Celebrating Our Past & Future

The history of the United States Navy began in earnest on October 13, 1775, when the Continental Congress recognized the urgent need to defend the young nation's maritime interests. With the authorization to procure armed ships, the Continental Navy was born, setting a precedent for naval power as a cornerstone of national security.

Over the past 250 years, the Navy has stood at the forefront of American defense and diplomacy. It has fought in every major conflict from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror, adapting through centuries of geopolitical change, technological innovation, and global transformation.

Key chapters in our Navy's history include:

• The Age of Sail – Fighting for independence and maritime freedom in the Atlantic.
   
• The Civil War – Pioneering ironclad ships and riverine warfare tactics.
   
• World War I & II – Projecting power on a global scale and turning the tide in the Pacific and Atlantic theaters.
   
• The Cold War – Maintaining a constant presence during times of nuclear tension and ideological conflict.
   
• Modern Naval Operations – Supporting joint forces, humanitarian relief, anti-terrorism operations, and freedom of navigation missions worldwide.
   

Our history is marked not only by battles won, but also by lessons learned. From ship design to cyber warfare, and from enlisted ranks to flag officers, the Navy has evolved into a modern, multi-domain force without losing sight of its fundamental purpose: to protect and defend the United States of America at sea and from the sea.

While history tells the story of events, heritage preserves the soul of the Navy, its people, values, traditions, and enduring spirit passed from one generation to the next.

Heritage is found in the time-honored ceremonies that mark milestones in a Sailor’s career. It lives in the watchstanding traditions, the creeds recited, the ships’ bells rung, and the rituals observed both in joy and in mourning. It’s in the pride of putting on the uniform, the weight of responsibility felt aboard ship, and the deep respect for those who gave everything in service.

Our heritage is also rich with the stories of individuals—of Sailors who showed heroism in combat, ingenuity in adversity, and compassion in crisis. It's the story of trailblazers who broke down racial, gender, and social barriers to make the Navy stronger and more inclusive.

In the Southeast Region, our heritage is anchored in the deep relationships between the Navy and its surrounding communities. Installations like Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Mayport, and Kings Bay have long served as vital centers of readiness, innovation, and community engagement. They have trained countless Sailors and served as the last stop before deployment—and the first embrace upon return.

As we mark 250 years, we celebrate not only what the Navy has done, but who we are because of it. Our heritage is living, breathing, and growing—with every new Sailor sworn in, every mission undertaken, and every tradition upheld.