Five United States Navy ships have been named USS Franklin, the first four after Benjamin Franklin, and the fifth, the aircraft carrier CV-13, perpetuating the name of the previous ships (it was not the usual practice at the time to name carriers after individuals).
The first Franklin was a 6-gun schooner, taken under the command of Commodore John Manly[?] in 1775, participating in the capture of many British vessels and returned to the owner in 1776.
... January 7 - The distress signal[?] "CQD" is established only to be replaced two years later by "SOS."
February 7 - A fire in Baltimore, Marylan ...