U.S. Navy History & Key Dates
The United States Navy was established during the American Revolution and has grown into the world's most powerful naval force, projecting American sea power across every ocean.
Continental Navy established by the Second Continental Congress
Birth of the U.S. Navy
Naval Act of 1794 authorized construction of six frigates
Created the foundation of a permanent Navy
United States Naval Academy founded in Annapolis, Maryland
Established formal officer training
Navy plays decisive role in the Spanish-American War
Emerged as a global naval power
Attack on Pearl Harbor draws the U.S. into World War II
Galvanized the nation and transformed the Navy
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Decisive victory that shifted the war in the Pacific
Navy at peak strength at end of World War II
Over 3.4 million personnel and 6,700 ships
USS Nautilus (SSN-571) commissioned as the first nuclear-powered submarine
Revolutionized submarine warfare and naval propulsion