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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:
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.
1775 – The Birth of the World’s Strongest Navy
1781 – End of the Revolution, Temporary End of the Navy
1794 – U.S. Navy Reestablished
1798 – Department of the Navy Established
1812 – War of 1812
1864 – First Successful Submarine Warfare
1941 – Pearl Harbor Attack
1991 – Operations Desert Shield / Desert Storm
2011 – Osama Bin Laden Mission
1900 – First Official U.S. Submarine
1915 – Establishment of the Navy Reserve
1922 – Birth of the Aircraft Carrier
1954 – First Nuclear Submarine
1961 – First Nuclear Aircraft Carrier
2001 – 9/11 Response
2005 – Hurricane Katrina Relief
1822 – Key West
1825 – Pensacola
1938 – Jacksonville Expansion
1942 – Naval Station Mayport Established
1962 – Cuban Missile Crisis
1979 – Kings Bay Chosen for Submarine Base
1999 – Navy Region Southeast Established
"I can think of no more rewarding a career. Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worth while, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: 'I served in the United States Navy'"
John F. Kennedy
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.
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