Naval History and Heritage Command

The frigate, Bonhomme Richard, commanded by John Paul Jones, engages HMS Serapis. During the battle, with his ship nearly destroyed, he refuses to surrender, shouting I have not yet begun to fight. With assistance from the Continental frigate Alliance, John Paul Jones captures Serapis. Two days later, Bonhomme Richard sinks under the sea.

During the War of 1812, the frigate President, commanded by Commodore John Rodgers, captures the British HMS High Flyer off Nantucket Sound.

Rear Adm. Louis M. Goldsborough assumes command of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron including operations in the Chesapeake during the Civil War.

The first landing of an autogiro on board an aircraft carrier is made by Lt. Alfred M. Pride, USN, in a (XOP 1), onboard USS Langley (CV 1) while underway.

USS West Virginia (BB 48) reaches Pearl Harbor and rejoins the Pacific Fleet, marking the end of the salvage and reconstruction of 18 ships damaged Dec. 7, 1941.

USNS Pecos (T-AO 197) is christened and launched at the Avondale Shipyards in New Orleans, La. The Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler provides underway replenishment of fuel, fleet cargo and stores to the Navy through the Military Sealift Command.

During Operation Desert Shield, the two hospital ships, USNS Mercy (T AH 19) and USNS Comfort (T AH 20), steam together for first time in the Persian Gulf.