April 18, 1988: US Navy Engages in Largest Naval Battle Since World War II!

Reagan v Iran

The US Navy was escorting oil tankers through the Gulf when the USS Samuel Roberts had the misfortune to run into a mine, blowing a huge 25 foot hole in the ship. Although no US sailors were killed, the ship was saved only by skilled and heroic action by the crew.

Not content to leave it at that, President Reagan authorized the Navy to retaliate, and the retaliation ended up being the largest naval engagement by the US Navy since World War II. Two Iranian oil drilling platforms were attacked and boarded by US Marines who saw to the destruction of any military related systems (both weapons and intelligence gathering gear). 2 Iranian frigates, 1 gunboat, and 3 speed boats were sunk (1 of the frigates was heavily damaged and only partially sunk). Two Iranian F-4 fighter jets were also shot down. US forces suffered only a helicopter crash that killed 2 US Marines.

https://www.historyandheadlines.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/April-18-1988-US-Navy-Engages-in-Largest-Naval-Battle-Since-World-War-II.jpg