U.S. Navy Birthday

October 13th

A resolution of the Continental Congress on October 13, 1775 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 despatch, 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.”

Image created by USA Patriotism! from U.S. Navy graphic.

U.S. Navy Gifts | U.S. Navy | U.S. Department of Defense

Americans | I Am An American! | We The People | America's Destiny | Give Thanks | Love and Pride of USA | National Will

God and Country | One Nation Under God | America's Symbol | Old Glory | Hooray USA! | America, My Home!

Our Valiant Troops | I Am The One | Answering The Call | Brave Young | Brave Blue | Our Heroes, America's Best

Veterans | Citizens Like Us | Vietnam War Veterans | Spouses Serve Too

Honoring The Fallen | Don't Weep For Me | Remember The Fallen | Tears For Your Fallen | Our Wounded

Photos Index