Allied Naval Force News

1900 - President William McKinley signs an Executive Order placing Tutuila (Samoa) and nearby islands under the Navy Department. 1942 - The Japanese attack Darwin, Australia in the largest attack by a foreign power on that country. USS Peary (DD 226), as well as an Army transport and freighter sink in the raid, as well as a number of Australian and British vessels. 1942 - The overnight Battle of Badoeng Strait begins when the allied naval force (ABDA) commanded by Dutch Rear Adm. W.F.M. Doorman engaged the Japanese in an attempt to stop the invasion force in Bali.

Today in U.S. Naval History - February 27 1942 - Battle of the Java Sea, Allied Naval Force attacks Japanese invasion convoy 1973 - First airborne mine sweep in a live minefield took place in the Haiphong, Vietnam ship channel by helicopters from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Twelve on board USS New Orleans. For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.

1942 - Battle of the Java Sea, Allied Naval Force attacks Japanese invasion convoy 1973 - First airborne mine sweep in a live minefield took place in the Haiphong, Vietnam ship channel by helicopters from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Twelve on board USS New Orleans. (Source: Navy News Service)

1861 - Congress approves the construction of seven steam sloops. 1942 - During the Battle of the Java Sea, an allied naval force attacks a Japanese invasion convoy. For more information about naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at www.history.navy.mil.