This Week in Naval History

11 Jul 1798: Reestablishment of USMC under the Constitution1861
On 11 July 1798, President John Adams signed an act which reestablished the Marine Corps under the Constitution. The following day, Major William W. Burrows was appointed Commandant of the Marine Corps.


12 Jul 1988: Women authorized on board supply vessels
On 12 July 1988, Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci III approved opening the Navy’s Underwater Construction Teams, fleet oilers, ammunition ships and combat stores ships to women.

13 Jul 1812: USS Essex captured British brig Lamprey
On 13 July 1812, the frigate Essex, commanded by Captain David Porter, captured the merchant brig Lamprey in the Atlantic. Previously, on the 11th, she cut out the British transport brig Samuel and Sarah from a convoy of seven protected by HMS Nimrod near Bermuda. She was ransomed for $12,000.

14 Jul 1955: 1st flight of jet-propelled Martin P6M seaplane
On 14 July 1955, the first flight of jet-propelled Martin P6M seaplane was completed at Baltimore, Maryland. The seaplane was powered with four J-71 jet engines. The P6M was designed for mine laying and reconnaissance tasks and adaptable to other missions. The craft was phased out in late 1959.

15 Jul 1862: CSS Arkansas engaged Union gunboats
On 15 July 1862, while CSS Arkansas made her way down the Yazoo River, she encountered the Union gunboats Carondelet, Tyler, and Queen of the West. In the ensuing battle, Arkansas damaged the first two vessels and made her way into the Mississippi River, where she boldly fought through the Federal fleet to find refuge at the Confederate batteries at Vicksburg.

16 Jul 1957: Major J. Glenn broke transcontinental speed record
On 16 July 1957, an F8U-1P Crusader (Bu#144608), piloted by Major John H. Glenn, Jr., USMC, broke the transcontinental speed record with a crossing from Los Alamitos, California, to Floyd Bennett Field, New York, in 3 hours and 22 minutes, 50.5 seconds for an average speed of 723.517 mph. This was the first upper atmosphere supersonic flight from the West Coast to the East Coast.

17 Jul 1927: 1st Organized Dive Bombing Attack in Combat
On 17 July 1927, Major Ross E. Rowell, USMC, led a flight of five DHs in a strafing and dive bombing attack against bandit forces surrounding a garrison of US Marines at Ocotal, Nicaragua. Although instances of diving attacks had occurred during World War I and Marine Corps pilots had used the same technique in Haiti in 1919, this attack was made according to doctrine developed in training and is generally considered the first organized dive bombing attack in combat. Rowell would latter attain the rank of Lieutenant General.

This Week in Naval History

27 JUN 1861: First U.S. Navy officer killed druing the Civil War
1861 – While commanding a gunboat flotilla, Commander James Harmon Ward was mortally wounded by a musket ball while on board flagship USS Thomas Freeborn. At the time of action at Mathias Point, Virginia, he was sighting Freeborn’s bow gun. Ward was the first U.S. Naval officer casualty of the Civil War.

28 June 1814: USS Wasp captured and burned HMS Reindeer
On 28 June 1814, the sloop of war Wasp commanded by Johnston Blakeley, came across HMS Reindeer, commanded by William Manners, off Plymouth, England, and brought her to battle. The battle lasted approximately nineteen minutes long. Wasp eventually captured Reindeer, took her crew as prisoners, and burned her at sea. On 4 July, Wasp captured and burned the British brig Regulator. Two days later, she captured and scuttled the British ship Jenny.

29 JUN 1862: Steam sloop Susquehanna captured British steamer
On 29 June 1862, during the Civil War, the steam sloop Susquehanna, commanded by Cdr Hitchcock, captured the blockade-running British steamer Anna near Mobile, Alabama.

30 JUN 1815: Last naval action of the War of 1812
On 30 June 1815, in the last naval action of the War of 1812, the sloop of war Peacock, commanded by Captain Lewis Warrington, came across the British cruiser Nautilus in the Straits of Sundra. The cruiser’s crew informed Warrington of the Treaty of Ghent. Suspicious, he wanted her to strike colors. Refusing to do so, Peacock broadsided her, killing or wounding fifteen. Boarding the vessel, Warrington then found out peace had been signed and freed the prize. Subsquently, Warrington repaired Nautilus and set her free. Note, just two days prior, Peacock captured and burned the British merchant ship Brio de Mar.

