This Day in Naval History - Dec. 20

1822 - Congress authorizes the 14-ship West Indies Squadron to suppress piracy in the Caribbean.

1941 - Adm. Ernest J. King is designated commander-in-chief in charge of all operating Naval fleets and coastal frontier forces, reporting directly to the president.

1964 - USS Richard E. Kraus (DD 849) completes a successful emergency mission, aiding the disabled American merchant ship SS Oceanic Spray in the Red Sea.

1974 - Clearance of the Suez Canal for mines and unexploded ordnance completed by joint task force.

1989 - Operation Just Cause begins in Panama.