Today in U.S. Naval History: June 4

MarineLink.com June 4, 2013

USS Enterprise (CV-6) steaming at high speed at about 0725 hrs, June4, 1942, seen from USS Pensacola (CA-24). The carrier has launched Scouting Squadron Six (VS-6) and Bombing Squadron Six (VB-6) and is striking unlaunched SBD aircraft below in preparation for respotting the flight deck with torpedo planes and escorting fighters. (Official U.S. Navy Photograph, U.S. National Archives.)

Today in U.S. Naval History - June 4

1934 - USS Ranger, first ship designed from the keel up as a carrier, is commissioned at Norfolk, VA

1942 - Battle of Midway (June 4-6) begins; during battle, the four Japanese carriers which attacked Pearl Harbor are sunk; this decisive U.S. victory is a turning point in the Pacific war

1944 - Hunter-killer group USS Guadalcanal captures German submarine, U-505

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