This Day in Naval History - May 17
From the Navy News Service:
- 1940 - FDR announces plans to recommission 35 more destroyers.
- 1942 - USS Tautog (SS 199) sinks Japanese sub, I-28; while USS Triton (SS 201) sinks I-164.
- 1951 - Aircraft from carriers attack bridges between Wonsan and Hamhung, Korea.
- 1962 - Naval amphibious ready group lands Marines to guard Thailand's borders from Communist probes.
- 1966 - Naval Support Activity Saigon established.
- 1973 - First woman to hold a major Navy command, Capt. Robin Lindsay Quigley assumes command of Navy Service School, San Diego.
- 1987 - USS Stark (FFG 31) struck by Iraqi Exocet missile in Persian Gulf, killing 37 Sailors; 21 were wounded.
- 1990 - USS Roark (FF 1053) rescues 42 refugees from unseaworthy craft in South China Sea.
For more information about naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at http://www.history.navy.mil.