Complex sentence: In naval combat usage, scuttling usually involves use of torpedoes, and is done to prevent an enemy from gaining (or retaining) a valuable ship; the term applies regardless of whether a friendly or enemy hulk is the target.
Split into simpler sentences: In naval combat usage, scuttling usually involves use of torpedoes, and is done to prevent an enemy from gaining (or retaining) a valuable ship. The term applies regardless of whether a friendly or enemy hulk is the target.