USS FFG-58 Incident & Tanker War Overview

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary tactical objective of Operation Praying Mantis?

To secure the al-Faw Peninsula

To destroy Iranian artillery positions

To sink the Iranian frigate Sabalan (correct)

To establish peace between Iran and Iraq

Which commander led the Operation Praying Mantis?

Admiral William Brown

Captain John Smith

Rear Admiral Anthony Less (correct)

Rear Admiral Guy Zeller

What significant event triggered the execution of Operation Praying Mantis?

A request for aid from Iraq

The mine strike by USS Samuel B. Roberts (correct)

Iran's use of chemical weapons

The deployment of U.S. troops to Iraq

How was Operation Praying Mantis related to Operation Nimble Archer?

It began similarly but on a larger scale Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Operation Praying Mantis for the U.S. Navy?

It was the largest warship sunk since World War II by the U.S. Navy Signup and view all the answers

What was the larger objective of Operation Praying Mantis?

To deter Iran from laying more minefields Signup and view all the answers

What did the U.S. Navy accomplish during Operation Praying Mantis?

First and only surface-to-surface missile exchange Signup and view all the answers

What was the U.S. Navy's operation's significance in modern warfare?

It highlighted the tactics of surface action groups Signup and view all the answers

What was the only U.S. casualty during the battle mentioned?

A Marine Corps helicopter crash Signup and view all the answers

Which rank did Captain Nasty eventually achieve?

Vice Admiral Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason attributed to the helicopter crash?

Crew fatigue Signup and view all the answers

What tragic event occurred on 3 July 1988?

An Iranian jet was shot down Signup and view all the answers

Which book is noted for describing how Skipper Rinn inspired his crew during combat training?

No Higher Honor Signup and view all the answers

What was the code name for the secret operation that involved U.S. Army special operations attack helicopters?

Operation Prime Chance Signup and view all the answers

Which ship was involved in the incident where U.S. Army attack helicopters engaged in combat?

USS Jarret Signup and view all the answers

What type of missiles were fired by the U.S. F-14 from the USS Constellation?

Sparrow air-to-air missiles Signup and view all the answers

What was Admiral Lee Bagget's concern about the mobile sea bases used in Operation Prime Chance?

They could be easily attacked. Signup and view all the answers

How many Sadaf 02 moored contact mines did Iran Ajr load?

18 Signup and view all the answers

What was the intended target of the mines being laid by Iran Ajr?

The main channel leading to Bahrain Signup and view all the answers

What alerted U.S. naval intelligence to the suspicious activity of Iran Ajr?

Unusual communications profile and a stop at a specific oil platform Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the engagement by U.S. Army helicopters on the Iran Ajr?

The ship was severely damaged, killing several crew members. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Incident Summary

The USS (FFG-58) sustained damage in Bahrain's dry dock due a mine strike while in the Persian Gulf.
This occurred April 14, 1988.
A view of the damaged ship is included in the document.
The document references other conflicts between US and Iranian operations in the late 1980s.

The Tanker War

The Iranian Revolution in 1979 led to the termination of their alliance with the US Navy.
Prior to the revolution, Iran was viewed as a vital Cold War ally by the US, receiving sophisticated weaponry including Harpoon missiles and F-14s.
The Shah of Iran was overthrown and replaced by the more radical Khomeini.
A "Tanker War" followed and the focus shifted to attacking merchant shipping.

Iraq–Iran War (1980-1988)

In September 1980, Iraq invaded Iran, hoping to take advantage of the Iranian Revolution's turmoil.
The invasion was initially successful, mirroring the German invasion of the Soviet Union.
The conflict escalated into a protracted and bloody war, with heavy casualties on both sides.
Iran gradually gained ground using human-wave attacks and eventually resorted to chemical weapons.
This conflict spread to the Arabian Gulf, primarily targeting Iranian shipping and vital transport infrastructure such as Kharg Island.

Iranian Naval Activities

Iran employed a variety of tactics:
- Mine warfare, disrupting shipping lanes.
- Missiles and torpedoes against enemy ships.
- Fast boats to attack neutral shipping.
Iran's naval forces had support from the Soviet Union and other Western nations.

US Actions

The US Navy became involved in safeguarding shipping and protecting allies from Iranian attacks.
The US resorted to escorting Kuwaiti tankers with sophisticated weaponry in Operation Earnest Will 1987-1988.
US forces also used air-to-surface missiles to combat the Iranian attacks.

USS Stark Attack

On March 17, 1987, the USS Stark was hit by two Exocet missiles launched by an Iraqi Mirage F-1EQ5 fighter, resulting in casualties.
Intelligence warnings that Iraqi ship strikes were occurring further south were disregarded.
Ships were in close proximity to the exclusion zone, despite operating in peacetime conditions.
The attack underscores failures in intelligence detection and response.

Operation Praying Mantis

In response to persistent Iranian threats, the US initiated operation Praying Mantis on April 18, 1988.
This was intended to deter Iran from continuing to deploy minefields.
The operation involved a significant US navy effort to sink Iranian ships.
The operation involved the sinking of at least three Iranian ships.

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Description

This quiz explores the 1988 incident involving the USS FFG-58, detailing the mine strike and the broader context of U.S.-Iran relations. It also examines key events of the Tanker War and the Iraq-Iran War (1980-1988). Test your knowledge of these historical conflicts.