Today in U.S. Naval History: July 12
![Commander Rosemary Mariner assuming command of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ-34) at Naval Air Station, Point Mugu, California in 1990. She was the first Navy woman to assume command of an aviation squadron. In 1993, Mariner became one of the first woman aviators to be promoted to Captain. (Collection of Captain Rosemary Mariner, USN, [Retired]. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/mander-rosemary-mariner-assuming-command-16304.jpg)
Today in U.S. Naval History - July 12
1836 - Commissioning of Charles H. Haswell as first regularly appointed Engineer Officer.
1916 - North Carolina is first Navy ship to carry and operate aircraft
1921 - Congress creates Bureau of Aeronautics to be in charge of all matter pertaining to naval aeronautics.
1951 - Ninth Naval District forces assist in flood relief work in Kansas City through July 20
1953 - United Nations Fleet launches heavy air and sea attack on Wonsan; Major John Bolt, USMC becomes first jet ace in Marine Corps.
1988 - SECDEF approves opening Navy's Underwater Construction Teams, fleet oiler, ammunition ships, and combat stores ships to women.
1990 - Commander Rosemary B. Mariner becomes first woman to command an operational aviation squadron (VAQ-34).
For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.
