Formed in 1950, it traces its heritage to the maritime civilization of Phoenicia; its flag depicts a Phoenician ship with the Lebanese Cedar tree, positioned on an anchor above the Arabic inscription of the navy's name.

The Lebanese Navy is charged with several missions, including securing and aiding communications and navigation to Lebanese ports; defending Lebanon's exclusive economic zone, regional waters, and coast from any naval military aggression; fighting terrorism, illegal immigration, smuggling, and drug trafficking; protecting commercial vessels; providing naval support and early warning to security forces participating in joint military operations; and protecting natural resources and national interests along the coast and the regional waters.

[4] The navy has also sought to enhance its capabilities, engaging in joint exercises with the United States in 2022,[5] and opening a new naval academy with Germany assistance the following year.

[7] During 2006 Lebanon war, posts of the Naval Forces along the Lebanese coast conducted active early detection operations of drones from the opposing Israeli side.

Skills used in much of the domestic duties of the Lebanese Naval Forces from initial staff courses, amphibious training, and maritime drug enforcement are taught at British academies.

The skills of the Lebanese Naval Forces are not incredibly diverse or necessarily advanced to the level of European countries due to their limited human resources and equipment.

[25] The existence of the UNIFIL Maritime Task Force is helping the Lebanese Navy to enhance the skills of its personnel through the periodical joint exercises and daily cooperation.