A One Day War with Iran - Operation Praying Mantis, 1988 - Animated

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In the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War, the Tanker War reaches its climax. When the USS Samuel B. Roberts is hit by an Iranian mine, the US Navy is deployed to region in a show of force to deter Iranian military action against shipping. Tensions reach boiling point, and a one day naval shooting war between the US Navy and Iran ensues.

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[asdasdasd]

That soviet destoryer captain is just legendary. "Take picture for history"

[risenphoenixkai]

Langston: "Well, he shot at me." *singlehandedly sinks frigate*

[Assassn-eyuq]

Imagine missing every shot on an American fighter craft, getting buzzed by it, then hearing "I'm gonna sink you in 5 minutes"
That's too badass

[ralphjackson]

The most incredible part to me was glossed over: in spite of the engine room getting completely wrecked and the Keel broken, the USS Samuel B. Roberts was successfully repaired and returned to service 16th October 1989. She would remain in service until 2015.

[everettclaud]

President Regan: “You guys sank HOW MUCH of their navy?”
The Navy: “Only like… half. Why, did you want us to sink all of them?”

[brucechmiel]

Regan-“I want a proportional response.”
USN “Ice em!”

[eamonnprunty]

I think it is important to note most of the tankers that transited the persian gulf at this time were registered under the US flag simply because the US congress wouldn’t permit US Navy warships to protect ships “belonging” to a different nation. So most ships in this area temporarily switched their flag to be escorted.

[soup]

Imagine watching two destroyers airburst two rounds in front of you and being like "yeah, the AA gun will take care of em"

[nilsjonsson]

"I am carrying out my mission", breaks radio contact, goes 3-to-1 against superior warships. Something about that is terrifying in a way I can't describe.

[ISAF_Ace]

I never knew a soviet ship was present during preying mantis.

The battle also displays how carrier aircraft are essential in winning any me all engagement, the battle was decided by the intruders

[mindeloman]

Samuel B. Roberts was 21 years old when he was killed in action at the battle of Guadalcanal. he received the Navy Cross for his action. But his name has gone down in US Navy lore as one fighting against the odds. 3 US Navy ships have been named USS Samuel B. Roberts in large part due to the legacy of the fighting spirit of their respective crews. None more so than DE-413. Samuel B. Roberts is one of the most hallowed names in US Navy lore.

[ohiostate]

I was a 20 year old Lance Corporal (USMC) on the USS Trenton in SAG Bravo that assaulted the Sasson platform. Thankyou for this excellent brief presentation of that day! I ended up in the Army Reserve later (4 tours Iraq and Afghanistan) and in an odd twist of fate I was in Iraq as Infantry E-7 on the recieving end of the Iranian missle strike in January, 2020. I believe I may be the only US military veteran who experienced combat twice with Iran?

[alouisschafer]

I love how a random soviet ship appeared to simply have a look at things and document the war around them.
Taking pictures "for history"... yeah im sure the Kremlin wanted to be up to date on a US Military Offensive.

[BikeThrottleOfficial]

Another skirmish I had no idea happened. These small cartoon battles are as good as any Hollywood production! 👏

[coreywindom]

Not gonna lie, slowly sailing towards a US Navy Ship and then saying “I’m carrying out my mission” after the US Ship tells you they are about to sink you, takes some Massive Balls. That shit was a suicide mission and he knew it.

[TheMaristBoy]

Ever since the start of the war in Ukraine, I've realized just how much coordination, communication, and training the US military applies in its operations. It's more than just the firepower in my opinion.

[Verminator]

It's absolutely insane how much firepower those A6s were carrying

[toddgrant]

The Russians weren't just taking pictures for history they were trying to learn our capabilities. I was in the navy at that time. Both countries would try and take pictures of each other out at sea. The cold War was still going on, although nearing its end.

[antonleimbach]

The Damage Control parties on that frigate were excellent. The amount of training and leadership it takes to save a small ship like the Perry frigates with a huge hole in its bottom still amaze me.

[Alcochaser]

I wondered for many many years why the US Navy didn't send one of the IOWA class on this operation. It wasn't until Drach interviewed the Iowa's captain until I figured out why. Iran would shut everything down and go to ground if one of these was around. So the US Navy had to use smaller ships only to attempt to lure the Iranian ships out