Battle History of the Navy
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Roger Mudd
Richard C Knott
Edward Herrmann
Joe Alexander
Gino Bruno
Hal Buell
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
The United States Navy has fought in some of the most famous battles of ten wars. From 18th century legends such as John Paul Jones and Oliver Perry, to 20th century heroes including Chester Nimitz and Bull Halsey, the program chronicles the men, ships and the events that have made the U.S. Navy one of the most efficient and effective fighting forces in history. "Born Into War" looks at the origin of the Navy, dating back to the American Revolution. The Continental Navy, made up of a few ramshackle ships under the command of John Paul Jones, battles the juggernaut of the Royal Navy. The tradition continues through the War of 1812, the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. By the end of the Spanish-American War and the beginning of the 20th century, a new steel, steam-powered Navy victorious in two oceans represents America's emergence as a world military power. "Fire and Water" examines the valuable fighting experience the Navy gains during World War I. But the Navy scraps much of its fleet following the signing of the Limitation of Naval Armaments Treaty. Cost restraints during the Depression hold the U.S. to its aging battleship line, many of which are destroyed when the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor. Trying to battle U-boats in the Atlantic and the Japanese in the Pacific, the Navy holds its ground while the fleet rebuilds and rebounds at Midway and Normandy. "Steel Walls of Freedom" follows the victories at the Battle of the Philippine Sea and Leyte Gulf, which crush the Japanese fleet and push Japan to its homeland. Following World War II, the Navy is cut back by politicians. During Korea, the Navy leads MacArthur's amphibious landing at Inchon, and comes to the aid of Marines cut off by the Chinese counteroffensive. Under the stewardship of Admiral Rickover, the Navy modernizes as it builds its first nuclear powered superships, carriers and submarines. "Second to None" examines the Navy during Vietnam through the present. Navy SEAL's gain a reputation as fearless warriors who raid, spy and harass the enemy. New types of weaponry such as attack helicopters and cruise missiles are developed to counter threats posed by terrorist and rogue states around the world, as the Navy engages in the Persian Gulf, the Balkans and other hot spots.