1 Jul 1801: US Navy to protect against Barbary Pirates
On 1 July 1801, Commodore Richard Dale’s squadron arrived at Gibraltar for the protection of American interests and to strike at the Barbary Pirates in the Mediterranean. Squadron ships were USS President, USS Philadelphia, USS Essex, and USS Enterprise, which had arrived 5 days earlier. The squadron was dispatched on 20 May. To read about Commodore Dale, please click here: http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/pers-us/uspers-d/r-dale.htm

2 Jul 1926: Distinguished Flying Cross was authorized

3 Jul 1898: Battle of Santiago – Spanish-American War
On 3 July 1898, during the Spanish American War, when Rear Admiral Cervera’s Spanish fleet attempted to flee from the harbor at Santiago, Cuba, the US Navy’s Atlantic Squadron successfully pursued, attacked, and systematically destroyed the Spanish vessels. With the loss of the fleet, the Spanish ships en route to the Philippines turned about in the Red Sea to protect Spain, which was now open to attack by the US Navy. Troop landings on Cuba were now more feasible against unsupported troops and Rear Admiral Dewey didn’t have to defend his position in the Pacific. To read an eyewitness account from a crewmember serving on board USS Iowa, please click here for the Navy Library’s Online Reading Room: http://www.history.navy.mil/library/manuscript/santiagobattle.htm

This Week in Naval History

This Week in Naval History

20 Jun 1815: Navy's first steam-driven warship undergoes trials

1815 - Trials of Fulton I, built by Robert Fulton, are completed in New York. This ship would become the Navy's first steam-driven warship.

21 Jun 1942: Last aviators recovered from Battle of Midway

On 21 June 1942, PBY aircraft from (VP 24) recovered a two-man crew from USS Enterprise (CV 6) TBD (VT 6), 360 miles north of Midway. Their plane had to land in the water on 4 June. The aviators were the last survivors of the Battle of Midway to be recovered. 

22 Jun 1898: Spanish cruiser Isabel II fired on USS Saint Paul

On 22 June 1898, during the Spanish-American War, the Spanish cruiser Isabel II opened fire on USS Saint Paul. The Spanish destroyer Terror joined Isabel II in attempt to torpedo USS Saint Paul. In return, USS Saint Paul fired at Terror, damaging her. Terror then gave up the attack and returned to port, followed by Isabel II.

23 Jun 1933: Rigid airship USS Macon (ZRS-5) was commissioned

On 23 June 1933, USS Macon (ZRS-5) was commissioned. Following her commissioning, she participated in exercises off the Pacific and southern coasts, testing her abilities for fleet scouting and missions involving her F9C “Sparrowhawk” aircraft. Unfortunately, on 12 February 1935, Macon crashed during a storm off Point Sur, California, which effectively ended the Navy's program of rigid airship operations.

24 Jun 1833: Poem saves USS Constitution from scrap heap

On 24 June 1833, the frigate Constitution entered the drydock at Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, Massachusetts, for overhaul. The ship was saved from scrapping after public support rallied to save the ship following publication of Oliver Wendell Holmes' poem, "Old Ironsides."

25 Jun 1950: North Korea invades South Korea

On 25 June 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, beginning the Korean War. Two days later, President Harry S. Truman supported the United Nation’s call and authorized US naval and air operations south of the 38th Parallel, Korea. Following the landings at Inchon and Wonson, the enemy was pushed to the 38th Parallel. After two-year peace negotiations, an armistice was signed on 27 July 1953 at Panmunjon, establishing the north and south border at the 38th Parallel, where the tense cease-fire continues to this day.

Aye tear her tattered ensign down

long has it waved on high,

And many an eye has danced to see

That banner in the sky;

Beneath it rung the battle shout,

And burst the cannon's roar;--

The meteor of the ocean air

Shall sweep the clouds no more.

