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Naval History and Heritage Command
Today in Naval History
August 15
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Year at a Glance
1845 - General Order 40 establishes the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis Md., the former site of Fort Severn.
On This Day

1895

The battleship USS Texas is commissioned. She is the first American steel-hulled battleship. USS Texas serves off Cuba during the Spanish-American War and takes part in the Battle of Santiago.

1908

The first Navy Post Offices are opened on board Navy ships following a June 27, 1908 General Order 74 establishing them.

1944

Operation Dragoon begins, which is the Allied invasion of Southern France. Western Naval Task Force, commanded by Vice Adm. Henry K. Hewitt, USN, lands the Allied force on the front between Toulon and Cannes.

1953

Adm. Arthur W. Radford becomes the first naval officer to be appointed as the Chairman, Joints Chief of Staff, serving two-terms until Aug. 15, 1957.

1987

USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) is christened and launched in San Diego as a Mercy-class hospital ship following conversion from a San Clemente-class supertanker. She is the third Navy ship named Comfort.

1998

USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) is commissioned at Pensacola, Fla.