This Week in Naval History

This Week in Naval History

21 Mar 1917: Loretta P. Walsh, 1st Woman Navy Petty Officer

On 21 Mar 1917, Loretta P. Walsh became the first woman Navy Petty Officer when she was sworn in as a Chief Yeoman. She served at the U.S. Navy Home at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, and left the Navy after her four-year enlistment. Chief Petty Officer Walsh died on 6 Aug 1925 and is buried at Olyphant's St. Patrick's Cemetery, Olyphant, Pennsylvania.

22 Mar 1946: USS Missouri (BB 63) departed for Turkey

On 22 Mar 1946, USS Missouri (BB-63) departed the U.S. to return the body of deceased Turkish ambassador, Mehmet Munir Ertegun, back to Turkey for burial, arriving in Istanbul on 5 April. Her crew members then participated in Ambassador Ertegun’s funeral ceremonies. Before returning home in early May, she visited ports in Greece, Italy, Algiers and Morocco. While in the region, Missouri successfully reestablished the U.S. Navy's presence in what soon became the "Cold War" home waters of the Sixth Fleet.

23 Mar 1965: Gemini III was launched

On 23 March 1965, Gemini III, the first two-manned spacecraft, completed 3 orbits in 4 hours, 53 minutes at an altitude of 224 km. Recovery was by helicopters from USS Intrepid (CVS-11). Astronauts were Lieutenant Commander John W. Young, USN, Pilot and Virgil I. Grissom, Command Pilot.

24 Mar 1903: George Dewey commissioned – Admiral of the Navy

On 24 March 1903, George Dewey was commissioned Admiral of the Navy. He was the only person to hold this rank. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy (1858), he later served in the Civil War and led the U.S. Navy victory at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War, which gave birth to his famous quote, “You may fire when you are ready Gridley.” (Gridley was the CO of USS Olympia, Dewey’s flagship). He held the rank of Admiral of the Navy until his death on 16 Jan 1917 and is buried in the crypt of the National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. Upon Admiral Dewey’s death, the Admiral of the Navy rank ceased to exist.

25 Mar 1822: US claimed Key West, Florida

On 25 March 1822, USS Shark commanded by Lt. Matthew C. Perry, raised the first U.S. Flag over Key West, Florida and claimed the territory for the United States. Perry called the island Thompson's Island to honor Secretary of the Navy Smith Thompson and named the harbor Port Rodgers to compliment Commodore John Rodgers.

26 Mar 1943: Battle of Komandorski Islands

On 26 March 1943, at the Battle of Komandorski Islands, TG 16.6 (commanded by Rear Admiral Charles H. McMorris), prevented Japanese reinforcements from reaching Kiska, Aleutian Islands. During battle, USS Salt Lake City (CA 25) was damaged by gunfire from heavy cruisers Maya and Nachi. Return fire from the heavy cruiser Salt Lake City damaged Nachi in return.

27 MAR 1794: Congress authorized six frigates

On 27 March 1794, President George Washington signed the act by Congress authorizing the construction of six frigates. The six frigates authorized were: USS United States, USS Constellation, USS Constitution, USS Chesapeake, USS Congress, and USS President.