11/01 Fri. Atlantic Squadron renamed Patrol Force, United States Fleet. Naval Air Station, Alameda, Calif., is established. 11/08 Fri. SS CITY OF RAYVILLE sinks after hitting a mine laid by German raider off Cape Otway, Bass Strait, Australia; first United States merchant vessel sunk in World War II. Admiral Nomura is appointed Japanese Ambassador to the United States. 11/11 Mon. British Naval aircraft make torpedo attack against Italian fleet at Taranto; attack continues on 12 November. 11/20 Wed. Hungary joins the Axis. 11/23 Sat. Adm. W. D. Leahy, USN (Ret.), is appointed Ambassador to France. Romania joins the Axis. 11/30 Sat. United States lends $50 million to China for currency stabilization, and grants an additional $50 million credit for purchase of supplies.