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Today in U.S. Naval History: January 31

Maritime Activity Reports, Inc.

January 31, 2014

Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. (U.S. NHHC Photograph.)

Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. (U.S. NHHC Photograph.)

Today in U.S. Naval History - January 31

1944 - American amphibious landing on Kwajalein, Marshall Islands

1961 - Lieutenant Commander Samuel Lee Gravely, Jr. becomes first African-American to command a combat ship, USS Falgout

1981 - Era of Enlisted Naval Aviators ends when last pilot retired

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

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