Today in U.S. Naval History: March 21

Today in U.S. Naval History - March 21

1917 - Loretta Walsh becomes first woman Navy petty officer when sworn in as Chief Yeoman.

1919 - Navy installs and tests Sperry gyrocompass, in first instance of test of aircraft gyrocompass

1945 - Bureau of Aeronautics initiates rocket-powered surface-to-air guided missile development by awarding contract to Fairchild

For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.