The Last 4 Surviving Naval Force Warships

The surviving warships that participated in World War II serve as living monuments to a time of significant global conflict. These vessels, often restored or preserved, help us remember the massive operations and the pivotal role that naval forces played. Four of these ships still exist, offering insight into the naval strategies employed during the war. Below, we explore these historic ships and their contributions during the conflict.

1. HMS Medusa

HMS Medusa, a British Harbor Defense Motor Launch (HDML), is one of the few ships from the D-Day invasion still afloat today. Built in 1943, Medusa played a critical role in the initial stages of the Normandy invasion. On June 6, 1944, she arrived at Omaha Beach hours before the landings began. Her primary task was to mark a channel through the German minefield, guiding minesweepers to clear safe passages for the invasion force. Medusa’s role, though not glamorous, was vital in ensuring that troops and equipment could reach the beaches with minimal casualties.

Medusa’s post-war life has seen her well cared for and restored. Still in her original wartime configuration, she is maintained at Haslar Marina in Gosport, Hampshire. For those who visit, HMS Medusa offers a glimpse into the less celebrated but essential elements of naval operations during World War II.

2. USS Laffey

The USS Laffey, a Destroyer, served valiantly during World War II. She escorted landing craft and provided naval gunfire support during the D-Day invasion. Her role during the Normandy landings began on June 6, 1944, when she provided covering fire for troops landing at Utah Beach. For days, her crew engaged in constant action, bombarding enemy positions and defending the fleet from German attacks.

Following the war, USS Laffey continued to serve until she was decommissioned in 1975. Today, she is preserved as a museum ship in South Carolina and has been designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark. Visitors can tour the ship and learn about her role in one of history’s most significant amphibious operations.

3. USS Texas

USS Texas is one of the oldest surviving battleships, commissioned in 1914. Although she was a product of an earlier era, she played a crucial role during World War II, especially during the D-Day invasion. USS Texas provided bombardment support for the troops landing at Omaha Beach, firing her massive guns to destroy enemy fortifications. Her powerful 14-inch guns were able to strike targets over 20 miles away, making her a key player in softening enemy defenses.

After the war, USS Texas was decommissioned and turned into a museum ship in 1948. Over the years, she has undergone several restoration efforts, with the most recent repair project costing millions. Her preserved state allows visitors in Texas to experience firsthand a piece of naval history and the impressive firepower she once brought to battle.

4. HMS Belfast

HMS Belfast, a British light cruiser, also played a significant role during the D-Day landings. She was tasked with bombarding German positions at Gold and Juno beaches, supporting Allied troops as they stormed the beaches. During the first few hours of D-Day, HMS Belfast opened fire on German artillery positions, allowing the advancing troops to gain a foothold with less resistance. Her role in the operation continued for weeks, as she provided continuous gunfire support for Allied forces moving inland.

Today, HMS Belfast is moored on the River Thames in London, where she has been preserved as part of the Imperial War Museum. Visitors can explore her decks, gaining insight into naval warfare during the mid-20th century. Her preservation as a museum ship allows future generations to learn about the crucial role she played in one of history’s largest military operations.