Since 1945
Korea, the Indo-Pakistani wars, the Paracels, the Falklands, the Iran-Iraq tanker war, the Gulf, Sri Lanka, and the Black Sea and the Red Sea in our own time.
This chapter of Naval Battles holds 164 battles. For each one we give when and where it was fought, who fought it, the ships that took part, what happened, how it ended and why it is remembered. See all 2,188 battles on one page.
Marea can build any of the ships that fought in these battles, as she was on the day, with the maximum detail the records permit. Many of these battles cost thousands of lives, and we build their ships with that in mind.
This database was put together by Ai Refloat™, Marea’s own artificial intelligence, from naval histories, museums, official records and encyclopaedias in many languages. Ai Refloat is still young & like any teenager, it can be a little volatile and unpredictable at times, but above all, it is learning fast. So this list may well contain mistakes and we welcome the input of everyone who knows these battles better than we do.
Have you spotted a mistake, or is a battle missing? Tell us which battle and what to correct, and we will amend it accordingly. Tell us here
The battles
Since 1945 · Indonesian National Revolution
Battle of Bali Strait Landing or siege
Also known as Banyuwangi-Bali Strait Operation
5 April 1946 · Bali Strait, Indonesia
Fought between Indonesia against the Netherlands
Commanders Captain Markadi (Indonesia)
Forces 2 small Indonesian vessels carrying troops and civilian volunteers against 2 Dutch LCMs
Losses Indonesia: 1 soldier killed, 2 civilian volunteers missing. Netherlands: 4 killed, 1 LCM sunk, 1 LCM burned
Result Indonesian victory
On 5 April 1946 the newly formed Indonesian Navy made an amphibious crossing of the Bali Strait and fought the much better equipped Royal Netherlands Navy. Two small Indonesian craft engaged two Dutch landing craft, sinking one and setting the other on fire.
Why it is remembered It was the first amphibious battle of the Indonesian Navy and holds a place in the history of Indonesia's struggle for independence.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Early Cold War
Corfu Channel incident Other action
Also known as Corfu Channel incidents; Operation Retail
15 May to 13 November 1946 · Corfu Channel, near the bay of Saranda, Albania
Fought between United Kingdom against Albania
Commanders Enver Hoxha and Mehmet Shehu (Albania); Clement Attlee (United Kingdom)
Forces Royal Navy cruisers Orion, Superb, Mauritius and Leander, destroyers Saumarez and Volage, and the aircraft carrier Ocean; Albanian coastal artillery and a minefield
Ships HMS Saumarez, HMS Volage, HMS Mauritius, HMS Leander, HMS Orion, HMS Superb, HMS Ocean
Losses Britain: 44 killed and 42 wounded; Saumarez damaged beyond repair and Volage damaged
Result Albania held responsible by the International Court of Justice, which also ruled the British minesweeping illegal
On 15 May 1946 Albanian coastal guns fired on the cruisers Orion and Superb without hitting them. On 22 October the destroyer Saumarez struck a mine in the channel, and Volage was mined while towing her; between 32 and 43 of the dead came from Saumarez. On 12 and 13 November the Royal Navy swept 22 contact mines in Albanian waters to gather evidence, covered by the carrier Ocean.
Why it is remembered It was the first case decided by the International Court of Justice, which in December 1949 ordered Albania to pay about 844,000 pounds. The dispute was settled only in 1996, when Britain returned Albanian gold it had withheld.
Sources differ The award is given as 843,947 pounds and as 844,000 pounds. It was alleged that Yugoslav minelayers laid the German made mines at Albania's request; Hoxha claimed the British staged the incident.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Royal Navy official photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Chinese Civil War
Battle of Guningtou Landing or siege
Also known as Battle of Kuningtou; Battle of Kinmen
25 to 27 October 1949 · Kinmen (Quemoy), Taiwan Strait
Fought between Republic of China against the People's Republic of China
Commanders Chiang Kai-shek, Tang Enbo, Hu Lien and Hiroshi Nemoto (Republic of China); Mao Zedong, Chen Yi, Su Yu and Ye Fei (People's Republic of China)
Forces Republic of China: about 40,000 garrison troops with naval and air support. People's Liberation Army: 19,000 infantry, of whom 9,086 landed, in about 200 landing vessels with some 2,000 boatmen and porters
Losses Republic of China: 1,267 killed, 1,982 wounded. People's Liberation Army: 3,873 killed, 5,175 captured
Result Decisive Republic of China victory
In October 1949 Communist forces crossed from Fujian in about 200 landing vessels to attack the island of Kinmen. Only part of the force got ashore, and the Nationalist garrison, with naval and air support, destroyed it in three days of fighting. More than 5,000 attackers were captured.
Why it is remembered The defeat halted Communist plans for an immediate invasion of Taiwan and kept Kinmen under the Republic of China. Since 2025, 25 October is marked in Taiwan as the anniversary of the battle.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: CIA (base map), Ran (derivative work), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Chinese Civil War (Yangtze River Crossing campaign)
Yangtze Incident Single-ship action
Also known as Amethyst Incident
20 April to 30 July 1949 · Yangtze River near Jiangyin, China
Fought between United Kingdom against the Chinese People's Liberation Army
Commanders Lt Cdr Bernard Skinner, Lt Geoffrey Weston, Lt Cdr John Kerans (Amethyst); Rear Admiral Alexander Madden; Commander Robertson (Consort); Captain Jay (Black Swan) (Britain); Ye Fei (People's Liberation Army)
Forces The sloop HMS Amethyst, the destroyer HMS Consort, the cruiser HMS London and the frigate HMS Black Swan against People's Liberation Army field guns and artillery batteries on the river banks
Ships HMS Amethyst, HMS Consort, HMS London, HMS Black Swan, HMS Concord, Kiang Ling Liberation
Losses Britain: Amethyst 22 killed and 31 wounded; Consort 10 killed and 23 wounded; London 15 killed and 13 wounded; Black Swan 7 wounded. People's Liberation Army losses not stated.
Result Amethyst trapped for about ten weeks, then escaped; listed as a Chinese Communist victory, and British forces withdrew from the Yangtze
On 20 April 1949 Communist batteries near Jiangyin fired on HMS Amethyst as she sailed to relieve Consort as guard ship at Nanjing; her captain was mortally wounded and she ran aground. Consort, then London and Black Swan, tried to help and were heavily shelled. Amethyst was held upriver for about ten weeks under Lt Cdr Kerans while talks failed. On the night of 30 July she slipped downriver behind the lit civilian ship Kiang Ling Liberation, ran past the Wusong forts and rejoined the fleet early on 31 July.
Why it is remembered Kerans received the DSO and the ship's cat Simon received the Dickin Medal. The escape was told in the film Yangtse Incident: The Story of H.M.S. Amethyst, while Mao Zedong hailed the incident as the end of foreign imperialism in China.
Sources differ One account gives 3 killed and 14 wounded in London and Black Swan together, while another account gives 15 killed and 13 wounded for London and 7 wounded for Black Swan. Who fired first was disputed; Ye Fei admitted in 1988 that his troops did.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Royal Navy official photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Korean War
Battle of Chumonchin Chan Fleet battle
Also known as Action of 2 July 1950
2 July 1950 · Off Chumonchin, east coast of Korea, Sea of Japan
Fought between United Nations (United States and Britain) against North Korea
Commanders Jesse D. Sowell (United Nations); Kim Kun Ok (North Korea)
Forces 2 cruisers and 1 Black Swan class sloop against 4 G-5 class motor torpedo boats and 2 gunboats escorting 10 ammunition ships
Ships Torpedo boat No. 21
Losses United Nations: none. North Korea: 3 torpedo boats sunk, human losses unknown
Result United Nations victory
An Allied flotilla of two cruisers and a sloop met a North Korean supply convoy escorted by torpedo boats and gunboats. The torpedo boats attacked and three were sunk without loss to the Allied ships.
Why it is remembered Torpedo boat No. 21 survives at the Victorious War Museum in Pyongyang, where North Korea claims the boats sank the cruiser USS Baltimore, a ship that never served in the Korean War.
Sources differ North Korean accounts claim a US heavy cruiser was sunk; the UN side lost no ship.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Korean War
Battle of Haeju Single-ship action
10 September 1950 · Off Haeju Bay, Yellow Sea
Fought between South Korea (United Nations) against North Korea
Forces The South Korean patrol boat PC-703 against a North Korean minelaying sailing vessel
Ships PC-703
Losses South Korea: none. North Korea: the minelayer sunk with all hands; three small transports sunk two days later
Result United Nations victory
Days before the Inchon landing, the South Korean patrol boat PC-703 met a North Korean minelayer off Haeju Bay and sank her after a brief fight. PC-703 then found and reported the minefield she had laid at the mouth of the bay. On 12 September PC-703 sank three small, probably unarmed, transports.
Why it is remembered The discovery of the minefield came shortly before the UN landing at Inchon in the same waters.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Chinese Civil War
Battle of Hainan Island Landing or siege
Also known as Hainan Island Campaign
16 April to 1 May 1950 · Qiongzhou Strait and Hainan Island, China
Fought between People's Republic of China against the Republic of China
Commanders Deng Hua, Wang Guoxing (People's Liberation Army); Xue Yue (Republic of China)
Forces The 15th Corps of the Fourth Field Army and the Hainan Independent Column, crossing in wooden junks (318 junks in the main crossing), against 140,000 to 200,000 Nationalist troops and militia supported by 50 warships and 25 aircraft
Losses People's Liberation Army: about 4,000 casualties, most during the crossing, and a number of transports sunk. Nationalist losses not stated.
Result People's Republic of China victory; Hainan taken
After probing landings from February, the main People's Liberation Army force crossed the Qiongzhou Strait from the Leizhou Peninsula on the night of 16 April 1950 in waves of wooden junks. Nationalist warships and aircraft sank a number of transports, but the landings held and Haikou fell on 23 April. The Nationalists evacuated nearly 70,000 troops and refugees and announced on 2 May that they had abandoned the island.
Why it is remembered Chinese histories popularised the crossing as a people's flotilla of wooden junks. It ended a 23 year struggle for the island's Communists and was soon overshadowed by the Korean War.
Sources differ Nationalist strength is given as perhaps 200,000 and as 140,000 (Seymour Topping).
Sources Wikipedia
Image: People's Pictorial (Renmin Huabao), July 1950, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Korean War
Battle of Inchon Landing or siege
Also known as Inchon landings; Operation Chromite
10 to 19 September 1950 (landing from 15 September) · Incheon, South Korea, and the Yellow Sea
Fought between United Nations (United States, South Korea, Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, the Netherlands) against North Korea
Commanders Douglas MacArthur, Arthur Dewey Struble, Edward M. Almond and Oliver P. Smith (United States); Sohn Won-yil, Shin Hyun-joon and Paik In-yeop (South Korea); Kim Il Sung, Choe Yong-kun, Wol Ki Chan and Wan Yong (North Korea)
Forces United Nations: about 40,000 infantry and about 260 ships of Joint Task Force 7 (226 US, 15 South Korean, 12 British, 3 Canadian, 2 Australian, 2 New Zealand, 1 French, 1 Dutch), including 4 cruisers and 7 destroyers. North Korea: about 6,500 infantry, 19 aircraft, 1 fortress and 1 patrol boat
Losses United Nations: 224 killed, 809 wounded, 2 cruisers and 3 destroyers damaged, 1 LST lost and 3 damaged, 1 aircraft. North Korea: 1,350 killed, 1 patrol boat sunk, 1 aircraft destroyed
Result United Nations victory
After bombardment of Wolmido and Incheon from 10 September, UN forces made a surprise amphibious landing at Incheon on 15 September 1950, far behind the North Korean armies besieging the Pusan Perimeter. MacArthur pressed the operation over the doubts of more cautious generals about the difficult tides and terrain. The lightly defended city was secured by 19 September.
Why it is remembered It reversed the course of the war: Seoul was retaken two weeks later and the North Korean army collapsed, with 135,000 prisoners taken within a month.
Sources differ One account gives some 75,000 troops and 261 vessels; another account gives about 40,000 infantry and about 260 ships.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Korean War
Battle of Korea Strait Single-ship action
Also known as Daehanhaehyeop haejeon
25 to 26 June 1950 · Off Busan, Korea Strait
Fought between South Korea against North Korea
Commanders Nam Choi (South Korea)
Forces The South Korean submarine chaser ROKS Baekdusan (PC-701) against a North Korean troop steamer
Ships ROKS Baekdusan
Losses North Korea: steamer sunk, 600 killed or wounded. South Korea: 2 killed, 4 wounded, Baekdusan damaged
Result South Korean victory
On the first day of the Korean War a North Korean transport carrying hundreds of soldiers tried to land them near Busan. The South Korean patrol ship Baekdusan intercepted her and sank her.
Why it is remembered It was one of the first surface actions of the war, and an important South Korean victory that stopped a landing near Busan.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: 대한민국 국군 Republic of Korea Armed Forces, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Chinese Civil War
Wanshan Archipelago Campaign Landing or siege
Also known as Battle of the Wanshan Islands
25 May to 7 August 1950 · Wanshan Archipelago, mouth of the Pearl River, Guangdong
Fought between People's Republic of China against the Republic of China
Commanders Hong Xuezhi (People's Liberation Army); Qi Hongzhang, commander of the Nationalist 3rd Fleet (Republic of China)
Forces About 10,000 Communist troops with 24 or more vessels, including the gunboats Liberation, Vanguard and Struggle, the landing ship Guishan, 10 landing craft and 8 transports, plus shore artillery; about 4,000 Nationalists with 40 or more vessels, including the frigate Tai He and the gunboats Gao Yao, Jiang Ding and Chang Jiang
Ships Liberation, Vanguard, Struggle, Guishan, Tai He, Zhong Hai, Yong Kang, Yong Ding, Gao Yao, Jiang Ding
Losses Nationalists: 700 or more casualties, 1 gunboat sunk, 1 badly damaged, 11 or more vessels captured or scuttled. Communists: 300 or more casualties, the landing ship Guishan lost and 1 gunboat badly damaged.
Result People's Republic of China victory; archipelago taken
On the night of 25 May 1950 the small Communist gunboat Liberation raided the Nationalist anchorage at Lajiwei Island and wounded Qi Hongzhang, while Vanguard and Struggle sank Nationalist gunboats and the landing ship Guishan beached and put her troops ashore. Over the following weeks the Communists took the islands one by one under cover of shore batteries, which damaged several Nationalist warships, until the last fell on 7 August.
Why it is remembered It ended the Nationalist blockade of the Pearl River mouth and is described as the first combined army and navy operation by the Communists. Eleven captured ships entered Communist service, and Lajiwei was renamed Guishan Island after the landing ship.
Sources differ One account lists one Nationalist gunboat sunk; another account says two were sunk in the first night. One account says Guishan was sunk; another account says she was badly damaged and beached. Nationalist accounts say Liberation was heavily damaged; a third account says she returned safely.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: South China Naval Command, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Korean War
Blockade of Wonsan Blockade and raiding
Also known as Siege of Wonsan
16 February 1951 to 27 July 1953 · Wonsan, North Korea, Sea of Japan
Fought between United Nations (United States, South Korea, Britain) against North Korea and China
Commanders James Henry Doyle (United Nations)
Forces United Nations naval forces, mainly American, with aircraft and warships
Losses United Nations: 41 killed, 158 wounded; 1 patrol boat and 2 minesweepers sunk; 1 battleship, 2 cruisers, 16 destroyers, 3 frigates, 5 minesweepers, 1 LSD and 3 LSMRs damaged, many more than once. North Korea and China: unknown
Result United Nations victory; successful blockade
For 861 days UN naval forces kept the port of Wonsan closed to the North Korean Navy. Their aircraft and warships heavily damaged the city, while North Korean shore artillery fired back with little effect, though many ships were hit.
Why it is remembered It was the longest naval blockade in modern history and tied down communist troops away from the front line.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: USAF (photo 306-PS-51(10303)), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Chinese Civil War (aftermath)
Battle of Dalushan Islands Landing or siege
Also known as Battle of Greater Deer Mountain Islands; 大鹿山等岛战斗
29 May 1953 · Dalushan Islands, off the coast of Zhejiang, China
Fought between People's Republic of China against Republic of China (nationalists)
Commanders He Zhuoquan, captured (nationalists); communist commander unknown
Forces About 450 communist soldiers (a battalion of the 179th Regiment, 60th Division, and two companies of the 17th Public Security Division) with naval gunboats and mainland artillery, against 239 nationalist soldiers
Losses Nationalists: 53 killed, 186 captured, two junks lost, eight radio sets and code books taken. Communists: light casualties
Result Communist victory; the People's Republic of China took the Dalushan Islands
At 6 pm on 29 May 1953 People's Liberation Army artillery on the mainland bombarded the islets of Ji Guan Shan Dao and Yang Yu, and an hour later the first assault wave landed on them. Naval gunboats then closed Da Lu Shan Dao and Xiao Lu Shan Dao and shelled the nationalist positions. By 9 pm the fighting was over and the nationalist commander of the 42nd Column of the Anti-Communist Assault Army had been captured.
Why it is remembered The loss further isolated the nationalist strongholds on the Zhejiang coast, such as the Dachen and Yijiangshan Islands, and removed a threat to communist coastal shipping.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945
Battle of Dokdo Other action
Also known as 독도 대첩; Battle of Dokseom
21 November 1954 · Dokdo, Ulleung County, North Gyeongsang, South Korea
Fought between South Korean Dokdo Volunteer Garrison against the Japan Coast Guard
Forces A civilian volunteer garrison on the island against three armed Japanese patrol ships and aircraft
Ships Hekura
Losses Japanese: one patrol ship damaged and at least 16 casualties, according to the Korean account
Result Japanese patrol ships repelled, according to the Korean account
On 21 November 1954 three armed Japanese patrol ships and aircraft approached Dokdo. The Dokdo Volunteer Garrison, a civilian unit, fired nine mortar rounds and several hundred rounds from heavy and light machine guns at the patrol ship Hekura and the others, and the Japanese withdrew.
Why it is remembered It is remembered in Korea as a defence of Dokdo; afterwards the Ulleung police station took nine former members of the garrison into the police, bringing the island's defence into the official system.
Sources differ Only a Korean source was available; the Japanese losses are given as claimed in that account.
Sources Wikipedia (KO)
Since 1945 · First Taiwan Strait Crisis
Battle of Yijiangshan Islands Landing or siege
18 to 19 January 1955 · Yijiangshan Islands, off Zhejiang, China
Fought between People's Republic of China against the Republic of China
Commanders Zhang Aiping (People's Liberation Army); Wang Sheng-ming (Republic of China, killed)
Forces 10,000 People's Liberation Army personnel with 184 aircraft and 186 ships; 1,100 Nationalist troops with 8 to 12 ships
Losses People's Liberation Army: 393 casualties (own figure). Republic of China: 519 killed and 567 captured.
Result People's Republic of China victory; islands taken
After air attacks on Nationalist gun positions on the morning of 18 January 1955, four People's Liberation Army battalions landed on 20 beaches that afternoon with close support from gunboats. Aircraft drove five Nationalist warships back towards the Dachen Islands. The islands were in Communist hands by the evening of 19 January.
Why it is remembered The People's Liberation Army regards it as its first joint operation. The loss made the Dachen Islands untenable and they were evacuated in February 1955, and the United States passed the Formosa Resolution nine days after the battle.
Sources differ Taiwan claimed its whole garrison of 720 died and that over 3,000 Communist troops were killed; the main account describes the 720 figure as symbolic.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Unknown Chinese photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Suez Crisis (Tripartite Aggression)
Battle of Burullus Air and submarine attack
Also known as معركة البرلس; Naval Battle of Burullus; Naval Battle of Borg el Burullus
4 November 1956 · Off Lake Burullus, Mediterranean coast of Egypt
Fought between Egypt against Britain and France
Forces Three Egyptian torpedo boats against British and French naval units of the invasion force
Losses Egypt: all three torpedo boats sunk. Britain and France: none
Result Anglo-French victory
On the morning of 4 November 1956 three Egyptian torpedo boats engaged British and French warships of the invasion force off Lake Burullus. The torpedo boats were attacked from the air and all three were sunk, with no Anglo-French losses.
Why it is remembered It was the main naval clash of the Suez war on the Egyptian coast and is remembered in Egypt under the name of the place.
Sources ar.wikipedia.org
Since 1945
Mexico and Guatemala conflict Air and submarine attack
Also known as Mexico-Guatemala conflict
30 December 1958 to 15 September 1959 · Mexican and Guatemalan waters off the Pacific coast, near the Guatemala and Mexico border
Fought between Guatemala against Mexico
Commanders Miguel Ydígoras Fuentes, Luis de León Urrutia (Guatemala); Adolfo López Mateos, Alfonso Cruz Rivera (Mexico)
Forces Two Guatemalan P-51 Mustang fighters, a Douglas C-47 and a Cessna 180, against eight Mexican fishing boats
Ships San Diego
Losses Mexico: three civilian fishermen killed and 14 wounded
Result Ceasefire; relations between the two countries frozen for several months
Guatemalan Air Force aircraft fired on Mexican civilian fishing boats which Guatemala said were in its territorial waters. The fishing vessel San Diego was among those hit. Three fishermen died and 14 were wounded.
Why it is remembered The attack on unarmed fishermen led to a break in relations between Mexico and Guatemala.
