Today, we introduce the U.S. Navy’s new warfighting doctrine. According to the U.S.Navy, the doctrine not only reinforces the commitment to securing maritime freedom but also strengthens collaborative ties, ensuring the Navy remains a vanguard of global stability and security.
Introduction
The unveiling of the new joint warfighting doctrine signifies an evolution, not a departure, from the traditional “peace through strength” stance. It reaffirms the U.S. Navy’s pivotal role as the global guardian of the seas, adapting to modern challenges while maintaining its foundational principles.
What’s New
This doctrine introduces a multi-domain approach, integrating land, air, sea, space, and cyber capabilities. It emphasizes agility, technological innovation, and a proactive stance in the dynamic security landscape.
Why Americans Should Care
The doctrine, according to the U.S. Navy ensures the U.S. remains at the forefront of global security, safeguarding national interests, and promoting international peace and stability.
Integration Across Domains: It advocates for seamless operations across all military domains, enhancing responsiveness and effectiveness.
Innovative Approaches: The focus is on harnessing cutting-edge technologies and concepts to stay ahead of adversaries.
Adapting to Modern Threats: It addresses the need to continuously evolve in response to emerging security challenges.
Implications for the Navy
The Navy is set to benefit from enhanced strategic direction, capability development, and operational planning, ensuring it remains a formidable force in protecting global maritime interests.
Implications for Our Global Partners
The doctrine fosters stronger alliances and interoperability among international partners, uniting efforts in maintaining a secure global environment.
Conclusion
The new doctrine is a testament to the enduring value of “peace through strength,” with the Navy continuing to serve as a cornerstone of global security and stability. Supporting a strong, adaptable Navy is more crucial than ever in navigating the complexities of contemporary and future threats.
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.
Happy Birthday US Navy from Americans for a Stronger Navy
Dear Navy Family,
Today marks the 248th birthday of the US Navy, the most formidable and adaptable Naval force on the global stage. This day serves as a testament to the valor, dedication, and resilience of those who wear the Navy uniform, past and present. We equally salute the unyielding support of their families, the backbone behind their service.
Having served as an enlisted man on the Henry B. Wilson (DDG7), I’ve borne witness to numerous moments of camaraderie and growth. Yet, my time working alongside LCDR Nosal remains etched in my memory. His method of mentorship, a blend of wisdom and patience, was transformative. LCDR Nosal had this innate ability to identify potential and nurture it, turning raw talent into formidable skill. LCDR Nosal, wherever you are your commitment to building up those around you didn’t just make us better sailors but better individuals. You truly embodied what it means to lead with heart and purpose in the Navy.
This unwavering commitment, combined with the lessons from leaders like LCDR Nosal and others on board, inspired both the foundation of StrongerNavy.org and my personal desire to mentor and teach.
Our vision is clear: advocate for a robust, future-ready, and stronger Navy that stands guard over our nation’s interests and acts as a beacon of peace globally. Through our platform, we aim to amplify the importance of naval supremacy, champion the Navy’s forward-looking endeavors, and extend a helping hand to our Navy brethren and their kin.
A fortified Navy ensures our nation’s safety, prosperity, and the liberties we hold dear. This vision, however, can only be realized with your support. I invite you to champion our cause, to become an integral part of our fraternity. Your involvement can chart the course for our Navy’s brighter tomorrow.
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.
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
USS Lenah S. Higbee dressed for the ceremony. Photograph courtesy of Mr. Michael Duhe.
Introduction:
The commissioning of the USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee is a proud moment for Americans and the Navy community. On May 13, 2023, the newest guided missile destroyer will officially become a part of the U.S. Navy in a time-honored tradition at Key West’s Outer Mole Pier. This milestone marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by the crew and all those involved in the ship’s design, construction, and testing.
Summary:
The USS Lenah Higbee, the Navy’s newest guided missile destroyer, will be commissioned on May 13, 2023, at Key West’s Outer Mole Pier. The ship has been at sea for over a year, and its crew has tested and mastered all its state-of-the-art systems before entering official service. The commissioning ceremony is a time-honored tradition that officially welcomes the ship into the U.S. Navy. The ship’s namesake, Lenah Higbee, was a Navy nurse pioneer and the first woman to receive the Navy Cross for her exemplary work during World War I.
Key Takeaways:
The commissioning of the USS Lenah Higbee is a proud moment for Americans and the Navy community.
The ship has been at sea for over a year, and its crew has tested and mastered all its state-of-the-art systems before entering official service.
The commissioning ceremony is a time-honored tradition that officially welcomes the ship into the U.S. Navy.
The ship’s namesake, Lenah Higbee, was a Navy nurse pioneer and the first woman to receive the Navy Cross for her exemplary work during World War I.
