Navy’s birthday is October 13

Veterans’ Voices is directed toward veterans and their families who have given so much to ensure our freedom in this country. This is an area where you may share your experiences, or read of other veterans’ experiences. We thank you for your service, and hope that you know how much you are loved and appreciated.

---

The Navy’s Birthday is a military holiday celebrated in the United States by those currently serve. This is the 249th birthday. The holiday is also related to someone who serves or has once served in the United States Navy. This commemorates the establishment of this branch in 1775.

When the Revolutionary War started, the United States did not have a full-time Navy. America’s coastline’s defense was mainly left to the Navy of Massachusetts. Then the Continental Congress decided that establishing a national Navy was worth checking into so the congressmen began to take sides on the new issue.

They started thinking that the National Navy would be able to do a better job of protecting shipping and defending the coastline. The other side believed that it would be impossible to create a Navy that could compete with the British Royal Navy. When George Washington commissioned the schooner USS Hannah on October 13th, 1775, it was decided. However, the effect of the Continental Navy was somewhat mixed.