From the NFRW Armed Services Committee

“A 13 October 1775 resolution of the Continental Congress established what is now the United States Navy with “a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible dispatch, for a cruise of three months….” After the American War of Independence, the U.S. Constitution empowered the new Congress “to provide and maintain a navy.” Acting on this authority, Congress established the Department of the Navy on 30 April 1798. In 1972, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized official recognition of 13 October as the birthday of the U.S. Navy. Since then, 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.”
- Naval History and Heritage Command

The theme for the U.S. Navy’s 248th Birthday is “248 years of Power, Presence, and Protection.” This highlights their commitment to protecting the USA’s interests by being forward deployed around the world. This is especially true today, as we maneuver our fleets within both the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean Sea, to project power and assist Israel in hopes of keeping the region from falling into an all-out war.

Today, the U.S. Navy has a fleet of 291 battle force ships, more than 2,623 aircraft and a combined force of more than 580,000 active duty, reserve and civilian personnel, with a mission to “deliver combat ready Naval forces to win conflicts and wars while maintaining security and deterrence through sustained forward presence.” With its near-futuristic technology, thoroughly trained and highly dedicated professional sailors, and an unmatched winning record “Forged by the Sea,” it is no wonder today’s American naval warfare service branch is touted as “the largest, most advanced and most lethal fighting force the world has ever known.”
(Source: The Veterans of Foreign Wars)

Take time to reflect on the sacrifices of our naval personnel and their families as this crisis continues.