Celebrating 250 years of the U.S. Navy’s service and legacy since 1775.
Today is the 250th anniversary of the founding of our United States Navy. Anchors aweigh!
On this date, Oct. 13, in 1775, over eight months before the United States of America officially declared independence, the Navy came into being, and it has been sailing into battle and defending our coastlines ever since.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAVY! pic.twitter.com/4jemujazK2— Department of War ???????? (@DeptofWar) October 13, 2025
As a matter of fact, Gen. George Washington — ever a step ahead of the politicians — had already been trying to outfit a secret Navy. Washington’s efforts began months before the Congress officially established a Navy, and he had the help of John Glover and Stephen Moylan, the Irish immigrant credited with naming the United States of America. When the Congress finally found out about Washington’s ships, they saw this as their signal to stop dithering and do what John Adams urged — namely, authorize an official Navy.
