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Michael BarkaiIsraeli naval officer, hero of the Battle of Latakia.
Country:
 Israel |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Submarine Commander
- Commander of Missile Boat Flotilla
- Commander of the Israeli Navy
- Personal Life and Death
Early Life and Military Career
Mihail (Michael) Barkai was born in Romania and immigrated to Israel in 1948. In 1955, he joined the Israeli Navy and rose through the ranks as a naval officer. He served on torpedo boats before transferring to the submarine fleet in 1960.
Submarine Commander
In 1967, Barkai and his brother, Avraham, attended the submarine commander's course in the United Kingdom. Upon his return, he assumed command of the Leviathan submarine. However, tragedy struck in 1968 when Avraham's submarine, the Dakar, vanished with 69 crew members during a transit to Haifa.
Commander of Missile Boat Flotilla
In 1973, Barkai became the commander of the missile boat flotilla. During the Yom Kippur War, he led naval engagements at Latakia and Damietta, earning the "Medal of Distinguished Service."
Commander of the Israeli Navy
In 1976, Barkai was appointed Commander of the Israeli Navy. He held this position until his retirement in 1979.
Personal Life and Death
Barkai suffered from a long-standing battle with cancer. On May 28, 1999, shortly after receiving news of the discovered wreckage of the Dakar, he committed suicide.
