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HISTORY
This page last updated on 03/21/2012

Establishment of the Navy, 13 October 1775

On October 13, 1775, a resolution of the Continental Congress marked the establishment of what is now the United States Navy.

On Friday, October 13, 1775, meeting in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress voted to fit out two sailing vessels, armed with ten carriage guns, as well as swivel guns, and manned by crews of eighty, and to send them out on a cruise of three months to intercept transports carrying munitions and stores to the British army in America. This was the original legislation out of which the Continental Navy grew and as such constitutes the birth certificate of the navy.

Two hundred and thirty-six years ago, England was the commanding power at sea and held sovereignty over the 13 British North American colonies. England, wanting to hold its power over the colonies, stopped its sea trade and wreaked destruction upon the colonial seaside settlements. When a motion to build an American naval fleet was raised before the Second Continental Congress, many of the delegates considered it a bold and foolish move, defying the might of the British Navy. Samuel Chase, a delegate of Maryland, said it was “the maddest idea in the world to think of building an American fleet.”. On Oct. 13, 1775, the United States Navy was born when the Continental Congress voted to arm two sailing vessels and sent them out to challenge the strongest naval force the world had ever known. When these two vessels set sail against British power 236 years ago, they set sail to secure the future of a young nation with an uncertain future. That future and way of life was steadily secured time and again as the Navy fought fiery battles, like the Battles of Lake Erie, Hampton Roads, Manila Bay, and Midway. As the Navy continued to write its history with fire and cannons, its records were inscribed with the acts of men like Capt. John Paul Jones who, when he was called to surrender during the Battle of Flamborough Head, yelled back in defiance “We have not yet begun to fight!”. The U.S. Navy was born in a time when the fate of nations was decided by battles at sea, and in those times, it was America’s top fighting force. Today, despite the change in time, the U. S. Navy continues to be a vital military force as it provides nuclear strength, and air and ground support as well as sea control and maritime superiority, paving the way for both air and ground forces.

Celebrating the Navy birthday and its history is remembering and honoring what its sailors live and die for, and as long as there’s a U.S. Navy, it’s something worth celebrating. Naval Air Station Key West service members come together, every year to honor and commemorate the Navy‘s birthday and history. It is important for Navy personnel to remember their history so they can continue to keep the level of excellence the U.S. Navy is known for.

Click here for additional details on the Birth of a Navy

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