Today in U.S. Naval History: September 17

Today in U.S. Naval History - September 17

1861 - Union landing party from USS Massachusetts takes possession of Ship Island, Mississippi. This was the headquarters for Adm. David Farragut's Gulf Coast Blockading Squadron.

1944 - Navy Task Force lands Army troops on Angaur, Palau Islands supported by Navy carrier aircraft and shore bombardment

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