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Naval History and Heritage Command
Today in Naval History
January 28
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Year at a Glance
1986 - The Space Shuttle Challenger tragically explodes early in its boost phase, killing all seven astronauts, including Navy Cmdr. Michael Smith.
On This Day

1865

Confederate torpedo boat St. Patrick strikes the side-wheel gunboat USS Octorara, off Mobile Bay, but her spar torpedo fails to explode.

1944

PB4Y-1 (VB 103) aircraft sink German submarine, U 271, off Limerick, Ireland.

1945

Submarine USS Spadefish (SS-411) attacks Japanese convoy west of Chuja Kundo, Korea, and sinks escort vessel Kume and transport Sanuki Maru.

1962

USS Cook (APD-130) rescues 25 survivors from Panamanian tanker, SS Stanvac Sumatra, which broke in two in the South China Sea.

1986

The Space Shuttle Challenger tragically explodes early in its boost phase, killing all seven astronauts, including Navy Cmdr. Michael Smith.