Sources differ One account dates the start of hostilities to 2 March 1958; another account gives 30 December 1958 to 15 September 1959.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Cold War
Bay of Pigs Invasion Landing or siege
Also known as Playa Girón
17 to 20 April 1961 · Bay of Pigs, south west coast of Cuba
Fought between Cuban exiles of Brigade 2506, backed by the United States, against Cuba
Commanders Pepe San Román, Erneido Oliva, Manuel Artime (Brigade 2506); Fidel Castro, José Ramón Fernández (Cuba)
Forces About 1,500 brigade troops carried by four troop ships and five supply ships, with B-26 bombers and five M41 light tanks, against the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, militia and police, with T-33 jets, Sea Fury fighters and B-26 bombers
Losses Brigade 2506: 114 killed, 360 wounded, 1,202 captured, five B-26s shot down. United States: four killed, two B-26s shot down, two supply ships lost. Cuba: 176 armed forces killed, 400 to 500 wounded, one patrol ship sunk, two aircraft shot down; about 2,000 militia killed and wounded
Result Cuban government victory
On 15 April 1961 eight CIA-supplied B-26 bombers attacked Cuban airfields. On the night of 17 April the brigade, which had sailed from Guatemala and Nicaragua, landed at Playa Girón and overcame a local militia. Two American supply ships were lost. Without further American air support the invaders were defeated within three days and surrendered on 20 April.
Why it is remembered The failure strengthened Castro, pushed Cuba closer to the Soviet Union and set the stage for the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Decolonisation of Asia; Cold War
Indian annexation of Goa Landing or siege
Also known as Operation Vijay; Liberation of Goa (India); Invasion of Goa (Portugal)
17 to 19 December 1961 · Goa, Daman and Diu, Portuguese India, with the surrounding sea and airspace
Fought between India against Portugal
Commanders Jayanto Nath Chaudhuri, K. P. Candeth, Erlic Pinto (India); M. A. Vassalo e Silva (Portugal)
Forces India: 45,000 infantry, one light aircraft carrier, two light cruisers, one destroyer, eight frigates, four minesweepers and strike aircraft. Portugal: 3,500 military personnel, one sloop and three inshore patrol boats
Losses India: 22 killed, 225 wounded. Portugal: 30 killed, 57 wounded, 4,668 captured, one sloop lost and one patrol boat sunk
Result Indian victory; Goa, Daman and Diu incorporated into India
In December 1961 Indian forces attacked the Portuguese territories by air, sea and land in an operation that lasted about 36 hours. The small Portuguese naval force, a sloop and patrol boats, was overwhelmed, losing the sloop and one patrol boat. The Portuguese garrison surrendered and India took the territories.
Why it is remembered It ended 451 years of Portuguese rule in Goa, Daman and Diu. India calls it a liberation, Portugal an invasion of its national soil.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Mike Freer, Touchdown-aviation, GFDL 1.2, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945
Lobster War Other action
Also known as Lobster Operation; Guerra da Lagosta; Conflit de la langouste
1961 to 1963 · Waters off Pernambuco, north eastern Brazil
Fought between Brazil against France
Commanders Jânio Quadros, João Goulart, Admiral Arnoldo Toscano (Brazil); Charles de Gaulle (France)
Forces Brazil: one corvette, six destroyers, two cruisers and one submarine, with B-17, P-2 Neptune and S-2 Tracker patrol aircraft. France: off Brazil, the destroyer Tartu and the aviso Paul Goffeny; off West Africa, the aircraft carrier Clemenceau, the cruiser De Grasse, seven destroyers and a tanker
Ships Tartu, Paul Goffeny, Clemenceau, De Grasse, Cassard, Jauréguiberry, Picard, Le Gascon, L'Agenais, Le Béarnais, Le Vendéen, La Baise; Ipiranga, Paraná, Babitonga, Pará, Acre, Araguari, Greenhalgh, Almirante Barroso, Tamandaré, Riachuelo
Losses None on either side
Result Peaceful settlement; French vessels withdrew and an agreement of 10 December 1964 let 26 French boats fish for up to five years in designated areas, sharing profit with Brazilian fishermen
Brazil refused to let French boats catch spiny lobster 160 km off its north eastern coast, arguing that lobsters crawl along the continental shelf; France held that lobsters swim and could be caught by anyone. Both navies sent warships into the area, and a Brazilian B-17 flew over the French escort Tartu in 1963. No shots were fired.
Why it is remembered It is a well known case of coercive naval diplomacy over fishing rights, settled before the modern Law of the Sea convention.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Marine brésilienne, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Operation Trikora (Western New Guinea dispute)
Battle of Arafura Sea Single-ship action
Also known as Pertempuran Laut Aru; Battle of Vlakke Hoek; Slag bij Vlakke Hoek
15 January 1962 · Arafura Sea, near Etna Bay, Western New Guinea
Fought between Netherlands against Indonesia
Commanders L.E.H. Reeser (Netherlands); Sudomo, Yos Sudarso, killed (Indonesia)
Forces Three Indonesian Jaguar class fast attack craft carrying 150 marines, against two Dutch S class destroyers and one Friesland class destroyer supported by a P-2 Neptune aircraft
Ships RI Matjan Tutul, RI Matjan Kumbang, RI Harimau; HNLMS Evertsen, HNLMS Kortenaer, HNLMS Utrecht
Losses Indonesia: one torpedo boat sunk, two disabled, 21 to 39 killed, 52 to 55 captured. Netherlands: none
Result Dutch victory
On 15 January 1962 three Indonesian fast attack craft carrying marines towards Western New Guinea were intercepted in the Arafura Sea by three Dutch destroyers, guided by a Neptune patrol aircraft. One Indonesian boat was sunk and the other two disabled. Commodore Yos Sudarso was among the Indonesian dead.
Why it is remembered Indonesia commemorates the battle with a national day of remembrance, and it remains the last official naval battle of the Royal Netherlands Navy.
Sources differ Indonesian dead are given as 21 to 39 and captured as 52 to 55.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Indonesia and Malaysia confrontation
Action of 13 December 1964 Single-ship action
13 December 1964 · One mile off Raffles Lighthouse, Singapore Strait
Fought between Australia against Indonesia
Commanders Keith Murray (Australia)
Forces The Australian minesweeper HMAS Teal against two Indonesian sampans
Ships HMAS Teal
Losses Australia: one wounded. Indonesia: three killed, four captured, one sampan captured
Result Australian victory
The minesweeper HMAS Teal was fired on by two Indonesian vessels in the Singapore Strait. Her return fire killed three Indonesians, and four others were then captured with one of the sampans.
Why it is remembered It was one of the small naval clashes of the Indonesian confrontation in which Australian warships took part.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Vietnam War
Gulf of Tonkin incident Single-ship action
Also known as Sự kiện Vịnh Bắc Bộ
2 August 1964 (a second reported attack on 4 August did not take place) · Gulf of Tonkin, off North Vietnam
Fought between United States against North Vietnam
Commanders John J. Herrick, Herbert L. Ogier (United States); Le Duy Khoai (North Vietnam)
Forces The destroyer USS Maddox, later joined by USS Turner Joy, with aircraft from the carrier USS Ticonderoga, against three North Vietnamese torpedo boats of the 135th Torpedo Squadron
Ships USS Maddox, USS Turner Joy, USS Ticonderoga
Losses United States: Maddox hit by a single bullet, one aircraft damaged. North Vietnam: three torpedo boats damaged, four killed, six wounded
Result North Vietnamese boats driven off; the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution followed
On 2 August 1964 USS Maddox, on a signals intelligence patrol near islands raided by South Vietnamese commandos two nights before, was approached by three North Vietnamese torpedo boats. She fired warning shots and the boats attacked with torpedoes and machine guns; aircraft from Ticonderoga joined in and the boats were damaged. On the night of 4 August Maddox and Turner Joy fired on radar returns and reported a second attack, which later investigation showed never happened.
Why it is remembered Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which President Johnson used to commit American forces openly in Vietnam. The false second attack, admitted by Robert McNamara in The Fog of War (2003), made the incident a byword for flawed intelligence.
Sources differ The 4 August attack was reported at the time but later shown not to have occurred; a declassified NSA study of 2005 confirmed this.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: U.S. Navy sailor aboard USS Maddox (DD-731), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Vietnam War
Operation Pierce Arrow Air and submarine attack
5 August 1964 · North Vietnamese coast, including the oil storage depot at Vinh
Fought between United States against North Vietnam
Commanders Lyndon B. Johnson, Robert McNamara (United States)
Forces 64 strike sorties from the aircraft carriers USS Ticonderoga and USS Constellation against North Vietnamese naval vessels, mostly Swatow gunboats with two torpedo boats, and the Vinh oil depot
Ships USS Ticonderoga, USS Constellation
Losses United States: two aircraft shot down, one pilot, Lieutenant Richard Sather, killed and one, Lieutenant (jg) Everett Alvarez Jr., taken prisoner. North Vietnam: 29 P-4 torpedo boats or gunboats destroyed or damaged by pilots' estimate, and about 10 percent of its petroleum storage
Result United States strikes carried out
In response to the Gulf of Tonkin incident, President Johnson ordered strikes on North Vietnam. On 5 August 1964 aircraft from Ticonderoga and Constellation attacked North Vietnamese naval vessels and the oil storage depot at Vinh. Two American aircraft were brought down by anti-aircraft fire.
Why it is remembered It was the first American air operation against North Vietnam, and Everett Alvarez became the first United States Navy prisoner of war in Vietnam. The gun that shot down his A-4 is displayed in Hanoi.
Sources differ North Vietnam claimed eight American aircraft shot down; American sources give two.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Cross-strait conflict (Project National Glory)
Battle of Dongshan Single-ship action
Also known as 東山海戰; Battle of August Sixth (八六海戰)
6 August 1965 · Taiwan Strait
Fought between People's Republic of China against Republic of China
Commanders Hu Jiaheng, killed, Li Zhuan, killed, Wang Yunshan, captured (Republic of China); Wu Ruilin, Kong Zhaonian, Wang Jin (People's Republic of China)
Forces Republic of China: the Auk class minesweeper Chien Men and the submarine chaser Chang Kiang. People's Republic of China: an attack group of four patrol boats and six torpedo boats, with a reinforcement group of one patrol boat and six torpedo boats
Ships Chien Men (formerly USS Toucan), Chang Kiang
Losses Republic of China: both ships sunk, 170 killed, 33 captured. People's Republic of China: two patrol boats and two torpedo boats damaged, four killed, 28 wounded
Result People's Republic of China victory
On 6 August 1965 two Republic of China warships in the Taiwan Strait were attacked by a force of Chinese communist patrol boats and torpedo boats. Both nationalist ships were sunk. Their commanders were killed or captured.
Why it is remembered The Republic of China lost both ships and 170 men in a single night, in one of the cross-strait naval clashes of 1965.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Cross-strait conflict (Project National Glory)
Battle of Dong-Yin Single-ship action
Also known as 東引海戰; Battle of May First (五一海戰)
1 May 1965 · Around Dongyin island, Taiwan Strait
Fought between Republic of China against People's Republic of China
Commanders Ho Ten Song (Republic of China)
Forces One Republic of China destroyer against eight communist gunboats
Losses Republic of China: officially three killed and four wounded, estimated seven killed and 43 wounded. People's Republic of China: four gunboats sunk and two damaged
Result Inconclusive; both sides claimed victory
On 1 May 1965 a Republic of China Navy destroyer fought eight People's Liberation Army Navy gunboats around Dongyin island. Both sides afterwards claimed victory.
Why it is remembered It was one of several clashes in 1965 between the two Chinese navies in the Taiwan Strait.
Sources differ Republic of China casualties are given officially as three killed and four wounded, and by estimate as seven killed and 43 wounded.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Army Map Service (SNECO), Corps of Engineers 1953, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · India and Pakistan war of 1965
Operation Dwarka Raid
7 to 8 September 1965 · Dwarka, Jamnagar district, Gujarat, India
Fought between Pakistan against India
Commanders Commodore S. M. Anwar (Pakistan); Rear Admiral B. A. Samson (India)
Forces Pakistan Navy 25th Destroyer Squadron: the light cruiser PNS Babur, six destroyers and the submarine PNS Ghazi
Ships PNS Babur, PNS Khaibar, PNS Badr, PNS Jahangir, PNS Shah Jahan, PNS Alamgir, PNS Tippu Sultan, PNS Ghazi
Result Inconclusive
To relieve pressure on the fighting in Punjab and Kashmir, a Pakistani naval squadron bombarded the Indian coastal town of Dwarka on 7 and 8 September 1965. The main target was a radar station believed to carry a beacon guiding Indian bombers.
Why it is remembered It was the first engagement fought by the Pakistan Navy in any of the wars with India.
Sources differ Many Pakistani sources describe the operation as at least partly successful; many Indian sources dispute this.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: LCDR Tomme J. Lambertson, US Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Cross-strait conflict (Project National Glory)
Battle of East Chongwu Single-ship action
Also known as 崇武以东海战; Battle of Wuqiu (烏坵海戰)
13 to 14 November 1965 · Taiwan Strait, east of Chongwu
Fought between People's Republic of China against Republic of China
Commanders Mai Bingkun, Zhu Puhua, Chen Dekui (Republic of China); Zhou Renjie, Wei Hengwu, Ma Gan, Zhang Yimin (People's Republic of China)
Forces Republic of China: the Admirable class minesweeper Lin Huai and the PCE-842 class patrol craft Shan Hai. People's Republic of China: six patrol boats and six torpedo boats, with four patrol boats in direct support
Ships Lin Huai (formerly USS Refresh), Shan Hai
Losses Republic of China: Lin Huai sunk, Shan Hai damaged, 78 killed or missing. People's Republic of China (official claim): two patrol boats and two torpedo boats damaged, two killed, 17 wounded
Result People's Republic of China victory
Two Republic of China warships were attacked in the Taiwan Strait by a force of communist patrol boats and torpedo boats. The minesweeper Lin Huai was sunk and the patrol craft Shan Hai damaged.
Why it is remembered It followed the loss of two ships at Dongshan three months earlier and was another setback for the nationalist navy.
Sources differ One account dates the battle 13 to 14 November 1965; another account gives 3 to 4 November 1965. The Republic of China claimed four communist vessels sunk and one badly damaged; the official People's Republic of China figure is four damaged.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Vietnam War
Operation Game Warden Blockade and raiding
18 December 1965 to March 1973 · Mekong Delta, South Vietnam
Fought between United States and South Vietnam against the Viet Cong
Commanders William Westmoreland, David L. McDonald (United States)
Ships USS Harnett County
Losses United States: 100 to 200 killed. Viet Cong: more than 1,400 killed or captured and 2,000 watercraft destroyed
Result American and South Vietnamese success; the main inland waterways secured and Viet Cong craft pushed onto smaller rivers and canals
The United States Navy and the South Vietnamese Navy patrolled the rivers of the Mekong Delta to deny the Viet Cong use of the waterways for supplies. The operation ran from December 1965 to March 1973.
Why it is remembered With its sea counterpart Operation Market Time, it is counted among the most successful American naval operations of the Vietnam War.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Ed Pietzuch, (HA(L)-3), US Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Vietnam War
Attack on the SS Baton Rouge Victory Raid
26 August 1966 · Lòng Tàu River, about 22 miles (35 km) south east of Saigon, South Vietnam
Fought between Unidentified attackers against an American merchant ship
Forces Two limpet mines against the cargo ship SS Baton Rouge Victory
Ships SS Baton Rouge Victory
Losses Seven American merchant sailors killed; a 16 by 45 foot hole blown in the hull
Result The ship was beached, refloated and towed away; she was scrapped in 1967
On 26 August 1966 the Victory ship Baton Rouge Victory, which had sailed from San Francisco on 28 July, was hit by two limpet mines in the Lòng Tàu River on the way to Saigon. Her number 3 hold flooded quickly, and the captain beached her so that she would not sink and block the channel. Harbor Clearance Unit One refloated her on 30 August and she was towed to Vũng Tàu.
Why it is remembered It was the largest single loss of life from enemy action among merchant mariners in the Vietnam War; the seven dead are remembered on a memorial in San Francisco.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · War of Attrition
Battle of Rumani Coast Single-ship action
Also known as Krav Rumani (קרב רומני)
11 July 1967 · Sinai coast, near Rumani
Fought between Israel against Egypt
Commanders Yitzhak Shushan, Eli Rahav (Israel)
Forces One Israeli destroyer and two torpedo boats against two Egyptian torpedo boats
Losses Egypt: two motor torpedo boats sunk, with no known survivors. Israel: none
Result Israeli victory
On the night of 11 July 1967 Israeli and Egyptian naval forces met off the Sinai coast near Rumani. Both Egyptian motor torpedo boats were sunk.
Why it is remembered It was an early naval action of the War of Attrition. A photograph of the Israeli crew raising a broom to the masthead, a traditional sign of victory, records it.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · War of Attrition
Sinking of INS Eilat Single-ship action
21 October 1967 · Mediterranean Sea east of Port Said, off Sinai
Fought between Egypt against Israel
Commanders Ahmed Shaker (Egypt); Isaac Shoshan (Israel)
Forces Egyptian Komar class missile boats with Soviet made P-15 Styx missiles against the Israeli destroyer INS Eilat (formerly HMS Zealous)
Ships INS Eilat
Losses Israel: Eilat sunk; 47 killed and about 90 to 100 wounded out of a crew of 199
Result Egyptian victory
A Komar class boat inside Port Said harbour fired two Styx missiles at the destroyer Eilat, and about an hour later a second boat fired two more, one of which went astray. Eilat, a former Royal Navy Z class destroyer, sank. Sixty seven hours later Israel shelled Port Suez and destroyed two of its three oil refineries.
Why it is remembered Eilat was the first vessel sunk by a missile boat in wartime. The loss spurred Israel to build small missile boats of its own, which fought in the 1973 war.
Sources differ One account gives 91 wounded; another account gives 90 to 100 wounded and 47 killed or missing.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Government Press Office photography department, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Nigerian Civil War
Operation Tiger Claw Landing or siege
17 to 23 October 1967 · Calabar, south-eastern Nigeria
Fought between Nigeria against Biafra
Commanders Benjamin Adekunle and Muhammadu Buhari (Nigeria); Ogbo Oji, wounded, and Festus Akagha (Biafra)
Forces A Nigerian naval force led by the frigate NNS Nigeria, with a landing craft, patrol and survey ships, two seaward defence boats and three civilian ships, carrying the 8th and 33rd Battalions
Ships NNS Nigeria, Lokoja, Ogoja, Penelope, Enugu, Bonny, MV Bode Thomas, MV Oduduwa, MV Warigi
Losses Unknown; one Nigerian sailor was killed by friendly fire aboard Enugu
Result Nigerian victory; Calabar was taken
The force assembled at Bonny and sailed on 16 October, reaching Calabar at about 05:00 the next day and bombarding the city for two days; a planned landing at Oron was dropped because of technical problems and low ammunition. Less than a day after arrival the 8th Battalion landed from the landing craft Lokoja and took the cement factory, and the 33rd Battalion, with Adekunle, landed on the beach later that day. The city was not fully secured until 23 October.
Why it is remembered The loss of Calabar, one of Biafra's largest ports, tightened the Nigerian naval blockade of Biafra.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Six-Day War
USS Liberty incident Air and submarine attack
8 June 1967 · International waters north of the Sinai Peninsula, about 25.5 nautical miles north west of Arish
Fought between Israel against the United States
Commanders Captain Iftach Spector, Lieutenant Commander Moshe Oren (Israel); Commander William L. McGonagle (United States)
Forces Two Mirage III and two Mystère IV aircraft and three motor torpedo boats against one technical research ship
Ships USS Liberty
Losses United States: 34 killed, 171 wounded, ship severely damaged. Israel: none
Result USS Liberty badly damaged; Israel apologised and paid compensation
On 8 June 1967 Israeli jets strafed USS Liberty and attacked her with napalm, and three motor torpedo boats then fired on her and launched torpedoes, one of which hit. The attack lasted 23 minutes and stopped when the Israelis believed she was sinking.
Why it is remembered Israel said the ship had been mistaken for an Egyptian vessel, and it paid compensation in 1968, 1969 and 1980. Survivors and others, including Admiral Thomas Moorer, maintain the attack was deliberate, and the case is still disputed.
Sources differ Israeli and American official inquiries concluded the attack was a mistake of identity; survivors, Admiral Moorer and the inquiry's chief counsel Ward Boston (2004 affidavit) dispute this.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Vietnam War
Action of 1 March 1968 Single-ship action
1 March 1968 · Coast of South Vietnam
Fought between United States and South Vietnam against North Vietnam
Commanders William H. Stewart (United States)
Forces One minesweeper, United States Coast Guard cutters, seven swift boats, two South Vietnamese junks, a patrol boat, two army helicopter gunships and flare aircraft, against four North Vietnamese steel-hulled trawlers armed with 57 mm recoilless rifles and machine guns
Ships USCGC Androscoggin, Point Grey, Point Welcome, Winona, Point Grace, Point Hudson, Point Marone; USS PCF-18, PCF-20, PCF-42, PCF-43, PCF-46, PCF-47, PCF-48
Losses North Vietnam: about 14 killed, two trawlers sunk and one scuttled. United States and South Vietnam: no deaths, four cutters damaged
Result United States and South Vietnamese victory
On 28 February 1968 a Neptune patrol aircraft spotted a North Vietnamese trawler heading south, and by the next morning three more had been found. Operation Market Time units intercepted all four on 1 March as they tried to land weapons and ammunition for the Viet Cong. Two trawlers were sunk and one was scuttled by her crew.
Why it is remembered Four trawlers loaded with weapons for the Viet Cong were intercepted at once by Operation Market Time units, and none delivered its cargo intact; three were lost.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Commander Don Van Liew, United States Coast Guard, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Cold War (Korean DMZ conflict)
Pueblo incident Other action
Also known as Capture of USS Pueblo
23 January 1968 · Sea of Japan, near Wonsan, North Korea
Fought between North Korea against the United States
Commanders Commander Lloyd M. Bucher (United States); Kim Il-chol (North Korea)
Forces 2 fishing trawlers, 2 submarine chasers, 4 torpedo boats and 2 MiG-21 fighters against the intelligence ship USS Pueblo (AGER-2)
Ships USS Pueblo (AGER-2)
Losses United States: 1 killed (Fireman Duane Hodges), 9 wounded, 82 captured; ship captured
Result North Korean victory; ship captured, crew released on 23 December 1968
North Korean submarine chasers and torpedo boats, covered by MiG fighters, closed on the lightly armed intelligence ship Pueblo near Wonsan. One of the submarine chasers carried a 57 mm gun; one American sailor was killed and nine wounded before the ship was captured and taken into port. The crew were held for 11 months and freed at the Bridge of No Return after the United States signed an apology it publicly disowned.
