Today in #NavyHistory: 1775 - Benedict Arnold crosses Lake Champlain and captures the British fort at Ticonderoga, N.Y. The U.S. Navy honors in following years by naming five ships after the battle. The ships are: A schooner that serves during the War of 1812, a sloop of war that serves during the Civil War, a converted German cargo ship brought into the Naval Overseas Transportation Service during WWI, the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga (CV 14), and the guided missile cruiser USS Ticonderoga (CG 47). 1862 - The Norfolk Navy Yard is burned before being evacuated by Confederate forces in a general withdrawal up the peninsula to defend Richmond. Also on this date, Pensacola is reoccupied by Union Army and Navy forces. Confederate forces destroy the Navy Yard the day before. 1944 - USS Cod (SS 224) attacks a large Japanese convoy and destroyer off the west coast of Luzon. USS Silversides (SS 236) attacks a Japanese convoy about 120 miles south-southwest of Guam. The attack forces the Japanese convoy to return. USS Silversides also survives depth charging from the Japanese convoy. 1945 - During the Okinawa Campaign, Pharmacists Mate Second Class William D. Halyburton aids a fallen Marine, shields his body, and is mortally wounded. He is posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. USS Halyburton (FFG-40) is named in his honor. 1952 - During the Korean War, USS Maddox (DD 731) and USS Laffey (DD 724) fire on railroad targets at Wonson. Two rail cars and two buildings are damaged. Batteries on Kalmagak fire 10 rounds 76 mm at sweepers, where the nearest round closes in at 100 yards. In return, counter-fire by USS Maddox scores two hits on the battery. 1960 - USS Triton (SSRN-586), commanded by Capt. Edward L. Beach, completes a submerged circumnavigation of the world in 84 days following many of the routes taken by Magellan. From an operational viewpoint, the cruise demonstrates the great submerged endurance and sustained high-speed transit capabilities of the first generation of nuclear-powered submarines. At the cruises conclusion, Triton receives the Presidential Unit Citation. Captain Beach receives the Legion of Merit from President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Posted on: Sat, 10 May 2014 15:00:00 +0000
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