On 21 November 1943, Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer USS Laffey DD724, "The Ship That Would Not Die", was launched at Bath Iron Works, sponsored by Ms. Beatrice F. Laffey, daughter of Seaman Laffey. She is named for Bartlett Laffey. Seaman Laffey was awarded the Medal of Honor for his stand against Confederate forces on 5 March 1864.
Museum ship at Patriots Point & Maritime Museum, Mount Pleasant, SC
88 years ago today, on 21 November 1937, Great Lakes freighter SS William A. Irvin was launched at the American Shipbuilding Co., Lorain, OH, sponsored by by Gertrude, wife of US Steel president William A Irvin.
Museum ship William A. Irvin, Duluth, MN
56 years ago today, on 21 November 1969, whaleback ship SS Meteor ran aground on Gull Island Shoal off Marquette, Michigan. Cleveland Tanker Company chose not to repair the 73-year-old steamer because Meteor was a single-hull tanker and because of the severe damage that had been done to the hull. Because Meteor was the last surviving whaleback, she was bought, repaired and taken to Superior, Wisconsin in 1971 for use as a museum ship. She was berthed at Barkers Island where she remains today.
Museum ship at Superior Historic Properties, Superior, WI
75 years ago today, on 21 November 1950, Iowa-class battleship USS New Jersey BB-62 was commissioned for the second time, with Capt. David M. Tyree in command. Big J proceeded to the Caribbean, where she welded her crew into an efficient body which would meet the demanding requirements of the Korean War.
Battleship New Jersey, Camden, NJ
73 years ago today, on 21 November 1952, Tang-class submarine TCG Hizirreis (S342) was commissioned as USS Gudgeon (SS-567), with Commander Robert M. Carroll in command.
Now a museum ship in Izmit, Turkey.
94 years ago today, on 21 November 1931, MV Moonta entered service for the Adelaide Steamship Company. She was built by Burmeister & Wain Shipyard in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Now a museum ship in Le Barcarès, France.
