What You Need To Know About The Navy Birthday
October 13 is the official date that marks the birthday of the U.S. Navy and there is a rich history behind this date – it traces right back to the beginnings of the American Revolution! Lin Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton aside, the Continental Congress established a large naval force on this day in 1775 with the hopes that a smaller fleet could offset the British sea power. The navy birthday is an important date, and should be recognized as such. Attacking British commerce ships was considered a rebellion at this time, and yet the vote for a U.S. Continental Navy was put into place. Given the thousands of ships and aircraft that service the U.S. Navy, it’s important to understand that the U.S. Navy had some very important firsts in its time. Their accomplishments are many and span two centuries and more. Some of these include:
* The U.S. Navy had the first commissioned designs for submarines.
* The first ever use of modern battleships started with the USS Michigan. America had battleships in situ long before the 1908 South Carolina class dreadnought, but the USS Michigan was a whole new design.
* The U.S. Navy had the first use of the Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat. This was introduced in 1992 and they were originally meant for lifeboats!