This Day in Naval History - July 26

1812 - Frigate Essex captures British brig Leander.

1912 - First airborne radio communications from naval aircraft to ship (Lt. John Rodgers to USS Stringham).

1942 - Capt. Joy Bright Hancock appointed director, Women's Naval Reserve.

1948 - President Harry S. Truman orders desegregation of the Armed Services.

1954 - Three aircraft from USS Philippine Sea (CVA 47) shoot down two Chinese fighters that fired on them while they were providing air cover for rescue operations for a U.K. airliner shot down by a Chinese aircraft.

(Source: www.history.navy.mil)