Couraider Naval Forces for East-Photographic Laboratory-First Navy Ship to Fire in Korean War- On June 29, 1950, cruiser USS Juneau (olaa 119) was the first Navy ship to fire her guns at the North Korean Invaders, marking the beginning of the naval war against the aggressore in Korea. Since that time, Navy ships of all types, sizes, and purpose have seen action in North Korean waters - ringing the poninsula with an invincible curtain of steal to prove again that seapower must dominate in the prosecution of a war. July 01, 1951. (Photo by Official US Navy Photograph).