This Day In US Naval History - January 21

Posted by Eric Haun January 21, 2016

Nautilus (SSN-571) launching on 21 January 1954, at the Electric Boat Company, Groton, Connecticut. Submarine sponsor Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower, on board the Presidential Train arrives at the ceremonies. (Photo: National Museum of the U.S. Navy)

1862 - Navy ship USS Ethan Allen, commanded by acting-Lt. William B. Eaton, captures the schooner Olive Branch at sea off the Florida coast.

1943 - Submarines USS Pollack (SS 180) and USS Gato (SS 212) attack and cause the sinking of two Japanese ships.

1945 - TF 38 aircraft attacks Japanese shipping and airfields on Formosa and in the Pescadores, sinking approximately 15 vessels.

1954 - The world's first nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus (SSN-571) is christened and launched at Groton, Conn.

1961 - USS George Washington (SSBN 598) completes the first operational voyage as a fleet ballistic missile submarine, staying submerged 66 days.

(Source: Naval History and Heritage Command, Communication and Outreach Division)