Navy

Opening of the USS Arizona Memorial
On May 30, 1962, the USS Arizona Memorial was officially opened to the public. A tribute to those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor, it’s visited by two million people per year and is a National Historic Landmark.

Battle of Okinawa
On April 1, 1945, the Battle of Okinawa began. Lasting nearly three months, it was the last major battle of the war and the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific.

The Burning of the USS Philadelphia
On February 16, 1804, Stephen Decatur led a surprise assault on the captured USS Philadelphia in Tripoli. Part of the First Barbary War, the assault was intended to keep the Tripolitans from salvaging the damaged ship for their own use.

Birth of Admiral William T. Sampson
US Navy Rear Admiral William T. Sampson was born on February 9, 1840, in Palmyra, New York. He’s best known for his victory in the Spanish-American War Battle of Santiago de Cuba.

Sinking of the SS Dorchester
On February 3, 1943, after the SS Dorchester was sunk, the Four Chaplains sacrificed their lives to protect the other men on their boat. The sinking is considered the second-worst sea disaster of World War II.

U.S. Launches First Nuclear Submarine
On January 21, 1954, the USS Nautilus, the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine, was launched. It would quickly break all speed and distance records and mark the start of a new age of underwater travel.

Birth of John McCloy
US Navy Lieutenant Commander John McCloy was born on January 3, 1876, in Brewster, New York. Serving with the Navy for 30 years, he’s one of just 19 servicemen to receive two Medals of Honor.

Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet
On December 16, 1907, Theodore Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet departed the United States for a 434-day journey around the globe to demonstrate America’s sea power.

Veterans Day
On November 11, 1954, America first observed Veterans Day, previously known as Armistice Day. Initially a day set aside to honor the veterans of World War I, it was expanded in 1954 to pay tribute to all veterans.