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Naval History and Heritage Command
Today in Naval History
January 17
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Year at a Glance
1943 - Light aircraft carrier USS Cowpens (CV-25) is launched. Redesignated CVL 25 six months later, she serves in the Pacific during World War II.
On This Day

1863

Union iron-clad gunboat USS Baron de Kalb, with tinclad gunboats Forest Rose and Romeo, along with an Army transport, clear out Confederate strong holds up White River to Des Arc, Ark.

1899

Gunboat USS Bennington, commanded by Cmdr. E.D. Taussig, claims Wake Island for the United States, giving the U.S. a cable route between Honolulu and Manila, a factor that influences territorial demands in the Pacific.

1943

Submarine USS Whale (SS 239) sinks the Japanese transport Heiyo Maru.

1943

Light aircraft carrier USS Cowpens (CV-25) is launched. Redesignated CVL 25 six months later, she serves in the Pacific during World War II.

1944

Dauntless SBD scout planes and Avenger TBF torpedo bombers bomb Japanese shipping at Rabaul and sank three ships, damaging a third.