This Day in Naval History - July 20

From the Navy News Service

1846 - First visit of U.S. warships (USS Columbus and USS Vincennes) to Japan is unsuccessful in negotiating a treaty.

1960 - In first launch of Polaris missile, USS George Washington (SSBN 598) successfully fires 2 operational Polaris missiles while submerged off Florida.

1964 - Four Navy divers enter Project SEALAB I capsule moored 192 feet on the ocean floor off Bermuda for 11 day experiment.

1969 - Former Navy pilot Neil Armstrong is first man to set foot on the moon, announcing, "that's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Armstrong was Commander of Apollo 11 which during its 8 day mission landed on the Sea of Tranquility. Recovery was by HS-4 helicopters from USS Hornet (CVS 12).

This Day in Naval History - April 18

From the Navy News Service

1848 - A Navy expedition to explore the Dead Sea and the River Jordan, commanded by Lt. William F. Lynch, reaches the Dead Sea.

1906 - The Navy assists in relief operations during the San Francisco earthquake and fire.

1942 - USS Hornet (CV 8) launches Doolittle's Army bombers for the first attack on Japan.

1988 - Navy destroys two Iranian drilling platforms and a frigate in retaliation for attack on USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58).

This Day in Naval History - March 23

From the Navy News Service

1815 - USS Hornet captures HMS Penguin in a battle lasting 22 minutes.

1882 - The Secretary of the Navy, William H. Hunt, issues General Order No. 292, creating the Office of Naval Intelligence.

1917 - USS New Mexico (BB 40) is launched as the first dreadnought with turboelectric drive.

1945 - Carriers begin pre-assault strikes on Okinawa; kamikaze attacks follow.

1958 - Simulated Polaris missile is launched from a submerged tactical launcher facility off California.

1965 - Lt. Cmdr. John W. Young, pilot of Gemini 3, completes three orbits in four hours, 53 minutes, at an altitude of 224 km. Recovery was by helicopters from USS Intrepid (CVS 11).