Conclusion:
The commissioning of the USS Lenah Higbee is a momentous occasion and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Navy community. The ship’s cutting-edge technology and the crew’s expertise will ensure that it plays a vital role in keeping America safe. As Americans, we should take pride in this achievement and support the Navy’s mission to maintain a strong and capable fleet.
Greetings to our members and subscribers, as we work together to promote peace through strength. Americans for a Stronger Navy is committed to our mission, and we are excited to share the latest developments in the Navy’s Artistic Ideas competition, which aims to explore the possibilities for the planned Navy museum.
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro unveiled conceptual renderings from five architecture firms at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy
Summary
The Navy’s Artistic Ideas competition recently unveiled conceptual renderings from five architecture firms at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy. The competition aimed to explore the full realm of artistic ideas that could be incorporated into the new Navy museum.
“We are pleased to display five visions for the future of the National Museum of the U.S. Navy,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, “while each concept is different, all of them show how we might celebrate our Navy’s accomplishments, honor our veterans and point the way toward the Navy’s future.” new building and the potential renovation of existing historical buildings. The planned museum campus would consist of approximately 270,000 square feet and include about 100,000 square feet of net gallery space.
Competition Overview: From Initial Interest to Final Selection
In December, 80 firms expressed interest in participating in the ideas competition, and 37 firms submitted qualifications. Finally, the Navy selected five architecture firms as finalists: Bjarke Ingels Group, DLR Group, Frank Gehry Partners, Perkins & Will, and Quinn Evans. These finalists were tasked with developing their unique submissions of conceptual ideas for the museum.
Finalists’ Concepts: A Celebration of Navy’s Accomplishments and Future
Since January, the firms developed their unique submissions of conceptual ideas to include a museum entrance, an atrium, a ceremonial courtyard, and the incorporation of some of the Navy’s larger artifacts, like a Corsair aircraft, a Swift Boat, and the sail of a submarine. According to Secretary Del Toro, “while each concept is different, all of them show how we might celebrate our Navy’s accomplishments, honor our veterans, and point the way toward the Navy’s future.”
Why Preserving Navy History Matters
Preserving Navy history is a vital part of our national heritage, and understanding the Navy’s contributions to our nation is essential to fostering a sense of national pride and identity. The museum will help us appreciate our national heritage, and honoring the brave men and women who have served our country in the Navy is a crucial part of preserving Navy history. Moreover, preserving Navy history provides valuable insights into how the Navy has adapted to changing circumstances over time.
The final canvases from the competition will remain on display for public viewing at the Navy’s National Museum on the Washington Navy Yard. Access hours are limited because of the museum’s consolidation, and NHHC plans additional public showcases this summer. Anyone wishing to share ideas or to comment on these Navy museum concepts can find the Navy on Facebook or email by clicking here.
Following the SECNAV’s October announcement of the preferred location for the Navy’s planned museum, Naval History and Heritage Command moved forward with its conceptual development phase and initiated the ideas competition in an effort to explore the full realm of artistic ideas that might be incorporated into a new museum.
The competition sought concepts and ideas for the planned project from a broad range of individuals and architecture firms. Following the initial announcement in December, 80 firms expressed interest in participating; 37 firms then submitted qualifications, and finally, the Navy selected five architecture firms as finalists: Bjarke Ingels Group, DLR Group, Frank Gehry Partners, Perkins & Will and Quinn Evans.
Since January, the firms developed their unique submissions of conceptual ideas to include a museum entrance, an atrium, a ceremonial courtyard, and the incorporation of some of the Navy’s larger artifacts, like a Corsair aircraft, a Swift Boat, and the sail of a submarine.
“The concepts unveiled today are a crucial step in exploring what is possible for the new National Museum of the U.S. Navy,” said NHHC Director Samuel J. Cox, U.S. Navy rear admiral (retired). “We’ll tell the story of the Navy’s history as it continues to unfold, and the ideas developed by our finalists herald a new way of honoring that history by inviting visitors to participate.”
We hope that the Navy’s Artistic Ideas competition has inspired you to support our mission of promoting peace through strength. The Navy museum is an essential part of our history and will help future generations understand the significance of the Navy’s contributions to our nation. As always, we encourage you to be an active supporter by subscribing to our organization, and we thank you for your time and for supporting a Stronger Navy.
USS Niblack (DD 424) picks up three boatloads of survivors from Dutch freighter Saleier, which was sunk the previous day by a German U-boat. The destroyer detects a submarine preparing to attack and drives it off with a depth charge attack. It is the first action between American and German forces in World War II.
1942
USS Thresher (SS 200) torpedoes and sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Maru six miles north of Oshima, near the entrance to Tokyo Bay, Honshu, Japan.