Why it is remembered Pueblo is still a commissioned United States Navy ship and is kept as a museum ship in Pyongyang, the only one held captive. Her cryptographic equipment was compromised.
Sources differ North Korea said the ship was 7.6 nautical miles from Ryo Island and inside its claimed waters; the United States said she was in international waters.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: US Navy (USN 1129208), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Portuguese Colonial War; Guinea-Bissau War of Independence
Operation Green Sea Landing or siege
Also known as Operação Mar Verde; Battle of Conakry; 1970 Portuguese invasion of Guinea
22 November 1970 · Conakry, Guinea
Fought between Portugal and Guinean dissidents (FLNG) against Guinea and the PAIGC
Commanders Alpoim Calvão, António de Spínola, Rebordão de Brito (Portugal); Lansana Diané (Guinea)
Forces 220 Portuguese soldiers and 200 Guinean dissidents, carried in three patrol boats and two landing craft
Losses Portugal and allies: one soldier and seven dissidents killed. Guinea and PAIGC: 52 to 500 killed, five supply ships destroyed, many military and government buildings destroyed
Result Portuguese prisoners freed and PAIGC vessels destroyed, but Amílcar Cabral was not captured and the Guinean government was not overthrown
Between 350 and 420 Portuguese soldiers and Portuguese-led Guinean fighters landed at Conakry from patrol boats and landing craft. They aimed to overthrow Ahmed Sékou Touré, capture the PAIGC leader Amílcar Cabral, destroy PAIGC and Guinean naval and air assets, and free Portuguese prisoners. They freed 26 prisoners and destroyed some PAIGC ships and air force facilities, then withdrew; Cabral was in Europe at the time.
Why it is remembered It was a seaborne raid on a foreign capital during Portugal's colonial wars, and it failed in its political aims.
Sources differ Guinean and PAIGC dead are given as anywhere from 52 to 500. One account gives the attacking force as 350 to 420 men; another account gives 220 soldiers and 200 dissidents.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Bangladesh War of Independence (Operation Searchlight)
Operation Barisal Landing or siege
25 April to 1 May 1971 · Barisal, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh)
Fought between Pakistan against the Mukti Bahini
Commanders Captain Ejaz Chaudhri (Pakistan); Captain M. A. Jalil, Major Rashedul Hasan (Mukti Bahini)
Forces Pakistan: four gunboats of the 17th Naval Gun Boat Squadron, one destroyer, one patrol boat, naval special forces, army units and 24 fighter jets. Mukti Bahini: an unknown number of guerrillas and at least one watercraft, MV Ostrich
Ships MV Ostrich
Losses Pakistan: 23 wounded. Mukti Bahini: unknown; MV Ostrich sunk
Result Inconclusive
The Pakistan Navy moved to take the city of Barisal from the Mukti Bahini, deploying gunboats and landing naval personnel to support the army. The Mukti Bahini watercraft MV Ostrich was sunk.
Why it is remembered It was one of the Pakistan Navy's river operations in East Pakistan at the start of the war of independence.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Bangladesh War of Independence
Operation Jackpot Raid
Also known as অপারেশন জ্যাকপট
15 August 1971 (naval commando attacks); supply operation from 15 May 1971 · Chittagong, Chandpur, Mongla and Narayanganj District, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh)
Fought between Mukti Bahini, supported by India, against Pakistan
Commanders M. A. G. Osmani, Khaled Musharraf, Abdul Jalil, Abdul Wahed Chowdhury (Mukti Bahini); A. A. K. Niazi, Mohammad Shariff, David Felix (Pakistan)
Forces Mukti Bahini naval commandos, led by Bengali submariners who had defected from the Pakistani submarine PNS Mangro, against the Pakistan Army, Marines, Navy and East Pakistan security forces
Ships PNS Mangro
Result Mukti Bahini operational success
Operation Jackpot was the name for the Indian supply and training effort for the Mukti Bahini and for the operations that followed. On the night of 15 August 1971 Mukti Bahini naval commandos made sabotage attacks in the ports of Chittagong, Chandpur, Mongla and Narayanganj. The attacks were led by Bengali submariners who had defected from PNS Mangro, then based at Toulon in France.
Why it is remembered The naval commando attacks were led by Bengali submariners who had defected from a Pakistani submarine in France, and the operation is counted a Mukti Bahini success.
Sources differ One account dates the operation 25 April to 15 August 1971; another account dates the supply operation from 15 May and a third phase from 21 November to 16 December 1971.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · India and Pakistan war of 1971
Operation Python Raid
8 to 9 December 1971 · Arabian Sea, 12 nautical miles off Karachi, Pakistan
Fought between India against Pakistan
Commanders Rear Admiral E. C. Kuruvila (India); Rear Admiral Hasan Ahmed (Pakistan)
Forces One Indian missile boat and two frigates against Pakistani ships off Karachi
Ships PNS Dacca
Losses Pakistan: fleet tanker PNS Dacca damaged beyond repair and the Kemari oil storage facility destroyed. Two foreign merchant ships sunk, with civilians killed and injured. India: none
Result Indian victory and partial blockade of Pakistan
After Operation Trident, Pakistani warships tried to hide among merchant shipping off Karachi. On the night of 8 to 9 December 1971 an Indian strike group of one missile boat and two frigates attacked the ships off the port, crippling the tanker PNS Dacca and destroying the Kemari oil storage.
Why it is remembered It completed the Indian missile boat attacks on Karachi begun three days earlier with Operation Trident.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945
Seizure of Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs Landing or siege
29 to 30 November 1971 · Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs, Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf
Fought between Iran against Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah (Trucial States)
Commanders Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and Admiral Farajollah Rasaei (Iran); Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi (Sharjah); Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi (Ras Al Khaimah)
Forces Iran: 2,000 soldiers with the Imperial Iranian Navy. Trucial States: 6 police officers
Ships Artemis (Iranian)
Losses Iranian figures: 3 Iranian soldiers killed and 1 wounded, 4 policemen killed and 5 injured. UAE figure: 1 policeman killed
Result Iranian victory; Iran took the islands
Shortly after British forces withdrew, helicopters dropped leaflets on Abu Musa on the morning of 29 November, and that evening an Iranian army contingent supported by the navy invaded the Greater and Lesser Tunbs. On Greater Tunb the head of the police post, Salem Suhail bin Khamis, refused to lower the flag and was shot dead, and policemen and Iranian soldiers were killed in the clash that followed. On 30 November a contingent led by the navy's commandant landed on Abu Musa to occupy the part covered by Iran's memorandum of understanding with Sharjah.
Why it is remembered The islands remain under Iranian control and are still disputed between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, which Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah joined soon afterwards.
Sources differ Casualties: Iran announced 3 soldiers and 4 policemen killed; the UAE says 1 policeman was killed.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
Sinking of INS Khukri Single-ship action
9 December 1971 · Off Diu, Gujarat, Arabian Sea
Fought between Pakistan against India
Commanders Ahmed Tasnim (PNS Hangor); Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla (INS Khukri)
Forces The Pakistani Daphne class submarine PNS Hangor against the Indian Blackwood class frigates INS Khukri and INS Kirpan
Ships PNS Hangor, INS Khukri, INS Kirpan
Losses India: Khukri sunk; 18 officers and 176 sailors killed
Result Pakistani victory
Hangor fired a torpedo at Kirpan, which missed. Khukri turned towards the submarine and a second torpedo hit her under the oil tanks; Tasnim said she sank within two minutes. Khukri had been moving slowly while testing a new sonar.
Why it is remembered She was the first warship sunk by a submarine since the Second World War and the only Indian warship lost in combat since independence. Captain Mulla went down with his ship and was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra; a memorial at Diu holds a model of the ship.
Sources differ Tasnim described one torpedo hit; other sources say three torpedoes hit.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
Sinking of PNS Ghazi Single-ship action
3 to 4 December 1971 · Off Visakhapatnam, Bay of Bengal
Fought between India against Pakistan
Commanders Commander Zafar Muhammad (Ghazi)
Forces The Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi against the Indian destroyer INS Rajput
Ships PNS Ghazi, INS Rajput, INS Vikrant
Losses Pakistan: Ghazi sunk with all 93 aboard (11 officers and 82 sailors)
Result Loss of Ghazi; Indian victory as claimed by India
Ghazi was sent to find and sink the Indian carrier INS Vikrant but did not find her, and turned to laying mines off Visakhapatnam. Indian accounts say the destroyer Rajput dropped two depth charges near the harbour entrance. Ghazi sank with all hands. Indian divers in 2003 reported an internal explosion of her mines and torpedoes.
Why it is remembered Her loss let the Indian Navy blockade East Pakistan. The cause remains disputed and Indian writers call it one of the unsolved mysteries of the 1971 war.
Sources differ India credits depth charges from Rajput, though its official naval history points to an internal explosion; Pakistan blames an internal explosion, a mine or a circling torpedo. The date is given as the night of 3 to 4 December and as 4 to 5 December.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: LCDR Tomme J. Lambertson, US Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · India and Pakistan war of 1971
Operation Trident (1971) Raid
4 to 5 December 1971 · Arabian Sea, 14 to 17 nautical miles south of the Port of Karachi, Pakistan
Fought between India against Pakistan
Commanders K. P. Gopal Rao, Babru Bhan Yadav (India); M. A. K. Lodhi (Pakistan)
Forces India: three Vidyut class missile boats, two Arnala class anti-submarine corvettes and a fleet tanker. Pakistan: ships deployed off Karachi
Losses Pakistan: one destroyer, one minesweeper and one ammunition cargo ship sunk, a second destroyer badly damaged and later scrapped, Karachi fuel tanks destroyed, 255 naval personnel killed. India: none
Result Indian victory and partial naval blockade of Pakistan
On the night of 4 to 5 December 1971 an Indian missile boat group attacked Pakistani shipping and port facilities off Karachi. It sank a destroyer, a minesweeper and a cargo ship carrying ammunition, badly damaged another destroyer and set the Karachi fuel tanks on fire, without loss.
Why it is remembered It saw the first use of anti-ship missiles in combat in the region. India marks its Navy Day on 4 December in memory of the operation.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Vietnam War
Operation Custom Tailor Raid
10 May 1972 · Haiphong, North Vietnam
Fought between United States against North Vietnam
Forces An American cruiser and destroyer strike force: USS Hanson, USS Buchanan, USS Newport News, USS Providence and USS Oklahoma City
Ships USS Hanson, USS Buchanan, USS Newport News, USS Providence, USS Oklahoma City
Result United States success; objectives completed
On 10 May 1972 an American cruiser and destroyer force struck military targets within four miles of Haiphong against heavy opposition. USS Hanson entered Haiphong harbour to suppress North Vietnamese shore batteries while other forces mined the harbour entrance.
Why it is remembered It was described as the most formidable cruiser and destroyer force in the Western Pacific since the Second World War. Hanson was the last American warship to enter and leave Haiphong harbour in the war, and her crew received the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Vietnam War
Battle of Đồng Hới Air and submarine attack
Also known as Battle for Đồng Hới Gulf
19 April 1972 · Off Đồng Hới, Quảng Bình Province, North Vietnam
Fought between North Vietnam against the United States
Forces United States: one cruiser, two destroyers and one frigate. North Vietnam: MiG-17F fighter bombers (two by the Vietnamese figure, three by the American claim) and shore batteries; the Americans also claimed two torpedo boats
Losses United States: one destroyer and one cruiser damaged, four wounded. North Vietnam: none by the Vietnamese figure; the Americans claimed two torpedo boats and one MiG-17
Result North Vietnamese victory
United States Navy warships off Đồng Hới were trying to stop North Vietnamese troops and supplies moving along the coast road towards Quảng Trị. On 19 April 1972 they were attacked by MiG-17F fighter bombers and engaged by shore batteries; a destroyer and a cruiser were damaged.
Why it is remembered It was the second time since the Second World War, setting aside the USS Liberty incident, that American warships came under air attack, and it ended the Navy's daylight raids on that coast. The MiG-17 flown by Nguyen Van Bay survives.
Sources differ Vietnamese figures give two MiG-17s engaged and none lost; the United States claimed three MiG-17s engaged, one shot down, and two torpedo boats sunk.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: The original uploader was Bình Giang at Vietnamese Wikipedia., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Vietnam War
Operation Pocket Money Blockade and raiding
9 May 1972 · Haiphong and the ports of North Vietnam
Fought between United States against North Vietnam
Commanders Damon W. Cooper (United States)
Forces Aircraft of United States Navy Task Force 77
Result United States success; North Vietnam blockaded
From 9 May 1972 carrier aircraft of Task Force 77 laid naval mines in the approaches to North Vietnamese ports, starting with Haiphong. The aim was to halt or slow the shipping of supplies for the Easter Offensive into South Vietnam.
Why it is remembered It was the first use of naval mines against North Vietnam.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Yom Kippur War
Battle of Baltim Fleet battle
Also known as Battle of Damietta; Battle of Baltim and Damietta; Battle of Damietta and El Burelos
8 to 9 October 1973 · Off the Nile Delta, between Baltim and Damietta, Egypt
Fought between Israel against Egypt
Commanders Michael Barkai (Israel); Muhammad Zikry, killed (Egypt)
Forces Six Israeli Sa'ar class missile boats (two Sa'ar 4, two Sa'ar 3, one Sa'ar 2 and one Sa'ar 1) against four Egyptian Osa class missile boats
Losses Egypt: three Osa boats sunk, 42 killed. Israel: none
Result Israeli victory
Six Israeli missile boats heading for Port Said met four Egyptian Osa boats coming from Alexandria. The Osas fired Styx missiles, all of which missed, and turned back towards Alexandria with the Israelis in pursuit. Gabriel missiles sank two Osas within ten minutes and a third twenty-five minutes later; the fourth reached base. The action lasted about forty minutes.
Why it is remembered It was an Israeli missile boat victory early in the Yom Kippur War, won without loss against boats armed with Soviet Styx missiles.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Yom Kippur War
Battle of Latakia Fleet battle
Also known as معركة اللاذقية; קרב לטקיה
7 October 1973 · Near Latakia, Syria
Fought between Israel against Syria
Commanders Michael Barkai (Israel); Fadal Hussein (Syria)
Forces Five Israeli ships against five Syrian ships
Losses Syria: all vessels sunk, casualties unknown. Israel: none
Result Israeli victory
On 7 October 1973 Israeli and Syrian naval forces met near Latakia in a small action. Every Syrian vessel engaged was sunk, with no Israeli losses.
Why it is remembered It was the first naval battle in history fought between missile boats armed with surface to surface missiles, and the first to see electronic deception used.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Yom Kippur War
Battle of Marsa Talamat Single-ship action
Also known as קרב מרסה-תלמאת
7 October 1973 · Marsa Talamat anchorage, central Gulf of Suez, Egypt
Fought between Israel against Egypt
Commanders Zvi Shahak, Mordechai Dekel (Israel); Fouad Zikry (Egypt)
Forces Two Israeli Dabur class patrol boats of Squadron 915 against Egyptian commando boats
Losses Israel: one killed, seven wounded, both patrol boats damaged. Egypt: one patrol boat sunk
Result Israeli victory
Two Israeli Dabur patrol boats were sent to destroy Egyptian commando boats in the Gulf of Suez after the war began. They found two commando boats about to leave Marsa Talamat and attacked, keeping up the fight even after both Daburs ran aground by accident. They withdrew after inflicting considerable damage on the commandos.
Why it is remembered Three Israeli crewmen received the Medal of Distinguished Service. The action is counted among the naval battles that shaped the course of the naval war in 1973.
Sources differ One account speaks of two Egyptian commando boats; another account lists one Egyptian patrol boat.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Yom Kippur War
Second Battle of Latakia Fleet battle
11 October 1973 · Off Latakia, Syria
Fought between Syria against Israel
Commanders Michael Barkai (Israel)
Forces Israeli Sa'ar 2, Sa'ar 3 and Sa'ar 4 class missile boats armed with Gabriel missiles, against Syrian Komar and Osa class missile boats armed with P-15 Termit (SS-N-2 Styx) missiles
Result Syrian victory
On 11 October 1973 Israeli missile boats fought Syrian missile boats off Latakia in a small battle between missile armed craft.
Why it is remembered It followed the first Battle of Latakia, fought by the same types of missile boats earlier in the same war.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Vietnam War
Battle of the Paracel Islands Fleet battle
Also known as 西沙海战 (Xisha haizhan); Hải chiến Hoàng Sa
19 to 20 January 1974 · Paracel Islands, South China Sea
Fought between China against South Vietnam
Commanders Zhang Yuanpei, Wei Mingsen (China); Lâm Ngươn Tánh, Hà Văn Ngạc, Hồ Văn Kỳ Thoại, Ngụy Văn Thà, killed, Huỳnh Duy Thạch, killed (South Vietnam)
Forces China: two minesweepers, two submarine chasers, patrol ships, maritime militia and infantry. South Vietnam: one destroyer, two frigates, one minesweeper and commandos
Losses China: 18 killed, 67 wounded, two minesweepers and two submarine chasers damaged. South Vietnam: more than 100 killed and wounded, 48 captured, one minesweeper sunk, one destroyer heavily damaged, two frigates damaged
Result Chinese victory; China took full control of the Paracels
Before the battle the Paracels were divided between Chinese and South Vietnamese control. The South Vietnamese Navy tried to remove the Chinese navy from the area, and in the fighting of 19 and 20 January 1974 lost a minesweeper and had a destroyer heavily damaged. China then occupied the islands South Vietnam had held.
Why it is remembered It gave China full de facto control of the Paracel Islands and led South Vietnam to station troops on unoccupied islands in the Spratlys.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Turkish invasion of Cyprus
Battle of Pentemili beachhead Landing or siege
Also known as Battle of Pentemili
20 to 22 July 1974 · Pentemili beach, 8 km west of Kyrenia, Cyprus
Fought between Turkey against the Cypriot National Guard
Commanders Maj. Gen. Bedrettin Demirel, Lt. Gen. Nurettin Ersin, Brig. Hakki Boratas, Col. Karaoglanoglu, killed (Turkey); Col. Konstantinos Kombokis, Lt. Col. Pavlos Kouroupis, killed (Cyprus)
Forces Turkey: a first wave of 3,500 soldiers with 12 howitzers, 15 M47 tanks and 20 M113 carriers, supported by the Turkish Air Force and Navy. Cyprus: about 3,800 men
Losses Turkey: 77 killed, five or six M47 tanks or more destroyed. Cyprus: unknown dead; tanks and armoured vehicles destroyed and two torpedo boats sunk
Result Turkish victory
Turkish troops landed at Pentemili beach on the morning of 20 July 1974, the first landing of the invasion. For three days heavy fighting went on around the beachhead between Turkish and Greek Cypriot forces. Two Cypriot torpedo boats were sunk.
Why it is remembered It was the landing beach of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Vietnam War
East Sea Campaign Landing or siege
Also known as East Sea and Spratly Islands Campaign; Chiến dịch Trường Sa và các đảo trên Biển Đông
9 to 29 April 1975 · Spratly Islands and islands off the south eastern coast of Vietnam, South China Sea
Fought between North Vietnam and the Viet Cong against South Vietnam
Commanders Chu Huy Mân, Mai Năng (North Vietnam); Chung Tấn Cang (South Vietnam)
Forces About 2,000 North Vietnamese soldiers and sailors supported by the 125th Naval Transport Brigade, against 5,768 South Vietnamese personnel supported by one frigate, two corvettes, a transport and a patrol boat
Losses North Vietnam: two killed, eight wounded. South Vietnam: 113 killed, 74 wounded, 557 captured, one escort ship damaged
Result North Vietnamese victory
In the last days of the Vietnam War the Vietnam People's Navy and the Viet Cong captured the South Vietnamese held islands in the Spratlys and off the south east coast. All the islands held by South Vietnam were taken.
Why it is remembered It had little effect on the outcome of the war but helped the reunified Vietnam assert its claim to the Spratly and other islands.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Aftermath of the Vietnam War
Mayaguez incident Landing or siege
Also known as Battle of Koh Tang; Mayagüez incident
12 to 15 May 1975 · Poulo Wai and Koh Tang, off Cambodia
Fought between United States against the Khmer Rouge (Democratic Kampuchea)
Commanders Lt Col Randall W. Austin (United States); Em Son, with Sa Mean leading the boarding party (Khmer Rouge)
Forces USS Henry B. Wilson, USS Harold E. Holt, USS Gridley and the carrier USS Coral Sea with Carrier Air Wing 15, United States Marines, Air Force helicopters, fighters and an AC-130H gunship, against Khmer Navy Swift boats and the Koh Tang garrison of 100 or more
Ships SS Mayaguez, USS Henry B. Wilson, USS Harold E. Holt, USS Gridley, USS Coral Sea
Losses United States: 38 killed, 50 wounded, 3 captured and later executed, 3 helicopters destroyed; a further 23 airmen died when a CH-53 crashed on the way to U-Tapao. Khmer Rouge: 13 to 25 killed on Koh Tang, 4 Swift boats sunk, further losses unknown.
