Operation Praying Mantis: The Largest U.S. Naval Battle Since WWII

On April 18, 1988, the U.S. Navy launched Operation Praying Mantis in retaliation for an Iranian mine that struck the USS Samuel B. Roberts. What followed was the largest U.S. naval surface battle since World War II. In just one day, U.S. forces sank or disabled half of Iran’s operational navy, destroying oil platforms, gunboats, and even a frigate. The operation sent a clear message: American ships would not be attacked without consequence.

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