Today in U.S. Naval History: February 7

Today in U.S. Naval Hostory - February 7

1800 - USS Essex becomes first U.S. Navy vessel to cross the Equator.

1815 - The Board of Naval Commissioners, a group of senior officers, is established to oversee the operation and maintenance of the Navy, under the direction of the Secretary of the Navy.

1955 - Seventh Fleet ships begin evacuation of Chinese nationalists from Tachen Islands

1965 - In response to a Viet Cong attack on barracks area at Pleiku, South Vietnam, aircraft from carriers, USS Coral Sea, USS Hancock, and USS Ranger attack North Vietnamese area near Donghoi.

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