Lebanese Navy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Lebanese Navy is a wing of the armed forces of the Middle Eastern nation of Lebanon. It was formed in 1950 and based in Lebanon’s first naval base, Beirut. In 1972, a new naval base was at established at Jounieh, and the year after a military academy was founded. However, the base was completely destroyed in 1990 by militants during the Lebanese Civil War. By 1991, control was re-established, and the base rebuilt. The navy went on to establish three new coastal stations at Tripoli, Sidon, and Tyre, in order to increase their effectiveness and spread out their forces.
[edit] Timeline
- 1950 - The Lebanese Navy was founded and stationed in the naval base of Beirut.
- 1954 - In the presence of president Camille Chamoun, the Lebanese flag was hoisted on a military ship for the first time.
- 1972 - Establishment of a naval base in Jounieh.
- 1973 - Establishment of the naval academy in Jounieh.
- 1976 - When president Elias Sarkis was elected, naval company was put in charge as a presidential guard, as no other units were available.
- 1982 - According to new laws, the name was changed from Naval Defence Forces to Naval Forces.
- 1990 - Civil War. Naval base at Jounieh completely destroyed. The fleet was able to sail safely and leave the port, albeit only a few minutes before the battle.
- 1991 - Reestablishment of naval base at Beirut, and control over Jounieh naval base restored.
- 1992 - Establishment of coastal stations in the port of Tripoli, Saida and Sour.
- 1997 - Establishment of new coastal radar stations.
- 1998 - Naval officer Admiral Émile Lahoud elected president of Lebanon.
- 2007 - Provided naval support for the Lebanese Army during the battle at Nahr Al bared.
They also intercepted many militiants trying to flee the camp. On several occasions they fired on, and destroyed boats carrying fleeing militians.
[edit] Ships
| Combat support boats | British made | 27 |
| Landing craft | EDIC-class (French made) | 2 |
| Patrol Boats | Tracker class, Attacker class | 7 |
| Fast Patrol Boats | Ex-German 34-meter Amchit(ex-Bremen 2), Fassmer FFPB 20 20-meter Nakoura (ex-Bremen 9) | 2 |
