Author: Robert Luster

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This Week in Navy History – February 7, 2023

1800
USS Essex becomes first U.S. Navy vessel to cross the Equator.

1832
The frigate Potomac, commanded by Capt. John Downes, shells a pirate stronghold at Qualla Battoo, Sumatra, destroying a fort. The day before a Potomac landing party destroys four forts, killing 150 pirates and the pirate leader, Rajah Po Mohamet. The Malays agree not to make further attacks on American ships

1943
USS Growler (SS 215) fights a desperate night battle with the Japanese supply ship Hayasaki, during which the boat’s commanding officer, Lt. Cmdr. Howard W. Gilmore, rams the enemy ship, badly bending Growler’s bow. Wounded by machine gun fire and unable to go below, Gilmore gives the order “Take her down!” sacrificing himself so his submarine could dive to safety. For his “distinguished gallantry and valor” on this occasion and earlier in the patrol, he is posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor and promoted one rank.

1945
USS Thomason (DE 203) sinks the Japanese submarine RO 55 off Iba, Luzon. USS Bergall (SS 320) attacks a Japanese convoy and sinks Coast Defense Vessel No. 53 off Cam Ranh Bay. USS Guavina (SS 362) attacks a Japanese convoy and sinks merchant tanker Taigyo Maru, off Saigon, French Indochina while USS Parche (SS 384) sinks Japanese army cargo ship Okinoyama Maru in Tokara Retto.

1955
Seventh Fleet ships begin evacuation of Chinese nationalists from Tachen Islands

1965
In response to a Viet Cong attack on barracks area at Pleiku, South Vietnam, aircraft from carriers, USS Coral Sea, USS Hancock, and USS Ranger attack North Vietnamese area near Donghoi.

1984
Naval Aviator/Astronaut Bruce McCandless II makes the first untethered spacewalk as he flies some 300 feet from the Space Shuttle Challenger in the first test of the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU).

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This Week in Navy History – February 7-13, 2023

U.S. Navy History

This week in U.S. Navy History, February 7-13, marks several important events in the history of the United States Navy.

On February 7, 1943, the U.S. Navy launched the invasion of the Pacific island of Guadalcanal, marking the first major U.S. offensive in the Pacific theater during World War II. The battle for Guadalcanal lasted for six months, with naval forces playing a crucial role in securing the island and helping to turn the tide of the war in the Pacific.

Smoke rises from two Japanese planes shot down during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, 12 November 1942

On February 9, 1964, the USS Orleck, a destroyer, was decommissioned after over 20 years of service. The Orleck served in World War II and the Korean War and was one of the last destroyers of its kind to be taken out of service by the U.S. Navy.

February 11, 1966, marked the launch of the USS Enterprise, the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The Enterprise served for over 50 years, participating in several conflicts, including the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. It was decommissioned in 2012 and is now a museum ship.

In conclusion, this week in U.S. Naval History is marked by significant events that shaped the course of the U.S. Navy and helped shape the history of the world. These events demonstrate the bravery and dedication of the men and women who have served in the U.S. Navy, and their commitment to protecting the nation and safeguarding freedom and democracy.

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Key Initiatives to Support a Stronger U.S. Navy Announced

Washington, D.C. – Americans for a Stronger Navy today announced several new initiatives aimed at supporting the U.S. Navy and promoting its role in protecting American interests and defending the country.

Fleet Forward initatve will focus on the development of new and improved shipyards and maintenance programs, as well as the expansion of the Navy’s fleet with the latest and most technologically advanced ships. This initiative will also prioritize the development of trained personnel and shipyards to meet the needs of Navy programs.

This Week in Navy History Initiative will educate the public on the positive role of the U.S. Navy and the brave individuals who have served in the past exploring a different moment in the rich history of the U.S. Navy each week.

Tell us your Story initiative will highlight the day-to-day life of active-duty personnel and veterans of the U.S. Navy, sharing the latest developments and innovations in naval technology and strategy, as well as the experiences and perspectives of those who serve in the Navy. Click here for complete detail

Why Join the Navy initiative highlights the unique skills and experiences that military veterans, particularly those who served in the Navy, bring to the tech industry. These include leadership, problem-solving, and technical skills, making Navy veterans valuable assets in the fast-paced tech industry. Click here for complete detail.

Americans for a Stronger Navy will launch a comprehensive public relations and lobbying campaign as part of the Fleet Forward initiative, and will work closely with members of Congress and the Administration to promote legislation and policies that support the modernization and expansion of the Navy.

“The U.S. Navy plays a critical role in protecting American interests and defending the country, and it is more important than ever to support its modernization and expansion,” said a spokesperson for the Americans for a Stronger Navy organization. “We are excited to launch these initiatives and work with the public and our elected officials to ensure that the Navy has the resources and support it needs to continue to be a powerful and capable force.”

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This Week in Navy History Announced

Americans for a Stronger Navy Proudly Highlights the Contributions of Sailors and Their Families

Washington, D.C. – Today, Americans for a Stronger Navy announced a new initiative aimed at honoring the sacrifices and contributions of every sailor and their families who play a critical role in the strength and success of the United States Navy.

“The men and women who serve in the navy are the backbone of our national security and the heart of the American spirit,” said Robert Luster, the spokesperson for Americans for A Stronger Navy. “But it’s not just the sailors who serve on the front lines – it’s also their families who provide support, sacrifice, and inspiration, every day.”

The initiative will focus on educating the public about the history and heritage of the navy, highlighting significant battles and timelines that every sailor should know. This includes events such as the Battle of Trafalgar, the Battle of Midway, and Operation Desert Storm, which showcase the bravery, skill, and determination of the sailors who have served throughout the years.

“By educating people about the rich history of the navy and the sacrifices of the sailors and their families, we hope to instill a greater appreciation for their service and inspire the next generation of Americans to join the ranks and serve their country with pride,” a spokesperrson for Americans for A Stronger Navy added.

Americans for a Stronger Navy will also work to provide support and resources for sailors and their families, including financial assistance, mental health resources, and other forms of support.

“We are proud to stand with the sailors and families of the United States Navy, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that they receive the recognition and support they deserve.” For more information about Americans for a Stronger Navy and its initiatives, please visit strongernavy.org

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Americans for Stronger Navy Announced

Washington, D.C. –Americans for a Stronger Navy announces a community driven effort to support the modernization and expansion of the United States Navy

Washington D.C. – Americans for a Stronger Navy, a start up education and advocacy group dedicated to promoting the importance of a strong and modern Navy, today announced to support the modernization and expansion of the United States Navy with several key initiatives.

The grass roots organization will focus on educating the public and policymakers about the vital role the Navy plays in protecting America’s national security and economic interests, as well as the need for a larger and more technologically advanced fleet.

“The United States Navy is the backbone of our national defense and a key driver of our economic prosperity,” said , a spokesperson for the recently established Americans for a Stronger Navy. “It is essential that we invest in a larger and more advanced fleet to meet the growing security challenges of the 21st century.”

The Fleet Forward initiative for example will include a comprehensive public relations and lobbying campaign, as well as grassroots outreach to build support for increased funding for the Navy. The group will also work closely with members of Congress and the Administration to promote legislation and policies that support the modernization and expansion of the Navy.

“We will work tirelessly to build a coalition of support for a stronger Navy that includes veterans, business leaders, and national security experts,” said Smith. “Together, we can ensure that the United States Navy has the resources it needs to meet the challenges of the 21st century and protect the American people.”

For more information about Americans for a Stronger Navy and the Fleet Forward initiative, please visit our website at www.StrongerNavy.org.