Plot Synopsis

In each one-hour episode, COMBAT SHIPS focuses on a single theme, featuring several ships and using a combination of interviews, reconstruction, engineering graphics, and archive footage to delve into maritime history. 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. This series explores the world's greatest combat ships, and reveals how they shaped world history and inspired men and women to acts of incredible courage. On Monday, January 15, 2018 at 8pm ET/PT, Smithsonian Channel aired the U.S. premiere of COMBAT SHIPS.