This Week in Naval History

U.S. Naval Historical Center

This Week in Naval History

17 Jan 1899: USS Bennington claimed Wake Island for the U.S.
On 17 January 1899, USS Bennington (Gunboat #4), commanded by Cdr. E.D. Taussig, claimed Wake Island for the United States. This possession was important as it furnished the U.S. with a cable route between Honolulu and Manila, a factor which influenced territorial demands in the Pacific.

18 Jan 1911: 1st Aircraft Landing on board a U.S. Navy ship
On 18 January 1911, the first aircraft landing on board a U.S. Navy ship took place when Aviator Eugene Ely landed on board the armored cruiser USS Pennsylvania while anchored in San Francisco Bay, California. Following this successful landing, Ely then made a return flight from USS Pennsylvania to his original departure point at Tanforan Field at San Francisco.

19 Jan 1951: Engagement of LCVPs at Korea
On 19 January 1951, during the Korean War, LCVPs from USS Horace A. Bass (APD 124) were investigating the beaches around Kamak Bay (south west coast of Korea) when one of the craft carrying frogmen came under fire from North Korean guerillas. In response, Bass returned fire with her 5”/38 guns off shore. Before it was over, 2 men were killed and 3 were wounded. The boat’s exposed coxswain, Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Sidney A. Pearson bravely kept his vessel in harm’s way to pick up the swimmers. Though wounded, he remained at the helm until all men were rescued.

20 Jan 1909: MOH- Ship Fitter Wheeler & Boatswan’s Mate Gowan
On 20 January 1909, Ship Fitter First Class George H. Wheeler and Boatswain’s Mate William H. Gowan displayed bravery and extraordinary heroism while fighting a fire and keeping it from spreading in Coquimbo, Chile. For their actions on this occasion, both men were awarded the Medal of Honor.

21 Jan 1954: USS Nautilus (SSN 571) was christened & launched
On 21 January 1954, the world’s first nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus (SSN-571) was christened and launched at Groton, Connecticut. Following commissioning in September, Nautilus remained dockside until 17 January 1955, when at, 11:00 her lines were cast and she was “underway on nuclear power.” Nautilus now serves as the historic submarine at the Submarine Force Museum at Groton.

22 Jan 1944: Operation Shingle
On 22 January 1944, Operation Shingle, the Allied landing at Anzio and Nettuno, Italy began. Task Force 81 landed Allied troops behind German lines in an attempt to weaken the enemy’s defense and communication for a southern invasion. Met with little opposition, the Germans counter-attacked and the beachhead was pinned down by the enemy for next three months.

23 Jan 1960: Project Nekton – Bathyscaph “Trieste”
On 23 January 1960, in Project Nekton, with Lieutenant Don Walsh and Jacques Piccard on board, the Bathyscaph "Trieste" descended, on a nine hour journey, seven miles to the deepest part of the ocean, Challenger Deep, located at the southern end of the Mariana Trench.