Result Ship and crew recovered; the main account also records a Khmer Rouge victory on Koh Tang
Khmer Rouge Swift boats seized the American container ship Mayaguez off Poulo Wai on 12 May 1975. United States forces retook the ship and landed Marines by helicopter on Koh Tang, where the crew was believed to be held. The crew was released unharmed soon after the assault began, but the island's defences destroyed three helicopters and the Marines fought for a day before almost all were taken off.
Why it is remembered The Americans killed are the last names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, among them three Marines left behind on Koh Tang and executed by the Khmer Rouge.
Sources differ The United States put the seizure 6 nautical miles off the island; crew evidence put it at about 2 nautical miles. Cambodia claimed 12 nautical mile waters and the United States recognised 3. The main account gives both a Khmer Rouge victory and a successful recovery of ship and crew.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Iran and Iraq War
Operation Morvarid Fleet battle
Also known as عملیات مروارید; Operation Pearl
27 to 28 November 1980 · Persian Gulf, the Mina Al-Bakr and Khor al-Amaya oil terminals, and parts of Iraq
Fought between Iran against Iraq
Commanders Bahram Afzali, Javad Fakoori (Iran); Mohamed Al-Jeboury, Aladdin Al-Janabi (Iraq)
Forces Iran: six amphibious vessels, two missile boats, marines and aircraft. Iraq: five missile boats, four torpedo boats, MiG-23 and Su-22 fighters and surface to air missile sites
Losses Iran: one missile boat sunk, one F-4 Phantom shot down, marine losses unknown. Iraq: five Osa II boats, four P-6 boats, three light patrol boats and one amphibious assault ship sunk, one MiG-23 and one Su-22 shot down, two oil terminals destroyed, more than 100 killed
Result Iranian victory
Iraq had placed radar and monitoring equipment on the Mina Al-Bakr and Khor al-Amaya oil platforms to counter Iranian air operations. On 27 and 28 November 1980 the Iranian Navy and Air Force attacked, destroying both terminals, much of the Iraqi Navy, and damaging Iraqi ports and airfields.
Why it is remembered Iran celebrates 28 November as its Navy Day in memory of the operation.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Staff of the newspaper, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Iran and Iraq War
Tanker war Blockade and raiding
1981 to 4 August 1988 · Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Sea of Oman
Fought between Iran against Iraq, with the United States, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait
Forces Iranian Navy, IRGC Navy and Iranian Air Force against the Iraqi Navy and Air Force, the United States Navy and the Royal Saudi Air Force
Result Victory for Iraq and its supporters
From 1981 to 1988 Iran and Iraq attacked merchant ships in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq made 283 attacks and Iran 168. IRGC Navy speedboats were among the attackers.
Why it is remembered Between them Iran and Iraq made 451 attacks on merchant ships, and the United States, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were drawn in on the Iraqi side.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Falklands War
1982 invasion of the Falkland Islands Landing or siege
Also known as Operation Rosario (Operación Rosario); Battle of Government House
2 April 1982 · Stanley, Falkland Islands
Fought between Argentina against the United Kingdom
Commanders Carlos Büsser, Jorge Anaya, Pedro Giachino, killed, Mohamed Seineldin (Argentina); Rex Hunt, Mike Norman, Gary Noott, Phil Summers (United Kingdom and Falkland Islands)
Forces Argentina: 550 marines, 80 tactical frogmen and 20 amphibious assault vehicles. United Kingdom: 57 Royal Marines, 11 armed sailors and 40 Falkland Islands Defence Force militia
Losses Argentina: one killed, six wounded. United Kingdom: 107 captured
Result Argentine victory; the islands were occupied until June 1982
On 2 April 1982 Argentine forces made amphibious landings on the Falkland Islands. The small garrison of Royal Marines and local militia resisted at Government House in Stanley, then surrendered.
Why it is remembered The invasion started the Falklands War.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Falklands War
Bluff Cove air attacks Air and submarine attack
8 June 1982 · Port Pleasant off Fitzroy, Choiseul Sound and Falkland Sound, Falkland Islands
Fought between Argentina against the United Kingdom
Commanders Jeremy Moore, Michael Clapp, Julian Thompson, Tony Wilson (United Kingdom); Ernesto Crespo, Mario Menendez, Juan Lombardo (Argentina)
Forces Argentine A-4B Skyhawks of Grupo 5 and five Daggers, against British landing ships transferring the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, a landing craft and the frigate HMS Plymouth
Ships RFA Sir Galahad, RFA Sir Tristram, LCU Foxtrot-4, HMS Plymouth, HMS Fearless, HMS Onyx
Losses United Kingdom: 56 killed (48 on Sir Galahad, two on Sir Tristram, six on LCU Foxtrot-4), about 150 wounded; Sir Galahad scuttled, LCU Foxtrot-4 sunk, Sir Tristram badly damaged, Plymouth damaged. Argentina: three pilots killed, three aircraft lost
Result Argentine victory; the British attack on Stanley was delayed by two days
On 8 June 1982 Skyhawks bombed the landing ships Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram at Port Pleasant while Welsh Guards were still aboard, many of them on Sir Galahad's open tank deck. Sir Galahad was set ablaze and 48 men died, 32 of them Welsh Guards. Later that day Skyhawks sank Fearless's landing craft Foxtrot-4 in Choiseul Sound; three of the four attackers were shot down by Flight Lieutenant David Morgan and Lieutenant David Smith. In Falkland Sound five Daggers hit HMS Plymouth with four bombs that failed to explode.
Why it is remembered 56 British servicemen died, most of them Welsh Guards aboard Sir Galahad, and the attack on Stanley was delayed. Sir Galahad, damaged beyond repair, was scuttled with torpedoes by the submarine HMS Onyx on 21 June.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Falklands War
Invasion of South Georgia Landing or siege
Also known as Battle of Grytviken; Operation Georgias
3 April 1982 · Grytviken, South Georgia
Fought between Argentina against the United Kingdom
Commanders César Trombetta (Argentina); Lt. Keith Mills, captured (United Kingdom)
Forces Argentina: 60 marines, one corvette, one survey ship and two helicopters. United Kingdom: 22 Royal Marines and one survey ship
Ships ARA Guerrico, ARA Bahía Buen Suceso
Losses Argentina: three killed, nine wounded, the corvette damaged, one helicopter shot down. United Kingdom: one wounded, 22 captured
Result Argentine victory; South Georgia occupied
In March 1982 Argentine scrap metal workers, among them marines posing as scientists, landed at Leith Harbour from ARA Bahía Buen Suceso and raised the Argentine flag. On 3 April Argentine naval forces attacked the small Royal Marines detachment at Grytviken. The marines shot down a helicopter and hit the corvette ARA Guerrico several times before surrendering.
Why it is remembered It was one of the first actions of the Falklands War, the day after the invasion of the Falklands themselves.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Falklands War
Operation Keyhole Landing or siege
19 to 20 June 1982 · Thule Island, South Sandwich Islands
Fought between United Kingdom against Argentina
Forces 1 frigate, 1 icebreaker, 1 fleet tanker, a tug, 6 helicopters and 2 rifle troops of 42 Commando, Royal Marines
Ships HMS Yarmouth, HMS Endurance, RFA Olmeda, Salvageman
Losses No deaths or injuries. 9 Argentine military personnel and 1 civilian captured
Result British success; the Argentine base was closed
After the Argentine surrender in the Falklands on 14 June 1982, a small task force sailed to end the Argentine presence on Thule Island. Reconnaissance parties from Endurance and 42 Commando landed covertly in harsh weather; Yarmouth then fired her gun and helicopters circled the base, and the Argentines raised a white flag. The surrender was signed in Endurance's wardroom, and the ten prisoners were taken to South Georgia in Olmeda.
Why it is remembered It ended the Argentine occupation of the South Sandwich Islands; the Corbeta Uruguay base was closed and its buildings sealed.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Falklands War
Operation Paraquet Landing or siege
Also known as Operation Paraquat
25 April 1982 · South Georgia
Fought between United Kingdom against Argentina
Commanders Brian Young, Guy Sheridan (United Kingdom); Luis Lagos, Horacio Bicain, Alfredo Astiz, all captured (Argentina)
Forces United Kingdom: one destroyer, two frigates, one submarine, one patrol ship, eight helicopters and 250 Royal Marines, SAS and other troops. Argentina: one submarine and 90 troops
Ships HMS Antrim
Losses Argentina: one submarine, one killed, one wounded, 155 captured. United Kingdom: two helicopters
Result British victory; South Georgia returned to British control
A British naval force with embarked troops was sent to retake South Georgia from Argentina. On 25 April 1982 an Argentine submarine was put out of action and the Argentine garrison surrendered. HMS Antrim's Wessex helicopter, nicknamed Humphrey, played a large part.
Why it is remembered It restored South Georgia to British control at the start of the Falklands War. Antrim's Wessex helicopter Humphrey is preserved at the Fleet Air Arm Museum.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Ian Kirk from Broadstone, Dorset, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Falklands War
Pebble Island raid Raid
14 to 15 May 1982 · Pebble Island airfield, north of West Falkland
Fought between United Kingdom against Argentina
Forces 45 men of D Squadron, 22 SAS, with a naval gunfire observer, carried by Sea King helicopters of 846 Naval Air Squadron from HMS Hermes; the destroyer HMS Glamorgan gave gunfire support and HMS Broadsword escorted Hermes. About 150 Argentine troops
Ships HMS Hermes, HMS Glamorgan, HMS Broadsword
Losses Argentina: one killed, 11 aircraft destroyed. United Kingdom: two wounded
Result British victory
On the night of 14 May 1982 SAS troopers flown from HMS Hermes reached the Argentine forward airfield on Pebble Island and destroyed aircraft on the ground with explosive charges and small arms, while HMS Glamorgan and the SAS mortars gave covering fire. Glamorgan then shelled the airfield, hitting the ammunition dump and fuel stores. The raiders were back aboard Hermes before daybreak.
Why it is remembered It destroyed a forward base for Argentine Pucará and T-34 Mentor aircraft, in an operation that echoed some of the SAS's first missions in North Africa in the Second World War.
Sources differ One account says five aircraft were destroyed by charges and the rest damaged by small arms fire; another account gives 11 aircraft destroyed.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Falklands War
Battle of San Carlos (1982) Air and submarine attack
Also known as Bomb Alley
21 to 25 May 1982 · San Carlos Water and Falkland Sound, Falkland Islands
Fought between United Kingdom against Argentina
Commanders Sandy Woodward, Michael Clapp, Julian Thompson (United Kingdom); Mario Menendez, Ernesto Crespo (Argentina)
Forces United Kingdom: two destroyers, seven frigates and 11 landing ships, with Sea Harrier patrols from HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible. Argentina: about 90 fighter bombers on the mainland (A-4 Skyhawks, Daggers, Mirage IIIs, naval A-4Qs), two KC-130 tankers and ten attack aircraft on the islands
Ships HMS Ardent, HMS Antelope, HMS Coventry, HMS Argonaut, HMS Antrim, HMS Broadsword, HMS Brilliant, HMS Plymouth, HMS Yarmouth, HMS Fearless, HMS Intrepid, RFA Sir Lancelot, RFA Sir Galahad, RFA Sir Geraint, RFA Sir Tristram, RFA Sir Percivale, SS Canberra, MV Norland
Losses United Kingdom: HMS Ardent, HMS Antelope and HMS Coventry sunk, eight ships damaged, four helicopters lost, 49 killed and about 80 injured. Argentina: 22 aircraft lost, 11 killed
Result British victory; the beachhead was established
From 21 May 1982 low flying Argentine jets attacked the British ships covering the landings in San Carlos Water, which the British called Bomb Alley. Ardent was badly damaged on 21 May and sank next day; Antelope was hit on 23 May and blew up when an unexploded bomb went off as it was being defused; Coventry was sunk by three bombs on 25 May. Several other ships, including Argonaut, Antrim, Broadsword and Sir Lancelot, were hit by bombs that failed to explode or did limited damage.
Why it is remembered It was the first time a modern surface fleet armed with surface to air missiles and covered by carrier aircraft defended itself against full scale air attack. The British lost three warships but the landing force got ashore and held the beachhead.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Falklands War
Battle of Seal Cove Single-ship action
22 to 23 May 1982 · West of Lively Island, Falkland Islands
Fought between Argentina against the United Kingdom
Commanders Captain Jorge A. Gopcevich-Canevari, ARA Monsunen (Argentina); Captain Anthony Morton, HMS Yarmouth, and Captain John Coward, HMS Brilliant (United Kingdom)
Forces The Type 22 frigate HMS Brilliant and the Rothesay class frigate HMS Yarmouth against the armed coastal supply ship ARA Monsunen
Ships HMS Brilliant, HMS Yarmouth, ARA Monsunen, ARA Forrest
Losses Argentina: Monsunen beached, later towed off. United Kingdom: none
Result Argentine victory
On the evening of 22 May 1982 two British frigates were ordered to seize the coaster Monsunen, which was carrying fuel, ammunition and food for the Argentine troops at Stanley. Brilliant's Lynx helicopter, with SBS troops aboard, was driven off by machine gun fire. Under shellfire Monsunen escaped capture by running aground in Seal Cove, and the frigates gave up the chase. ARA Forrest towed her to Darwin and completed the supply run to Stanley.
Why it is remembered A small armed coaster evaded two frigates and her cargo still reached the Argentine garrison.
Sources differ One account dates the action to the evening of 22 May 1982; another account gives 23 May. One account says Monsunen was towed to Goose Green, another account caption says Darwin.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: DagosNavy (talk) (Uploads), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Falklands War
Sinking of ARA General Belgrano Air and submarine attack
Also known as Hundimiento del Belgrano
2 May 1982 · South Atlantic, south west of the Falkland Islands, outside the British exclusion zone
Fought between United Kingdom against Argentina
Commanders John Fieldhouse, Sandy Woodward, Christopher Wreford-Brown (United Kingdom); Jorge Anaya, Walter Allara, Héctor Bonzo (Argentina)
Forces One British nuclear submarine against one Argentine light cruiser, two destroyers and a light helicopter
Ships ARA General Belgrano, HMS Conqueror
Losses Argentina: the cruiser sunk, one light helicopter lost, 323 dead. United Kingdom: none
Result British victory
On 2 May 1982 the nuclear submarine HMS Conqueror torpedoed and sank the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano outside the exclusion zone the British government had declared around the Falklands. 323 Argentine sailors died, almost half of all Argentine deaths in the war.
Why it is remembered It was the first warship sunk in action by a nuclear submarine. The attack outside the exclusion zone has remained controversial in both Britain and Argentina.
Sources differ Some British commentators suggest political motives, such as undermining peace talks; some Argentine critics call it a war crime, a view that has not been legally substantiated.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Falklands War
Sinking of HMS Sheffield Air and submarine attack
Also known as Hundimiento del HMS Sheffield
4 May 1982 (attack); 10 May 1982 (sank) · South Atlantic, Falklands War zone
Fought between Argentina against the United Kingdom
Forces Two Argentine Super Étendard fighter bombers with two AM39 Exocet missiles against the British destroyer HMS Sheffield
Ships HMS Sheffield
Losses United Kingdom: 20 crew killed at once; HMS Sheffield sank on 10 May
Result Argentine success; HMS Sheffield lost
On 4 May 1982 a pair of Super Étendards fired two Exocet AM39 missiles at the Type 42 destroyer HMS Sheffield. Twenty of her crew were killed. She sank on 10 May.
Why it is remembered The Argentine operation is described as pioneering, the first attack in which aircraft used missiles against ships.
Sources Wikipedia (ES) · he.wikipedia.org
Since 1945 · Cold War
Action in the Gulf of Sidra (1986) Fleet battle
Also known as Operation Prairie Fire; Operation Attain Document
24 March 1986 · Gulf of Sidra, Mediterranean Sea
Fought between United States against Libya
Commanders Ronald Reagan, Frank Kelso (United States); Muammar Gaddafi (Libya)
Forces United States: about 30 warships and 225 aircraft in carrier groups. Libya: two missile corvettes and three patrol boats, with surface to air missile sites
Ships USS Coral Sea
Losses Libya: 72 killed, six Soviet technicians wounded, one corvette and one patrol boat sunk, one corvette crippled, one patrol boat damaged, several missile sites destroyed or damaged. United States: none
Result American victory
Libya claimed the whole Gulf of Sidra as its territory behind a line Gaddafi called the Line of Death. The United States Navy sent carrier groups into the gulf to assert freedom of navigation in international waters. On 24 March 1986 the Americans sank or damaged the Libyan craft that came out against them and struck missile sites ashore.
Why it is remembered It was one of a series of clashes over the Line of Death, after the 1981 Gulf of Sidra incident and before another in 1989.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Knepp, U.S. Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Iran and Iraq War (tanker war)
Bridgeton incident Convoy battle
24 July 1987 · 13 miles west of Farsi Island, Persian Gulf
Fought between Iran (IRGC Navy) against the United States and Kuwait
Forces A mine laid by the IRGC Navy from Farsi Island, against the first Earnest Will convoy, escorted by four warships with a carrier group in support
Ships SS Bridgeton
Losses SS Bridgeton's outer hull damaged
Result The tanker was damaged but completed her voyage; a propaganda success for Iran
On 24 July 1987 the supertanker Bridgeton, sailing in the first American escorted convoy of Operation Earnest Will, struck an Iranian mine in the Gulf shipping channel near Farsi Island. The explosion damaged her outer hull, but she completed the voyage.
Why it is remembered It showed that four warships and a carrier group could not stop Iran laying a small minefield on the convoy's supposedly secret route, and the tanker's captain criticised what American politicians told the press.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: PH2 Tim W. Tow, USN, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Iran and Iraq War (tanker war)
Operation Earnest Will Convoy battle
24 July 1987 to 26 September 1988 · Persian Gulf
Fought between United States and Kuwait, supported by France and the United Kingdom, against Iran
Commanders Rear Adm. Harold Bernsen (United States); Mohammad-Hossein Malekzadegan (Iran)
Forces United States Navy escorts of Naval Forces Central Command, with carrier battle groups and surface action groups from the Third, Sixth and Seventh Fleets, Air Force AWACS aircraft and Army special operations helicopters
Ships USS Nicholas, USS Hawes, USS William H. Standley, USS Guadalcanal, Gas King
Result Kuwaiti tankers escorted through the Gulf from July 1987 to September 1988
From July 1987 the United States Navy escorted reflagged Kuwaiti tankers through the Persian Gulf to protect them from Iranian attack. Air Force radar aircraft watched the Gulf and Army special operations helicopters hunted for attackers. In the course of the operation American forces attacked Iranian oil platforms in the Rashadat field.
Why it is remembered It was the largest naval convoy operation since the Second World War, and the first tactical operation of United States Special Operations Command in which SEALs, Special Boat Units and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment worked together.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Senior Chief Photographer's Mate Mitchell, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Iran and Iraq War (Operation Earnest Will)
Operation Nimble Archer Raid
19 October 1987 · Resalat and Reshadat oil platforms, Persian Gulf
Fought between United States against Iran
Forces Six United States Navy warships and three aircraft
Ships MV Sea Isle City
Losses None reported; both Iranian platforms destroyed
Result American success; oil platforms destroyed
Three days after an Iranian missile hit the reflagged Kuwaiti tanker Sea Isle City at anchor off Kuwait, American destroyers shelled two Iranian oil platforms in the Persian Gulf and set them ablaze.
Why it is remembered Iran took the United States to the International Court of Justice, which in 2003 found that this attack and Operation Praying Mantis could not be justified as necessary to protect American security interests.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: PH3 Henry Cleveland, USN, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Iran and Iraq War (tanker war)
USS Stark incident Air and submarine attack
Also known as Iraqi attack on USS Stark
17 May 1987 · Persian Gulf
Fought between Iraq against the United States
Commanders Glenn R. Brindel (United States); Abdul Rahman (Iraq)
Forces One Iraqi aircraft against the frigate USS Stark
Ships USS Stark
Losses United States: 37 killed or later died, 21 injured, frigate severely damaged. Iraq: none
Result USS Stark severely damaged; Iraq apologised
On 17 May 1987 an Iraqi jet fired two Exocet missiles at the frigate USS Stark in the Persian Gulf. Both struck, and the ship was left listing and badly damaged.
Why it is remembered Iraq apologised, and Saddam Hussein said the pilot had mistaken the frigate for an Iranian tanker.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Service Depicted: NavyCommand Shown: N1601, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Spratly Islands dispute; Sino-Vietnamese conflicts 1979 to 1991
Johnson South Reef skirmish Single-ship action
14 March 1988 · Johnson South Reef, Union Banks, Spratly Islands, South China Sea
Fought between China against Vietnam
Commanders Chen Weiwen (China); Trần Đức Thông, killed, Lê Lệnh Sơn, Vũ Phi Trừ, killed, Vũ Huy Lê (Vietnam)
Forces China: the frigates Nanchong (502), Xiangtan (556) and Yingtan (531). Vietnam: the tank landing ship HQ-505 and the transports HQ-604 and HQ-605
Ships Nanchong, Xiangtan, Yingtan; HQ-505, HQ-604, HQ-605
Losses Vietnam: 64 killed, 11 wounded, nine captured, two transports sunk and the landing ship destroyed. China: one wounded by Chinese figures
Result Chinese victory; China took control of Johnson South Reef, Vietnam kept Collins and Lansdowne Reefs
On 14 March 1988 Chinese and Vietnamese forces clashed on Johnson South Reef in the Union Banks. Three Chinese frigates engaged three Vietnamese supply and landing vessels. Both Vietnamese transports were sunk and the landing ship destroyed.
Why it is remembered China took control of Johnson South Reef, while Vietnam kept Collins and Lansdowne Reefs. 64 Vietnamese were killed.
