This Day in Naval History - April 18

From the Navy News Service 1848 - A Navy expedition to explore the Dead Sea and the River Jordan, commanded by Lt. William F. Lynch, reaches the Dead Sea. 1906 - The Navy assists in relief operations during the San Francisco earthquake and fire. 1942 - USS Hornet (CV 8) launches Doolittle's Army bombers for the first attack on Japan. 1988 - Navy destroys two Iranian drilling platforms and a frigate in retaliation for attack on USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58).