This Week in Naval History

This Week in Naval History

13 JUN 1939: First underway re-fueling test successfully concluded 

On 13 June 1939, USS Saratoga (CV-3) and USS Kanawha (AO-1) completed a two-day underway refueling test off the coast of southern California. The test demonstrated the feasibility of refueling carriers at sea, a technique which was to prove vitally important to operations in areas where bases were not available.

14 JUN 1847: Second expedition against Tabasco, Mexico 

On 14 June 1847, Commodore M.C. Perry conducted the second expedition against Tabasco, Mexico (also known also known as the Battle of Villahermosa). Towed up the the Tabasco River by steam vessels and under sniper attack, they eventually captured Villahermosa, the capital city of Tabasco, on 16 June.

15 JUN 1963: USS Mars (AFS-1) combat stores ship launched

On 15 June 1963, the combat stores ship USS Mars (AFS-1) was launched. She was the first of a new class of underway replenishment ships that combined the functions of the stores ship (AS), the stores issue ship (AKS), and the aviation supply ship (AVS). Following commissioning that December, Mars provided logistical support for the Vietnam War and remained in the Pacific after the war. She was decommissioned from naval service in 1993 then served with the Military Sealift Command until struck 2004. In June 2006, Mars was sunk as a target. 

16 JUN 1953: USS Princeton (CVS-37) launched 184 sorties

On 16 June 1953, during the Korean War, USS Princeton (CVS-37) launched 184 sorties against enemy front-line positions, a new record for offensive sorties flown from a carrier during the Korean War in a single day.

17 JUN 1898: Law signed authorizing the Navy Hospital Corps

On 17 June 1898, President William McKinley signed into law a Congressional bill authorizing the establishment of the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps.

18 JUN 1812: War of 1812

On 18 June 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain for impressment of Sailors and interference with commerce.

19 JUN 1944: Battle of the Philippine Sea

On 19 June 1944, the largest aircraft carrier action in World War II, the Battle of the Philippine Sea began. During that day, Task Force 58 battled four Japanese air raids, shooting down hundreds of enemy aircraft in what became known as the "Marianas Turkey Shoot". Also lost were two Japanese aircraft carriers, Shokaku and Taiho, sunk by torpedoes from USS Cavalla (SS 244) and USS Albacore (SS 218), respectively. The following day, with the Japanese in retreat, Task Force 58 attacked with a late afternoon strike that sank the Japanese carrier Hiyo and two oilers.