Naval History and Heritage Command

The Continental Navy ship Alfred, commanded by John Paul Jones, along with Continental sloop Providence, commanded by Hoysted Hacker, capture the British transport Mellish, carrying winter uniforms later used by Gen. George Washingtons troops. Three days later, Alfred captures the British brig Hetty off the New England coast.

Cmdr. Herbert E. Schonland, Rear Adm. Norman Scott, Boatswains Mate First Class Reinhardt J. Keppler, and Capt. Daniel J. Callaghan courageously fight enemy forces during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Schonland later receives the Medal of Honor for his actions, while Scott, Keppler, and Callaghan posthumously receive the Medal of Honor for their actions.

Gunners Mate Third Class Kenneth J. Spangenberg is killed on board USS San Francisco in the Battle of Savo Island and posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.

All five Sullivan brothers are lost when the USS Juneau (CL 52) is destroyed during the naval Battle of Guadalcanal.

Aircraft from Carrier Task Groups 38.1, 38.3, and 38.4 attack Japanese shipping and port facilities at Manila and central Luzon.

During the Korean War, USS Toledo (CA 133) carries out Operation "Counter-Punch against Kojo gun emplacements. Three direct hits are reported.

The first firing of a Regulus II bombardment missile takes place at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

The lead ship of the newly created Los Angeles-class submarine, USS Los Angeles (SSN 688), is commissioned.

VFA-125 at NAS Lemoore, CA, is established as the first squadron to train Sailors and Marines to fly and maintain F/A-18 Hornets.

Retired Navy Capt. Thomas J. Hudner Jr., who earned the Medal of Honor during the Korean War, passes away.  On Dec. 4, 1950, Hudner crashed his own plane in order to aid downed fellow aviator Ensign Jesse L. Brown, who had been shot down by enemy anti-aircraft fire.