On this day 3 March

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On 3 March 1776, the U.S. Continental Navy and Continental Marines, under the command of Commodore Esek Hopkins, performed the Marine’s first ever amphibious landing. Attempting to capture gunpowder and munitions, the U.S. initiated the Battle of Nassau, attacking the British port of Nassau, Bahamas. Having taken Fort Montagu, the U.S. ground forces, under the command of Captain Samuel Nicholas, refrained from immediately attacking the town, thus affording the British the opportunity to move most of the gunpowder to safety under the cover of darkness. The next day, the Marines entered the town, but by then, the gunpowder was a fraction of the original stores. Additionally, they captured 88 canons, 15 mortars, and other supplies. The ships that participated in the engagement were the Alfred, Wasp, Andrew Doria, Cabot, Providence, and Columbus.

Commodore Esek Hopkins:
2165

Captain Samuel Nicholas:
2166

Marines Landing at the Battle of Nassau:
2167

Flagship USS Alfred:
2168

For more information on today's event:
http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/AmRev1776/p/American-Revolution-Battle-Of-Nassau.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Nassau