Storyline

The very first submarine, which legend claims lurked beneath New York Harbor during the American Revolutionary War. The small ships that rescued thousands from Dunkirk. The destroyer that forced the easing of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Over the centuries, conflicts have prompted advances to ship designs, making vessels stronger, faster, smarter, and capable of changing the course of wars. Join us as we examine the world's greatest Combat Ships, and reveal how they shaped world history and inspired men and women to acts of incredible courage.

First Aired

2017-06-20
Last Aired

2023-05-14
Creator
Genre

Documentary
Seasons

4
Episodes

34
Status

Returning Series
Language

English
Network

Smithsonian Channel

Keywords:

submarine battleship military history warship

Stream and watch Combat Ships

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

1. Warships of the World Wars

At the start of the 20th century, the battleship was the key naval vessel, escorting convoys and overp...More

At the start of the 20th century, the battleship was the key naval vessel, escorting convoys and overpowering the enemy. But over the course of two world wars, technology raced ahead, drastically changing their role from flagships of the fleet to floating artillery vessels. Revisit some of the mighty battleship's greatest triumphs and tragedies and witness tales of heroic acts and daring missions, from the Battle of Jutland to the sinking of the HMS Royal Oak to the D-Day invasion.Less

45mins 2017-06-20

2. Submarines War Beneath the Waves

It began with a barrel-shaped submersible that patrolled New York Harbor during the American Revolutio...More

It began with a barrel-shaped submersible that patrolled New York Harbor during the American Revolutionary War. Since then, the submarine has evolved into a vital weapon of war. Dive in as we track its history, from the 1775 Turtle to the 1879 Resurgam to the mighty German U-boats and nuclear subs of today. Rare archival footage, visits to surviving decommissioned subs, and interviews with crewmembers help explain how these machines became such a powerful symbol of naval supremacy.Less

45mins 2017-06-27

3. The Vessels That Saved D-Day

In 1944, the fate of Europe depended on an Allied plan to land over 150,000 troops in just 24 hours on...More

In 1944, the fate of Europe depended on an Allied plan to land over 150,000 troops in just 24 hours on the beaches of Normandy. They would arrive on a remarkable armada of vessels, some experimental, some simply dangerous. Join us as we examine the D-Day invasion from the sea, tracing the critical naval operation that transported the troops to shore. We explore the technology behind the diverse and ingenious ships that bravely crossed the English Channel and present firsthand accounts from those who were part of the historic invasion.Less

45mins 2017-08-31

4. The First Metal Warships

In the 1850s, warships moved from metal engines to metal armor. It was the beginning of a groundbreaki...More

In the 1850s, warships moved from metal engines to metal armor. It was the beginning of a groundbreaking era that changed ship design forever. Join us as we examine the rapid evolution of the ironclad ship, from the most fearsome naval weapon ever built, Britain's HMS Warrior, to the Civil War showdown between the Monitor and the Virginia to the rise of the dreadnought. Through archival photos, in-depth interviews, and visits to the surviving ships, journey to the experimental years that transformed naval combat and defined a new world order.Less

45mins 2017-02-26

5. Torpedo Boats at War

In the late 1800s, the invention of the self-propelled torpedo incited a revolution in ship design. Na...More

In the late 1800s, the invention of the self-propelled torpedo incited a revolution in ship design. Navies needed new vessels to fire them and to defend against them. Enter torpedo boats--fast, lightweight ships that would play a big role in both World Wars. Examine some of these sophisticated speedsters, from the German S-boats, which turned one D-Day rehearsal into a very real battle, the MTB 102, the smallest vessel to ever serve as a Royal Navy flagship, and the PT 109, which made a hero of a young JFK.Less

45mins 2017-07-19

6. Cold War Warriors

The Cold War was an era of espionage, treachery, and the flexing of military muscle. Over four decades...More

The Cold War was an era of espionage, treachery, and the flexing of military muscle. Over four decades, the naval capabilities of East and West threatened assured mutual destruction, which helped maintain a tense but stable peace between the superpowers. Witness stories of remarkable humanity and bravery as we examine the period's most fearsome warships and subs and their operations in Cuba, Vietnam, and Soviet waters.Less

45mins 2017-04-02

7. Rescue Ships

In the past two centuries of combat, ships have played a major role in rescuing thousands of people--s...More

In the past two centuries of combat, ships have played a major role in rescuing thousands of people--some injured, some in need of transport, and others fleeing for their lives. Board some of history's most remarkable rescue ships, from the USS Constellation, which hunted down illegal slave ships to the most unlikely rescue ship of World War II, a tiny workboat that saved hundreds of Danish Jews from Nazi terror.Less

45mins 2017-03-26

8. The Smallest Ships of War

For centuries, small vessels have made immense contributions in times of war, thanks to the expertise,...More

For centuries, small vessels have made immense contributions in times of war, thanks to the expertise, bravery, and sheer willpower of their designers and crews. Witness David and Goliath stories involving the tiny combat vessels that took on massive battleships and deadly subs. From the short-lived but legendary USS Philadelphia to the gunboat M33, see how ships of war don't have to be large to make history.Less

45mins 2017-04-09

9. Mighty Wooden Warships

Voyage back to the age when wooden warships were the ultimate fighting machines. From the Mary Rose, o...More

Voyage back to the age when wooden warships were the ultimate fighting machines. From the Mary Rose, one of the first great combat ships, to the HMS Victory, which tattered Napoleon's plans of invading Britain in 1805, celebrate history's brave commanders and crews who rode these wooden wonders into battle. Witness how technological advancements in Europe and America led to longer, faster, and more heavily armed vessels.Less

45mins 2017-04-23

10. Secrets and Lies

Explore the dark side of naval warfare--a world of deception, double-dealing, and disguised vessels--t...More

Explore the dark side of naval warfare--a world of deception, double-dealing, and disguised vessels--throughout the first half of the 20th century. See how Britain's Royal Navy attempted to fool German U-boats through the technique of "dazzle painting," then look at the ingeniously designed Gizmo, an American spy vessel that never made it beyond American waters.Less