Naval History and Heritage Command

While commanding the first screw propelled U.S. naval steamer Princeton, Capt. Robert F. Stockton challenges the British merchant ship Great Western to a speed race off New York. Princeton easily wins the race.

The steamer Mobile captures schooner Emily off San Luis Pass, Texas with a cargo of 150 bales of cotton.

The Naval Submarine Base at New London, Conn. is established.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt approves Secretary of Navy James V. Forrestal's order for African American women to be accepted into the Naval Reserve.

U.S. Navy destroyers destroy two Iranian oil-drilling platforms during Operation Nimble Archer. This action was in response to the Iranian Silkworm Missile that hit MV Sea Isle City, which was under the protection of Operation Earnest Will.

USNS Mary Sears (T-AGS 65) is launched at Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Miss. She is the sixth Military Sealift Command Pathfinder class oceanographic survey ship.