Today in U.S. Naval History: February 20

MarineLink.com February 20, 2014

USS Dixie (AD-14). U.S. Navy photo

Today in U.S. Naval History - February 20

1815 - USS Constitution, under Captain Charles Stewart, captures HMS Cyane and sloop-of-war Levant

1962 – Lt. Col. John Glenn, USMC becomes first American to orbit Earth. His flight in Friendship 7 (Mercury 6) consisted of 3 orbits in 88 minutes at a velocity of 17,544 mph with the highest altitude of 162.2 statute miles. Recovery was by USS Noa (DD-841).

1962 - USS Dixie (AD-14) rescues lone crewman aboard a sailing yawl adrift for four days.

1974 - S-3A Viking ASW aircraft (carrier jet) introduced officially, given to VS-41.

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