Today in U.S. Naval History – November 5

1775 – Commodore Esek Hopkins appointed to Commander in Chief of the Continental Navy.

1915 – In AB-2 flying boat, L.Cdr. Henry C. Mustin makes first underway catapult launch from a ship, USS North Carolina, at Pensacola Bay, Fla.

1917 – German submarine torpedoes USS Alcedo off French coast.

1923 – Tests designed to prove the feasibility of launching a small seaplane from a submarine occur at Hampton Roads Naval Base. A Martin MS-1, stored disassembled in a tank on board USS S-1, was removed and assembled. Then the submarine submerged allowing the plane to float free and take off.

1944 – TF 38 (Vice Admiral John S. McCain) begins two days of carrier strikes on Luzon, Philippines.

1945 – Ensign Jake C. West (VF-41) makes first jet landing on board a carrier, USS Wake Island (CVE-65) .

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