History Channel - History Classics Hero Ships (2008) Part 3 USS Samuel B Roberts

History Classics: Hero Ships

For nearly a hundred years, these steel, grey-skinned battlewagons have fought off everything from Al Qaeda to dive-bombing Kamikazes. Some returned from the hell of war to become major tourist attractions for new generations. Others continue to patrol the world's trouble-spots in America's latest war. History Classics: Hero Ships profiles the complete combat history and evolving technology of a single American ship, often through multiple conflicts. These are the battleships, destroyers, aircraft carriers, submarines, and specialized ships that belong in the warship hall of fame. Archival footage and interviews are punctuated by all-access inspections of the ship's “battle stations,” conducted by young, active Navy sailors. The series lets us understand the role of each weapon and technology, the dramas that unfolded in different rooms during the heat of battle, and the unique traditions and stories of each vessel.

Part 3: USS Samuel B Roberts

The FFG-58 launched in 1984, a mighty state-of-the art Oliver Hazard Perry Class frigate. Following the tradition of coolness and courage through disastrous battle damage she is ravaged by an enormous explosion in an enemy minefield in the Persian Gulf during the Desert Storm fighting. The crew fights a prolonged battle against severe flooding and raging fires to barely preserve the life of their ship. Today, this Sammy B operates off the coast of the US, where our cameras follow her and she combats homeland security threats.