US Navy Birthday: The US Navy Celebrates 247 Years in 2022
IN AN EFFORT TO CURB BRITISH SEA CONTROL, the Continental Congress established the Continental Navy, which later, on October 13, 1775, became the United States Navy. When the infant Navy was first formed, it consisted of just two armed vessels – tasked with disrupting munition ships supplying the British Army in America. Yet over the past nearly two and one-half centuries, our Navy has grown to become the largest, most advanced, and most lethal fighting force the world has ever known. (the following article is adopted from AllHands, Magazine of the U.S. Navy)
In 1972, the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, designated October 13 as the Navy’s offical birthday, and directed that it be commemorated so as to “enhance [the] appreciation of our Navy heritage” and reinforce “pride and professionalism in the Naval Service.”
For 247 years, our U.S. Navy has celebrated the seekers of knowledge and adventure. Our Sailors proudly continue this tradition, so this year, we celebrate the security they provide for all Americans by their creativity, their dedication, and their enterprising sense of adventure.
Since its earliest days, the U.S. Navy has operated to deter our adversaries and to fight and win in the event deterrence fails. As our adversaries strive to match and outpace the capabilities of our fleet, it is imperative that we continue to grow, develop, and innovate – principally through the dedication and sacrifice of the Navy men and women “forged by the sea” – in order to retain our maritime superiority.
From the Navy’s original six frigates to the fighting force today comprised of a ready and resilient submarine, aviation, and surface force, our Navy continues to challenge old boundaries, develop new alliances, and forge new strengths. And – thanks to our proud, 247-year history – we are Forged by the Sea.