This Week in Naval History

This Week in Naval History

28 Mar 1848: USS Supply reached Bay of Acre

On 28 March 1848, USS Supply, commanded by Lieutenant William F. Lynch, reached the Bay of Acre, anchoring under Mount Carmel near the village of Haifa, during expedition to explore the Dead Sea and the River Jordan. Note, Lynch's report of the exploration is still used by scholars as a source of information on the Dead Sea area.


29 Mar 1863: US Navy activity during the Civil War

On 29 March 1863, during the Civil War, USS Norwich, commanded by Commander Duncan, evacuated Jacksonville, Florida after destroying most of the city. Also on this date, USS South Carolina, commanded by Commander John J. Almy captured the schooner Nellie off Port Royal, South Carolina.
30 Mar 1991: USS Princeton awarded Combat Action Ribbon
On 30 March 1991, USS Princeton (CG-59) and crew were 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 18 February mining of the ship where three crew members were injured and the ship’s propeller was damaged during Operation Desert Storm. Long since repaired, Princeton now serves with the Pacific Fleet as part of Carrier Strike Group 11.

31 MAR 1854: Treaty of Kanagawa

On 31 Mar 1854, Commodore Matthew Perry negotiated the Treaty of Kanagawa, opening trade between U.S. and Japan. In Jul 1853, Perry’s squadron arrived at Uraga Channel, Edo Bay (Tokyo Bay) and delivered President Fillmore’s message about opening trade. Returning for an answer in Feb 1854, Perry initially went ashore on 8 Mar and after additional meetings the treaty was signed on the 31st. Note, the treaty also provided protection for American merchant seamen wrecked in Japanese waters.

1 Apr 1893: Chief Petty Officers were established

On 1 April 1893, Chief Petty Officers were established by Navy General Order 409, which was authorized by an Executive Order by President Benjamin Harrison on 25 February 1893.

2 Apr 1951: 1st US Navy use of a jet fighter as a bomber

On 2 April 1951, two F9F-2B Panthers of VF-191, each loaded with four 250- and two 100-pound general-purpose bombs, were catapulted from Princeton for an attack on a railroad bridge near Songjin, North Korea. This mission was the first US Navy use of a jet fighter as a bomber.

3 Apr 1797: 1st known American signal book issued

April 1797, Captain Thomas Truxtun issued the first known American signal book using a numerary system entitled, “Instructions, Signals, and Explanations, Ordered for the United States Fleet”. Of note, the volume contains approximately two hundred and ninety signals, with fog signals indicated by gun and musket fire and night signals by lanterns and gunfire.