This Week in Naval History

This Week in Naval History

02 MAY 2011: President Obama announces death of Osama bin Laden

On 2 May 2011, US President Barack Obama announced to the nation that Osama Bin Laden, the leader of the terrorist organization al Qaeda, was killed in a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The operation was carried out by among others U.S. Special Forces. After the body was positively identified, Osama bin Laden was taken to sea on board the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and buried at sea. 

3 May 1898: US Marines raised US Flag at Cavite, Philippines

On 3 May 1898, during the Spanish-American War, US Marines from the cruisers Baltimore and Raleigh, commanded by Lieutenant Dion Williams, USMC, landed at Cavite, Philippines, and raised the U.S. Flag. The garrison was paroled and the guns were destroyed. 

4 May 1945: Kamikaze attacks during the Okinawa Campaign

On 4 May 1945, during the Okinawa Campaign, the Japanese attempted to land on Okinawa but were repulsed by the Allied naval forces. Kamikazes attacked and sank: USS Luce (DD 522), USS Morrison (DD 560), USS LSM 190, USS LSM 194. Also damaged by the suicide bombers were USS Birmingham (CL 62) and USS Sangamon (CVE 26). 

5 May 1944: USS Comfort-1st USA & USN jointly manned ship

On 5 May 1944, USS Comfort (AH-6) was commissioned at San Pedro, California. She was the first ship to be manned jointly by U.S. Army and U.S. Navy personnel. Serving in the Pacific during WWII, she was hit by a kamikaze on 29 April, which killed 28 (including six nurses), wounded 48, and caused considerable damage. Following repairs and return visits to the Pacific, Comfort was decommissioned in 1946 and transferred to the U.S. Army. After service in the Maritime Commission and Administration, Comfort was sold for scrap in October 1967.  

6 May 1908: Great White Fleet anchored in San Francisco Bay, CA

On 6 May 1908, the Great White Fleet anchored in San Francisco Bay, California. On 9 May, due to ill health, Rear Admiral Robley D. Evans resigned from Commander in Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Rear Admiral Charles M. Thomas was appointed to command the U.S. Atlantic Fleet but also subsequently fell ill. On 15 May, Rear Admiral Charles S. Sperry assumed command and completed the World Cruise, which arrived at Hampton Roads, Virginia, on 22 February 1909.

7 May 1779: Continental Providence seizes British brig Diligent

On 7 May 1779, during the American Revolution, the Continental Navy sloop Providence, commanded by Hoysted Hacker, captured the British brig Diligent off Sandy Hook and was later acquired for service in the Continental Navy. On 14 August, Diligent was run ashore and burned by her own crew to prevent her capture by the British. 

8 May 1911: Birthday of Naval Aviation!

On 8 May 1911, Captain Washington I. Chambers prepared the requisition for the first US Navy airplane, the Triad (A-1). The airplane was to be equipped with a metal-tipped propeller designed for a speed of at least 45 miles per hour, with provisions for a carrying a passenger alongside the pilot, and with controls that could be operated by either the pilot or the passenger. Since this date, and through countless innovative and technological advances, Naval Aviation has bravely stood at the forefront of our nation’s defense. Happy 102nd Birthday Naval Aviation!