Sources differ China gives its own losses as one wounded; Vietnam claims six Chinese killed, 18 wounded and three landing craft damaged.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Iran and Iraq War (tanker war)
Operation Praying Mantis Fleet battle
18 April 1988 · Persian Gulf, in Iranian territorial waters
Fought between United States against Iran
Commanders Rear Adm. Anthony A. Less (United States); Commodore Mohammad-Hossein Malekzadegan (Iran)
Forces United States: one aircraft carrier, one amphibious transport dock, four destroyers, one guided missile cruiser, three frigates, AH-1T helicopters and A-6E Intruders. Iran: two frigates, one missile boat, about six Boghammar speedboats, two F-4 fighters and guns on two oil platforms
Ships USS Samuel B. Roberts, IRIS Sahand
Losses Iran: one frigate sunk (45 killed), one gunboat sunk (11 killed), three speedboats sunk, one frigate crippled, two platforms destroyed, one fighter damaged; 56 killed in all. United States: two killed when a helicopter crashed
Result United States victory
On 14 April 1988 the frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts struck a mine while escorting tankers, which broke her keel; her crew saved her. When the mines were matched to ones seized from an Iranian barge, the United States retaliated on 18 April, destroying two Iranian oil platforms and sinking or damaging two frigates, a fast attack craft and several armed boats. The frigate Sahand was attacked by aircraft of Carrier Air Wing 11.
Why it is remembered It was the largest of the United States Navy's major surface engagements since the Second World War, with its first exchange of anti-ship missiles with enemy ships. It pressed Iran towards the ceasefire that ended the war that summer.
Sources differ In 2003 the International Court of Justice dismissed Iran's claim under the 1955 Treaty of Amity but found the attack could not be justified as necessary to protect American security interests.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Sri Lankan Civil War
Operation Sea Breeze (Sri Lanka) Landing or siege
June 1990 · Coast three nautical miles north of Mullaitivu, Sri Lanka
Fought between Sri Lanka against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
Commanders Major General Denzil Kobbekaduwa (Sri Lanka)
Forces The fast gun boats SLNS Sooraya and SLNS Weeraya and the landing ships SLNS Kandula and SLNS Pabbatha, with army troops
Ships SLNS Sooraya, SLNS Weeraya, SLNS Kandula, SLNS Pabbatha
Result Sri Lankan success; the siege of the Mullaitivu camp broken and its area extended
In June 1990 the LTTE heavily attacked the isolated army camp at Mullaitivu. The gun boats Sooraya and Weeraya closed the coast to suppress LTTE gun positions while Kandula and Pabbatha beached three nautical miles north of the town and landed troops, who relieved the camp.
Why it is remembered It was the first amphibious operation in the history of the Sri Lankan armed forces.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Israel Defense Forces, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Eritrean War of Independence
Second Battle of Massawa Landing or siege
Also known as Operation Fenkil
8 to 17 February 1990 · Massawa and Tualud Island, Eritrea
Fought between Eritrean People's Liberation Front against Ethiopia
Commanders Petros Solomon (EPLF); Teshome Tessema, killed, and General Kifle (Ethiopia)
Forces About 20,000 EPLF fighters, including marines and naval units in speedboats; about 17,000 Ethiopian troops
Losses EPLF: about 3,000 killed. Ethiopia: about 9,000 killed and 8,000 captured.
Result EPLF victory; the Ethiopian 606th Corps destroyed
EPLF marines in speedboats attacked the Ethiopian naval base at Massawa early on 10 February 1990 as a diversion, and land and naval units took the base after General Kifle surrendered on 12 February. On 17 February EPLF speedboats landed fighters on Tualud Island, attacking its defenders from a second side and breaking their resistance.
Why it is remembered Isaias Afewerki called the fall of Massawa the greatest strategic victory of the struggle. A tank memorial stands on Tualud Island and Eritrea issued stamps for it in 2004.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Unknown, Public domain (PD-Ethiopia, as tagged on Commons), via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Sri Lankan Civil War (Eelam War II)
Operation Thrividha Balaya Landing or siege
August to September 1990 · Kayts, Mandaitivu and the Jaffna lagoon, northern Sri Lanka
Fought between Sri Lanka against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
Commanders Maj Gen Denzil Kobbekaduwa, Lt Col Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Lt Col Sarath Fonseka, Capt A. H. M. Razeek and Lt Rohan Amarasinghe of the navy (Sri Lanka)
Forces 1st Battalion Gajaba Regiment, 1st Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment and 1 Special Forces, with Sri Lanka Navy boats and air support
Losses Over 80 LTTE killed in the Kayts and Mandaitivu fighting; a Sri Lankan SF-260TP aircraft lost. No overall totals are given
Result Sri Lankan victory; the siege of Jaffna Fort was broken
The operation was launched to break the siege of the army garrison in the old Dutch fort at Jaffna. Kayts Island was secured in late August 1990 by a combined amphibious and airborne force, and early on 13 September troops crossed the lagoon in navy fibreglass dinghies under heavy LTTE fire. The navy later evacuated troops from Jaffna under fire, and the operation was called off about two weeks after it began.
Why it is remembered It was the first combined operation of its kind by the Sri Lankan forces.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Gulf War
Battle of Ad-Dawrah Landing or siege
18 to 19 January 1991 · Ad-Dawrah offshore oil field, forty miles off Kuwait, Persian Gulf
Fought between United States, United Kingdom and Kuwait against Iraq
Forces Coalition: the frigate USS Nicholas, the Kuwaiti fast attack craft Istiqlal, Navy SEALs and American and British helicopters. Iraq: more than 50 men and a Zodiac boat
Ships USS Nicholas, Istiqlal
Losses Iraq: 29 captured. Coalition: none
Result Coalition victory; the oil field captured
On the night of 18 to 19 January 1991 Coalition forces attacked an Iraqi held offshore oil field forty miles from the Kuwaiti coast and captured it. The 29 Iraqis taken were the first prisoners of the war.
Why it is remembered It was the first surface engagement after the Coalition entered the Gulf War.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: OS2 John Bouvia, USN, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Sri Lankan Civil War (Eelam War II)
Operation Balavegaya Landing or siege
Also known as Operation Power Force
14 July to 9 August 1991 · Vettilakerni, about 12 km east of Elephant Pass, northern Sri Lanka
Fought between Sri Lanka against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
Commanders Maj Gen Denzil Kobbekaduwa, Brig Vijaya Wimalaratne (amphibious task force), Rear Adm Quitus Wickramaratne and Capt H. R. Amaraweera (naval flotilla) (Sri Lanka)
Forces About 10,000 Sri Lankan troops carried by a flotilla of landing craft, gunboats and fast attack craft, with air support, against about 6,000 LTTE fighters
Ships SLNS Wickrama (flagship), SLNS Edithara
Losses Sri Lankan: 202 killed by official figures. LTTE: 573 killed by its own account, including 123 women
Result Sri Lankan victory; the siege of Elephant Pass was lifted
The LTTE had laid siege to the army base at Elephant Pass. A naval flotilla from Trincomalee carried troops to land at Vettilakerni; the first landing on 15 July was held up by resistance, and a second attempt went in that evening under covering fire from navy gunboats. Forward elements reached the Elephant Pass garrison on 4 August, and the LTTE withdrew on 9 August.
Why it is remembered It was the largest amphibious assault in the history of the Sri Lankan military, and was regarded as its largest and most successful operation until Operation Riviresa in 1995.
Sources differ Casualties: the main account gives 202 to 400 Sri Lankan army dead and 573 to over 1,000 LTTE dead.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Gulf War
Battle of Bubiyan Air and submarine attack
Also known as Bubiyan Turkey Shoot
29 January to 2 February 1991 · Waters between Bubiyan Island and the Shatt al-Arab marshes, Persian Gulf
Fought between United States, United Kingdom and Canada against Iraq
Commanders Norman Schwarzkopf, Ronald J. Zlatoper (United States); Peter de la Billière (United Kingdom); Kenneth Summers (Canada)
Forces Coalition: the carriers USS Ranger and USS Theodore Roosevelt, the battleships USS Wisconsin and USS Missouri, the destroyers HMS Gloucester and HMS Cardiff, the frigate HMS Brazen, and Hornet, Intruder, Jaguar, Tomcat, Lynx, Seahawk and Orion aircraft. Iraq: five Polnocny class landing ships, seven fast attack craft, a missile boat, two patrol boats, three minelayers, three minesweepers and two salvage ships
Ships USS Ranger, USS Theodore Roosevelt, USS Wisconsin, USS Missouri, HMS Gloucester, HMS Cardiff, HMS Brazen
Losses Iraq: four landing ships, seven fast attack craft, two patrol ships, three minelayers, three minesweepers and two salvage ships sunk; a landing ship and a missile boat damaged. Coalition: none
Result Coalition victory; the Iraqi Navy destroyed
Between 29 January and 2 February 1991 the bulk of the Iraqi Navy tried to escape to Iran. Coalition warships and aircraft caught it in the waters off Bubiyan Island and sank or damaged almost every vessel.
Why it is remembered The Iraqi Navy was destroyed, and the one-sided action became known as the Bubiyan Turkey Shoot.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: JO1(AW) Joseph F. Lancaster, US Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Croatian War of Independence
Battle of the Dalmatian Channels Landing or siege
14 to 16 November 1991 · Split, Brač, Šolta and Korčula Channels, off Split, Adriatic Sea
Fought between Croatia against Yugoslavia
Commanders Sveto Letica (Croatia); Nikola Ercegović, Ilija Brčič (Yugoslavia)
Forces Croatia: coastal artillery and naval commandos. Yugoslavia: two frigates, six or seven missile boats, two torpedo boats, four patrol boats and three minesweepers in three tactical groups
Ships PČ-176 Mukos (later OB-62 Šolta)
Losses Yugoslavia: 22 killed, one patrol boat captured, two minesweepers sunk, a frigate, a missile boat, a torpedo boat and a minesweeper damaged, two aircraft destroyed. Croatia: two gunners killed. Civilians: two killed, nine wounded, two ferries damaged
Result Croatian victory
On 14 November 1991 Croatian commandos torpedoed the patrol boat Mukos near Brač, and the Yugoslav Navy shelled Brač and Šolta in reply; the drifting Mukos was beached by Croatian civilian boats. Next day the Kaštela tactical group shelled Split and was engaged by Croatian coastal guns, as was the Vis group sent to draw their fire. On 16 November the combined Yugoslav force ran through the Korčula Channel towards Vis and lost two minesweepers to artillery on Korčula and Pelješac.
Why it is remembered It was the last Yugoslav naval sortie into the Dalmatian channels, loosened the blockade of the Croatian coast and was the largest Croatian Navy operation of the war. Mukos was repaired and commissioned into the Croatian Navy as Šolta.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Gulf War
Battle of Qurah and Umm al Maradim Landing or siege
Also known as Battles of Qurah and Umm al Maradim
24 to 29 January 1991 · Qurah and Umm al Maradim islands, off the coast of Kuwait, Persian Gulf
Fought between United States and Kuwait against Iraq
Forces Coalition: the destroyer USS Leftwich, the frigate USS Curts and two A-6 attack aircraft. Iraq: several minelayers and minesweepers, a patrol boat and 100 ground troops
Ships USS Leftwich, USS Curts
Losses Iraq: at least three killed, 51 captured, one minelayer, two minesweepers and a patrol boat sunk. Coalition: minor damage to helicopters
Result Coalition victory; the islands returned to Kuwaiti control
Between 24 and 29 January 1991 Coalition ships and aircraft fought several naval and land actions for the Iraqi held islands off Kuwait, chiefly Qurah and Umm al Maradim. Iraqi minelayers, minesweepers and a patrol boat were sunk and the garrisons captured.
Why it is remembered The islands of Qurah and Umm al Maradim were returned to Kuwaiti control.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Sri Lankan Civil War
Battle of Pooneryn Landing or siege
Also known as Operation Thavalai Paachchal (Frog Leap)
11 to 14 November 1993 · Pooneryn, northern Sri Lanka
Fought between Sri Lanka against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
Commanders Cecil Waidyaratne, Rohan Daluwatte, T. T. R. de Silva and U. Hemapala, killed (Sri Lanka); Theepan and Bhanu (LTTE)
Forces Sri Lankan army battalions, armour and commandos with the Sri Lanka Navy; the LTTE attack included its Sea Tigers, Black Tigers and Women's Wing
Losses Sri Lankan government figures: 241 killed, 500 wounded and 400 missing, a Pucará aircraft and 2 helicopters damaged. LTTE: about 500 killed by government claims, 460 by LTTE claims
Result LTTE victory
The LTTE launched a surprise attack on the government base at Pooneryn, with Sea Tiger units among its forces, overran the garrison and captured military hardware. It withdrew when the military brought in reinforcements by seaborne landings.
Why it is remembered It is remembered for the scale of the LTTE surprise attack, in which its naval wing, the Sea Tigers, took part, and for the government's seaborne counter-landings.
Sources differ LTTE dead: about 500 by Sri Lankan government claims, 460 by the LTTE's own figure.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Yugoslav Wars
Operation Sharp Guard Blockade and raiding
15 June 1993 to 2 October 1996 · Adriatic Sea
Fought between NATO and the Western European Union against blockade runners to the former Yugoslavia
Forces Warships and maritime patrol aircraft from 14 countries
Result Blockade maintained; suspended on 19 June 1996 and ended on 2 October 1996
From 15 June 1993 NATO and Western European Union warships and patrol aircraft searched and stopped ships carrying cargoes to the former Yugoslavia in the Adriatic. The operation was suspended in June 1996 and ended that October.
Why it is remembered It was a joint naval blockade by 14 countries in the Yugoslav wars.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Federal Government, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Sri Lankan Civil War
1996 attack on Colombo Harbour Raid
Also known as Attack on Colombo Harbour
12 April 1996 · Colombo Harbour, Sri Lanka
Fought between Sri Lanka Navy against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Sea Tigers)
Commanders L.R.N.A. Wijetunga (Sri Lanka Navy)
Forces Sri Lanka Navy: one fast attack craft, one inshore patrol craft and two small patrol boats. LTTE: six Sea Tigers in suicide craft
Losses Sri Lanka: four merchant ships damaged according to Sri Lankan media. LTTE: one boat exploded, six Black Tigers killed according to the Sri Lankan military
Result Sri Lanka Navy victory
On 12 April 1996 six Sea Tigers made a suicide attack on Colombo Harbour, the main commercial port of Sri Lanka. Navy craft engaged the attackers.
Why it is remembered It was a Sea Tiger suicide attack on the country's chief port.
Sources differ Sri Lankan media reported four merchant ships damaged; the LTTE claimed three fast attack craft and three supply vessels destroyed.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Korean conflict
1996 Gangneung submarine infiltration incident Other action
Also known as Infiltration of Gangneung
17 September to 5 November 1996 · Gangneung, Gangwon Province, South Korea
Fought between South Korea against North Korea
Forces North Korea: one Sang-O class submarine with 26 personnel of the Reconnaissance Bureau. South Korea: 43,000 personnel in the search
Losses South Korea: 13 killed (eight in action, four in accidents, one off-duty soldier murdered), 27 wounded, three civilians killed. North Korea: 24 dead (11 killed by their own men, 13 in action), one captured, one missing, the submarine captured
Result South Korean victory; the submarine captured
On 18 September 1996 a North Korean Sang-O class submarine ran aground near Gangneung, and the North Koreans aboard abandoned her and went into hiding ashore. A 49-day manhunt followed. The infiltrators belonged to the Reconnaissance Bureau, and the raid was linked to a plan to assassinate President Kim Young-sam during a visit to Chunchon.
Why it is remembered It was one of the more serious cases of North Korean espionage, and months later North Korea issued a rare apology for the loss of life.
Sources differ One account dates the start to 18 September 1996; another account gives 17 September.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Public Affairs, U.S. Forces Korea, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Sri Lankan Civil War, Eelam War III
Battle of Mullaitivu (1996) Landing or siege
Also known as First Battle of Mullaitivu; Operation Unceasing Waves-1
18 to 25 July 1996 · Mullaitivu military base and coast, north eastern Sri Lanka
Fought between Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam against Sri Lanka
Commanders V. Prabhakaran, Balraj, Soosai (LTTE); Anuruddha Ratwatte, Rohan Daluwatte, A. F. Lafir (killed) (Sri Lanka)
Forces The LTTE attacked by land and by sea with Sea Tiger boats; the Sri Lankan base held an understrength brigade, and a relief force was sent by sea from Kankesanthurai with navy escort and landing craft.
Ships SLNS Ranaviru
Losses Sri Lanka: around 1,500 troops killed or missing; the escort ship SLNS Ranaviru was destroyed with 34 crew killed. LTTE: 315 killed, including 11 Sea Black Tigers, and two Sea Tiger boats destroyed.
Result LTTE victory; the base was overrun and Mullaitivu abandoned
On 18 July 1996 the LTTE overran the Mullaitivu base, with Sea Tigers attacking from the eastern shore while the land assault came from north and south. A combined relief operation tried to land troops from the sea; on 19 July six Sea Tiger boats surrounded the escort SLNS Ranaviru, which destroyed two of them before a third rammed her and she exploded. Navy ships put troops ashore on 21 July, but the brigade had already been destroyed, and the army abandoned Mullaitivu on 25 July.
Why it is remembered It was one of the heaviest Sri Lankan defeats of the war, and the LTTE captured large amounts of military equipment.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Sri Lankan Civil War (Eelam War III)
Battle of Mullaitivu (1997) Fleet battle
Also known as Battle off the coast of Mullaitivu
23 March 1997 · 20 to 30 nautical miles off Mullaitivu, Sri Lanka
Fought between Sri Lanka against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Sea Tigers)
Commanders Vice Admiral Cecil Tissera, Commander Nawan Tennekoon (Sri Lanka); V. Prabhakaran, Colonel Soosai (LTTE)
Forces Sri Lanka: one gun corvette, two fast gun boats and six fast attack craft. LTTE: 20 boats of various types
Ships SLNS Parakramabahu, SLNS Jagatha, SLNS Ranadheera, P 460, P 452, P 441, P 422, P 440, P 443
Losses Sri Lanka: one killed, seven wounded (Ministry of Defence). LTTE: seven boats sunk, 80 to 100 killed and 50 to 70 wounded (Ministry of Defence claim)
Result Sri Lanka Navy victory
On 23 March 1997 a Sri Lankan naval force fought about 20 Sea Tiger boats off Mullaitivu, a town held by the LTTE since 1996. The navy reported several Tiger boats sunk.
Why it is remembered It was a sizeable sea battle of Eelam War III off an LTTE held coast.
Sources differ The Ministry of Defence claimed seven boats sunk and 80 to 100 killed; another figure gives eight boats sunk and 30 confirmed killed.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Korean conflict
1998 Sokcho submarine incident Other action
22 June 1998 · Off Sokcho, Gangwon Province, South Korea
Fought between South Korea against North Korea
Forces One South Korean Pohang class corvette against one North Korean Yugo class submarine
Losses North Korea: the submarine captured, nine dead (five executed, four by suicide). South Korea: none
Result North Korean submarine and crew lost
On 22 June 1998 a North Korean Yugo class submarine was found off Sokcho and captured with the help of a South Korean corvette. All nine men aboard were dead, five killed by their comrades and four by suicide.
Why it is remembered It came less than two years after the Gangneung submarine infiltration.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Korean conflict
1998 Yosu submersible incident Single-ship action
17 to 18 December 1998 · Off Yosu, South Jeolla Province, South Korea
Fought between South Korea against North Korea
Forces Two South Korean Pohang class corvettes against one North Korean semi-submersible
Losses North Korea: the semi-submersible sunk, about four dead. South Korea: none
Result South Korean victory
On the evening of 17 December 1998 a South Korean observation post sighted a North Korean semi-submersible near Yosu. It was found and sunk in a search and skirmish the next morning.
Why it is remembered It was one of several North Korean infiltration attempts by sea in the late 1990s.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Korean conflict
First Battle of Yeonpyeong Fleet battle
Also known as Battle of Yeonpyeong (1999); 제1연평해전 (Je Il Yeonpyeong Haejeon)
15 June 1999 · Northern Limit Line, off Yeonpyeong Island, Yellow Sea
Fought between South Korea against North Korea
Losses North Korea (South Korean claim): one torpedo boat sunk, three patrol boats severely and two slightly damaged, 17 to 30 killed, about 70 wounded. South Korea: one corvette and one patrol boat slightly damaged, nine wounded
Result South Korean victory
After several days of confrontation along the Northern Limit Line from 9 June 1999, the navies of North and South Korea fought off Yeonpyeong Island on 15 June. A North Korean torpedo boat was sunk and several patrol boats damaged.
Why it is remembered It was the first of the naval clashes off Yeonpyeong over the disputed maritime boundary.
Sources differ North Korean losses are South Korean claims; dead are given as 17 to 30.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Al-Qaeda attacks
USS Cole bombing Raid
Also known as Attack on USS Cole
12 October 2000 · Aden harbour, Yemen
Fought between Al-Qaeda against the United States
Commanders Commander Kirk Lippold (USS Cole)
Forces A small fibreglass boat with more than 450 kg of C-4 explosive and two suicide bombers, against the destroyer USS Cole
Ships USS Cole, MV Blue Marlin
Losses United States: 17 sailors killed and 37 injured; Cole holed. The two attackers also died.
Result Cole badly damaged but saved and repaired
While USS Cole was refuelling in Aden, a small boat came alongside and blew up, tearing a gash about 12 by 18 m in her port side. The crew brought the flooding under control within three days and the keel was found undamaged. The Norwegian heavy lift ship Blue Marlin carried her home to Pascagoula, Mississippi, where she was rebuilt.
