This Day in Naval History – July 26

1812 - Frigate Essex captures British brig Leander

1912 - First airborne radio communications from naval aircraft to ship (LT John Rodgers to USS Stringham)

1946 - CAPT Joy Bright Hancock appointed Director, Women's Naval Reserve.

1948 - President Harry S. Truman orders desegregation of the Armed Services.

1954 - 3 aircraft from USS Philippine Sea (CVA-47) shoot down 2 Chinese fighters that fired on them while they were providing air cover for rescue operations for a U.K. airliner shot down by a Chinese aircraft.

(Source: Navy News Service)