Category: This Day in Navy History

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Honoring Pearl Harbor Day: A Reflection on Our Past to Chart Our Future

Recognizing the Past and Looking to the Future

Today, on Pearl Harbor Day, we at Americans for a Stronger Navy pause to remember and honor the sacrifices made on December 7, 1941. This day, a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, reminds us of the bravery and resilience of those who faced unimaginable adversity. As we reflect on the events of that day, we reaffirm our commitment to remembering our past and learning from it.

The attack on Pearl Harbor shaped the course of World War II and transformed the future of naval power. It’s a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, preparedness, and the continuous evolution of naval strategy. As we pay tribute to the heroes of that day, their legacy inspires us to ensure such history does not repeat itself.

In this spirit, we are proud to introduce our educational series, ‘Charting the Course: Navigating the Future of American Naval Power.’ Hosted by me, Bill Cullifer, this series connects the enduring lessons of World War II to today’s naval challenges. Starting today, we embark on an eight-week journey exploring how the echoes of history inform our present and future naval strategies.

Through ‘Charting the Course,’ we aim to deepen our understanding of naval history and its impact on contemporary naval power. Join us as we discuss various topics from the evolution of shipbuilding to the role of AI in naval operations, all while keeping the lessons of Pearl Harbor and WWII at the forefront.

For more details on the series and to access our featured resource ‘Echoes of History: Steering the Future,’ visit StrongerNavy.org. Follow us on social media for updates and insights.

Let’s honor the past and responsibly steer our future. Together, we remember, we learn, and we grow stronger.

#PearlHarborDay #NeverForget #StrongerNavy #ChartingTheCourse

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USS Mason: A Ready and Reliable Ship

USS Mason (DDG 87) and USNS Supply (T-AOE 6)

Hello and welcome back to the Americans for a Stronger Navy blog, where we keep you updated on the latest news and stories about the US Navy and its vital role in protecting our nation and advancing our interests around the world. Today, we are happy to share with you some exciting photos and information about the USS Mason (DDG 87),

The USS Mason (DDG 87) is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in the United States Navy. She is currently underway in the Atlantic Ocean participating in the Carrier Strike Group Four Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is an intense, multi-week exercise designed to fully integrate a carrier strike group as a cohesive, multi-mission fighting force and to test their ability to carry out sustained combat operations from the sea.

Recently, the USS Mason participated in a replenishment-at-sea with the Military Sealift Command’s fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6). During this operation, the USS Mason received fuel, food, ammunition, and other supplies from the USNS Supply. The replenishment-at-sea also tested the coordination and communication skills of both ships’ crews.

The USS Mason is a ready and reliable ship that can perform a variety of missions, including air defense, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and ballistic missile defense. She is equipped with a powerful AEGIS combat system that integrates advanced sensors, weapons, and command and control capabilities. She has a crew of 380 officers and enlisted personnel and can carry two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.

The USS Mason is named in honor of the non-segregated crew serving on board USS Mason (DE-529), the first ship in the US Navy with this distinction of a predominantly black crew. She is the 37th destroyer of her class and the 21st ship of this class to be built at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. She was commissioned in April 2003 and is currently homeported in Mayport, Florida.

The USS Mason represents the legacy of her namesake and the dedication of her crew. She is ready to defend our nation and our allies with honor, courage, and commitment.

The USS Mason is not only a powerful ship, but also a decorated one. She has earned several awards and honors for her outstanding performance and achievements in various missions and exercises. Some of her notable awards include:
• The Combat Action Ribbon, for engaging and defending against missile attacks from Houthi rebels in Yemen in October 2016.
• The Navy Unit Commendation, for conducting strike operations against Libyan air defense systems and military targets, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions for Libyan civilians, in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn /Operation Unified Protector in 2011.
• The Navy E Ribbon, for achieving excellence in battle efficiency and readiness in 2004, 2005, and 2016.
• The Battenberg Cup, for being the best all-around ship or submarine in the United States Navy’s Atlantic Fleet based on crew achievements in 2016. Mason was only the fifth destroyer in the last 111 years to receive this prestigious award.
• The Bloodhound Award, for meritorious anti-submarine warfare preparation and prowess in 2020. Mason demonstrated exceptional ASW capabilities during multiple exercises and operations, including tracking a Russian submarine that was operating near the US coast.
The USS Mason is a ship that has made history and continues to make a difference. She is a testament to the courage, skill, and dedication of her crew, past and present, who proudly serve on board this remarkable vessel. She is also a tribute to the legacy of her namesake crew, who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of African American sailors.

