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.

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