William Balch News

Today in U.S. Naval History - October 30 1775 - Congress authorizes four vessels for the defense of the United Colonies. 1799 - William Balch becomes Navy's first commissioned Chaplain. For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.

1775 - Congress authorizes four vessels for the defense of the United Colonies. 1799 - William Balch becomes Navy's first commissioned Chaplain. (Source: Navy News Service)

1799 - William Balch becomes Navy's first commissioned Chaplain. (Source: Navy News Service)

October 30, 1775 - Congress authorizes four vessels for the defense of the United Colonies. 1799 - William Balch becomes the Navy's first commissioned chaplain. 1990 - Two Sailors are killed when a steam line ruptures in the boiler room of USS Iwo Jima (LPH 2) in the Persian Gulf. [Source: www.history.navy.mil]