Tonight we especially want to hear from Navy veterans in celebration of the US Navy’s 249th birthday.

On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress of the American colonies established the United States Navy, marking the official birth of the naval force. The decision to form a navy came during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War, when the colonies realized that they needed a naval defense to combat the superior British fleet and protect shipping lanes and coastal cities.

The origins of the Navy trace back to a resolution passed by the Continental Congress, which authorized the acquisition of two armed vessels. These ships were tasked with intercepting British supply ships to disrupt the flow of resources to British forces in North America. Congress also created a Naval Committee, responsible for managing naval operations and the procurement of additional ships.

The need for a navy became critical as British naval dominance threatened the colonies’ efforts to resist British control. Before this, the colonies had relied on privateers and individual colonial militias for maritime defense, but the Continental Navy provided a more organized and unified approach.

The Navy’s formation was a strategic move to protect American interests at sea, disrupt British supply chains, and support the fight for independence. By November 1775, the newly formed Navy had its first ships ready for action, and they began their mission of intercepting British supply vessels. Though small and lacking in resources compared to the powerful British fleet, the Continental Navy played a significant role in the war, contributing to key victories and aiding in the eventual success of the American Revolution.