This Week in Naval History

On January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger and her seven-member crew were lost when a ruptured O-ring in the right

This Week in Naval History

24 Jan 1991: 1st Kuwaiti territory liberated – Desert Storm

On 24 January 1991, the first Kuwaiti territory, Jazirat Qurah, is liberated from the Iraqis by SEAL platoons from Naval Special Warfare Group One on Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 12 and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 9 helos from USS Leftwich (DD-984) and USS Nicholas (FFG-47).

25 Jan 1963: 1st Seabee Technical Assistance Team in Vietnam

On 25 January 1963, the 1st Seabee Technical Assistance Team arrived in Vietnam. By the end of 1964, fourteen teams were operating or had completed their six-month tours. They aided the Vietnamese by building houses, schools, hospitals, roads, and bridges. Additionally, the Seabees dug deep wells at locations where fresh water was unavailable to villagers.

26 Jan 1913: John Paul Jones funeral

On 26 January 1913, the body of John Paul Jones was laid in its final resting place in the Chapel of Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. To read more about John Paul Jones, please click here: http://www.history.navy.mil/bios/jones_jp.htm

27 Jan 1952: Korean War railroad destruction

On 27 January 1952, during the Korean War, Korean railroads, the constant target of US Navy carrier aircraft , were cut in 165 places, a record for a single day’s aircraft operations.

28 Jan 1986: Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy

On 28 January, 1986 the Space Shuttle Challenger tragically exploded killing all 7 astronauts, including Commander Michael Smith, USN. To read more about Space Shuttle Challenger, please click here for the NASA website: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/archives/sts-51L.html

29 Jan 1943: Battle of Rennell Island

USS Chiacgo (CA-29) low in the water on January 30 1943 after the battle of Rennell Island

On 29 January 1943, the Battle of Rennell Island began when Japanese shore-based aircraft attacked TF 18, cruisers and destroyers covering the movement of transports toward Guadalcanal. USS Chicago (CA 29) was damaged and sank the next day. Aircraft from USS Enterprise (CV 6) turned away the attackers on the 30th. TF 18 bore the brunt of this attack, and the transports reached Guadalcanal and unloaded without any damage. To read more about USS Chicago, please click here: http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-c/ca29.htm

30 Jan 1862: USS Monitor, 1st US Navy ironclad warship launched

On 30 January 1862, the first US Navy ironclad warship, USS Monitor, was launched. Commissioned a month later, she later engaged in battle against CSS Virginia, the first battle between ironclad warships. On 31 Dec, she was caught in a storm off Cape Hatteras and was lost. Monitor’s wreck was discovered in 1973 and is now a marine sanctuary. To read and see more about USS Monitor, please click here: http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-m/monitor.htm