Today in U.S. Naval History: December 6

December 6, 2013

USS Jacob Jones (DD-61) sinking, photographed by Seaman William G. Ellis. (Smithsonian Institution Photograph)
USS Jacob Jones (DD-61) sinking, photographed by Seaman William G. Ellis. (Smithsonian Institution Photograph)

Today in U.S. Naval History: December 6

1830 - Naval Observatory, the first U.S. national observatory, established at Washington, D.C., under commander of Lieutenant Louis Malesherbes.

1901 - First report of Ship Model Basin at Washington Navy Yard issued by Naval Constructor David W. Taylor who designed the basin. First facility of this type in U.S. to test hull shapes.

1917 - German submarine torpedoes sink USS Jacob Jones (DD-61) off England.

1968 - Operation Giant Slingshot began in Mekong Delta

For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.

Related News

UK Imposes Sanctions Over Russia-North Korea ‘Arms-for-oil’ Trade Oil Spill Contained After Barge Slams Bridge in Galveston No Shortage of Good Ideas to Address the Mariner Shortage US Says Warship Intercepted Houthi Missile, Merchant Vessel Untouched UK Confirms It Will Build Six New Warships