James Cook By Meganfredsberg3 Jan 13, 1755 Cook joined the Royal Navy Jan 13, 1760 He was an expert mapmaker. Jan 13, 1768 Cook’s first voyage included a secret mission from the British government. Jan 13, 1770 His ship Endeavour nearly sank on the Great Barrier Reef. Apr 14, 1770 first European vessel to reach the east coast of Australia Jan 13, 1772 Even Britain’s enemies respected Cook. Jan 13, 1776 He searched for the Northwest Passage Jan 13, 1800 Cook helped pioneer new methods for warding off scurvy. Jan 13, 1800 Cook helped pioneer new methods for warding off scurvy. Jan 13, 2011 NASA named spacecraft after his ships.