Her deck, once red with heroes' blood,

Where knelt the vanquished foe,

When winds were hurrying o'er the flood,

And waves were white below,

No more shall feel the victor's tread,

Or know the conquered knee;--

The harpies of the shore shall pluck

The eagle of the sea!

Oh, better that her shattered hulk

Should sink beneath the wave;

Her thunders shook the mighty deep,

And there should be her grave;

Nail to the mast her holy flag,

Set every threadbare sail,

And give her to the god of storms,

The lightning and the gale!'

26 Jun 1945: USS Parche attacks Japanese convoy and sinks ship

On 26 June 1945, USS Parche (SS 384) attacked a Japanese convoy and sank gunboat Kamitsu Maru and freighter Eikan Maru seven miles of Todo Saki, southern Honsju, 39º 25’N, 142º 04’E. Though damaged by subsequent depth charges, Parche remained on patrol. The name Parche comes from a French butterfly fish, Chaetodon Capistratus, which is known for its remarkable navigation abilities.

This Week in Naval History

This Week in Naval History

17 May 1973: 1st woman to hold a major Navy commandOn 17 May 1973, Captain Robin Lindsay Catherine Quigley became the first woman to hold a major Navy command when she assumed command of U.S. Navy Service School, San Diego, California. Before assuming command, she served as the Director of the WAVES, from 1970 to 1972. Captain Quigley was commissioned in 1954 and retired from the US Navy after this tour. 

 

18 May 1775: Captured British sloop, renamed Enterprise

On 18 May 1775, during the American Revolution, Colonel Benedict Arnold captured a British sloop at St. Johns, Quebec, Canada and renamed her Enterprise -- the first of many famous ships with that name. During the evacuation of Ticonderoga on 7 July 1777, Enterprise was with a small American force which was no match for the British fleet and along with two other vessels, she was run aground and burned to prevent capture.

19 May 1813: USS Congress captured British merchant ship JeanOn 19 May 1813, during the War of 1812, the frigate Congress, commanded by John Smith, captured and burned the British merchant brig Jean in the Atlantic. Three days later, she captured the British merchant brig Diana. 

20 May 1844: USS Constitution departed NY for World CruiseOn 20 May 1844, the frigate Constitution, commanded by John Percival, sailed from New York to depart on her 32,279 mile round-the-world cruise. Heading eastward, she visited places such as Brazil, Zanzibar, Vietnam, China, the Philippines, and Hawaii before returning back to Boston, Massachusetts, in September 1846.

21 May 1918: MOH – Ensign Daniel A. Sullivan, USNRFOn 21 May 1918, during World War I, while serving as an officer of USS Christabel (SP-162), Ensign Daniel A.J. Sullivan, USNRF, exhibited "extraordinary heroism" in securing live depth charges that had come loose during combat with a German U-Boat. For his action on this occasion, he received the Medal of Honor. Sullivan attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander before leaving the reserves and died on 27 January 1941.

22-23 May 1958: F4D-1 set five world records in speedOn 22-23 May 1958, Major Edward N. LeFaivre, USMC, piloted an F4D-1 at Naval Air Missile Test Center (NAMTC), Point Mugu, Calif., to five world records in speed of climb to 3,000, 6,000, 9,000, 12,000, and 15,000 meters with marks of 44.392, 66.095, 90.025, 111.224, and 156.233 seconds.

This Week in Naval History

This Week in Naval History

02 MAY 2011: President Obama announces death of Osama bin Laden

On 2 May 2011, US President Barack Obama announced to the nation that Osama Bin Laden, the leader of the terrorist organization al Qaeda, was killed in a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The operation was carried out by among others U.S. Special Forces. After the body was positively identified, Osama bin Laden was taken to sea on board the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and buried at sea. 

3 May 1898: US Marines raised US Flag at Cavite, Philippines

On 3 May 1898, during the Spanish-American War, US Marines from the cruisers Baltimore and Raleigh, commanded by Lieutenant Dion Williams, USMC, landed at Cavite, Philippines, and raised the U.S. Flag. The garrison was paroled and the guns were destroyed. 

