The U.S. Navy traces its roots back to the Revolutionary War, when privateers were hired by the colonies to attack British commerce in the early days of growing conflict with England.
(FOX)- On Oct. 13, 1775, the Continental Congress established an official naval force, hoping a small fleet of boats would be able to offset the seemingly intractable sea power of the British.
The early Navy was not formed to wrest control of the seas from Britain, but instead to wage tactical raids against the transports that supplied British forces in North America. The Continental Congress subsequently purchased, converted, and built a fleet of small ships that included brigs, sloops, and schooners.
These navy ships sailed alone or in pairs, hunting British commerce ships and transports.
Although the Continental Navy was later dismantled, Oct. 13, 1775 remains the U.S. Navy’s official birthday.
(Photo Credit: Pintrest)