This Week in Naval History

7 Mar 1994: 1st orders for women on board a combatant USN ship

On 7 March 1994, the US Navy issued the first orders for women to be assigned on board a combatant ship, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69).

8 Mar 1950: Operation Portrex

On 8 March 1950, the exercise Operation Portrex began. Operation Portrex was the first use of airborne troops in support of an amphibious landing and took place on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico. The two-week long exercise evaluated joint service doctrine for the combined operation.

9 Mar 1862: 1st Battle between Ironclads

On 9 March 1862, in the first battle between ironclads, USS Monitor and CSS Virginia engaged in battle in Hampton Roads, Virginia, and ushered in a new era of war. Though no side could claim victory, the battle was conducted at close range; and after an exchange spread over four hours, Virginia eventually withdrew. Virginia remained a threatening force until she was scuttled on 11 May. Of the battle, Capt John A. Dahlgren stated, “Now comes the reign of iron and cased sloops…to take the place of wooden ships.”

10 Mar 1945: Nurse POWs flown to the U.S.

On 10 March 1945, the Navy and civilian nurses interned at Los Banos, Philippines as Prisoners of War were flown back to U.S. The Navy Nurses were taken Prisoners of War in early January 1942 and were later awarded the Bronze Star for their time in captivity.

11 Mar 1942 -- MOH -- Lieutenant John Bulkeley, USN

On 11 March 1942, Lieutenant John Bulkeley, Commander Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3, departed Luzon for Mindanao with Lieutenant General Douglas MacArthur and Rear Admiral Francis W. Rockwell in motor torpedo boats PT 32, PT 34, PT 35, and PT 41. The boats arrived at Cagayan, Mindanao on the 13th after a 560 mile voyage in heavy to moderate seas. For this action, along with other operations in the Philippines during the start of WWII, he received the Medal of Honor. Bulkeley later attained the rank of Vice Admiral.

12 Mar 1956: Attack Squadron 83 deployed overseas

On 12 Mar 1956, the first missile firing aircraft squadron was deployed overseas, Attack Squadron 83, which was equipped with F7U-3 “Cutlasses” armed with Sparrow missiles. They sailed aboard USS Intrepid (CVA 11) for the Mediterranean from Norfolk, Virginia.

13 Mar 1952: US Navy bombardment of shore batteries at Korea

On 13 March 1952, during the Korean War, USS Manchester (CL 83), USS James E. Kyes (DD 787), USS McGinty (DE 365) and USS Douglas H. Fox (DD 779) were supported by aircraft from Task Force 77 in conducting a bombardment of shore batteries on Kalmagak, Wonson, Korea. These batteries had become very active against ships conducting the siege of Wonsan and their rapidly improving accuracy demonstrated the installation of new fire control equipment. The batteries were silenced.