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Honoring D-Day Heroes: The 79th Anniversary 

The Celebration at Pointe du Hoc

On June 5, 2023, service members and civilians in France honored D-Day veterans during the 79th anniversary ceremony at Pointe du Hoc. This ceremony underscored the heroic efforts of the 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions who scaled the cliffs at Normandy, France, in 1944. The Defense Department recognizes these heroes for their selfless service and sacrifice in the pursuit of global peace and security.

Operation Neptune: The U.S. Navy on D-Day

The naval component of Operation Overlord, known as Operation Neptune, began in the early hours of June 6, 1944. This operation marked the start of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France and played a vital role in breaking Hitler’s Festung Europa (Fortress Europe).

The Allied Invasion Fleet

Under the command of Admiral Sir Bertram H. Ramsay, the Allied invasion fleet was divided into Western (American) and Eastern (British) Task Forces. They embarked upon the massive assault, the naval part of which was executed under the command of Rear Admiral Alan G. Kirk, Task Force 122.

The Bombardment and The Challenges

In opening the invasion, a naval bombardment within the American sectors was coordinated with the arrival of Eighth Air Force bombers. Despite the remarkable firepower of the U.S. Navy, German forces did not suffer significant casualties during the bombardment.

The Role of Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs)

The NCDUs, combined with U.S. Army engineers, formed gap assault teams (GATs) tasked with detonating mines and clearing obstacles on the landing beaches. Despite the intense enemy fire and rapidly rising tide, the gap assault teams on Omaha managed to clear five of the 16 assigned gaps.

Heroism at Omaha Beach

The success of the invasion seemed most dubious at Omaha Beach, where the American GIs remained pinned down, unable to advance. The situation began to turn around when a handful of British and American destroyers began pounding the enemy gun positions. The Allied troops were finally able to move forward, engage, and destroy the enemy.

The Significance of D-Day

The successful invasion of northern France on D-Day marked a significant moment in U.S. naval history. Rear Admiral Kirk, reflecting on the day, stated, “Our greatest asset was the resourcefulness of the American sailor.”

—Guy J. Nasuti, NHHC Histories and Archives Division, May 2019

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This Day in Navy History – February 27, 2023

USS ALDEN (DD-211) Stern view. Off the Mare Island Navy Yard, 22 September 1942.

1942 – The Battle of the Java Sea begins, where the 14-ship Allied forces (American, Dutch, British and Australian) attempt to stop the 28-ship Japanese invasion.
On This Day

The Battle of the Java Sea began when the American-British-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) naval command attempted to stop the Japanese invasion of Java on February 27, 1942. Led by Royal Netherlands Navy Rear Admiral Karel W.F.M. Doorman, the ABDA force was decimated in a seven-hour battle. Lost in battle were Royal Netherlands cruisers Java and De Ruyter (Doorman’s flagship), along with Royal Netherlands destroyer Kortenauer. The Royal Navy (British) destroyers Electra and Jupiter were also sunk. Communication difficulties played a large part in the defeat, and the Japanese invasion continued, only delaying the inevitable by one-day. The cruisers, USS Houston (CA-30), and Australian cruiser, HMAS Perth, would evade being sunk by the Japanese but fate would soon intervene at the Battle of Sunda Strait, February 28-March 1, 1942.

1928
Pilot Cmdr. Theodore G. Ellyson (Naval Aviator No. 1) and crewmembers Lt. Cmdr. Hugo Schmidt and Lt. Roger S. Ransehousen died when their XOL-7 observation amphibian, BuNo A-7335, crashed into the Chesapeake Bay while en route from NAS Hampton Roads, Virginia, to Annapolis, Maryland.

1942
Seaplane tender USS Langley (AV-3), carrying 32 U.S. Army Air Force P-40 aircraft for the defense of Java, is bombed by Japanese naval land attack planes 75 miles south of Tjilatjap, Java. Due to the damage, Langley is shelled and torpedoed by USS Whipple (DD-217).

