Okla-homey
10/13/2008, 06:04 AM
October 13, 1775: Continental Navy established
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/9219/navonavy1776oh5.jpg
233 years ago today, the Continental Congress authorizes construction and administration of the first American naval force--the precursor of the United States Navy.
Since the outbreak of open hostilities with the British in April, little consideration had been given to protection by sea until Congress received news that a British naval fleet was on its way. In November, the Continental Navy was formally organized, and in December Esek Hopkins was appointed the first commander-in-chief of the Continental Navy.
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/281/navezekxb4.gif
Commodore Hopkins' first fleet consisted of seven ships: two 24-gun frigates, Alfred and Columbus; two 14-gun brigs, Andrea Doria and Cabot; and three schooners, Hornet, Wasp, and Fly.
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/5428/navpinetreeku9.jpg
Hopkins' ships flew a national ensign we believe looked very much like this.
During the American Revolution, the Continental Navy successfully preyed on British merchant shipping and won several victories over British warships. Over the period, the Continental Navy sent to sea more than fifty armed vessels of various types.
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/9470/navus1jackzs7.gif
The first US jack, this flag was flown from the bow of both Continental warships and privateers alike. Since 9/11/01, this jack has been flown at the bow of all US Navy ships.
The navy's squadrons and cruisers seized enemy supplies and carried correspondence and diplomats to Europe, returning with needed munitions. They took nearly 200 British vessels as prizes, some off the British Isles themselves, contributing to the demoralization of the enemy and forcing the British to divert warships to protect convoys and trade routes. In addition, the navy provoked diplomatic crises that helped bring France into the war against Great Britain.
After being disbanded for several years, the United States Navy was formally re-established with the creation of the Department of the Navy in April 1798. It should be noted that the US Constitution provides that Congress shall maintain a standing navy, as opposed to the raising of armies to deal with contingencies.
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/3691/nav2007americanfacesrf4.jpg
In 1972, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Elmo R. Zumwaltauthorized recognition of 13 October as the Navy’s birthday. In contrast to Navy Day, the Navy Birthday is intended as an internal activity for members of the active forces and reserves, as well as retirees, and dependents.
Since 1972 each CNO has encouraged a Navy-wide celebration of this occasion "to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage, and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service."
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/3204/navlogonavy763961qq2.jpg
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/9219/navonavy1776oh5.jpg
233 years ago today, the Continental Congress authorizes construction and administration of the first American naval force--the precursor of the United States Navy.
Since the outbreak of open hostilities with the British in April, little consideration had been given to protection by sea until Congress received news that a British naval fleet was on its way. In November, the Continental Navy was formally organized, and in December Esek Hopkins was appointed the first commander-in-chief of the Continental Navy.
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/281/navezekxb4.gif
Commodore Hopkins' first fleet consisted of seven ships: two 24-gun frigates, Alfred and Columbus; two 14-gun brigs, Andrea Doria and Cabot; and three schooners, Hornet, Wasp, and Fly.
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/5428/navpinetreeku9.jpg
Hopkins' ships flew a national ensign we believe looked very much like this.
During the American Revolution, the Continental Navy successfully preyed on British merchant shipping and won several victories over British warships. Over the period, the Continental Navy sent to sea more than fifty armed vessels of various types.
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/9470/navus1jackzs7.gif
The first US jack, this flag was flown from the bow of both Continental warships and privateers alike. Since 9/11/01, this jack has been flown at the bow of all US Navy ships.
The navy's squadrons and cruisers seized enemy supplies and carried correspondence and diplomats to Europe, returning with needed munitions. They took nearly 200 British vessels as prizes, some off the British Isles themselves, contributing to the demoralization of the enemy and forcing the British to divert warships to protect convoys and trade routes. In addition, the navy provoked diplomatic crises that helped bring France into the war against Great Britain.
After being disbanded for several years, the United States Navy was formally re-established with the creation of the Department of the Navy in April 1798. It should be noted that the US Constitution provides that Congress shall maintain a standing navy, as opposed to the raising of armies to deal with contingencies.
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/3691/nav2007americanfacesrf4.jpg
In 1972, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Elmo R. Zumwaltauthorized recognition of 13 October as the Navy’s birthday. In contrast to Navy Day, the Navy Birthday is intended as an internal activity for members of the active forces and reserves, as well as retirees, and dependents.
Since 1972 each CNO has encouraged a Navy-wide celebration of this occasion "to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage, and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service."
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/3204/navlogonavy763961qq2.jpg