Why it is remembered It was the deadliest attack on a United States naval vessel since the Stark incident of 1987 and led the Navy to change its rules of engagement and anti-terrorism measures. A memorial stands at Norfolk Naval Station.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Sgt. Don L. Maes, US Marine Corps, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Korean conflict
Second Battle of Yeonpyeong Single-ship action
Also known as Battle of Yeonpyeong (2002); 제2연평해전 (Je I Yeonpyeong Haejeon)
29 June 2002 · Northern Limit Line, near Yeonpyeong Island, Yellow Sea
Fought between North Korea against South Korea
Commanders Yoon Yeong-ha, killed, Lee Hui-wan, wounded, Han Sang-guk, killed (South Korea); Kim Yeong-sik, killed (North Korea)
Forces Two North Korean patrol boats against two South Korean Chamsuri class patrol boats, with South Korean corvettes and patrol boats arriving later
Ships PKM-357
Losses South Korea: one patrol boat sunk, six killed, 18 wounded. North Korea (South Korean claim): one patrol boat severely damaged, 13 killed, 25 wounded
Result North Korean tactical victory
Two North Korean patrol boats crossed the disputed boundary and engaged two South Korean Chamsuri class patrol boats. One South Korean boat was sunk and six men were killed. The North Koreans withdrew before South Korean reinforcements arrived.
Why it is remembered It led to controversy in South Korea over the blocking manoeuvre used against boundary violations, which was then removed from the rules of engagement. A replica of PKM-357 is displayed at the War Memorial of Korea.
Sources differ North Korean losses are South Korean claims.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Iraq War, 2003 invasion of Iraq
Battle of Al Faw (2003) Landing or siege
20 to 24 March 2003 · Al Faw peninsula and Umm Qasr, southern Iraq, at the head of the Persian Gulf
Fought between United Kingdom, United States, Australia and Poland against Iraq
Forces Coalition: about 3,500 men of 3 Commando Brigade and the US 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, supported by warships. Iraq: over 1,000 men.
Ships HMS Richmond, HMS Marlborough, HMS Chatham, HMAS Anzac, HMS Ark Royal, HMS Ocean, HMS Sutherland, HMS Ledbury, HMS Bangor, HMS Sandown, HMS Brocklesby, RFA Sir Galahad, USS Valley Forge, USS Rushmore
Losses Coalition: 19 killed (15 British, 4 American). Iraq: over 150 killed and 440 captured.
Result Coalition victory
To seize the oil and gas platforms of the Al Faw peninsula before they could be destroyed, and to open the deep water port of Umm Qasr, Royal Marines and US Navy SEALs were landed by helicopter while HMS Richmond, Marlborough, Chatham and HMAS Anzac bombarded Iraqi positions. A US CH-46 Sea Knight crashed during the insertion on 20 March, killing seven Royal Marines, one Royal Navy operator and four US Marine aviators, and the landings went in about six hours late. Mine hunters cleared the Khawr Abd Allah so that Umm Qasr could be used.
Why it is remembered It opened the 2003 invasion of Iraq and secured Iraq's only deep water port. Plans to land Scimitar tanks by hovercraft were abandoned after mines were found on the beaches.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: UNEP / ChrisO (talk) (Uploads), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Piracy off Somalia; Operation Enduring Freedom, Horn of Africa
Action of 18 March 2006 Single-ship action
Also known as Combat au large de la Somalie le 18 mars 2006
18 March 2006 · 25 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia
Fought between United States against Somali pirates
Commanders Robert Randall Jr., James Yohe (United States)
Forces The destroyer USS Gonzalez and the cruiser USS Cape St. George of Combined Task Force 150, against three pirate skiffs
Ships USS Gonzalez, USS Cape St. George
Losses Pirates: one skiff destroyed, two captured, at least one killed, 12 captured, five of them wounded. United States: one cruiser superficially damaged
Result American victory
On 18 March 2006 two American warships of Combined Task Force 150 were attacked by pirates in skiffs off Somalia. They returned fire, destroying one skiff and capturing the other two. A Dutch ship arrived after the fighting ended.
Why it is remembered Pirates in skiffs attacked two American warships and were defeated, with most of them captured.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class Stephen P. Weaver., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Sri Lankan Civil War
Attack on Galle Harbour Raid
18 October 2006 · Galle Harbour and the naval base SLNS Dakshina, Galle, southern Sri Lanka
Fought between Sri Lanka against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Sea Tigers)
Commanders Commodore Manil Mendis (Sri Lanka)
Forces LTTE: 15 Sea Tigers in five boats
Losses Sri Lanka (navy figures): three naval vessels damaged, one sailor and one civilian killed, 12 sailors and 14 civilians wounded. LTTE (military figures): five boats, three of which exploded, at least nine killed
Result Disputed
On 18 October 2006 15 Sea Tigers in five boats made a suicide attack on Galle's commercial harbour and the navy base SLNS Dakshina in southern Sri Lanka.
Why it is remembered The Sea Tigers struck the tourist town of Galle in southern Sri Lanka, attacking both the commercial port and a navy base.
Sources differ The Sri Lanka Navy reported three vessels damaged; the South Asia Analysis Group reported three naval gunboats destroyed.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Sri Lankan Civil War
Battle of Point Pedro (2006) Convoy battle
12 May 2006 · Off Point Pedro, Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Fought between Sri Lanka against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Sea Tigers)
Commanders Wasantha Karannagoda, Lieutenant Commander Lalith Edirisinghe, killed (Sri Lanka); Colonel Soosai (LTTE)
Forces Sri Lanka: several gunboats escorting the troop transport MV Pearl Cruise II with 710 soldiers. LTTE: about 15 boats, including suicide craft
Ships MV Pearl Cruise II, P-148
Losses Sri Lanka: 17 killed, patrol boat P-148 sunk. LTTE: 54 killed, five boats sunk
Result Sri Lankan Navy victory; the transport was protected
Sri Lankan attack boats escorting the troop transport Pearl Cruise II to Jaffna were attacked by about 15 Sea Tiger boats. When his crew's fire failed to stop a suicide craft, Lieutenant Commander Edirisinghe rammed it with P-148 and both boats were destroyed. The Sea Tigers withdrew after losing five boats.
Why it is remembered The transport and her 710 soldiers were saved by the deliberate ramming of a suicide boat, which cost Edirisinghe and 16 of his men their lives.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Sri Lankan Civil War
2007 attack on Colombo Harbour Raid
Also known as Attack on Colombo Harbour
27 January 2007 · Colombo Harbour, Sri Lanka
Fought between Sri Lanka Navy against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Sea Tigers)
Forces LTTE: three suicide craft
Losses LTTE: three boats exploded
Result Sri Lanka Navy victory
On 27 January 2007 three Sea Tiger suicide craft attacked Colombo Harbour, Sri Lanka's main commercial port. All three boats exploded.
Why it is remembered It was the second Sea Tiger suicide attack on Colombo Harbour, after that of April 1996.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Piracy off Somalia
Action of 28 October 2007 Single-ship action
28 October 2007 · Gulf of Aden, off Socotra
Fought between United States against Somali pirates
Forces Two American destroyers against two pirate skiffs holding a captured tanker
Ships USS Porter
Losses Pirates: two skiffs sunk. United States: none
Result American victory; the captured vessel freed
On 28 October 2007 two United States Navy destroyers acted against Somali pirates who had seized a tanker. Two pirate skiffs were sunk, one of them set on fire by 25 mm rounds from USS Porter.
Why it is remembered United States destroyers sank the pirate skiffs and freed the captured tanker.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: The original uploader was XavierGreen at English Wikipedia., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Sri Lankan Civil War
Battle of Delft Fleet battle
25 December 2007 · Off Delft Island, Sri Lanka
Fought between Sri Lanka against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Sea Tigers)
Forces Sri Lanka: 12 fast attack craft, helicopter gunships and Kfir fighter jets. LTTE: unknown
Losses Government figures: 12 Sri Lankan dead and one boat damaged; six Tiger boats sunk and 40 Tigers killed. Rebel figures: one navy vessel sunk and one damaged; four Tigers dead
Result Disputed; both sides claimed victory
The Sri Lankan Navy received reports of a cluster of boats off Delft Island and moved in to investigate, and a hard fought sea battle followed.
Why it is remembered Both sides claimed victory and their accounts of losses differ widely.
Sources differ The pro-rebel Tamilnet claimed one navy vessel sunk and 10 navy casualties; the Sri Lankan Defence Ministry claimed six Tiger boats sunk and over 40 Tigers killed. The main account gives government figures of 12 Sri Lankan dead and rebel figures of four Tigers dead.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Sri Lankan Civil War (Eelam War IV)
Battle of Point Pedro (2007) Fleet battle
Also known as Bitwa morska pod Pedro Point
19 June 2007 · Off Point Pedro, near Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Fought between Sri Lanka against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Sea Tigers)
Commanders Wasantha Karannagoda (Sri Lanka); Colonel Soosai (LTTE)
Forces Sri Lanka: patrol boats of the 4th Fast Attack Flotilla supported by Sri Lanka Air Force Mi-24 helicopter gunships. LTTE: 24 boats
Losses LTTE: nine boats sunk and 40 killed (alleged). Sri Lanka: none
Result Sri Lankan victory
On 19 June 2007 Sea Tiger boats attacked several Sri Lankan Navy patrol boats off Point Pedro. With the help of Mi-24 gunships the attackers were driven off, reportedly losing nine boats and 40 men.
Why it is remembered It was a sea battle of the final phase of the Sri Lankan civil war in which the navy suffered no losses.
Sources differ The English account gives 24 Sea Tiger boats; the Polish account estimates 15 to 29 boats. Tiger losses are alleged figures.
Sources Wikipedia · Wikipedia (PL)
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Piracy off Somalia
Action of 11 November 2008 Single-ship action
11 November 2008 · Gulf of Aden, 60 nautical miles south of the Yemeni coast
Fought between United Kingdom against Somali pirates
Commanders Peter Sparkes (United Kingdom)
Forces Two frigates, including HMS Cumberland, with Royal Marines in two rigid inflatable boats, against one armed pirate dhow with twelve men
Ships HMS Cumberland
Losses Pirates: three killed, eight captured, the dhow captured (the main account gives two killed). United Kingdom: none
Result British victory
HMS Cumberland, attached to the NATO task force, tried to board a pirate dhow in the Gulf of Aden. The pirates opened fire with assault rifles, and after a brief exchange with the Royal Marines the dhow was captured.
Why it is remembered The Times called it the first fatal shoot-out on the high seas for the Royal Navy in living memory, and other papers said it was the first time since the Falklands War that the Royal Navy had killed anyone at sea.
Sources differ One account gives two pirates killed, another account three. Russia said its forces also fought the pirates; the Royal Navy disputes this.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Piracy off Somalia; Operation Atalanta
Carré d'As IV incident Raid
2 to 16 September 2008 · Gulf of Aden, off Somalia
Fought between France, with Germany and Malaysia, against Somali pirates
Commanders Nicolas Sarkozy (France, ordered the raid)
Forces France: one La Fayette class frigate and 30 commandos; Germany: two reconnaissance aircraft. Pirates: seven men aboard the hijacked yacht.
Ships Carré d'As IV
Losses Pirates: 1 killed and 6 captured. France: none.
Result French victory; the yacht was recaptured and the two hostages rescued
On 2 September 2008 seven armed Somali pirates seized the French yacht Carré d'As IV and her two crew in the Gulf of Aden, demanding a ransom and the release of pirates captured after the Le Ponant raid. On 16 September, on Sarkozy's orders, French special forces raided the yacht, rescued the hostages, killed one pirate and captured the other six.
Why it is remembered It was the second French counter-piracy commando operation of 2008 and led to the first French trial of Somali pirates; five were convicted and one acquitted.
Sources differ One account dates the raid to 16 September 2008; another account ends the incident on 15 September.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: U.S. Navy photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Sri Lankan Civil War
Battle off Kallarawa Fleet battle
Also known as Battle of Kallarawa
25 March 2008 · Off Kallarawa, Sri Lanka
Fought between Sri Lanka Navy against the Sea Tigers
Forces Sri Lanka: several fast attack craft. Sea Tigers: ten fast attack craft and six suicide boats
Losses Government claims: no Sri Lankan losses, one Tiger craft damaged
Result The Sri Lankan Navy claimed to have forced the rebels to withdraw
On 25 March 2008 a Sri Lankan naval patrol intercepted a Sea Tiger patrol off Kallarawa and a sea fight followed.
Why it is remembered It was one of the naval clashes of the last phase of the Sri Lankan civil war.
Sources differ Losses rest on government claims only.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Russo-Georgian War
Battle off the coast of Abkhazia Fleet battle
Also known as Naval engagement off the coast of Abkhazia
10 August 2008 · Black Sea off Abkhazia, near Ochamchire
Fought between Russia against Georgia
Forces Russian Black Sea Fleet: four landing ships, a cruiser, a destroyer, five corvettes, two minesweepers, a spy ship and an ocean tug. Georgia: four or five patrol boats, among them the Stenka class P-21 Giorgi Toreli, the tug Gantiadi and possibly the fast attack craft Dioskuria
Ships Mirazh; Giorgi Toreli, Gantiadi, Dioskuria
Losses Georgia (Russian claim): Giorgi Toreli destroyed and one other vessel damaged. Russia: none
Result Russian victory (disputed)
On 10 August 2008 Russian Black Sea Fleet warships and Georgian patrol boats are said to have clashed off Abkhazia near Ochamchire. Russia claimed the patrol boat Giorgi Toreli was destroyed and another vessel damaged.
Why it is remembered It is the only naval clash of the Russo-Georgian War, but whether it took place as Russia described is disputed.
Sources differ The engagement is described as supposed; the result and the Georgian losses rest on Russian claims.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: ru:Участник:Водник, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Sri Lankan Civil War
Battle off the coast of Jaffna Fleet battle
1 November 2008 · Northern territorial waters of Sri Lanka, off Jaffna
Fought between Sri Lanka against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Sea Tigers)
According to Sri Lankan sources, the navy met Sea Tiger craft off Jaffna on 1 November 2008 and the two sides exchanged fire.
Why it is remembered It was one of the late sea battles of the Sri Lankan civil war.
Sources differ The date and course of the battle rest on Sri Lankan sources.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Piracy off Somalia (Operation Atalanta)
Action of 19 May 2009 Single-ship action
19 May 2009 · Gulf of Aden
Fought between Sweden and Greece against Somali pirates
Commanders Magnus Jönsson (Sweden)
Forces The Swedish patrol ship HSwMS Malmö with at least seven soldiers, and the Greek cargo ship MV Antonis, against two pirate boats with at least seven men
Ships HSwMS Malmö, MV Antonis
Losses Pirates: seven captured, two guns taken. Sweden and Greece: none
Result Swedish and Greek victory
Somali pirates tried to seize the Greek cargo ship Antonis in the Gulf of Aden. HSwMS Malmö intervened and captured seven pirates.
Why it is remembered It was an action of the Swedish Navy against piracy under Operation Atalanta.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: BigStuart at English Wikipedia, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Piracy off Somalia (Operation Atalanta)
April 2009 raid off Somalia Raid
Also known as Operation Tanit
9 April 2009 · 20 miles off Somalia
Fought between France and Germany against Somali pirates
Commanders Guillaume Goutay (France)
Forces France: three frigates, 70 marine commandos and a C-130 Hercules. Germany: one frigate. Pirates: five men aboard the yacht
Ships Tanit
Losses Pirates: two killed, three captured, yacht retaken. One civilian killed. France and Germany: none
Result Franco-German victory; the yacht retaken
Somali pirates seized the French yacht Tanit on 4 April 2009 and held her occupants hostage for ransom. On 9 April French naval forces stormed the yacht. Two pirates and one hostage were killed.
Why it is remembered It was a hostage rescue at sea by French forces during the EU's Operation Atalanta.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Korean conflict
Daecheong incident Single-ship action
Also known as Battle of Daecheong
10 November 2009 · Off Daecheong Island, Northern Limit Line, Yellow Sea
Fought between South Korea against North Korea
Forces One North Korean gunboat against one South Korean frigate and four patrol boats
Losses North Korea: the gunboat moderately damaged, eight wounded. South Korea: one patrol boat slightly damaged, with 15 bullet marks
Result Inconclusive
On 10 November 2009 the South and North Korean navies skirmished near the Northern Limit Line off Daecheong Island. The North Korean gunboat was moderately damaged and a South Korean patrol boat was hit by small arms fire.
Why it is remembered It was another clash on the disputed Northern Limit Line, ten years after the first battle of Yeonpyeong.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Piracy off Somalia
Maersk Alabama hijacking Other action
8 to 12 April 2009 · Somali Basin, 240 nautical miles south east of Eyl, Somalia
Fought between Crew of Maersk Alabama and the United States Navy against Somali pirates
Commanders Captain Richard Phillips (Maersk Alabama); Abduwali Muse (pirates)
Forces 23 crew, supported by the United States Navy, against four hijackers
Ships Maersk Alabama (now MV Tygra)
Losses Pirates: three killed, one captured. Crew and United States Navy: none
Result All hostages rescued
On 8 April 2009 four pirates seized the cargo ship Maersk Alabama far off the Somali coast. The siege ended on 12 April with a rescue by the United States Navy, in which three pirates were killed and the fourth captured.
Why it is remembered It was the first successful pirate seizure of a United States flagged ship since the early nineteenth century. Captain Phillips told the story in the book A Captain's Duty (2010), filmed as Captain Phillips (2013) with Tom Hanks.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Piracy off Somalia (Operation Ocean Shield)
Action of 1 April 2010 Single-ship action
1 April 2010 · Indian Ocean, west of the Seychelles
Fought between United States against Somali pirates
Forces The frigate USS Nicholas against a pirate skiff and its mother ship
Ships USS Nicholas
Losses Pirates: the skiff sunk, the mother ship seized, five captured. United States: none
Result American victory
At about 12.27 am on 1 April 2010 a suspected pirate skiff fired on USS Nicholas in international waters west of the Seychelles. The frigate returned fire and chased the skiff until it stopped; her boarding party detained three men and sank the skiff. Two more suspects were captured on the mother ship, which was seized.
Why it is remembered The pirates had attacked a warship. In November 2010 a federal jury in Virginia convicted the five Somalis of piracy.
Sources Wikipedia · globalsecurity.org · foreignpolicy.com · mg.co.za
Since 1945 · Piracy off Somalia (Operation Atalanta)
Action of 23 March 2010 Single-ship action
23 March 2010 · About 60 miles south of Haradere, Somalia, Indian Ocean
Fought between Spain (EU NAVFOR) and the guards of MV Almezaan against Somali pirates
Forces The Spanish frigate ESPS Navarra with her helicopter, and an armed security detachment aboard MV Almezaan, against a pirate mother ship and two skiffs
Ships MV Almezaan, ESPS Navarra
Losses Pirates: one killed, six captured, the mother ship destroyed. Almezaan and Navarra: none
Result Pirates defeated and captured
Early on 23 March 2010 pirates attacked the Panamanian flagged cargo ship Almezaan, bound for Mogadishu. Her armed guards beat off two attacks. The frigate Navarra sent her helicopter, which found the skiffs and fired warning shots when they would not stop, and a boarding team from Navarra took a skiff. One pirate was found dead from gunshot wounds, six were taken aboard Navarra and the mother ship was destroyed.
Why it is remembered Almezaan had been seized twice by pirates in 2009. Private guards on board are reported to have killed a pirate, an unusual event at the time.
Sources differ The account of Almezaan dates the attack to 20 March 2010 and says the six suspects were released when the master and crew refused to testify; EU NAVFOR reports give 23 March and only describe the detention.
Sources Wikipedia · bruxelles2.eu · eunavfor.eu · thenationalnews.com
Image: PH3 Mark A. Martinez, US Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Piracy off Somalia
Action of 30 March 2010 Single-ship action
30 March 2010 · 25 nautical miles off Somalia, Indian Ocean
Fought between Seychelles against Somali pirates
Commanders Simon Laurecine (Seychelles)
Forces The Seychelles Coast Guard patrol vessel Topaz against an armed dhow, a trawler and two skiffs
Ships Topaz
Losses Pirates: the dhow, the trawler and one skiff sunk, nine captured. One civilian wounded. Seychelles: none
Result Seychellois victory; 27 hostages freed
On 30 March 2010 the Seychelles patrol boat Topaz engaged two groups of Somali pirate vessels. She sank the armed dhow, a trawler and a skiff and freed 27 hostages held by the pirates.
Why it is remembered A single small coast guard vessel freed twenty-seven hostages.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Mervyn Marie, Seychelles News Agency, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Piracy off Somalia (Operation Atalanta)
Action of 5 April 2010 Raid
Also known as Bevrijding van de Taipan (Liberation of the Taipan)
5 April 2010 · About 500 nautical miles off Somalia, Indian Ocean
Fought between Netherlands against Somali pirates
Commanders Commander Hans Lodder (Netherlands)
Forces The Dutch frigate HNLMS Tromp with a Lynx helicopter and the Marine Intervention Unit, against ten pirates with two skiffs and a mother ship
Ships Taipan, HNLMS Tromp
Losses Pirates: all ten captured unharmed. Netherlands: one marine injured in a fall. The 15 crew were unharmed
Result Dutch victory; the ship freed
At about 12.45 on 5 April 2010 Somali pirates boarded the German container ship Taipan; the crew cut her power and shut themselves in a safe room. Tromp arrived about two hours later, fired warning shots to keep the mother ship away and used her .50 calibre machine guns, and marines roped down from the Lynx. In about 45 minutes the marines took all ten pirates.
Why it is remembered The pirates were tried in Hamburg and sentenced to two to seven years, the first piracy trial in Germany in about 400 years.
Sources Wikipedia · Wikipedia (NL)
Image: Ministerie van Defensie, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Blockade of the Gaza Strip
Gaza flotilla raid Raid
Also known as Mavi Marmara raid
31 May 2010 · International waters of the eastern Mediterranean
Fought between Israel against the Gaza Freedom Flotilla (Free Gaza Movement and the Turkish IHH)
Forces Israeli Navy Shayetet 13 commandos boarding from speedboats and helicopters, against six civilian ships including the Mavi Marmara with about 590 aboard
Ships Mavi Marmara
Losses Flotilla: 9 killed (8 Turkish nationals and 1 Turkish American) and about 30 wounded, with a tenth man dying in 2014. Israel: 10 soldiers wounded, one seriously.
