Skip to main content

Naval History and Heritage Command
Today in Naval History
January 21
Javascript required!
Please enable javascript
in your browser to use
this feature.
Year at a Glance
1954 - The world's first nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus (SSN-571), is christened and launched at Groton, Conn.
On This Day

John R. Desselle

1862

Navy ship USS Ethan Allen, commanded by acting-Lt. William B. Eaton, captures the schooner Olive Branch at sea off the Florida coast.

1943

Submarines USS Pollack (SS 180) and USS Gato (SS 212) attack and cause the sinking of two Japanese ships.

1945

TF 38 aircraft attacks Japanese shipping and airfields on Formosa and in the Pescadores, sinking approximately 15 vessels.

1954

The world's first nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus (SSN-571), is christened and launched at Groton, Conn.

1961

USS George Washington (SSBN 598) completes the first operational voyage as a fleet ballistic missile submarine, staying submerged 66 days.