Ep 3. Doomed Vessels

In Combat Ships season 2 episode 3 titled "Doomed Vessels," viewers are taken on a journey through the deadliest shipwrecks in history. From World War II battleships to modern-day naval disasters, this episode explores the various factors that have led to these vessels' tragic demises.

The episode starts by highlighting the gravesite of one of the world's most famous doomed vessels - the Titanic. The ship's sinking in 1912 is considered one of the biggest maritime tragedies in history. The show delves into the Titanic's construction and the various factors that contributed to its sinking, including its flawed design and lack of lifeboats.

Moving on, the episode takes viewers through another tragic incident - the sinking of the USS Arizona. The ship was one of the four US Navy battleships that were attacked and destroyed by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, taking the lives of 1,177 sailors and Marines. The episode explains the events that led to this disaster and the impact of this event on World War II.

The next disaster featured in this episode is the wreck of the HMS Hood. The British battleship was sunk by the German battleship Bismarck during the Battle of the Denmark Strait in 1941. This incident resulted in the loss of 1415 sailors, making it one of the most significant naval disasters in British history. The show talks about the Hood's design and its lack of proper protection, which ultimately led to its sinking.

Furthermore, the episode provides insight into modern-day naval disasters, including the sinking of the USS Thresher. The Thresher was a nuclear-powered submarine that sank in 1963, costing the lives of all 129 crew members aboard. The show dives into the technology used on this submarine, the events that led up to the disaster, and the lessons learned from it.

Finally, the episode concludes with a look at the sinking of the HMS Sheffield during the Falklands War in 1982. The Sheffield was hit by an Exocet missile fired by an Argentine aircraft, resulting in the deaths of 20 British sailors. The show discusses the events leading up to the attack as well as the measures taken after the incident.

"Doomed Vessels" offers a glimpse into some of the most dangerous missions in naval history. The episode highlights the bravery of those who served aboard these ships and provides an insight into the factors that contributed to their tragic demises. By examining these incidents, viewers are educated on the importance of making a continued effort to ensure the safety of naval ships and their crew.