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.
Show Info
Official site: www.smithsonianchannel.com
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Previous Episode
Lightning Strikes
Episode 4x08; May 14, 2023
Examining some of maritime history's most effective lightning strikes; how the French frigate Nivôse 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.
Previous Episodes
Episode Name | Airdate | Trailer |
---|---|---|
4x08: Lightning Strikes | May 14, 2023 | |
4x07: Record Breakers | May 7, 2023 | |
4x06: Smugglers and Pirates | Apr 30, 2023 |
Cast

Kieran O'Brien
voices Himself (Narrator)
Joseph Balderrama
voices NarratorRecent discussions
Smithsonian Channel rebroadcast this episode on June 6, 2024, as a Special titled "D-Day Combat Ships" to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the largest seaborne invasion in history, which was conducted by the Allies in World War II. The episode summary used: "D-Day 80th Anniversary: A retelling of the D-Day invasion and its critical naval operation involving an armada of diverse and ingenious vessels."