Marine Link
Wednesday, April 23, 2025

This Day in Naval History - Nov. 17

Maritime Activity Reports, Inc.

November 17, 2005

From the Navy News Service

1917 - USS Fanning (DD 37) and USS Nicholson (DD-52) sink first enemy submarine, U-58, off Milford Haven, Wales.

1924 - USS Langley (CV 1), first aircraft carrier, reports for duty.

1941 - Congress amends Neutrality Act to allow U.S. merchant ships to be armed. Navy's Bureau of Navigation directs Navy personnel with Armed Guard training to be assigned for further training before going to Armed Guard Centers for assignment to merchant ships.

1955 - Navy sets up Special Projects Office under Rear Adm. William Raborn, USN, to develop a solid propellant ballistic missile for use in submarines.