4 May 1945: Kamikaze attacks during the Okinawa Campaign

On 4 May 1945, during the Okinawa Campaign, the Japanese attempted to land on Okinawa but were repulsed by the Allied naval forces. Kamikazes attacked and sank: USS Luce (DD 522), USS Morrison (DD 560), USS LSM 190, USS LSM 194. Also damaged by the suicide bombers were USS Birmingham (CL 62) and USS Sangamon (CVE 26). 

5 May 1944: USS Comfort-1st USA & USN jointly manned ship

On 5 May 1944, USS Comfort (AH-6) was commissioned at San Pedro, California. She was the first ship to be manned jointly by U.S. Army and U.S. Navy personnel. Serving in the Pacific during WWII, she was hit by a kamikaze on 29 April, which killed 28 (including six nurses), wounded 48, and caused considerable damage. Following repairs and return visits to the Pacific, Comfort was decommissioned in 1946 and transferred to the U.S. Army. After service in the Maritime Commission and Administration, Comfort was sold for scrap in October 1967.  

6 May 1908: Great White Fleet anchored in San Francisco Bay, CA

On 6 May 1908, the Great White Fleet anchored in San Francisco Bay, California. On 9 May, due to ill health, Rear Admiral Robley D. Evans resigned from Commander in Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Rear Admiral Charles M. Thomas was appointed to command the U.S. Atlantic Fleet but also subsequently fell ill. On 15 May, Rear Admiral Charles S. Sperry assumed command and completed the World Cruise, which arrived at Hampton Roads, Virginia, on 22 February 1909.

7 May 1779: Continental Providence seizes British brig Diligent

On 7 May 1779, during the American Revolution, the Continental Navy sloop Providence, commanded by Hoysted Hacker, captured the British brig Diligent off Sandy Hook and was later acquired for service in the Continental Navy. On 14 August, Diligent was run ashore and burned by her own crew to prevent her capture by the British. 

8 May 1911: Birthday of Naval Aviation!

On 8 May 1911, Captain Washington I. Chambers prepared the requisition for the first US Navy airplane, the Triad (A-1). The airplane was to be equipped with a metal-tipped propeller designed for a speed of at least 45 miles per hour, with provisions for a carrying a passenger alongside the pilot, and with controls that could be operated by either the pilot or the passenger. Since this date, and through countless innovative and technological advances, Naval Aviation has bravely stood at the forefront of our nation’s defense. Happy 102nd Birthday Naval Aviation!

This Week in Naval History

This Week in Naval History

11 Apr 1783: Congress declared the end of the American Revolution

On 11 April 1783, Congress declared the end of war with Great Britain, officially ending the American Revolution. The preliminary articles of peace were approved by Congress on 15 April 1783, and the Treaty of Paris was ratified on 14 January 1784.


12 April 1981: 1st re-usable Space Shuttle launched

On 12 April 1981, the first re-useable Space Shuttle, Columbia (STS-1) was launched with an all US Navy crew. Captain John W. Young, USN (Ret.) commanded, while LCDR Robert L. Crippen, USN was the pilot. Mission duration was 2 days, 6 hours, and 20 minutes. Sixteen of the shuttle's heat-shielding silicon tiles were lost and 148 damaged during reentry.


13 Apr 1952: 200 tons of aircraft ordnance delivered to N. Korea

On 13 April 1952, during the Korean War, sorties launched from USS Philippine Sea (CV 47) and Boxer (CV 21), delivered 200 tons of aircraft ordnance to the North Korean target area.


14 Apr 1898: USS Solace (AH-2) was commissioned

On 14 April 1898, the first post Civil War hospital ship, USS Solace (AH-2) was commissioned and soon participated in the Spanish-American War attending to wounded servicemen from battles in Cuba. After time in the Pacific, she was ordered to the Atlantic in 1908. Solace served until decommissioned in 1920 and remained in the reserves until scrapped in 1930.


15 Apr 1912: US Navy sailed to assist RMS Titanic survivors

On 15 April 1912, the scout cruisers USS Chester and USS Salem sailed from Massachusetts to assist RMS Titanic survivors and to escort RMS Carpathia, which carried the survivors of the Titanic, to New York.