Result Flotilla stopped and towed to Israel; widespread international condemnation
Israel told the flotilla by radio to divert to Ashdod, and when it refused naval commandos boarded the ships. On the Mavi Marmara about 40 passengers resisted with iron bars and knives and fighting broke out; the order of events is disputed. The other five ships, whose passengers resisted passively, were towed to Israel and the passengers deported.
Why it is remembered Relations between Israel and Turkey broke down, and a UN panel led by Geoffrey Palmer called the force used excessive and unreasonable. Israel later eased its blockade of Gaza and in 2016 agreed compensation of 20 million dollars.
Sources differ The sequence of events on the Mavi Marmara is disputed, partly because the Israeli forces confiscated passengers' photographs.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Free Gaza movement, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Korean conflict
ROKS Cheonan sinking Air and submarine attack
Also known as Sinking of ROKS Cheonan; Baengnyeong incident
26 March 2010 · Near Baengnyeong Island, Yellow Sea
Fought between South Korea against North Korea (presumed)
Commanders Choi Won-il (South Korea)
Forces The Pohang class corvette ROKS Cheonan, with 104 aboard; a North Korean Yono class submarine according to the official investigation
Ships ROKS Cheonan (PCC-772)
Losses South Korea: 46 killed, 58 wounded, Cheonan sunk
Result Cheonan sunk; a South Korean led investigation blamed a North Korean torpedo, which North Korea denies
On 26 March 2010 the corvette Cheonan sank off South Korea's west coast near Baengnyeong Island, with the loss of 46 men. An international investigation led by South Korea concluded in May 2010 that she had been sunk by a torpedo fired by a North Korean midget submarine.
Why it is remembered South Korea imposed the May 24 measures against North Korea in response. The cause remains disputed: North Korea denied responsibility, China doubted the findings, and the UN Security Council condemned the attack without naming the attacker.
Sources differ The official South Korean led report blamed a North Korean torpedo; North Korea denies it, China called the official account lacking in credibility, and a Russian Navy investigation was not made public.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Piracy off Somalia
Operation Dawn 8: Gulf of Aden Raid
Also known as Operasi Fajar 8
20 January 2011 · 300 miles south east of Muscat, Oman, near the Gulf of Aden
Fought between Malaysia against Somali pirates
Commanders Comm. Nazri Sharif, Lt. Cmdr Mohd Maznan Mohd Said, Lt. Noor Asri Roslan, Lt. Jason Solomon John (Malaysia); Ahmed Othman Jamal, Abdil Eid Hasan, both surrendered (pirates)
Forces The Malaysian vessel MT Bunga Mas Lima with a Super Lynx helicopter and 14 PASKAL commandos in two rigid-hulled inflatable boats, against 7 to 18 pirates in a skiff
Ships MV Bunga Laurel, MT Bunga Mas Lima
Losses Pirates: three wounded and captured, four more captured. Malaysia: none
Result Malaysian victory; all 23 crew of MV Bunga Laurel rescued
After pirates hijacked the tanker Bunga Laurel, a Malaysian shipborne protection team trailed her through the night and retook her by force on 20 January 2011. Three pirates were wounded and four captured, and all 23 crew were rescued.
Why it is remembered It was a Royal Malaysian Navy rescue at sea in the Somali piracy campaign carried out by the PASKAL commando unit.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Rizuan (talk) Original uploader was Rizuan at ms.wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Piracy off Somalia
Operation Dawn of Gulf of Aden Raid
Also known as 아덴만 여명 작전
18 to 21 January 2011 · Arabian Sea, near the Gulf of Aden
Fought between South Korea, supported by Oman and the United States, against Somali pirates
Commanders Cho Young-joo (South Korea); Abdi Risqe Shakh, killed, Suti Ali Harut, killed (pirates)
Forces One South Korean destroyer, a helicopter and 30 naval special forces commandos, against 17 to 20 pirates aboard the chemical tanker Samho Jewelry
Ships Samho Jewelry
Losses Pirates: at least four killed or missing on 18 January; eight killed and five captured on 21 January. South Korea: three wounded on 18 January. One civilian wounded
Result South Korean victory; all 21 hostages rescued
Somali pirates seized the South Korean chemical tanker Samho Jewelry, and South Korea sent a destroyer with 30 naval commandos. After trailing the tanker for several days and a first clash that put four pirates out of action, the commandos boarded and retook the ship on 21 January 2011.
Why it is remembered All 21 crew of the tanker were rescued unharmed by a South Korean boarding by force.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Piracy off Somalia (Operation Island Watch)
Battle of Minicoy Island Single-ship action
28 January 2011 · Off Minicoy Island, Indian Ocean
Fought between India against Somali pirates
Commanders Arun Bahuguna (India); Usman Salad (pirates)
Forces The Indian Navy patrol vessel INS Cankarso against the pirate held trawler Prantalay 14
Ships INS Cankarso, Prantalay 14
Losses Pirates: ten killed, 15 captured, the trawler sunk. India: none
Result Indian victory; 20 hostages rescued
Pirates aboard the former Thai fishing trawler Prantalay 14 resisted and attacked the patrol vessel INS Cankarso. In a long surface action off Minicoy Island the Indians sank the trawler and rescued twenty captives.
Why it is remembered It was a single ship action of the Indian Navy against Somali pirates.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: http://indiannavy.nic.in/about-indian-navy/about-us, GODL-India, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Piracy off Somalia
MV Beluga Nomination incident Single-ship action
22 to 26 January 2011 · Off Somalia, Indian Ocean
Fought between Denmark and Seychelles against Somali pirates
Forces The Danish flexible support ship HDMS Esbern Snare and a Seychelles patrol boat, against pirates holding two freighters
Ships MV Beluga Nomination, HDMS Esbern Snare
Losses Pirates: one or two killed, one freighter damaged. Four civilians killed and two rescued
Result Pirate victory; the rescue attempt failed
A few days after pirates took the German freighter Beluga Nomination, a Seychelles patrol boat and HDMS Esbern Snare encountered them and attempted a rescue. The attempt failed; two civilians were rescued and four were killed.
Why it is remembered It was a failed rescue in which crew members of the captured freighter lost their lives.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Russo-Ukrainian War
Kerch Strait incident Single-ship action
25 November 2018 · Kerch Strait and international waters off Crimea
Fought between Russia (FSB coast guard) against Ukraine
Forces Russian coast guard patrol boats, including Don, against two Ukrainian Gyurza-M artillery boats and the tug Yany Kapu
Ships Yany Kapu, Don
Losses Ukraine: three vessels captured, three crew injured, all 24 sailors detained
Result Russian victory; three Ukrainian vessels captured
Three Ukrainian Navy vessels bound for Mariupol tried to pass through the Kerch Strait into the Sea of Azov. Russian coast guard boats tried to stop them, the patrol boat Don rammed the tug Yany Kapu, and a cargo ship was placed under the Crimean Bridge to block the passage. After eight hours the Ukrainians turned back, and the Russians pursued them, fired on them and seized all three vessels off Crimea.
Why it is remembered It was the first time Russian forces had openly engaged Ukrainian forces in the war. Ukraine declared martial law in border and coastal regions, and Western leaders cited it when discussing sanctions.
Sources differ Russia said the ships had entered its waters without following procedure and were manoeuvring dangerously; Ukraine said it had given notice and that the 2003 treaty guaranteed free passage.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Міністерство оборони України, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945
2019 SEAL Team Six operation in North Korea Other action
About February 2019 · Off the coast of North Korea
Fought between United States against North Korea
Forces Red Squadron of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (SEAL Team Six)
Losses North Korea: two or three civilians killed
Result Mission aborted after detection
SEAL Team Six attempted to plant a covert listening device to intercept North Korean communications during the nuclear talks between Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump. The team met a small boat carrying shellfishermen and opened fire on it, which gave away the mission, and the operation was abandoned.
Why it is remembered It was kept secret until The New York Times revealed it on 5 September 2025.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Andrew McKaskle, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Crisis in Venezuela
Operation Gideon (2020) Landing or siege
Also known as Operación Gedeón
3 to 4 May 2020 · Off Macuto and Chuao, Caribbean coast of Venezuela
Fought between Venezuelan government forces against Venezuelan dissidents and the American firm Silvercorp USA
Commanders Nicolás Maduro, Diosdado Cabello, Vladimir Padrino López and Néstor Reverol (Venezuela); Jordan Goudreau and Clíver Alcalá Cordones (dissidents)
Forces Two boats carrying about 60 Venezuelan dissidents and two American former Green Berets
Losses Invaders: at least 6 killed in the first boat; all but four captured
Result Venezuelan government victory; the plot was foiled
Expatriate former Venezuelan soldiers planned to land at Macuto by boat, seize an airfield and capture Maduro. Two boats set out from eastern Colombia toward the coast north of Caracas, and both were intercepted before they reached land. At least six men in the first boat were killed, and all but four of the invaders, including the two Americans, were captured in the landing attempt or the searches that followed.
Why it is remembered Venezuelan intelligence and the Associated Press knew of it beforehand, and commentators described it as amateurish, underfunded and a suicide mission.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Prensa Presidencial, Government of Venezuela, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945
2021 Black Sea incident Other action
23 June 2021 · Black Sea, between Odesa and Batumi
Fought between Russia against the United Kingdom (with the Netherlands)
Commanders Vladimir Putin, Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov (Russia); Boris Johnson, Commander Vince Owen (United Kingdom)
Forces Two Russian patrol boats and a Su-24 aircraft against the destroyer HMS Defender
Ships HMS Defender
Result HMS Defender continued her passage and reached Batumi
HMS Defender was sailing from Odesa to Batumi when, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence, a Russian patrol boat fired warning shots and a Su-24 dropped bombs near her. Defender reached Batumi three days later.
Why it is remembered It was a diplomatic incident between Russia and Britain over the waters off Crimea.
Sources differ The warning shots and bombs are reported on the word of the Russian Ministry of Defence.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Russian invasion of Ukraine
Berdiansk port attack Raid
24 March 2022 · Port of Berdiansk, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Sea of Azov
Fought between Ukraine against Russia
Forces Ukrainian army forces (19th Missile Brigade) against Russian landing ships in port
Ships Saratov, Tsezar Kunikov, Novocherkassk
Losses Russia: Saratov sunk, Tsezar Kunikov and Novocherkassk damaged, at least 11 crew killed (unconfirmed). Ukraine: none
Result Ukrainian success
On 24 March 2022 Ukrainian forces struck Russian Navy ships moored in the Port of Berdiansk. The Alligator class landing ship Saratov was sunk, and one of two Ropucha class landing ships was damaged but left the port.
Why it is remembered At the time it was the heaviest naval loss Russia had suffered in the invasion and one of Ukraine's most significant successes.
Sources differ One account says one Ropucha class ship was damaged; another account lists both Tsezar Kunikov and Novocherkassk as damaged.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Russian invasion of Ukraine
Missile strike on the Banglar Samriddhi Air and submarine attack
2 March 2022 · Port of Mykolaiv, Ukraine
Fought between Russia against a Bangladeshi merchant ship
Forces Russian missile; the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation bulk carrier Banglar Samriddhi
Ships Banglar Samriddhi
Losses One crew member, Hadisur Rahman, killed; ship set on fire
Result Ship hit and set on fire
The Bangladeshi bulk carrier Banglar Samriddhi, lying at Mykolaiv in the first days of the invasion, was struck by a Russian missile and set on fire. One of her crew, Hadisur Rahman, was killed.
Why it is remembered It was among the first merchant ships hit in a Ukrainian port after the invasion began, and a crew member died.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: CapTom, via MarineTraffic
Since 1945 · Russian invasion of Ukraine
Sinking of the Moskva Air and submarine attack
Also known as Loss of the cruiser Moskva
13 to 14 April 2022 · Black Sea, about 65 to 80 nautical miles south of Odesa, east of Snake Island
Fought between Ukraine against Russia
Commanders Andrii Shubin, Ukrainian Navy artillery brigade (Ukraine, as named by a Russian court); Captain 1st rank Anton Kuprin, commanding officer of Moskva (Russia)
Forces Ukrainian land based R-360 Neptune anti-ship missile launcher near Odesa, possibly with a Bayraktar TB2 drone; the Russian Slava class cruiser Moskva, flagship of the Black Sea Fleet
Ships Moskva, Kommuna, Vasily Bykov
Losses Russia: Moskva sunk. Russia first gave 1 killed, 27 missing and 396 rescued; a Moscow military court in January 2026 cited 20 dead, 24 injured and 8 missing. Ukraine claimed about 452 killed. Independent estimates range from about 37 to about 300 killed.
Result Ukrainian success; Moskva sank on 14 April 2022
Ukraine said it hit the cruiser with two R-360 Neptune anti-ship missiles fired from a land based launcher near Odesa, and the United States later confirmed this. A Bayraktar TB2 drone may have distracted the crew or spotted the target. Russia at first blamed an ammunition fire and later said the ship sank under tow in stormy weather. The salvage ship Kommuna with the AS-28 submersible later visited the wreck, which lies at 45 to 50 m.
Why it is remembered Moskva was the largest Soviet or Russian warship sunk in action since the Second World War and the first Russian flagship lost in wartime since Knyaz Suvorov in 1905. The wreck has been declared underwater cultural heritage.
Sources differ Crew aboard: 485 according to Lithuania's defence minister, 510 according to Ukraine's Oleksiy Danilov. Casualties: Russia said 1 killed and 27 missing, later 20 killed, 24 injured and 8 missing; Ukraine claimed about 452 killed; Meduza gave 37 killed, Novaya Gazeta Europe 40, Naval News about 240, Business Insider 300. Strike position given as about 65 or about 80 nautical miles south of Odesa.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Russian invasion of Ukraine
Sinking of the Vasily Bekh Air and submarine attack
17 June 2022 · Black Sea
Fought between Ukraine against Russia
Forces Ukrainian anti-ship missiles; the Russian Navy rescue tug Vasily Bekh
Ships Vasily Bekh
Losses Russia: Vasily Bekh sunk, according to Ukraine and British military intelligence. Casualties not stated.
Result Ukrainian success
Ukraine said it sank the Russian rescue tug Vasily Bekh with two Harpoon anti-ship missiles. On 21 June 2022 British military intelligence said she had almost certainly been sunk.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Press service of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Russian invasion of Ukraine
Snake Island campaign Landing or siege
24 February to 30 June 2022 · Snake Island, Odesa Oblast, Black Sea
Fought between Russia against Ukraine
Forces Russia: the missile cruiser Moskva and the patrol ship Vasily Bykov at the seizure. Ukraine: about 80 servicemen on the island
Ships Moskva, Vasily Bykov, Vasily Bekh
Losses Russian seizure: about 80 Ukrainians captured and a search and rescue boat seized. Ukrainian counter-attacks (Ukrainian figures): the cruiser Moskva, four Raptor boats, a Serna class landing craft, the tug Vasily Bekh, a helicopter and air defence systems; Ukrainian losses include ten killed, two Su-24MR aircraft and a Bayraktar TB2 drone
Result Ukrainian victory; Russia withdrew on 30 June 2022
On 24 February 2022, the first day of the invasion, the Russian Navy attacked Snake Island and captured its garrison. Ukraine then struck Russian forces on and around the island with anti-ship missiles, aircraft, artillery and missiles. Russian forces left the island on 30 June, calling it a goodwill gesture.
Why it is remembered A recording of the garrison's defiant radio reply to the cruiser Moskva went viral and made the island widely known.
Sources differ Ukrainian sources give 80 servicemen captured; Russian sources give 82, with six boats sunk. Russian losses in the recapture are Ukrainian figures.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Red Sea crisis (Operation Prosperity Guardian)
Attacks on the MV Maersk Hangzhou Single-ship action
Also known as 2023 attacks on the Maersk Hangzhou
30 to 31 December 2023 · Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Fought between Houthis against the United States
Commanders Abdul-Malik al-Houthi (Houthis); Marc Miguez (United States)
Forces Houthis: four fast attack craft and coastal missile batteries. United States: the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and two destroyers, including USS Gravely, with Maersk security personnel aboard the freighter
Ships Maersk Hangzhou, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS Gravely
Losses Houthis: three fast attack craft sunk, ten killed. Maersk Hangzhou damaged
Result The boarding was repelled, but Maersk halted Red Sea shipping, a gain for the Houthis
On 30 December 2023 Houthi forces attacked the container ship Maersk Hangzhou. Early next day they attacked again and tried to board her. Answering her distress call, American forces from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS Gravely, with the ship's own security team, beat off the attack and sank three Houthi boats.
Why it is remembered Maersk paused all shipping through the Red Sea for 48 hours and on 2 January 2024 halted it altogether.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: MC3 Janae Chambers, US Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Red Sea crisis
Hijacking of the Galaxy Leader Blockade and raiding
19 November 2023 · Red Sea, near the Yemeni port of Hodeidah
Fought between Houthis (Yemen) against a Bahamas flagged merchant ship
Forces At least 10 armed Houthi fighters landed by military helicopter; the car carrier Galaxy Leader with 25 crew
Ships Galaxy Leader
Losses Ship seized; 25 crew taken hostage, some injured
Result Houthi seizure of the ship; crew freed after 430 days
Houthi fighters landed from a helicopter on the British owned, Japanese operated car carrier Galaxy Leader, sailing from Turkey to India, and took her to Hodeidah. They filmed the boarding and released the footage the next day. The 25 crew, 17 of them Filipino, were held for 430 days and released to Oman in January 2025. The ship was later hit by United States airstrikes in 2025 and by Israel on 6 July 2025, and by April 2026 she lay partly sunk by the stern near a beach.
Why it is remembered The Houthis released film of the helicopter boarding as propaganda, and the crew were held for 430 days.
Sources Wikipedia · bairdmaritime.com
Since 1945 · Gaza war; Yemeni civil war; Iran and Israel proxy conflict
Red Sea crisis Blockade and raiding
19 October 2023 onwards · Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab-el-Mandeb, with attacks also on Israel and elsewhere
Fought between Houthis, backed by Iran, against shipping and against Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom and their partners
Forces Houthi missiles, drones and boats against merchant ships; the escort operations Prosperity Guardian and Aspides and other naval patrols
Losses 178 vessels attacked during the Houthi blockade, four ships sunk and nine sailors killed, by ACLED figures
Result Ongoing; Houthi attacks on shipping halted in October 2025 and resumed against Saudi shipping in July 2026
From October 2023 the Houthis fired missiles and drones at Israel and attacked merchant and naval vessels in the Red Sea that they said were linked to Israel, though many were not. Hundreds of ships were rerouted around South Africa. The United States led Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect shipping, and from January 2024 American and British forces struck Houthi targets.
Why it is remembered It disrupted world trade through the Bab-el-Mandeb and the Suez route; in May 2026 traffic was still about 31 ships a day against 75 before the war.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: U.S. Air Force photo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Russian invasion of Ukraine
Strike on the Askold Air and submarine attack
4 November 2023 · Zalyv shipyard, Kerch, Crimea
Fought between Ukraine against Russia
Forces Ukrainian cruise missiles; the new Russian Karakurt class corvette Askold
Ships Askold
Losses Russia: Askold damaged; Ukraine said destroyed
Result Ukrainian success
Ukrainian cruise missiles hit the Karakurt class corvette Askold at the Zalyv shipyard in Kerch. On 6 November President Zelenskyy said the ship had been destroyed.
Sources differ Damaged according to the list of losses; destroyed according to Zelenskyy.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Press Service of the President of Russia, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Russian invasion of Ukraine
Strike on the Sevastopol shipyard (2023) Air and submarine attack
Also known as Attack on Minsk and Rostov-on-Don
13 September 2023 · Sevastopol, Crimea
Fought between Ukraine against Russia
Forces Ukrainian Su-24 aircraft with Storm Shadow missiles; the Russian landing ship Minsk and the Kilo class submarine Rostov-on-Don (B-237)
Ships Minsk, Rostov-on-Don (B-237)
Losses Russia: Minsk visibly destroyed; Rostov-on-Don reported by an analyst as damaged beyond economic repair
Result Ukrainian success
Ukrainian Su-24 bombers fired Storm Shadow missiles at ships in Sevastopol. The Ropucha class landing ship Minsk was visibly destroyed and the submarine Rostov-on-Don was badly damaged. Russia said it would repair both. On the same day a Russian Tunets class patrol boat was sunk, and on 14 September the patrol ship Sergey Kotov was damaged by a sea drone.
Why it is remembered A submarine and a large landing ship were knocked out in a single strike on the Sevastopol naval base.
Sources differ Russia said both vessels would be repaired; an analyst assessed Rostov-on-Don as damaged beyond economic repair.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Russian invasion of Ukraine
Attack on the Ivan Khurs Air and submarine attack
24 May 2023 · Black Sea, in waters near Turkey
Fought between Ukraine against Russia
Forces Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessels (sea drones); the Russian Yury Ivanov class intelligence ship Ivan Khurs
Ships Ivan Khurs
Losses Russia: Ivan Khurs possibly damaged. Ukraine: at least one sea drone destroyed by the ship's fire
Result Inconclusive; the ship was possibly damaged
Ukrainian sea drones attacked the intelligence ship Ivan Khurs at sea. Footage showed one drone destroyed by the ship and one detonating on collision. The ship was reported damaged again by a missile strike on Sevastopol on 23 March 2024.
