Naval History and Heritage Command

Tripoli declares war on the United States for not increasing the annual tribute paid as protection money to prevent raids on its ships. Within less than a week, a squadron under Commodore Richard Dale, sets sail to protect American interests and arrives July 1 at Gibraltar.

Congress authorizes the U.S. Exploring Expedition to conduct an exploration of the Pacific Ocean and South Seas, making the first major US scientific expedition overseas. Lt. Charles Wilkes, USN, leads the expedition to survey South America, Antarctica, the Far East, and the North Pacific.

The Marine detachment from USS Arizona guards the U.S. consulate at Constantinople, Turkey, during the Greek occupation of the city.

USS Bonefish (SS 223) attacks a Japanese convoy bound for Sibitu Passage, Borneo, and sinks Japanese destroyer Inazuma near TawiTawi, east of Borneo and survives counter-attacks by Japanese destroyer Hibiki. Also on this date, USS Aspro (SS 309) and USS Bowfin (SS 287) attack a Japanese convoy and sinks cargo ship BisanMaru.

German submarine (U 858) arrives at Cape May, Del., after surrendering at sea four days earlier. USS Pillsbury (DE 133) and USS Pope (DE 134) arrive later that day, take over the boat, place a USN crew on board, and remove 1/2 of her crew including three of her four officers. (U 858) is later scuttled off the coast of New England during torpedo trials.