PRAYING MANTIS Event in Düsseldorf

This event takes its name from a historic naval engagement, Operation Praying Mantis, the largest U.S. Navy surface action since World War II. Attendees can expect a program that draws on the themes of that 1988 confrontation in the Persian Gulf, where U.S. forces struck Iranian oil platforms and naval vessels in retaliation for the mining of the USS Samuel B. Roberts.

The evening will likely explore the operation's dramatic details: the coordinated strikes by surface action groups, the exchange of anti-ship missiles, and the sinking of the Iranian frigate Sahand. The event may also touch on the broader context of the Iran–Iraq War and the subsequent International Court of Justice ruling that the attack could not be justified as a measure to protect essential security interests.

For those interested in modern naval history and geopolitical conflict, this event offers a focused look at a pivotal moment. The atmosphere is expected to be educational and reflective, with presentations or discussions that bring the operation's strategic and human dimensions to life.