Happy Birthday to the US Navy

On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the fitting of two sailing vessels.  These ships would be equipped with swivel and carriage guns for the express purpose of harassing British transport vessels.  This would also be a method that they could gain supplies for the Continental Army.  From the beginning of hostilities, there were advocates for the formation of a Continental Navy but it was tough going since they were looking down the barrel of the world's largest Navy at the time.  Delegates from Rhode Island advocated the equipping of what amounted to a privateering force.  Other delegates didn't like that idea.  Rhode Island ended up starting this fledging Navy and the Continental Congress had to go along.

Eventually, the Continental Congress would oversee the formation of a more proper Navy, but this piece of legislation was considered as the birth of the Navy. 

Eventually, the Continental Congress would become the US Congress and the Continental Navy would become the US Navy.  239 years later, that Navy would become the largest and most powerful in the world.

 

So Happy Birthday to the US Navy.