1944
TBM bombers and FM-2s aircraft (VC 58) from USS Guadalcanal (CVE 60) sink German submarine U 68 off Madeira Island.
1963
During diving tests, USS Thresher (SSN 593) is lost with all hands east of Cape Cod, Mass., including commanding officer and 17 civilian technicians.
1966
During the Vietnam War, the river patrol boats (PBRs) of River Patrol Force commence operations on inland waters of South Vietnam.
April 11
1783
Congress declares the cessation of arms against Great Britain, just a few days after British Parliament passed a similar resolution, thus ending hostilities of the American Revolution.
1944
USS Redfin (SS 272) sinks the Japanese destroyer Akigumo in the eastern entrance to Basilan Strait.
1945
The kamikaze attacks during the Okinawa Campaign damage eight Navy ships.
1970
Apollo 13 is launched, commanded by Navy Capt. James A. Lovell. The ship endures an explosion forcing an immediate return to Earth. Recovery is by helicopters from USS Iwo Jima (LPH 2).
1991
The U.N. Security Council declares a formal cease-fire ending the Persian Gulf War.
1992
USS Annapolis (SSN 760) is commissioned at the Electric Boat Division at Groton, Conn. The 10th of her Los Angeles “Improved” class of attack submarines.
April 12
1861
The Civil War begins with Confederates firing on Fort Sumter, S.C. The Union Navy plays an integral part blockading Confederates, keeping them diplomatically and economically contained from other nations.
1911
Lt. Theodore Ellyson completes his aviator training at the Glenn Curtiss Aviation Camp at North Island, San Diego, Calif., and becomes Naval Aviator No. 1.
1944
USS Halibut (SS 232) sinks Japanese army passenger/cargo ship Taichu Maru despite the presence of at least three escort vessels.
1945
President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies at Warm Springs, Ga. Besides being the nation’s longest-serving president, he also was an assistant secretary of the Navy.
1962
U.S. Navy demonstrates new landing craft with retractable hydrofoils, LCVP (H), which are named Highlanders. The Navy eventually rejects the craft because it cant keep a straight path like a standard LCVP.
1981
The first re-useable Space Shuttle, Columbia (STS-1) is launched with an all-US Navy crew: Capt. John W. Young (Ret.) is the shuttles commander and Lt. Cmdr. Robert L. Crippen is the pilot.
1986
USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) is commissioned at Bath, Maine.
1993
Aircraft from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and NATO forces begin enforcing the no-fly zone over the Bosnia in Operation Deny Flight.
2003
USS Mason (DDG 87) is commissioned at Cape Canaveral, Fla. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is the 37th in the class and the ninth of the Flight IIA variant.
April 13
1940
USS J. Fred Talbott (DD 156) returns to the Panama Canal Zone after providing medical assistance to a passenger on board Japanese steamship SS Arimasan Maru.
1942
USS Grayling (SS 209) sinks the Japanese freighter Ryujin Maru off southest tip of Shikoku, Japan.
1944
USS Harder (SS 257) sinks the Japanese destroyer Ikazuchi, 180 miles SSW of Guam.
1952
During the Korean War, sorties launch from USS Philippine Sea (CV 47) and Boxer (CV 21) and deliver 200 tons of aircraft ordnance to the North Korean target area.
1960
The Navy’s navigation satellite, Transit 1B, which demonstrates the first engine restart in space, is placed into orbit from Cape Canaveral, Florida, by Thor-Able-Star.
1981
AV-8A Harriers deploy as a Marine Air Group on board an amphibious assault ship for the first time.
1996
USS Carney (DDG 64) is commissioned at Mayport, Fla., her homeport. The destroyer is the 14th of the Arleigh Burke-class and the first to be named after Adm. Robert Carney, the Chief of Naval Operations during the Eisenhower administration.
April 14
1898
The first post-Civil War hospital ship, USS Solace (AH 2) is commissioned and soon participates in the Spanish-American War attending to wounded servicemen from battles in Cuba
1942
USS Roper (DD 147) sinks German submarine U 85 off the Virginia Capes. Before being sunk by Roper, U 85 sank three Allied merchant vessels.
1945
USS Tirante (SS 420), commanded by Lt. Cmdr. George L. Street III, attacks a Japanese convoy in the approaches to the Yellow Sea and sinks a transport ship and two vessels. Street earns Medal of Honor for his actions.
1969
A North Korean aircraft shoots down an unarmed EC-121 propeller-driven Constellation, killing all 31 crewmembers on board.
1988
During Operation Ernest Will, USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) strikes an Iranian mine off Qatar, injuring 10 sailors. Four days later, the US Navy retaliates with Operation Praying Mantis, which strikes Iranian oil platforms, sinks an Iranian frigate, patrol ship, and damages another frigate.
