Historical Events tagged with "us 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

Trump Orders Missile Strike on Syrian Airbase

April 7th, 2017 7 years ago

In response to the Khan Shaykhun chemical attack, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a missile strike targeting the Shayrat airbase in Syria. The strike was carried out on April 6, 2017, using 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from U.S. Navy destroyers in the Mediterranean Sea. This military action was intended to deter further use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government under President Bashar al-Assad, who was widely blamed for the chemical attack that killed dozens of civilians in Khan Shaykhun.

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Military & Warfare

First US Naval Visit to China Since 1949

November 5th, 1986 38 years ago

The USS Rentz, USS Reeves, and USS Oldendorf made a significant visit to Qingdao, China, marking the first time since 1949 that U.S. naval vessels docked in the country. This historic event was aimed at improving military relations and promoting dialogue between the U.S. and China amid the Cold War tensions. The visit involved various ceremonies and exchanges, highlighting the shift in diplomatic relations between the two nations during the 1980s.

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Military & Warfare

US Navy Strikes Syrian Missile Sites in Lebanon

December 4th, 1983 41 years ago

US Navy aircraft from the USS John F. Kennedy and USS Independence conducted airstrikes against Syrian missile sites in Lebanon following an incident where an F-14 was engaged by an SA-7 missile. The operation resulted in the downing of an A-6 Intruder and an A-7 Corsair, leading to the loss of one American pilot who was killed, while another was rescued and a third was captured.

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Accidents & Tragedies

EA-6B Prowler Crash on USS Nimitz

May 26th, 1981 43 years ago

An EA-6B Prowler crashed on the flight deck of USS Nimitz, leading to the deaths of 14 crew members and injuries to 45 others. The incident occurred during routine flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier, which was stationed in the Mediterranean Sea. Investigations revealed that a series of mechanical failures contributed to the crash, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety protocols in naval aviation.

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Military & Warfare

First Bombardment of NLF Targets

May 27th, 1965 59 years ago

American warships launched their inaugural bombardment against National Liberation Front targets in South Vietnam. This military action involved naval bombardment from destroyers, directed towards suspected NLF positions along the coastline. The strikes were part of a broader strategy to support South Vietnam in its fight against communist forces. The decision to escalate military involvement marked a pivotal moment in America's engagement in the Vietnam War.

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Military & Warfare

Congress Passes Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

August 7th, 1964 60 years ago

In response to alleged attacks on U.S. naval vessels by North Vietnamese forces, the U.S. Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. This resolution granted President Lyndon B. Johnson broad authority to use military force in Southeast Asia without a formal declaration of war. The vote followed the controversial incidents in the Gulf of Tonkin that reportedly involved U.S. destroyers, leading to heightened tensions between the U.S. and North Vietnam. The resolution significantly escalated U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

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Military & Warfare

Overwhelming American Victory at Leyte Gulf

October 26th, 1944 80 years ago

The Battle of Leyte Gulf was a major naval engagement during World War II, occurring in October 1944. It involved a massive confrontation between the United States Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy, marking the largest naval battle in history, both in terms of scale and impact. The battle was pivotal in re-establishing American control over the Philippines and demonstrated the significant naval power of the United States. The overwhelming victory of the U.S. forces led to the crippling of Japan's naval capabilities, making it a turning point in the Pacific Theater of the war.

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Military & Warfare

USS Shark Sinks After Torpedoing Arisan Maru

October 24th, 1944 80 years ago

The USS Shark (SS-314) was lost with all 87 hands after successfully torpedoing the Japanese freighter Arisan Maru in the Bashi Straits. This action was part of the larger submarine campaign against Japanese shipping during World War II. Despite the sinking of the ship they targeted, the Shark never returned to report her success. The loss of the USS Shark highlights the dangers faced by submarines during the conflict and the ongoing maritime warfare in the region.

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Military & Warfare

Battle of Eniwetok Commences with American Forces

February 17th, 1944 81 years ago

The Battle of Eniwetok was a significant conflict in the Pacific during World War II, commencing on February 17, 1944. American forces aimed to capture the Eniwetok Atoll, an important strategic location within the Marshall Islands. The assault involved extensive naval bombardment, followed by an invasion of troops landing on the islands, to oust Japanese defenders who had fortified the area. The battle showcased the intense heat of combat in the Pacific Theater and was part of a larger campaign to secure the Marshall Islands for future operations against Japan.

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