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

HMS Coventry Sunk by Argentine Air Force

May 25th, 1982 42 years ago

On this day, the Royal Navy's HMS Coventry was sunk by Argentine Air Force A-4 Skyhawks during the Falklands War. The attack took place near the Falkland Islands, where a naval task force was engaged in the conflict over the disputed territory. Despite efforts to defend the ship, two bombs struck, leading to significant loss of life. The incident underscored the intensity of aerial warfare and the vulnerability of naval ships.

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Military & Warfare

HMS Sheffield Hit by Exocet Missile

May 4th, 1982 42 years ago

HMS Sheffield, a British Type 42 destroyer, was struck by an Argentinian Exocet missile during the Falklands War, resulting in the deaths of twenty sailors. This incident occurred while the ship was in the South Atlantic, engaging with Argentine forces. The Exocet missile, launched from an Argentine Navy vessel, breached the destroyer's defenses, leading to a fire and subsequent loss of life. Rescue operations were initiated, but the extent of the damage proved catastrophic.

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Accidents & Tragedies

USS George Washington Collides with Japanese Cargo Ship

April 9th, 1981 44 years ago

The U.S. Navy nuclear submarine USS George Washington collided with the Japanese cargo ship Nissho Maru. The incident occurred in the Pacific Ocean, leading to the sinking of the Nissho Maru and the tragic loss of two Japanese sailors. The submarine was engaged in routine operations when the collision happened, raising concerns about maritime safety and submarine operations in busy shipping lanes.

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Military & Warfare

Iranian Navy Decimates Iraqi Naval Forces

November 28th, 1980 44 years ago

In a significant naval engagement, the Iranian Navy launched Operation Morvarid, resulting in the destruction of the majority of the Iraqi Navy in the Persian Gulf. The operation, which took place shortly after the onset of the Iran–Iraq War, showcased Iran's naval capabilities and objectives in asserting control over the Persian Gulf. This decisive action was commemorated in Iran as Navy Day, symbolizing a critical moment in the naval conflict between the two nations.

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Military & Warfare

USS Nautilus Decommissioned After Historic Service

March 3rd, 1980 45 years ago

The USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear submarine, was officially decommissioned and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. Launched in 1954, this groundbreaking vessel pioneered the use of nuclear power in submarines and had a profound impact on naval warfare. It completed many significant missions, including the first submerged transpolar navigation in 1958. The decommissioning marked the end of an era for the Nautilus, which had transformed naval capabilities through its innovative design and technology.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Collision of USCGC Blackthorn and Tanker Capricorn

January 28th, 1980 45 years ago

The USCGC Blackthorn collided with the tanker Capricorn while departing the Port of Tampa, resulting in the capsizing of the Coast Guard vessel and the tragic loss of 23 crew members. The incident occurred in the waters of Tampa Bay during a clear day and was attributed to a failure to properly communicate and navigate between the two ships, leading to a fatal maritime accident.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Amoco Cadiz Oil Spill at Portsall Rocks

March 16th, 1978 47 years ago

The Amoco Cadiz, a supertanker, ran aground on the Portsall Rocks near Brittany, France, leading to a catastrophic oil spill. After splitting in two, it released approximately 220,000 tons of crude oil into the sea, making it the largest oil spill ever at that time. The incident resulted in significant environmental damage and impacted local fishing industries, causing widespread concern over maritime safety and the regulation of shipping routes.

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Military & Warfare

Indian Navy's Strategic Attack on Karachi

December 8th, 1971 53 years ago

In a significant naval operation during the Indo-Pakistani War, the Indian Navy launched an aircraft attack on Karachi, targeting key installations in the port city of West Pakistan. The attack aimed to disrupt the Pakistani Navy's capabilities and support the Indian Army's efforts in East Pakistan, contributing to the broader campaign of India against Pakistan. The operation showcased India's naval strength and played a critical role in the success of its military objectives in the conflict.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Tragic Underwater Explosion of French Submarine

March 4th, 1970 55 years ago

The French submarine Eurydice suffered an underwater explosion while submerged in the Mediterranean Sea, leading to the tragic loss of its entire 57-man crew. The incident remains one of the notable disasters in submarine history, marking a significant moment for the French Navy. The exact cause of the explosion was never conclusively determined, prompting investigations and discussions about submarine safety and design parameters. Recovery efforts revealed limited information, and the event raised various questions regarding maritime protocols during such incidents.

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