1942
The Battle of the Java Sea begins, where the 14-ship Allied forces (American, Dutch, British and Australian) attempt to stop the 28-ship Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies colony of Java. The Japanese, during battles over three days, decimates the Allied forces, sinking at least 11 ships, killing more than 3,370 and taking nearly 1,500 prisoners.

1945
Submarine USS Scabbardfish (SS-397) sinks Japanese guardboat No. 6 Kikau Maru, 100 miles northeast of Keelung, Formosa, while USS Blenny (SS-324) attacks a Japanese convoy off French Indochina and sinks merchant tanker Amato Maru off Cape Padaran.

1944
Three U.S. Navy submarines sink three Japanese cargo ships: Grayback (SS-208) sinks Ceylon Maru in the East China Sea; Cod (SS-224) sinks Taisoku Maru west of Halmahera while Trout (SS-202) sinks Aki Maru.

1945
Land-based patrol aircraft from VPB 112, along with others from three British vessels, HMS Labaun and HMS Loch Fada and HMS Wild Goose, sink German submarine U 327 in the English Channel.

1973
First airborne mine sweep in a live minefield takes place in the Haiphong, Vietnam ship channel by helicopters from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Twelve on board USS New Orleans (LPH-11).

2017
The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Albuquerque (SSN-706) is decommissioned after 33 years of service during a ceremony held at Keyport Undersea Museum.

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American Presidents in the Navy – Honoring Presidents Day

As America celebrates Presidents Day today February 20, 2023, the editors and staff for the Americans for a Stronger Navy salutes those that have served our country with honor and distinction.

The United States Navy has a long and storied history, dating back to the American Revolution. Over the years, many Americans have answered the call to serve in the Navy, including several who would go on to become President of the United States. In this article, we will explore some of the U.S. Presidents who have served in the Navy.

John F. Kennedy
Perhaps the most famous Navy veteran to become President, John F. Kennedy served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was commanding officer of PT-109, a patrol torpedo boat, when it was struck by a Japanese destroyer in the Pacific. Despite suffering injuries himself, Kennedy was able to lead his surviving crew to safety. This experience helped shape his leadership style and informed his foreign policy decisions during his presidency.

Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson also served in the Navy during World War II, where he was assigned to the South Pacific as a lieutenant commander. Johnson was part of a team responsible for planning and executing bombing missions against Japanese targets in the region. He was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery during a mission in which he flew as an observer on a B-26 bomber.

Richard Nixon
Richard Nixon served in the Navy during World War II as well, though his experience was somewhat different from Kennedy’s and Johnson’s. Nixon was initially rejected by the Army and Navy due to a knee injury, but he persisted and was eventually accepted into the Navy. He served as a supply officer in the South Pacific, where he earned the rank of lieutenant commander.

Gerald Ford
Gerald Ford served in the Navy during World War II and was a decorated veteran. He was commissioned as an ensign and served on the aircraft carrier USS Monterey in the Pacific. Ford was present at several major battles, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea, and was awarded several medals for his service.

Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter graduated with distinction from the Naval Academy in 1946 and served on the USS Wyoming before applying for submarine duty. He then served on the submarine SSK-1 as executive officer, engineering officer, and electronics repair officer. He was selected by Admiral Hyman G. Rickover to join the program to create nuclear-powered submarines and served on temporary duty with the Naval Reactors Branch in 1952-1953 to assist in the design and development of nuclear propulsion plants for naval vessels. Carter was promoted to lieutenant during this time.

George H.W. Bush
George H.W. Bush is perhaps the most distinguished Navy veteran to become President. He enlisted in the Navy on his 18th birthday and became the youngest pilot in the Navy at the time. He flew 58 combat missions during World War II and was shot down over the Pacific. He was rescued by a U.S. submarine and went on to serve as a Navy pilot during the Korean War. Bush went on to serve as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and Vice President before being elected President in 1988.

In conclusion, the U.S. Navy has played an important role in shaping the lives and careers of many Americans, including several who went on to become President of the United States. From John F. Kennedy to George H.W. Bush, these Navy veterans brought their leadership skills and military experience to the highest office in the land. Their service to their country in the Navy undoubtedly helped prepare them for the challenges they would face as President.

