Marine Link
Friday, October 16, 2026

Today in U.S. Naval History: October 3

Maritime Activity Reports, Inc.

October 3, 2013

USS Saipan (U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.)

USS Saipan (U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.)

Today in U.S. Naval History - October 3

1921 - USS Olympia sails for France to bring home the Unknown Soldier from World War I

1955 - USS Saipan (CVL-48) begins disaster relief at Tampico, Mexico rescuing people and delivering supplies. Operations ends 10 October.

1962 - Launch of Sigma 7 (Mercury 8) piloted by CDR Walter M. Schirra, Jr., USN. In a mission lasting nine hours and 13 minutes, he made six orbits at an altitude up to 175.8 statute miles at 17,558 mph. Recovery by USS Kearsarge (CVS-33).

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

With the advent of fuel transition, digitalization, AI and autonomy, innovation in vessel design and operation proceeds at unprecedented speed.
Read the Magazine

GPA: Remembering a Vessel Design Legend

Purchase of Ten Wharf Cranes for Wharves Nos. 5 and 6 at Barbours Cut Terminal and Wharf No. 1 at Bayport Container Terminal

Subscribe for
Maritime Reporter E-News

Maritime Reporter E-News is the maritime industry's largest circulation and most authoritative ENews Service, delivered to your Email five times per week