Between the allies and their planned invasion of Sicily was the tiny Italian island of Pantelleria. Bristling with fortified gun emplacements and equipped with the latest radar, before Sicily could be invaded, the Island called "Italy's Gibraltar" had to be dealt with.
The first class of nuclear submarines were a learning experience for the Soviet Navy. The November class boats experienced numerous difficulties and accidents, culminating in what has been described as a potential “Underwater Chernobyl."