U.S. Warship Hit by Iranian Mine in 1988 Highlights Risks of Escort Missions

The attack on the USS Samuel B. Roberts nearly sank the ship and injured 10 crew members, a warning about the dangers of naval escorts in the Persian Gulf.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 9:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In 1988, the U.S. Navy frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts was part of an American force sent to escort oil tankers through the Persian Gulf when it struck an undetected Iranian mine, tearing a 21-foot hole in the ship and seriously injuring 10 crew members. The incident is a reminder of the perils facing any attempt to provide naval escorts in the region today, as Iran has been attacking commercial ships in retaliation against the U.S. and Israel.

Why it matters

The 1988 mine strike on the USS Samuel B. Roberts highlights the risks of naval escort missions in the Persian Gulf, where Iran has been laying mines and attacking tankers. As President Trump has suggested providing escorts for stranded tankers, this historical case shows the potential for serious damage and casualties that such an operation could face.

The details

On April 14, 1988, the USS Samuel B. Roberts, part of an American force escorting oil tankers, came to a stop after the ship's chief engineer spotted three Iranian mines ahead. About 10 minutes later, an undetected mine exploded under the ship, tearing a 21-foot hole and seriously injuring 10 crew members. The explosion nearly sank the 445-foot frigate, but the crew's efforts to plug the cracks and pump out water ultimately saved the ship.

  • On April 14, 1988, the USS Samuel B. Roberts struck an Iranian mine.
  • Four days after the mine strike, the U.S. attacked Iranian Navy ships and oil rigs in retaliation.

The players

USS Samuel B. Roberts

A U.S. Navy frigate that was part of an American force sent to escort oil tankers through the Persian Gulf in 1988.

Lt. Gordan Van Hook

The USS Samuel B. Roberts' chief engineer who spotted the Iranian mines through binoculars before the ship struck one.

Capt. Paul X. Rinn

The commanding officer of the USS Samuel B. Roberts at the time of the mine strike.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You could feel it lift. It was a huge explosion.”

— Lt. Gordan Van Hook, Chief Engineer, USS Samuel B. Roberts

“Imagine how bored you get up there. But he spotted them — he was doing his job.”

— Lt. Gordan Van Hook, Chief Engineer, USS Samuel B. Roberts

What’s next

The U.S. has warships that use underwater drones to detect mines, which could be used to try to protect any escort mission in the Persian Gulf. However, any ship involved in mine sweeping or escorting would still be vulnerable to Iranian missiles.

The takeaway

The 1988 mine strike on the USS Samuel B. Roberts serves as a stark warning about the dangers of naval escort missions in the Persian Gulf, where Iran has been laying mines and attacking commercial ships. Any attempt to provide such escorts today would face significant risks and potential for serious damage or casualties.