Spotlight: 250 Years of the United States Navy

The United States Navy is celebrating its 250^th birthday on October 13, 2025. On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the creation of the Continental Navy, consisting of the purchase and outfitting of two ships. By 1776, the Colonists had 27 warships, still a stark contrast to the powerful British Navy, which had about 270 ships. At the beginning of the Revolutionary War in 1775, the British Navy was the largest and most experienced navy in the world. As a colonial power, Great Britain relied on its navy both to protect it from invasion by much larger continental powers and to defend trade flowing in from its colonies. Given its small size, the Continental Navy primarily contributed to the war effort by interfering with British commerce, protecting American commerce, transporting American diplomats, and supporting ground campaigns. The Continental Navy secured limited victories in skirmishes with British Navy vessels, the most storied of which was the confrontation between the Bonhomme Richard, under the command of John Paul Jones, and HMS Serapis off the coast of England in September 1779. The Bonhomme Richard suffered considerable damage, caught fire, and began to sink. The captain of the Serapis asked Jones if he was ready to surrender, and Jones gave the famous reply, “I have not yet begun to fight.” In deed after several more hours of fighting, the Americans captured the Serapis. Jones’ words became a symbol for the tenacity of the Continental Navy in the face of overwhelming odds.  

The Continental Navy was briefly disbanded in 1785 following the end of the Revolutionary War due to lack of funds. However, by 1794, given threats from pirates and foreign nations, it became apparent that the new nation needed a permanent Navy. That spring, Congress passed the Naval Act of 1794, reestablishing the Navy and authorizing the construction of six warships, including the USS Constitution. The USS Constitution, built in Boston at a cost of over $300,000 and launched in 1797, remains an active duty Navy ship and is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world today. During the War of 1812, it gained its nickname “Old Ironsides” after outrunning a large British squadron and defeating four British Navy ships in combat. Today, the USS Constitution is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, where it serves as a training and ceremonial ship for the Navy and an educational experience for visitors in conjunction with the National Park Service. 

In order to train naval officers, the U.S. Naval Academy was established at Annapolis, Maryland on October 10, 1845, with a class of 50 midshipmen. During the Civil War, the U.S. Navy played a crucial role in defeating the Confederacy through the blockade of Southern ports, which cut off the South’s ability to obtain weapons and supplies. At the turn of the 20^th Century, Teddy Roosevelt played a major role in strengthening the U.S. Navy. As Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President William McKinley, Roosevelt worked to modernize the fleet, believing a strong navy was essential for U.S. growth and security. The Spanish-American War broke out in 1898, after the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor in Cuba. United States naval power led to key victories during the war, including the destruction of the Spanish fleet in the Philippines. As President from 1901 to 1909, Roosevelt continued to build up the Navy as a key component to his “Speak softly and carry a big stick” diplomacy. One of his most famous actions was sending the "Great White Fleet," a group of 16 battleships with approximately 14,000 sailors on board, on a world tour from December 1907 to February 1909, to showcase America's growing naval capabilities and to provide practical experience in long-distance navigation to naval personnel.

During World War I, the U.S. Navy played a crucial role in transporting troops and securing the Atlantic Ocean for Allied shipping. During World War II, the Navy saw a dramatic increase in both size and strategic importance, making major contributions in Europe and the Pacific. Six U.S. presidents served in the Navy: John F. Kennedy, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon.

The Navy’s mission is to protect the interests of the United States at sea. Today’s Navy is the world’s largest and most powerful, consisting of 330,000 active duty members and 48,000 reserve personnel, supported by over 220,000 civilians. It maintains a global presence with nearly 300 ships and thousands of aircraft. 

While events commemorating the Navy’s 250^th birthday are currently paused due to the Federal Government shutdown, you can learn more about the milestone by visiting https://www.navy.mil/Navy-250.