16 Apr 1947: Navy Nurse Corps members gained commissioned rank

On 16 April 1947, Congress passed the Army-Navy Nurses Act, giving Navy Nurse Corps members commissioned rank. Note, the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps was formally established by Congress in 1908, though nurses volunteered on board US Navy ships beforehand, such as during the Civil War on board USS Red Rover and during the Spanish-American War on board USS Solace (AH-2).


17 Apr 1778: Ranger captured British ship Lord Chatham

On 17 April 1778, during the American Revolution, the sloop-of-war Ranger, commanded by John Paul Jones, captured the British ship, Lord Chatham, in St. George’s Channel. While off the coast of Ireland on 20 April, she sank a schooner. Previously, on 14 April, Ranger sank a brig off Cape Clear.

This Week in Naval History

This Week in Naval History
4 Apr 1854: US & British navies engage Chinese troops at Shanghai

On 4 April 1854, American and British naval brigades of 90 and 150 men engaged Chinese Imperial troops at Shanghai after acts of aggression against American and British citizens. The Chinese fled after suffering many casualties. The American party under Cdr. J. Kelly, the Commanding Officer of USS Plymouth, had 2 men killed and 4 wounded. At the same time, a boat from Plymouth under Lt. J. Guest recaptured an American pilot boat from the midst of a fleet of Chinese craft.


5 Apr 1951: MOH-Hospitalman Richard De Wert, USNR

On 5 April 1951, during the Korean War, Hospitalman Richard De Wert served with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines in an attack on Chinese Communist forces. Wounded, De Wert persistently moved through fire-swept ground to aid fallen Marines. He was killed in action while administering first aid to an injured comrade. For his great heroism on this occasion, De Wert was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.


6 Apr 1917: US declared war on Germany

On 6 April 1917, following the sinking of U.S. merchant vessels by German U-boats, the U.S. declared war on Germany, entering World War I, which had started in Jul 1914 in Europe. Participating in escorting convoys, the US Navy faced the U-boat threat. In Europe, U.S. Army and Marines faced battles at Belleau Wood, Chateau Thierry, and St. Mihiel on the Western Front, while Naval and Marine Aviators faced the threat of the enemy in the air. On 11 Nov 1918, an armistice was signed with Germany near Compiegne, France, and the Peace Treaty was signed at Versailles, France, on 28 June 1919.

7 Apr 1776: Continental brig Lexington captured HMS Edward

On 7 April 1776, during the American Revolution, the Continental brig Lexington, commanded by John Barry, captured the British tender Edward, commanded by Lieutenant Boucher, near the Virginia Capes. To read more about Continental brig Lexington, please click here: http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/l6/lexington-i.htm

8 Apr 1823: US Navy engaged pirates off Havana, Cuba

On 8 April 1823, the barges USS Mosquito and USS Gallinipper chased the pirate schooner, Pilot, off Havana, Cuba. Driving the vessel ashore, the ensuing battle resulted in two pirate fatalities and with one being captured. The other pirates escaped on shore where Marines landed to pursue them. The engagement was supported by sloop-of-war Peacock.

9 Apr 1943: Commodore rank was reestablished

On 9 April 1943, due to World War II, the rank of Commodore was reestablished as a temporary rank. Here are some images of Navy officers who held the rank of Commodore. After the war the flag rank structure reverted to its prewar form. By 1 January 1950, no commodores remained on active duty. When the Defense Officer Personnel Management Act (DOPMA) became law in 1982, O-7 officers were designated commodore admirals. The Navy selected 38 Captains to wear the broad stripe and single star. In 1983 the Defense Authorization bill changed the title to commodore. With President Reagan's signature on the Fiscal year 1986 Defense Authorization bill, O-7 officer were again called rear admiral (lower half).

10 Apr 1941: USS Niblack encountered German submarine

On 10 April 1941, as USS Niblack (DD 424) was nearing the Icelandic coast, the ship picked up three boatloads of survivors from Dutch freighter Saleier, sunk the previous day. When a submarine was detected preparing to attack, the division commander, Denis L. Ryan, ordered a depth charge attack which drove off the U-boat. This bloodless battle was the first action between American and German forces in World War II.