board, leading to the loss of 42 sailors. The incident occurred near the coast of Norway while the submarine was engaged in exercises. The fire resulted from a malfunction in the vessel's electrical systems, quickly spreading and overwhelming crew efforts to contain it. Despite anti-submarine measures and rescue operations, 42 crew members perished in the disaster as the submarine sank to a depth of approximately 1,700 meters, where it remains today.

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Military & Warfare

USS Samuel B. Roberts Strikes a Mine

April 14th, 1988 36 years ago

The USS Samuel B. Roberts, a guided missile frigate, struck a mine in the Persian Gulf during Operation Earnest Will, which aimed to protect neutral shipping in the area. This incident occurred amidst heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, following Iran's aggressive actions against oil tankers. The mine explosion caused significant damage and resulted in injuries among the crew, prompting a rescue operation. The vessel remained afloat but required extensive repairs after the incident.

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Military & Warfare

U.S. Navy Attacks Iranian Oil Platforms

October 19th, 1987 37 years ago

The United States Navy executed Operation Nimble Archer, launching an attack on two Iranian oil platforms in the Persian Gulf. This operation aimed to target Iranian assets as a response to ongoing threats and aggression against U.S. naval forces in the region. Utilizing aircraft and naval vessels, the U.S. displayed military force to deter further Iranian action and protect maritime interests in the Gulf.

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Military & Warfare

SS Bridgeton Collides with IRGC Mines

July 24th, 1987 37 years ago

The US supertanker SS Bridgeton sustained damage after colliding with underwater mines attributed to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Persian Gulf. This incident caused a notable 43-square-meter dent in the ship's hull. The attack occurred during a period of heightened tensions in the region, resulting from ongoing conflicts between Iran and Iraq, and was part of the broader context of the Iran-Iraq War. The US was involved in protecting maritime interests in the area, leading to increased military presence.

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Military & Warfare

Iraqi Mirage F1 Strikes USS Stark

May 17th, 1987 37 years ago

An Iraqi Dassault Mirage F1 fighter jet attacked the USS Stark, a U.S. Navy warship, in the Persian Gulf. The jet fired two Exocet missiles, resulting in the deaths of 37 crew members and injuring 21 others. This incident occurred amid heightened tensions during the Iran-Iraq War and raised serious questions about U.S. military involvement and protections in the region. The USS Stark was on patrol during this time, involved in monitoring Iraq's military movements against Iran.

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Military & Warfare

USS Enterprise Transits Suez Canal First Time

April 29th, 1986 38 years ago

The USS Enterprise, the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, made history by transiting the Suez Canal. It traveled from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea on a mission to relieve the USS Coral Sea. This operation signified a pivotal moment in naval history and showcased the strategic capabilities of nuclear-powered vessels.

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Crime & Law

Jonathan Pollard Arrested for Spying

November 21st, 1985 39 years ago

Jonathan Pollard, a United States Navy intelligence analyst, was arrested for espionage after being found guilty of providing Israel with classified information regarding Arab nations. His actions had significant implications for U.S.-Israel relations and heightened tensions regarding intelligence sharing. Pollard's espionage activities were carried out while he was stationed in Washington, D.C., raising concerns about security and betrayal within the U.S. intelligence community. The case brought to light the complexities of U.S. alliances and the risks associated with espionage.

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