Ships | War History

US Navy Identifies Escort Carrier Sunk By Japanese Kamikaze In World War II

USS Ommaney Bay (CVE-79) at sea

The Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) has confirmed the location of the wreck of the USS Ommaney Bay (CVE-79) in the Sulu Sea, off…

The USS Stickleback (SS-415) Was Sunk In a Collision During An Anti-Submarine Exercise

USS Silverstein (DE-534) crashing into the USS Stickleback (SS-415) at sea

On May 28, 1958, the USS Stickleback (SS-415) became the second US submarine lost since the end of World War II. The Balao-class vessel had…

Royal Navy Submarine Buried Beneath British Park? Experts Say It’s Likely

Aerial view of Coronation Park, Dartmouth + SMS S17 at sea + HMS E1 at sea

There’s long been an urban legend surrounding Dartmouth’s Coronation Park, which states a Royal Navy submarine is buried beneath the green space. Residents of the…

Why the US Made the Japanese Surrender Aboard the USS Missouri (BB-63)

Aircraft flying over the USS Missouri (BB-63) and other Allied vessels

On September 2, 1945, the Empire of Japan surrendered to the Allies. Ending hostilities, the Japanese agreed to an unconditional surrender by signing the Instrument…

The USS Triton (SSRN-586) Was the First Vessel to Complete a Submerged Circumnavigation of the World

Rufino Baning in a boat, as seen through the scope of the USS Triton (SSRN-586)

The Cold War saw the development of nuclear submarines by both the United States and the Soviet Union. One of them was the US Navy’s…

USS California (BB-44): The Battleship That Survived Pearl Harbor and a Kamikaze Strike

USS California (BB-44) at sea

The USS California (BB-64) was the second of two Tennessee-class battleships. The vessel saw service throughout World War II, including being targeted by the Japanese…

The Tragic Disappearance and Loss of the Argentine Submarine ARA San Juan (S-42)

Sailors standing aboard the ARA San Juan (S-42)

In November 2017, the Argentine submarine ARA San Juan (S-42) went missing while returning to her home base at Mar del Plata. It took just…

Four Nuns Were Rescued from Behind Enemy Lines By the USS Nautilus (SS-168)

USS Nautilus (SS-168) at sea

When war erupted in the Pacific, many found their homes situated in areas of conflict. There were also those who were far away from theirs,…

The US Navy Considered Arming Frigates with Mk 48 Torpedoes During the Cold War

Two technicians standing around a Mk 48 torpedo + USS Bradley (FF-1041) underway at sea

On January 17, 1955, the USS Nautilus (SSN-571) radioed the historic message, “Underway on nuclear power.” This was the foundation of a new era that…

E-boat: The Effective German Fast Attack Boat of the Second World War

E-boat transiting near port

The Schnellboot – or S-Boot – was a German fast attack craft that served with the Kriegsmarine during the Second World War. It was referred…

Higgins Boat: The Landing Craft That Helped the Allies Win World War II

American personnel approaching Omaha Beach aboard a Higgins boat

The landing craft, vehicle, personnel (LCVP) – or Higgins boat – was used by the Allies to conduct amphibious operations during the Second World War.…

USS Bennington (CV-20) Paying Respect At the USS Arizona Memorial

USS Bennington (CV-20) transiting past the wreckage of the USS Arizona (BB-39) with the word "ARIZONA" written on her flight deck

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor launched the United States into the Second World War. The assault on December 7, 1941 resulted in the loss…