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This Day in Navy History – February 17, 2023

Housatonic was launched on 20 November 1861, by the Boston Navy Yard at Charlestown, Massachusetts,

On This Day

1864
While at anchor off Charleston, S.C., the Steam Sloop of War USS Housatonic is attacked by the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley using a spar torpedo. USS Housatonic is recorded as the first warship to be sunk by a submarine.

1942
The first Construction Battalion (Seabees) arrives in the Pacific during World War II at Bora Bora, Society Islands.

1944
USS Nicholas (DD 449) sinks the Japanese submarine I-11 in the Marshall Islands.

1944
During Operation Hailstone, aircraft from the nine aircraft carriers of Task Force 58 attack the Japanese fleet at Truk. During the 2-day strike, 33 Japanese vessels are destroyed and nine more damaged.

1945
While wounded and gravely weakened, Medal of Honor Recipient Lt Rufus G. Herring takes the helm of the Landing Craft Infantry Gunboat (LCI(G)-449), which was heavily hit by Japanese counter-fire, rallies his men, and keeps the ship in action protecting UDT swimmers.

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This Day in Navy History – February 10, 2023

USRC Louis McLane, formerly USS Delaware

1862

A flotilla under Cmdr. Stephen C. Rowan aboard USS Delaware engages the gunboats and batteries at Elizabeth City, N.C, capturing CSS Ellis and sinking CSS Seabird.

1900

Commodore Seaton Schroder is appointed the first naval governor of Guam.

1943

USS Pickerel (SS 177) sinks Japanese freighter Amari Maru off Sanriku.

1944

USS Pogy (SS 266) attacks a Japanese convoy and sinks destroyer Minekaze and freighter Malta Maru 85 miles north-northeast of Formosa.

1945

U.S. Navy submarine USS Batfish (SS 310) sinks three enemy submarines from Feb. 10-13.

1991

During Operation Desert Storm, A-6 Intruders attack two unidentified patrol boats in the northern Arabian Gulf, destroying both.

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This Day in Navy History – February 9, 2023

USS CONSTELLATION, Captain Truxtun, overtook the French ship INSURGENTE.

1799 – During the Quasi-War with France, USS Constellation, commanded by Capt. Thomas Truxtun, captures French frigate lInsurgente off Saint Kitts and Nevis Island.
On This Day

1942
While undergoing conversion at New York City pier 88, USS Lafayette (AP 53) catches fire resulting in the total loss of the ship.

1943
Organized Japanese resistance on Guadalcanal ends, bringing to a close the battle that started in August 1942.

1945
PV-1 Ventura patrol plane sinks small Japanese cargo vessel No.177 Nanshin Maru in Flores Sea west of Maumere.

1960
USS Sargo (SSN 583) becomes the third submarine to surface through the ice at the North Pole.

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This Day in Naval History – February 8, 2023

1862 – A joint amphibious expedition captures Roanoke Island, N.C., securing Norfolk Navy Yard and the eventual destruction of CSS Virginia.
on This Day

1862
During the Civil War, a joint amphibious expedition under the command of Flag Officer L. M. Goldsborough and U.S. Army Brigadier Gen. Ambrose Burnside captures Roanoke Island, N.C., securing Norfolk Navy Yard and eventually the destruction of CSS Virginia.

1890
A detachment of USS Omaha Sailors and Marines comes ashore at the town of Hodogaya, Japan, to assist in fighting an extensive fire.

1942
A Japanese destroyer sinks after being torpedoed by Navy submarine S37 (SS 142) the day before off Makassar.

1943
USS Snook (SS 279) attacks a Japanese convoy off the west coast of Kyushu and sinks the transport Lima Maru and survives depth charges about 30 miles southeast of Goto Retto.

1953
USS Lyman K. Swenson (DD 729) conducts counter-battery fire on a gun shelling Korean sampans in the Kojo area, silencing the enemy guns.

1991
As part of Operation Desert Storm, USS Wisconsin (BB 64) attacks a dozen Iraqi artillery emplacements with 36 rounds of its 16-inch guns in support of a Marine reconnaissance probe into occupied Kuwait.

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