A New Navy

On this day, 250 years ago, the Continental Congress authorized the creation of a national Navy.

Delegates from the colony of Rhode Island petitioned the Congress to raise “a  fleet of sufficient force for the protection of these colonies.” Congress swiftly approved. The Continental Navy was born.

It had humble beginnings, however. Initially, Congress only authorized two small warships, a far cry from Britain’s navy of over 250 ships.

But the little Continental navy gave the British fits. The Americans focused on commerce raiding, attacking and seizing British supply ships.

Most famous of the daring raiders was John Paul Jones.

His raid on Whitehaven in England raised alarm. In a later raid, Jones stole a silver tea service from the home of the Earl of Selkirk in Scotland.

Three Big Things

Let's look at three big things about the Continental Navy.

• "I have not yet begun to fight!" - In his most famous action, Jones uttered a phrase that has inspired generations. With his ship heavily damaged, the British captain asked Jones if he was ready to surrender. Jones replied, “I have not yet begun to fight!” True to his word, the Americans continued the struggle and forced the British to surrender.
• David vs. Goliath - The naval war was a David vs Goliath struggle. The British had more ships and bigger ships. However, the American raiding strategy proved effective in the face of these long odds. The raids forced the British government to reallocate naval resources to protect its home waters.
• A Proud Legacy - These humble beginning created a proud legacy that later generations of American sailors would emulate. Today, the US Navy stands as a symbol of American strength — defending freedom on the seas for 250 years.