Docendo Discimus
On June 23, 1951, the SS United States was launched and christened, marking a significant milestone in maritime history. This iconic ocean liner, designed by the renowned naval architect William Francis Gibbs, represented the pinnacle of American shipbuilding prowess and was a symbol of national pride during the post-World War II era. The SS United... Continue Reading →
The Chesapeake-Leopard Affair, occurring on June 22, 1807, stands as a significant and contentious event in early American history. This maritime conflict between the United States and Great Britain exemplified the strained relations and escalating tensions that would eventually lead to the War of 1812. Understanding the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair provides critical insight into the complexities... Continue Reading →
The end of World War I marked a significant shift in global power dynamics, and the Treaty of Versailles aimed to reshape Europe and prevent future conflicts. One of the most dramatic events during this transitional period was the scuttling of the German Imperial Fleet at Scapa Flow on June 21, 1919. This deliberate sinking... Continue Reading →
The enigma machine was supposed to be Nazi Germany’s unbreakable code machine. It’s network carried the bulk of the German secret communications from the 1920’s through the end of WWII in May of 1945. The machines carried by German Naval units, including U-Boats, were a complex gizmo of gears and wheels and keys, that required... Continue Reading →
The Battle of Jutland, fought between the British Royal Navy's Grand Fleet and the Imperial German Navy's High Seas Fleet, stands as the largest naval battle of World War I and one of the most significant naval engagements in history. Taking place on May 31 and June 1, 1916, the battle unfolded in the North... Continue Reading →
Among the memories I have from my time in New London, CT, at US Navy Submarine School, is a few moments on a bright but very cold January afternoon, listening to an audio tape. The problem with such memories is that I remember the sounds more than I recall the technical details. We were told... Continue Reading →
On the fateful evening of May 17, 1987, the USS Stark, a guided-missile frigate of the United States Navy, found itself in the crosshairs of conflict in the tumultuous waters of the Persian Gulf. This incident marked a sobering chapter in the history of naval warfare, as the Stark became the target of two Exocet... Continue Reading →
Admiral Willis Augustus Lee, born on May 11, 1888, in Natlee, Kentucky, left an indelible mark on naval history through his exceptional leadership, strategic acumen, and unparalleled expertise in naval warfare. From his early years to his heroic actions during World War II, Lee's legacy continues to inspire generations of sailors and naval strategists. Born... Continue Reading →
On May 9, 1941, during World War II, the Royal Navy achieved a significant victory when they captured the German submarine U-110. This event marked a crucial turning point in the battle against German U-boats and had far-reaching implications for naval warfare and code-breaking operations. U-110 belonged to the Type IXB class of German submarines,... Continue Reading →
In the grand annals of United States naval history, few ships hold as storied a legacy as the USS Lexington CV-2. Initially conceived as a battlecruiser under the auspices of the ambitious naval expansion in the aftermath of World War I, her destiny was irrevocably altered by the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922. This treaty,... Continue Reading →
The Battle of the Coral Sea, fought from May 4 to May 8, 1942, marked a significant turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II. This engagement was notable for being the first air-sea battle in history, where opposing ships never sighted or directly fired upon each other, instead engaging through aircraft launched... Continue Reading →
The SS Sultana was a Mississippi River steamboat that tragically sank on April 27, 1865, near Memphis, Tennessee. Originally constructed in 1863, the Sultana was a side-wheel steamboat used primarily for transporting cargo and passengers along the Mississippi River. During the final days of the American Civil War, the ship was tasked with a critical... Continue Reading →
It was a very sunny, very beautiful day in Virginia Beach. Just after lunch, we were gathered into the the auditorium where the accident aboard USS Iowa was announced to us, and we were instructed as to what we could and could not say if we were approached by the media for comment. It went... Continue Reading →
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1DZTVK8rOXLmLcH4F0uhpf?si=35978dd232eb4e61 In the intriguing world of naval history and maritime technology, few things capture the imagination quite like the evolution of the submarine. In a special episode of "Bill Mick Live" on April 9, 2024, Dave Bowman, a seasoned historian and submarine veteran, dives deep into the legacy of submarines, from their early inception... Continue Reading →
On April 7, 1945, the Imperial Japanese Navy's pride, the battleship Yamato, met its tragic demise in the East China Sea. This monumental event occurred during Operation Ten-Go, a desperate mission that aimed to impact the Allied forces significantly but instead highlighted the shifting tides of naval power in the Pacific. The Yamato's sinking symbolized... Continue Reading →
On April 5, 1951, during the tumultuous Korean Conflict, Navy Corpsman Richard De Wert made the ultimate sacrifice, showcasing extraordinary bravery and selflessness that would etch his name into the annals of American military history. His actions on that fateful day, in the face of overwhelming adversity, underscore the valor and commitment of those who... Continue Reading →
The USS Missouri (BB-63), affectionately known as "Mighty Mo," stands as one of the most iconic battleships in United States naval history. From her keel laying in 1941 to her final decommissioning in 1992, Missouri's career spanned five decades, numerous battles, and several eras of naval warfare, culminating in her status as a museum ship... Continue Reading →
On March 27, 1794, the United States Congress passed the Naval Act, marking a pivotal moment in American history—the establishment of the United States Navy. This decision was not merely an administrative act; it was a strategic move to protect American interests at sea and to establish the young nation's presence on the global stage.... Continue Reading →
On this day, March 14, 1757, a somber event unfolded upon the decks of HMS Monarch, casting a shadow over the British Royal Navy and igniting controversy that would ripple through time. Vice-Admiral John Byng was executed by firing squad, an event that sent shockwaves across the British Isles and forever impacted naval discipline and... Continue Reading →
On the chilly evening of February 17, 1864, the waters off Charleston Harbor became the stage for an unprecedented event in naval warfare. The CSS Hunley, a Confederate submarine, embarked on a daring mission that would forever alter the course of maritime military engagements. The CSS Hunley's journey to that fateful night was marked by... Continue Reading →
Dave Does History 