Historical Events tagged with "navy"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

USS Triton Completes First Submerged Circumnavigation

April 25th, 1960 64 years ago

The USS Triton, a United States Navy submarine, accomplished the historic feat of being the first vessel to circumnavigate the globe submerged. Departing from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on February 16, 1960, Triton traveled over 26,700 miles during a voyage that lasted 84 days. The submarine's journey took it through various oceans, testing both its endurance and technological capabilities. The Triton returned to the United States, making headlines and showcasing the advancements in submarine technology.

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Military & Warfare

USS Triton Embarks on Historic Voyage

February 16th, 1960 65 years ago

The USS Triton, a U.S. Navy submarine, commenced Operation Sandblast, launching from New London, Connecticut, for the first-ever submerged trip around the world. This unprecedented journey showcased advancements in submarine technology and naval capability during the Cold War era. Under the command of Captain Edward L. Beach Jr., the Triton set sail with a crew of 111, marking a significant milestone in naval exploration and showcasing the United States' commitment to maritime innovation. The mission aimed to promote both military prowess and peaceful exploration of the oceans.

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Military & Warfare

USS Nautilus Completes Submerged Arctic Journey

August 3rd, 1958 66 years ago

The USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, achieved a historic milestone by completing the first submerged transit under the North Pole. This groundbreaking journey began in the Pacific Ocean, where the submarine was launched in 1954, and culminated in the icy waters of the Arctic. The submarine's capabilities allowed it to undertake this ambitious mission, showcasing advancements in naval technology and underwater navigation. The journey began on August 1st and was completed on August 3rd, further solidifying the United States' position in the Cold War era.

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Military & Warfare

Novorossiysk Strikes WWII Mine in Sevastopol

October 29th, 1955 69 years ago

The Soviet battleship Novorossiysk struck a World War II mine while docked in Sevastopol harbor. The incident resulted in significant damage to the ship and led to the loss of several crew members. The mine was likely left over from the war, highlighting the dangers still present in post-war Europe. The ship was part of the Soviet Navy and was last serving as a cruiser.

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Politics & Government

Navy Bombing of Demonstrators Supporting Perón

June 16th, 1955 69 years ago

Rogue Argentine Navy pilots targeted a crowd of demonstrators supporting President Juan Perón in Buenos Aires, dropping bombs that killed 364 people and injured over 800. Simultaneously, an attempted coup by soldiers unfolded on the ground but was thwarted by loyal forces. This violent act represented deep divisions within the Argentine military and society regarding Perón's policies and leadership.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Douglas R6D-1 Liftmaster Crash in Hawaii

March 22nd, 1955 69 years ago

A United States Navy Douglas R6D-1 Liftmaster aircraft crashed into the Waiʻanae Range in Hawaii, resulting in the loss of 66 lives. The plane was operating during a military mission and encountered difficulties before descending fatally into the mountainous terrain. Rescuers faced challenges due to the remote location and harsh conditions, complicating recovery efforts.

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Military & Warfare

USS Nautilus Commissioned as First Nuclear Submarine

September 30th, 1954 70 years ago

The USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, was commissioned into the U.S. Navy on September 30, 1954. This groundbreaking vessel marked a significant advancement in underwater naval capabilities. Constructed at the Groton Submarine Base in Connecticut, USS Nautilus was designed for long-duration missions without the need to surface for fuel. This revolutionary technology would change naval warfare and maritime strategy, demonstrating to the world the United States’ leading position in naval engineering and atomic energy application. The commissioning ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, showcasing the national importance of this event.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Tragic Aircraft Crash Claims Midshipman Lives

July 17th, 1953 71 years ago

An aircraft crash in Florida on July 17, 1953, resulted in the largest number of casualties among United States midshipmen in a single incident. The aircraft, a Navy training plane, went down during a training mission near the city of Jacksonville. The crash killed 44 midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy who were aboard, marking a significant loss for the training institution. The midshipmen were engaged in a routine flight that tragically ended in disaster, highlighting the risks associated with military training operations.

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Accidents & Tragedies

HMS Truculent Oil Tanker Collision

January 13th, 1950 75 years ago

The British submarine HMS Truculent collided with the oil tanker MV Daghestan in the Thames Estuary, resulting in the drowning of 64 crew members. The incident occurred during routine exercises in choppy waters, leading to a tragic outcome when the submarine struck the vessel, causing significant damage and rapid sinking. Rescues began shortly after with personnel from both the Royal Navy and local vessels responding to the emergency, but many lives were lost.

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