Who Started the U.S. Navy?
The United States Navy (USN) has a rich and storied history that dates back to the early days of the American Revolution. But who exactly started the U.S. Navy? Was it a single individual or a group of people who came together to form this powerful naval force?
Contents
In the early years of the American Revolution, the Continental Congress recognized the importance of a strong naval force in order to protect American merchant ships and commerce from British naval attacks. In October 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the creation of a naval force to be used against the British.
The First Commissioned Officers
The first commissioned officers of the U.S. Navy were:
• John Barry (1745-1803): Considered the "Father of the U.S. Navy," Barry was a merchant captain who played a key role in the American Revolution. He commanded the first ship of the Continental Navy, the USS Lexington, and went on to serve as a commodore in the French and Indian War.
• Esek Hopkins (1718-1802): A veteran of the French and Indian War, Hopkins was a naval officer who served as the first commander-in-chief of the Continental Navy.
• John Manley (1740-1793): A native of Ireland, Manley was a naval officer who served as a lieutenant on the USS Andrew Doria and went on to become a captain in the U.S. Navy.
The Continental Navy was established in October 1775, with a fleet of 13 ships that were primarily used for raiding British merchant ships and disrupting British supply lines. The Continental Navy played a crucial role in the American Revolution, helping to weaken the British Navy and allowing American forces to gain a foothold in the war.
Key Ships of the Continental Navy
Here are some of the most notable ships of the Continental Navy:
| Ship Name | Commissioned | Commanded by | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| USS Lexington | 1775 | John Barry | First commissioned ship of the Continental Navy, participated in several battles against British ships |
| USS Andrew Doria | 1775 | John Manley | Participated in the Battle of Philadelphia, captured several British ships |
| USS Boston | 1775 | Nicholas Biddle | Participated in the Battle of Lake Champlain, captured several British ships |
The Continental Navy was disbanded in 1785, after the end of the American Revolution. However, the U.S. Navy was re-established in 1794, with the passage of the Naval Act of 1794. This act authorized the construction of six frigates, including the USS Constitution, which is still in service today.
Who Started the U.S. Navy?
So who exactly started the U.S. Navy? While there were many individuals who played a role in the formation and early years of the U.S. Navy, it is difficult to pinpoint a single person as the "founder" of the Navy.
However, John Barry is often referred to as the "Father of the U.S. Navy" due to his role as a merchant captain who helped to establish the Continental Navy. Barry was a key figure in the early years of the Navy, serving as a commodore and playing a key role in the American Revolution.
Conclusion
The U.S. Navy has a rich and storied history that dates back to the early days of the American Revolution. While there were many individuals who played a role in the formation and early years of the Navy, John Barry is often referred to as the "Father of the U.S. Navy" due to his role as a merchant captain who helped to establish the Continental Navy.
