From Sea to Shining Sea

Spanning almost two and a half centuries, the United States Navy has cemented their legacy of honor, courage and commitment. Serving in places like the Pacific Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Africa and everywhere in between with more than 330,000 active members, the U.S. Navy ranks as one of the most powerful in the world.

Honored every October 13th, this year the anniversary of the U.S. