January 31
1944 - A U.S. amphibious landing takes place on Kwajalein, Marshall Islands.
1961 - Lt. Cmdr. Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. becomes the first African-American to command a combat ship, USS Falgout.
1981 - The era of enlisted naval aviators ends when the last pilot retires.
This Day in USS Topeka History 1966 - First shot in anger, Vietnam, 1966
For more information about naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at www.history.navy.mil
