October 13 marks the birthday of the U.S. Navy, which traces its roots back to the early days of the American Revolution. On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress established a naval force, hoping that a small fleet of privateers could attack British commerce and offset British sea power.
The early Continental navy was designed to work with privateers to wage tactical raids against the transports that supplied British forces in North America. To accomplish this mission the Continental Congress purchased, converted, and constructed a fleet of small ships -- frigates, brigs, sloops, and schooners. These navy ships sailed independently or in pairs, hunting British commerce ships and transports.
Two years after the end of the war, the money-poor Congress sold off the last ship of the Continental navy, the frigate Alliance. But with the expansion of trade and shipping in the 1790s, the possibility of attacks of European powers and pirates increased, and in March 1794 Congress responded by calling for the construction of a half-dozen frigates, The United States Navy was here to stay.
With thousands of ships and aircraft serving worldwide, the U.S. Navy is a force to be reckoned with. Below are just some of the Navy's notable accomplishments over the past two centuries:
Important Firsts in Naval History
1. First use of submarines: While the Navy's first commissioned designs for a submarine were handed over in 1875, it wasn't until 1898 that the first Holland submarine launched successfully.
2. First use of modern battleships: While America had battleships before the 1908 South Carolina class dreadnought, which started with the USS Michigan and was based on Brittish ships, these were the first in the new era of battleships.
3. First use of Naval aircraft: In 1911, the U.S. Navy bought its first airplane, the Curtiss A-1 Triad.
4. First aircraft carrier: The first flight from the deck of a U.S. Navy cruiser in 1910 led to the 1927 Lexington-class aircraft carriers, the first operational aircraft carriers in the U.S. Navy.
5. First use of Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat: Introduced in 1992, these rubber boats were originally meant for life boats in the 1960s, but the Navy now uses them for SEALs due to their lightweight, high speed, all-weather specifications.
Since 1775, Marines have valiantly fought and died to protect our nation and advance its ideals. Our long and proud heritage of faithful service is fueled by an uncommon fighting spirit and the grit to continue on when others quit. From Belleau Wood to Afghanistan, the United States Marine Corps is America's stand-in force - always ready when our nation is least ready.
Marines are driven by an innate desire to answer our nation's call, an unwavering commitment to emerge victorious, and a collective purpose that defines our unbreakable bond. Marines win the battles in front of them with an inner fight running through them.
We are driven by three words: Honor, courage, and commitment. These are the values that guide our actions and bolster our resolve to emerge victorious.
The Marine Corps’ core values are honor, courage, and commitment. They are the standard that guides every Marine’s actions in our fight to win for our nation’s collective future. These values bolster our resolve and reinforce our innate resilience as we face physical, mental, and moral battles in combat.
Since November 10, 1775, ours is a legacy of having each other's back - and never backing down. On legendary battlefields we have fought in defense of our national interests. And we help our communities thrive after disaster through our humanitarian efforts. Then and now, Marines persevere through every circumstance to continue our Nation's advance.
Honor guides Marines to exemplify the ultimate in ethical and moral behavior. Never lie, never cheat or steal; abide by an uncompromising code of integrity; respect human dignity and respect others. Honor compels Marines to act responsibly, to fulfill our obligations, and to hold ourselves and others accountable for every action.
Courage is the mental, moral, and physical strength ingrained in Marines. It carries us through the challenges of combat and aids in overcoming fear. It is the inner strength that enables us to do what is right, to adhere to a higher standard of personal conduct, and to make tough decisions under stress and pressure.
Commitment is the spirit of determination and dedication found in Marines. It leads to the highest order of discipline for individuals and units. It is the ingredient that enables constant dedication to Corps and country. It inspires the unrelenting determination to achieve victory in every endeavor.
MARINE CORPS MOTTOS
Semper Fidelis
Latin for “always faithful,” Semper Fidelis symbolizes the lifelong commitment held by every Marin for the Corps and America, a promise reciprocated by the Corps to all Marines.
Ooh-rah
A battle cry among Marines, “Ooh-rah’ can be used as a greeting, a term of affirmation, or as a way of expressing enthusiasm.
Ductus Exemplo
A Latin term that means “lead by example,” Ductus Exemplo is the official motto of Officer Candidates School (OCS). It means that being a Marine isn’t about giving or receiving orders; it’s about behaving in a manner that inspires others.