Why it is remembered Footage of the attack showed the ship's crew engaging the drones at close range.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Russian invasion of Ukraine
Attack on the Novocherkassk at Feodosia Air and submarine attack
Also known as Feodosia port strike
26 December 2023 · Port of Feodosia, Crimea
Fought between Ukraine against Russia
Forces Ukrainian air launched cruise missiles; the Russian landing ship Novocherkassk
Ships Novocherkassk
Losses Russia: Novocherkassk destroyed according to Ukraine. Russia confirmed damage and one killed; a Ukrainian source reported 74 killed and 27 wounded.
Result Ukrainian success; ship destroyed
Air launched cruise missiles struck the landing ship Novocherkassk in Feodosia harbour. Ukraine said she was destroyed; her wreck was removed in late January or early February 2024. She had already been damaged at Berdiansk on 24 March 2022.
Why it is remembered Ukraine's reported death toll of 74 would make it one of the deadliest single strikes on a Russian ship in the war.
Sources differ Russia admitted one killed; a Ukrainian source reported 74 killed and 27 wounded.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: George Chernilevsky, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Russian invasion of Ukraine
Attack on the Olenegorsky Gornyak Raid
Also known as Novorossiysk sea drone attack of 4 August 2023
4 August 2023 · Near Novorossiysk, Russia
Fought between Ukraine against Russia
Forces A joint Security Service of Ukraine and Ukrainian Navy operation, possibly a sea drone; the Russian Ropucha class landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak
Ships Olenegorsky Gornyak
Losses Russia: Olenegorsky Gornyak seriously damaged and towed to port
Result Ukrainian success; ship seriously damaged
The landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak was seriously damaged near Novorossiysk in an operation by the Security Service of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Navy, probably using a sea drone, and was towed into port. The next day the Russian chemical tanker Sig was damaged near the Kerch Strait.
Why it is remembered It carried the sea drone campaign to the Russian coast at Novorossiysk.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Gaza war (October 7 attacks)
Zikim attack Landing or siege
7 October 2023 · Zikim beach and military bases near Zikim, southern Israel
Fought between Hamas against Israel
Commanders Ahmed Musa (Hamas); Lt. Col. Shay, Capt. Adir Abudi, killed, First Lt. Or Moses, killed, Col. Eitan Paz (Israel)
Forces Hamas: 38 Qassam naval commandos crossing by boat, 16 of whom landed, and others crossing by land. Israel: Squadron 916 of the Israeli Navy, the Snapir unit, soldiers of the Golani and 7th Brigades and a civilian security team
Losses Hamas: two boats sunk at sea, 38 killed in all. Israel: 15 soldiers killed, 17 civilian beachgoers killed
Result Hamas failed to take the Zikim training base and the kibbutz
On 7 October 2023 Hamas naval commandos tried to land on the beach at Zikim to capture a military training base. The Israeli Navy stopped most of them, but about 11 landed from a boat that got through. Fighting spread to three bases and the coast; the training base held, two other bases were overrun, and militants killed 17 civilians on the beach.
Why it is remembered It was the seaborne part of the 7 October attacks, and the killing of beachgoers was one of the massacres of that day.
Sources differ One account estimates 11 militants landed; another account gives 16.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Red Sea crisis
Attacks on the Sounion Blockade and raiding
21 August 2024 · Red Sea, about 77 nautical miles west of Hodeidah, Yemen
Fought between Houthis (Yemen) against a Greek merchant tanker, with EU Operation Aspides
Forces Two Houthi fast attack craft, projectiles and later boarding parties with explosives; the Greek tanker Sounion with 25 crew and 4 guards, carrying about 150,000 tons of crude oil; the French frigate Chevalier Paul
Ships Sounion, Chevalier Paul, Aigaion Pelagos
Losses Sounion set on fire and badly damaged; no deaths stated; one Houthi explosive boat destroyed by Chevalier Paul
Result Crew rescued; ship later towed clear and her cargo removed
Two Houthi fast craft exchanged fire with the tanker's armed guards and three projectiles hit the ship, which caught fire and lost power. The French frigate Chevalier Paul of Operation Aspides rescued all on board and destroyed an approaching explosive boat with her 20 mm guns. Houthi fighters then boarded the empty tanker and set off explosive charges. From 14 September tugs escorted by Greek and French warships towed the burning ship north, and her cargo was later removed.
Why it is remembered The tanker held about a million barrels of crude, and officials warned of a spill four times the size of the Exxon Valdez disaster.
Sources differ One account gives the attack as 21 August 2024 in another account and 22 August in a third account.
Sources Wikipedia · bairdmaritime.com
Since 1945 · Red Sea crisis
Attacks on the Tutor Blockade and raiding
Also known as Sinking of MV Tutor
12 to 18 June 2024 · Southern Red Sea, about 67 nautical miles south west of Hodeidah
Fought between Houthis (Yemen) against a Liberian flagged merchant ship
Forces Houthi uncrewed explosive boat and missiles; the coal carrier Tutor with 22 crew
Ships Tutor, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS Philippine Sea
Losses Tutor sunk; one Filipino crew member killed
Result Ship sunk
A small uncrewed explosive boat struck the stern of the Greek owned coal carrier Tutor, and a later hit on the engine room was probably an anti-ship missile. The disabled ship was abandoned and 21 of her 22 crew were lifted off by helicopters from USS Philippine Sea and taken to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower; a French frigate also took part. One crew member was killed. The ship sank on 18 June 2024 and salvage was abandoned.
Why it is remembered After the Rubymar, she was the second ship sunk in the Houthi campaign against shipping.
Sources Wikipedia · bairdmaritime.com
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Red Sea crisis
Marlin Luanda missile strike Air and submarine attack
26 January 2024 · Red Sea crisis area
Fought between Houthis against merchant shipping
Forces A Houthi anti-ship missile against the fuel tanker Marlin Luanda (Marshall Islands registry, 249.9 m, 109,991 DWT)
Ships Marlin Luanda (later Boccadasse)
Result Tanker struck
On 26 January 2024 the fuel tanker Marlin Luanda was hit by an anti-ship missile fired by Houthi forces.
Why it is remembered It was one of the Houthi missile strikes on merchant tankers during the Red Sea crisis. The ship was later renamed Boccadasse.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Indian Navy
Since 1945 · Russian invasion of Ukraine
Sinking of the Ivanovets Air and submarine attack
1 February 2024 · Lake Donuzlav, western Crimea
Fought between Ukraine against Russia
Forces Ukrainian MAGURA V5 uncrewed surface vessels; the Russian Tarantul class corvette Ivanovets (R-334)
Ships Ivanovets (R-334)
Losses Russia: Ivanovets sunk
Result Ukrainian success
Ukrainian MAGURA V5 sea drones attacked the missile corvette Ivanovets at Donuzlav in Crimea. Ukrainian video showed the ship being hit and sinking.
Why it is remembered It was the first of three Russian warships sunk by Ukrainian sea drones in early 2024.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: George Chernilevsky, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Red Sea crisis
Sinking of the Rubymar Blockade and raiding
Also known as Attack on MV Rubymar
18 February to 2 March 2024 · Red Sea, near the Bab el Mandeb
Fought between Houthis (Yemen) against a Belize flagged merchant ship
Forces Houthi anti-ship missiles; the bulk carrier Rubymar with 24 crew
Ships Rubymar, Lobivia
Losses Rubymar sunk; no crew deaths stated; all 24 crew rescued
Result Ship abandoned and sunk
Houthi forces fired two anti-ship missiles at the bulk carrier Rubymar, carrying fertiliser from the United Arab Emirates to Bulgaria, and one hit. The container ship Lobivia took off all 24 crew. The abandoned ship drifted more than 70 km and sank in bad weather on 2 March 2024, leaving a 29 km oil slick.
Why it is remembered Rubymar was the first ship struck by the Houthis to sink. Her dragging anchor may have damaged several undersea internet cables.
Sources differ One account speaks of anti-ship missiles; another account calls the weapon an anti-ship ballistic missile.
Sources Wikipedia · bairdmaritime.com
Image: US Central Command, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Russian invasion of Ukraine
Sinking of the Sergey Kotov Air and submarine attack
5 March 2024 · Near the Kerch Strait
Fought between Ukraine against Russia
Forces Ukrainian MAGURA V5 sea drones; the Russian Project 22160 patrol ship Sergey Kotov
Ships Sergey Kotov
Losses Russia: Sergey Kotov damaged in the stern and sunk, according to Ukraine
Result Ukrainian success
MAGURA V5 sea drones attacked the patrol ship Sergey Kotov near the Kerch Strait. Ukraine said she was damaged in the stern and sank. She had survived an earlier sea drone attack on 14 September 2023.
Why it is remembered It was the third Russian warship lost to sea drones in about five weeks.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Russian invasion of Ukraine
Sinking of the Tsezar Kunikov Air and submarine attack
Also known as Sinking of the Caesar Kunikov
14 February 2024 · Off Crimea
Fought between Ukraine against Russia
Forces Ukrainian MAGURA V5 sea drones; the Russian Ropucha I class landing ship Tsezar Kunikov
Ships Tsezar Kunikov
Losses Russia: Tsezar Kunikov sunk
Result Ukrainian success
MAGURA V5 sea drones attacked the landing ship Tsezar Kunikov off Crimea and sank her, as shown in Ukrainian video. Russian sources confirmed the sinking. She had been damaged earlier at Berdiansk on 24 March 2022.
Why it is remembered It confirmed that sea drones could sink large warships, and Russian sources acknowledged the loss.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Georges Jansoone (JoJan), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Red Sea crisis
Attack on the True Confidence Blockade and raiding
6 March 2024 · Gulf of Aden, 54 nautical miles south west of Aden, Yemen
Fought between Houthis (Yemen) against a Barbados flagged merchant ship
Forces Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile; the bulk carrier True Confidence with 20 crew and 3 armed guards
Ships True Confidence, USS Philippine Sea, INS Kolkata
Losses Three crew killed (two Filipino, one Vietnamese); four injured, three critically
Result Ship set on fire and abandoned
After radio calls from men claiming to be the Yemeni Navy, a Houthi missile hit the bulk carrier True Confidence, carrying steel and trucks from China to Jeddah and Aqaba. A fire broke out in the pilothouse and the crew abandoned ship. USS Philippine Sea and INS Kolkata helped in the rescue, and the survivors were taken to Djibouti.
Why it is remembered The three seafarers killed were the first deaths caused by the Houthi attacks on shipping.
Sources differ The main account gives the strike time as about 12:30 local time and also as 02:00 UTC, flagged as disputed.
Sources Wikipedia · bairdmaritime.com
Image: US Central Command (via DVIDS), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · Operation Southern Spear
2025 and 2026 United States oil blockade of Venezuela Blockade and raiding
10 December 2025 onwards (blockade announced 17 December 2025) · Caribbean Sea off Venezuela; one seizure in the Atlantic near Iceland
Fought between United States, supported by the United Kingdom, against sanctioned tankers trading with Venezuela
Forces United States Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team, United States Navy, the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and army special operations units
Ships Skipper, Marinera (formerly Bella 1), M Sophia
Losses None; ten oil tankers intercepted
Result Ongoing; ten tankers intercepted
On 10 December 2025 the United States seized the sanctioned tanker Skipper off Venezuela, and on 17 December it announced a blockade of sanctioned tankers sailing to or from the country. On 7 January 2026 it boarded and seized the Russian tanker Marinera in the Atlantic near Iceland and the Panama flagged M Sophia in the Caribbean.
Why it is remembered Venezuela called the seizure of Skipper an act of international piracy, and analysts said the blockade tested the law of the sea.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Red Sea crisis
Attacks on the Eternity C Blockade and raiding
7 to 9 July 2025 · Southern Red Sea, off Hodeidah, Yemen
Fought between Houthis (Yemen) against a Liberian flagged merchant ship
Forces Houthi skiffs with gunfire and rocket propelled grenades, explosive sea drones, drones and missiles; the bulk carrier Eternity C with 22 crew and 3 guards
Ships Eternity C
Losses Eternity C sunk; four Filipino crew killed (three confirmed, one presumed); 10 rescued; 11 taken by the Houthis and freed in December 2025
Result Ship sunk
The Greek owned bulk carrier Eternity C, sailing from Berbera to Jeddah, was attacked on 7 July and again on the night of 8 July, and sank on the morning of 9 July. Operation Aspides reported ten survivors rescued. The Houthis took eleven crew to an undisclosed place; they were released in Sanaa on 3 December 2025 after Omani mediation.
Why it is remembered With the Magic Seas, she was one of two ships sunk by the Houthis within a week in July 2025.
Sources differ Baird Maritime gives 11 missing; the account of Wikipedia records 11 taken captive and later freed.
Sources Wikipedia · bairdmaritime.com
Since 1945 · Boko Haram insurgency
Battle of Lake Chad Fleet battle
Also known as Bataille du lac Tchad
5 to 8 November 2025 · Lake Chad, northern Borno State, Nigeria
Fought between Boko Haram against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)
Commanders Hassan Buduma, Mohd Hassan (Boko Haram)
Forces Boko Haram: dozens of armed boats. ISWAP: ten armed boats
Losses ISWAP: 170 to 200 killed. Boko Haram: four killed
Result Boko Haram victory; several ISWAP held settlements overrun
Between 5 and 8 November 2025 the rival jihadist groups Boko Haram and ISWAP fought on Lake Chad with armed boats. Boko Haram overran several settlements held by ISWAP.
Why it is remembered The clashes between the rival jihadist groups, described as a turf war, were fought largely with armed boats on the lake and left 170 to 200 ISWAP fighters dead.
Sources Wikipedia
No free image of this battle has been found yet.
Since 1945 · Gaza war
May 2025 drone attack on Gaza Freedom Flotilla Air and submarine attack
2 May 2025 · International waters 14 to 17 nautical miles off Malta
Fought between Unknown attackers against the Freedom Flotilla vessel Conscience
Forces Drones, reportedly firing missiles, against the aid vessel Conscience with 16 to 30 activists aboard
Ships Conscience
Losses No deaths and no significant injuries; the vessel set on fire
Result Vessel damaged; Malta and Cyprus sent help
In the early hours of 2 May 2025 the Freedom Flotilla vessel Conscience, carrying activists and aid for Gaza, was attacked by drones in international waters off Malta. Cyprus sent a rescue boat and the Armed Forces of Malta a patrol boat to help put out the fire. The captain declined Maltese assistance that was conditional on an inspection.
Why it is remembered The flotilla organisers and some sources suggested Israeli involvement, which has not been officially confirmed.
Sources differ There is no independent confirmation of the nature of the incident or of the attacker.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Russian invasion of Ukraine
Missile strike on the MJ Pinar Air and submarine attack
12 March 2025 · Port of Odesa, Ukraine
Fought between Russia against a Barbados flagged merchant ship
Forces Russian ballistic missile; the bulk carrier MJ Pinar
Ships MJ Pinar, MSC Levante F
Losses Four Syrian nationals killed; ship damaged
Result Ship damaged
A Russian ballistic missile hit the bulk carrier MJ Pinar in the port of Odesa, killing four Syrian nationals. Eleven days earlier the freighter MSC Levante F had been damaged by a ballistic missile in the same port.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Greek City Times
Since 1945 · Russian invasion of Ukraine
Sea drone attacks on the Kairos and Virat Blockade and raiding
Also known as Strikes on shadow fleet tankers off Turkey
28 November 2025 · Black Sea, within Turkey's exclusive economic zone near the Turkish Straits; Kairos about 28 nautical miles off the Turkish coast
Fought between Ukraine against tankers of the Russian shadow fleet
Forces Ukrainian Sea Baby uncrewed surface vessels against the empty tankers Kairos and Virat, bound for Novorossiysk to load oil
Ships Kairos, Virat, Kurtama-12, Nene Hatun
Losses Kairos disabled by an explosion and fire; Virat struck near the engine room but stable. No deaths stated.
Result Both tankers damaged
On the night of 28 November 2025 Ukrainian Sea Baby sea drones struck two empty tankers heading for Novorossiysk to load oil. Kairos, coming from Egypt, was disabled by an explosion and fire, while Virat was hit near her engine room. Turkish rescue vessels including Kurtama-12 and Nene Hatun went to help with the fires and crews, and Turkey condemned the attacks.
Why it is remembered Naval News described the strikes as opening a new phase of the Black Sea war, with Ukrainian sea drones targeting shadow fleet tankers carrying Russian oil.
Sources navalnews.com
Image: Security Service of Ukraine
Since 1945 · Red Sea crisis
Sinking of the Magic Seas Blockade and raiding
6 July 2025 · Red Sea, south west of Hodeidah, Yemen
Fought between Houthis (Yemen) against a Liberian flagged merchant ship
Forces Houthi gunfire, missiles, drones and remote controlled explosive boats; the bulk carrier Magic Seas with 22 aboard
Ships Magic Seas
Losses Magic Seas sunk; no deaths reported
Result Ship sunk
The Greek operated bulk carrier Magic Seas, carrying iron and fertiliser from China to Turkey, was attacked with gunfire, missiles, drones and explosive boats and set ablaze. All 22 aboard abandoned ship and were taken to Djibouti by a passing merchant vessel. The Houthis claimed the attack and released video of the sinking.
Why it is remembered She was sunk a day before the attack on the Eternity C began, the first of two ships the Houthis sank that July.
Sources differ Baird Maritime lists gunfire, missiles, drones and four remote controlled explosive boats; the account of Wikipedia on the Eternity C mentions a missile and drone attack. One account describes the ship as hijacked and sunk, while another account mentions no hijacking.
Sources Wikipedia · bairdmaritime.com
Image: Associated Press
Since 1945 · Russian invasion of Ukraine
Sinking of the Simferopol Air and submarine attack
28 August 2025 · Danube Delta
Fought between Russia against Ukraine
Forces Russian naval drone; the Ukrainian Navy reconnaissance ship Simferopol
Ships Simferopol
Losses Ukraine: Simferopol sunk; two sailors killed and seven wounded or missing
Result Russian success
A Russian naval drone hit and sank the Ukrainian reconnaissance ship Simferopol in the Danube Delta. The Ukrainian Navy said two crew were killed.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · 2026 Cuban crisis
2026 Cuban boat incident Single-ship action
25 February 2026 · Near Cayo Falcones, off the north coast of Villa Clara Province, Cuba
Fought between Cuba against armed men on a US registered motor boat
Commanders Duniel Hernández Santos, captured (boat)
Forces A patrol vessel of the Cuban Border Guard Troops against a motor boat registered in the United States
Losses Boat: five killed, five wounded. Cuba: the patrol vessel's commanding officer wounded
Result Cuban government victory
A Cuban Border Guard patrol vessel intercepted a US registered motor boat in Cuban waters. According to Cuba the boat's occupants opened fire, wounding the patrol vessel's commander, and the Cubans returned fire, killing five and wounding five. Cuba reported seizing firearms, incendiary devices and body armour and called it an attempted armed infiltration.
Why it is remembered The United States denied involvement and opened investigations; at least one of the dead was an American citizen.
Sources differ The account of who fired first comes from Cuban authorities.
Sources Wikipedia
Since 1945 · Russian invasion of Ukraine
Drone attack on the Admiral Essen at Novorossiysk Air and submarine attack
6 April 2026 · Port of Novorossiysk, Russia
Fought between Ukraine against Russia
Forces Ukrainian drones; the Russian frigate Admiral Essen, moored in harbour
Ships Admiral Essen, Volgo-Balt 138
Losses Russia: Admiral Essen significantly damaged inside, with critical damage to her Kalibr missile capability according to assessments
Result Ukrainian success; frigate badly damaged
Ukrainian drones attacked the frigate Admiral Essen while she lay docked at Novorossiysk. Fires burned for over 18 hours. Three days earlier, on 3 April, Ukrainian drones had struck the Russian sea and river vessel Volgo-Balt 138 in the Sea of Azov, where three crew died.
Why it is remembered It showed that Russian warships remained exposed to drone attack in Novorossiysk more than four years into the war.
Sources differ The list of losses gives the attack as 6 April 2026; a cited report describes Admiral Essen as hit again on 7 April.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · 2026 Iran war (Strait of Hormuz crisis)
Operation Project Freedom Convoy battle
4 to 5 May 2026 · Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman
Fought between United States against Iran
Forces United States forces under Central Command escorting merchant ships
Losses Iran: seven boats sunk. A French CMA CGM ship struck
Result Temporarily halted
On 4 May 2026 the United States began escorting merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz in response to Iranian attacks on shipping. Seven Iranian boats were sunk and a CMA CGM ship was hit. The operation was paused the next day.
Why it is remembered It was declared the second stage of the Iran war, following Operation Epic Fury.
Sources differ One account says the operation was paused on 5 May; another gives 6 May for the announcement of the pause.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: Benjamin D Applebaum, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Since 1945 · 2026 Iran war
Sinking of IRIS Dena Single-ship action
4 March 2026 · Indian Ocean, international waters about 19 nautical miles off Galle, Sri Lanka
Fought between United States against Iran
Forces The United States Los Angeles class submarine USS Charlotte against the Iranian Moudge class frigate IRIS Dena
Ships IRIS Dena, USS Charlotte
Losses Iran: Dena sunk; the Sri Lanka Navy rescued 32 sailors and recovered 87 bodies
Result United States victory; frigate sunk
Dena was on passage after attending the International Fleet Review 2026 at Visakhapatnam in India, and was reportedly unarmed under the protocol of the Indian hosted event. USS Charlotte fired two Mark 48 torpedoes, one of which hit, and the frigate sent a distress call at 05:08 local time. She sank before the Sri Lanka Navy reached her; it rescued 32 sailors and later recovered 87 bodies.
Why it is remembered She was the first ship sunk in combat by a submarine since the General Belgrano in 1982, and the first sunk by an American submarine since the Second World War.
Sources differ The complement is given as 140 in one account and about 180 in a cited report; reports cited in another account of around 140 missing do not match the 32 rescued and 87 recovered.
Sources Wikipedia
Image: US Department of Defense (Department of War), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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