This Day in Naval History - Oct. 19

1843 - Capt. Robert Stockton on Princeton, the first screw-propelled naval steamer, challenges British merchant ship Great Western to a race off New York, which Princeton won easily.

1915 - Submarine Base at New London, Conn is established.

1944 - Secretary of the Navy orders African-American women accepted into the Naval Reserve.

1987 - Iranian oil-drilling platform used for military purposes is destroyed.

For more information about naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at www.history.navy.mil.