The US Navy is having a birthday – a significant birthday, at that. Two-hundred and fifty years ago, the Continental Congress on October 13, 1775, passed a resolution that established the United States Navy by funding “a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, [to] be fitted, with all possible dispatch, for a cruise of three months…,” according to the Naval Heritage and History Command. That three-month cruise has turned out to be a little longer.
From Merchant Privateer Vessels to US Navy
Today, the US Navy is the most powerful seagoing military service in the world. However, it wasn’t always like that. When there were only 13 original colonies, America did not have a naval force; instead, it had a fleet of merchant vessels, the crews of which volunteered as privateers to engage the British during the Revolutionary War. Although not organized as a structured navy, the privateers proved to be a formidable fleet. By the end of the US War of Independence, estimates suggest that there were 2,000 such merchant vessels, boasting more than 18,000 guns and crewed by 70,000 men, according to historical records. Over the course of the war, the US privateers captured approximately 1,500 British ships. The courageous exploits of the fledgling US naval forces have set the standard for the US Navy since that early beginning.
When the Revolutionary War concluded and Congress established the US Navy permanently, the new sea service comprised just two fully armed warships. Over the years, it has grown into a global naval power. Early action saw US warships participate in the Barbary Wars, taking on the role of protecting American trade routes against the Barbary Pirates. During the War of 1812, US frigates, such as the USS Constitution, claimed victories against larger British warships, earning a reputation for being an impressive naval force. The Navy grew in size and capability throughout the Civil War, maintaining Union blockades against the Confederate states and controlling the coastal waterways.
As the 19th century drew to a close, the US Navy acquired more capable steam-powered, steel-hulled ships, characteristic of a modern navy. With the increased capacity, the US Navy assumed responsibilities for projecting the US influence around the world. However, in the early and mid-20th century, the US Navy became the most powerful navy in the world, playing a crucial role in both World War I and World War II. As the atomic age dawned, the US Navy demonstrated the importance of deterrence with nuclear-powered and armed submarines. Currently, the Navy operates a growing fleet of over 290 warships, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, cruisers, and littoral combat ships, that establish maritime dominance.
After 250 years of dedicated service to America, the Navy celebrates a rich history of achievement and technological innovation. Having fought the nation’s battles on the sea and prevailed, the US Navy can be justifiably proud of its legacy. Since the Medal of Honor was established following the Civil War, there have been 751 US Navy recipients.
President Trump Spoke to Thousands of Sailors
As part of the 2025 quarter-millennial celebrations, President Donald Trump visited Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia, where he “spoke to thousands of sailors while aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, a nuclear-powered supercarrier, and handed out challenge coins to them as well,” according to The Daily Signal. Despite the government shutdown due to the failure of Congress to pass appropriations bills on time, the commander-in-chief made celebrating with the Navy a priority. He also made his feelings about the government shutdown clear. In an X post, President Trump observed:
“Our wonderful First Lady, as well as our great Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, will be joining me as we mark 250 years of MARITIME DOMINANCE in the United States of America! Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, and the other Minority Radical Left Democrats tried their best, through the ridiculous Government Shutdown, to destroy this wonderful celebration of the US Navy’s Birthday, and to stop our Military Servicemembers from celebrating American Naval History. However, I believe, ‘THE SHOW MUST GO ON!’”
And the show will go on. Events like the San Francisco Fleet Week will proceed. However, reports are that there will be some adjustments. The Navy’s Blue Angels will be replaced by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the Patriots Jet Team, and a United Airlines Boeing 777 flyover. The Patriots Jet Team is a civilian precision aerobatic formation team flying eight Czech Republic L-39 Albatros aircraft. Additionally, there will be black-tie dinner events, such as the Homecoming 250 Navy Gala at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, featuring exhibits that depict the Navy’s role in America’s fight for independence. Other festivities, such as civilian and nonprofit galas, ship parades, and concerts, will continue as a celebration of the 250th birthday.
The US Navy has been and continues to be a vital member of America’s armed forces, demonstrating a global capability that keeps our nation strong. Happy 250th Birthday, US Navy.
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The views expressed are those of the author and not of any other affiliate.
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