Combat Ships
External Rating44%
201760 minRunning

Combat Ships

Network:Smithsonian

Previous Episode

S04E08 - "Lightning Strikes"

Aired on May 14, 2023, 7:00 PM

Next Episode

Unknown

Description

Combat Ships is a series that shows how technology transformed naval warfare and tells the stories of the greatest maritime battles, escapes and disasters. From the deadly 18th century Ships of the Line, the primitive submarines of the American Civil War, the landing craft of the D-Day beaches, the fearless hospital ships of the First World War, to the might of nuclear warships - these vessels have shaped world history. Each episode includes powerful eye-witness accounts, interviews with veterans and maritime experts, reconstructions, intriguing technical data and fascinating historical detail.

Details

Status
Running
Language
English
Runtime
60 min
Premiered
February 19, 2017
Schedule
Sunday at 8:00 PM

External Links

Episodes (4 Seasons · 34 Episodes)

Courageous Captains

Larry Chambers makes a risky decision during the Vietnam War. Ernest Evans faces a formidable Japanese fleet during WWII, and enslaved steamship pilot, Robert Smalls, stages a daring escape.

Mar 26, 2023

60 min

Explosion!

Experts discuss nautical explosions, including an attack on the USS Westchester County during the Vietnam War, a collision in Canada during WWI and a nuclear test in the Pacific Ocean.

Apr 2, 2023

60 min

Hidden Figures

A Black Merchant Marine in World War II forces the Navy to desegregate his ship, a teenage slave pressed into Royal Navy service finds himself in the thick of the Seven Years' War, and more.

Apr 9, 2023

60 min

Heroes of Guadalcanal

American troops' determination to secure a vital airfield and preserve communication lines with Australia leads to a chaotic and deadly night battle in the Pacific theater of World War II.

Apr 16, 2023

60 min

Mutiny

Anti-war sentiment irrupting on the SS Columbia Eagle and racial unrest aboard the USS Kitty Hawk spark rebellions at sea during the Vietnam War; mutineers overthrow Captain Bligh on the HMS Bounty; and the revolt on the American slave ship Creole ends in triumph.

Apr 23, 2023

60 min

Smugglers and Pirates

A look at how maritime task forces and the Coast Guard are keeping commercial vessels and US shores safe from pirates and drug smugglers.

Apr 30, 2023

60 min

Record Breakers

A look at how technological advances over the centuries have led to bigger and faster combat ships and transformed maritime warfare.

May 7, 2023

60 min

Lightning Strikes

Examining some of maritime history's most effective lightning strikes; how the French frigate NivĂ´se set a trap to lure Somali pirates; how the HMS Illustrious captured a well-defended Mediterranean harbor in WWII; a surprise attack on Tokyo in 1942.

May 14, 2023

60 min

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