In the Battle of Itsukushima in 1555, which was a breakthrough for the success of the Mori clan, the Kobayakawa navy lead by Takakage defeated the Ouchi navy lead by Harukata SUE and established a naval blockade, thus contributing greatly to the victory of the Mori forces.
隆景の率いた小早川水軍は、毛利氏が一躍世に出た弘治(日本)元年（1555年）の厳島の戦いにおいて、陶晴賢率いる大内水軍を破って海上を封鎖し、毛利軍の勝利に大いに貢献している。