74 years ago today, on 17 January 1950, Iowa class battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) ran aground on Chesapeake Bay's Thimble shoal, while attempting to enter an acoustical range to identify the ships propeller signature. It took over two weeks before she was freed from the sand of the shoal.
Battleship Missouri Memorial, Honolulu, HI
69 years ago today, on 17 January 1955, world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine USS Nautilus (SSN-571), departed for her shakedown under nuclear power. Her first Commanding Officer, Commander Eugene P. Wilkinson, ordered all lines cast off and signaled the memorable and historic message, "Underway On Nuclear Power."
Submarine Force Museum Association, Home of the USS Nautilus, Groton, CT
50 years ago today, on 17 January 1974, Gearing-class destroyer. USS Joseph P Kennedy Jr. (DD-850) arrived at Battleship Cove, Fall River, MA.
USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr - DD850 at Battleship Cove, Fall River, MA
33 years ago today, on 17 January 1991, Iowa-class battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) launched her first tomahawk missile at Iraqi targets at the start of Operation Desert Storm, followed by 27 additional missiles over the next five days.
Battleship Missouri Memorial, Honolulu, HI
71 years ago today, on 17 January 1953, AM-480-class fleet minesweeper AM-483 was launched at Peterson Builders Inc., Sturgeon Bay, WI. She was transferred to the Netherlands as HNLMS Onverschrokken (M886) as part of MDAP, later renamed HNLMS Mercuur (A856) and is now a museum ship in Vlissingen, Netherlands.
MuseumShip Hr.Ms. Mercuur, Vlissingen, Netherlands
