The combination of the Continental Navy, the privateers, and the State forces caused significant injury to the British war effort and shipping, not just in North American waters but also near the British Isles although the new republic’s naval power was never enormous. Recognizing the necessity for a naval force, on 5 October 1775, Congress established a Naval Committee to manage all seaborne military activities and authorized the procurement of four ships to be employed against the British in the same month.Ĭongress authorized the construction of thirteen frigates, ranging from 24 to 32 guns, by a Resolution of December 13, 1775.

Small rented vessels commanded by New England seamen from Washington’s army made some crucial captures of badly needed military supplies. In 1775, as Commander-in-Chief of American forces in Boston, George Washington launched the first attempt to place a Continental naval force afloat. In order to safeguard the shores and shipping from the British, various states established navies, usually small vessels, and issued letters of marque to privateers. Despite the fact that no ship larger than a frigate had ever been built in the colonies, commerce raiders carrying the new country’s flag were soon on the high seas. Much of the British trade had been carried in American bottoms, and North Americans had made up a substantial number of the seamen in the Royal Navy. When the American Revolution outbroke in 1775, there were no warships available for the revolting colonists to use, but Americans had a lot of experience in maritime issues. If you want to join the Navy, start with our free ASVAB practice test questions to pass the exam and get the chance to join this military branch. This article will provide you with a pictorial history of US Navy uniforms from 1776 to 1967, as well as other useful information about US Navy uniform history. Since 1776, the Navy uniforms through the years has undergone numerous changes.

American navy uniform war of 1812