April 15
1912
The scout cruisers USS Chester and USS Salem sail from Massachusetts to assist RMS Titanic survivors, and escort RMS Carpathia, which carried the survivors of the Titanic, to New York.
1918
The First Marine Aviation Force, under the command of Capt. Alfred A. Cunningham, USMC, is formed at Marine Flying Field, Miami, Fla.
1945
USS Frost (DE 144) and USS Stanton (DE 247) join to attack German submarine U 880 north-northwest of the Azores, which sinks at 01:14.
1961
The first nuclear-powered frigate, USS Bainbridge (DLGN-25), is launched at Quincy, Mass.
1962
USS Princeton (LPH 5) brings the first advisory unit to Vietnam and the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 362 SocTrang, Mekong Delta, South Vietnam.
1986
Operation El Dorado Canyon. Aircraft of USS America (CV 66) & USS Coral Sea (CV 43) attack Libya.
Task Force 39, commanded by Rear Adm. John W. Wilcox, Jr., sails from Portland, Maine, for Scapa Flow, Orkeny Islands, Scotland, to reinforce the British Home Fleet due the British Fleets involvement in Operation Ironclad, the British invasion of the Vichy French controlled Madagascar. The following day, Rear Adm. Wilcox, while taking an unaccompanied walk on his flagship, USS Washington (BB 56), is washed overboard and disappears in the heavy seas.
Rear Adm. John W. Wilcox, Jr.
John Walter Wilcox Jr. (22 March 1882 – 27 March 1942) was a rear admiral of the United States Navy. He saw service in World War I and in the opening weeks of United States involvement in World War II before being lost overboard from his flagship in the North Atlantic Ocean in 1942.
March 27, 2007 The last known female veteran of World War I, Charlotte Louise Berry Winters, dies at the age of 109. She enlisted in the Navy in 1917.
March 28, 1953 USS Philippine Sea (CV 47), USS Princeton (CV 37), and USS Oriskany (CV 34) launch 216 sorties against a North Korean supply depot during the Korean War.
March 29, 1960 The first fully integrated Fleet Ballistic Missile system test, an A1X test vehicle, is launched from USS Observation Island (EAG 154).
March 30, 1991 USS Princeton (CG-59) and crew are awarded the Combat Action Ribbon in recognition of the superior and arduous work the crew put in to keep the ship in war-fighting status following the Feb. 18 mining of the ship where three crew members were injured and the ships propeller was damaged during Operation Desert Storm.
March 31, 1917 Rear Adm. James H. Oliver takes possession of the Danish West Indies for the United States, and they are renamed the U.S. Virgin Islands. He also becomes the first governor of the islands under American control.
April 1, 1899 A landing party of 60 men from USS Philadelphia (C 4) and a force of 100 friendly natives join 62 men from HMS Porpoise and Royal Isle in Samoa to establish order over Samoan throne.
*Source: Naval History and Heritage Command. https://www.history.navy.mil
U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CVS-11) underway in the South China Sea
March 12, 1956 The first missile firing aircraft squadron, Attack Squadron 83, is deployed overseas aboard USS Intrepid (CVA 11).
March 13, 1952 During the Korean War, counter-battery engagements by USS Manchester (CL 83), USS James E. Kyes (DD 787), USS McGinty (DE 365) and USS Douglas H. Fox (DD 779) are supported by aircraft from Task Force 77 silence enemy guns at Kalmagak during the Siege of Wonsan.
March 14, 1863 A squadron of ships led by Rear Adm. David G. Farragut passes the heavy batteries at Port Hudson, La., to establish blockade of Red River supply lines during the Civil War. USS Mississippi becomes grounded, catches fire and blows up, killing 64.
March 15, 1957 A ZPG-2 airship driven by Cmdr. Jack R. Hunt lands at Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., after a flight that began March 4 at South Weymouth, Mass., then circled over the Atlantic Ocean toward Portugal, the African coast and back for a new world record in distance and endurance, covering 9,448 statute miles and remaining airborne 264 hours 12 minutes without refueling.
March 16, 1966 Gemini 8 launches. Former naval aviator Neil Armstrong and Air Force Maj. David R. Scott are on this mission that completes seven orbits in 10 hours and 41 minutes at an altitude of 161.3 nautical miles.
March 17, 1958 The Naval Research Laboratory satellite Vanguard 1 is launched into orbit to test the capabilities of a three-stage launch vehicle and effects of the environment on a satellite and its systems in Earths orbit.
March 18, 2006 While conducting maritime security operations as part of Combined Task Force 150 in the Indian Ocean, USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) return fire on a group of pirates, killing one and wounding five. The incident occurs about 25 nautical miles off the central eastern coast of Somalia in international waters
*Source: Naval History and Heritage Command. https://www.history.navy.mil
