On October 13, 1775, the Continental Navy began in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia port is where the first 4 ships of the Continental Navy were outfitted. These ships were used to cruise the seas in search of British ships that carried arms and supplies to the British. During the American Revolution (1775 to 1783) these naval vessels numbered up to 50 ships. When the war ended in 1783 the Congress sold the ships and relieved the officers and seaman from their duties.
It was in 1789 that the Constitution of the United States empowered the United States Congress to establish and maintain a navy. In 1794 Congress ordered the construction of six frigates. The War Department managed the overseeing of the Navy from 1794 to 1798. Then in 1798 the Department of the Navy was established to oversee all naval affairs.
In its inception the Navy played an intricate part in the protection of commerce on the seas and, as its main purpose, the defense of our nation. This all changed during the presidency of Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893) when the naval strategy changed from a protective position to an offensive position. It was at this time that Congress empowered the Secretary of the Navy to build new and modern battleships and to procure naval bases around the world in order to deter and protect the shores of the United States.
Throughout our country's history, the Navy has played an integral part, not only in war, but in peacetime. The Navy has been involved in shipping food and medicine to ravaged countries around the world that have been devastated by hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis etc... even providing hospital ships to bring aid and comfort to those in need of medical help in these ravaged areas.
From its humble beginnings in 1775 to present day, the Navy has been and always will be a proud and devoted part of our armed services dedicated to the preservation and continuance of the freedom and liberty of our nation. The men and women of the Navy have earned and deserve our support and respect for their sacrifices and service to our country.
You can show your support and celebrate these men and women in blue. Visit us at Mall4Men.com where we feature Navy watches and rings as well as Navy clocks. At Mall4Men we feature all the branches of our armed services with quality products sold at reasonable prices.
