1779 - 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.
1813 - During the War of 1812, the frigate President, commanded by Commodore John Rodgers, captures the British HMS High Flyer off Nantucket Sound.
1861 - Rear Adm. Louis M. Goldsborough assumes command of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron including operations in the Chesapeake during the Civil War.
1931 - 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.
1944 - 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.
1989 - 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.
1990 - 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.
