U.S. Navy

Branch of the United States armed forces responsible for naval operations. The navy is the oldest of the U.S. [Page 779]armed services to be officially established by Congress. Throughout its long and colorful history. it has played a key role in defending U.S. interests, assisting U.S. allies, and projecting U.S. power.

Revolutionary War Period (1775–89)

On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the creation of the Continental Navy to intercept supplies and arms destined for the British soldiers occupying Boston. Others in the rebellious colonies had also seen the need for a naval fighting force. Even before Congress acted, George Washington had assumed command of several vessels and some colonial governors also had outfitted warships. The Continental Navy would prove to be an effective weapon against the British and would signal to the world that America was a mature nation.

Cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, tossing their caps in the air at the conclusion of their graduation ceremony on May 29, 2004. Established in 1802, the United States Military Academy has been training future army officers for more than 200 years. In addition to teaching basic military skills and preparing cadets for leadership roles, West Point works to develop their intellect, physical abilities, and moral and ethical values.

U.S. Army.

In March 1776, U.S. Naval Commander in Chief Esek Hopkins led a small American fleet against the city of Nassau in the Bahamas, where the British had been stockpiling gun power. On April 6, Hopkins's armada, joined by the USS Fly, engaged HMS Glasgow in America's first major sea battle. The successful engagement enabled Hopkins's forces to capture Nassau. Congress soon authorized the construction of 13 frigates to supplement the fleet of refitted merchant ships that were serving as naval vessels. The Continental Navy performed a variety of missions throughout the war, including raiding British supply lines, protecting American commercial vessels, and resupplying American troops.

The Navy's contribution to the American victory in the Revolution demonstrated its value to the new nation. When the United States Constitution was ratified in 1789, it charged Congress with maintaining the navy. In this capacity, Congress ordered the construction of six frigates to replace ships lost in the Revolution. It also called for construction of the America, a 76-gun ship given to France to compensate that country for the loss of its ship Magnifique during the war.

The Continental Period (1790–1890)

In the years following the war, the cash-poor Congress was forced to sell most of the navy's ships to raise funds to run the new nation. Lacking an effective navy to protect them, American merchant vessels increasingly became the targets of pirates. The problem was particularly acute in the Mediterranean Sea, where North African Barbary pirates preyed on U.S. merchant ships. The British, not eager to assist their former colonies, refused to protect American ships. Although the United States lost relatively few ships to pirates, the insult of seeing their countrymen held for ransom or sold into slavery outraged many Americans. [Page 780]Public support for a strong navy grew; the cause was championed by Thomas Jefferson, among others. The need for a strong navy became even more apparent after British swept U.S. merchant ships from the sea and blockaded U.S. ports during the War of 1812.

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