HMS Aetna was a Royal Navy brig-sloop launched in 1803. Initially used for escort duties in the English Channel during the Napoleonic Wars, the ship was later deployed to the Mediterranean and the West Indies. Aetna played a significant role in the capture of several enemy vessels and participated in various naval engagements. In 1805, the ship took part in the Battle of Trafalgar under the command of Captain Henry Digby. Following the battle, Aetna continued its service in the West Indies until it was decommissioned in 1812. The ship was eventually sold out of service in 1816. HMS Aetna's notable contributions to British naval operations during the early 19th century, particularly its involvement in major battles like Trafalgar, highlight its importance in naval history as a versatile and effective vessel of the era.

This description has been generated using GPT-3.5-TURBO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.