Today in U.S. Naval history: November 11

MarineLink.com November 11, 2013

Lenah S. Higbee (U.S. Navy photo)

Today in U.S. Naval history - November 11

1870 - Navy expedition to explore the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, southern Mexico, commanded by Capt. Robert W. Shufeldt, enters the Coatzacoalcos River to begin a survey for possible interoceanic canal. Support provided by USS Kansas and USS Mayflower.

1918 - Armistice ends World War I.

1920 - Lenah S. Higbee becomes the first woman to be awarded the Navy Cross. It was awarded for her World War I service.

1921 - Washington Naval Conference begins.

1943 - Two Carrier Task Forces strike Japanese shipping at Rabaul, sinking one carrier and damaging other ships. Raid was first use of SB2C Curtiss Helldivers in combat.

1954 - November 11 designated as Veterans Day to honor veterans of all U.S. wars

1966 - Launch of Gemini 12, with Cdr. James A. Lovell, Jr., USN the command Pilot. Mission lasted three days, 22 hours and 34 minutes and included 59 orbits at an altitude of 162.7 nautical miles. Recovery by HS-11 helicopter from USS Wasp (CVS-18).

1981 - Commissioning of first Trident-class Nuclear Powered Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine, USS Ohio (SSBN-726).

For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.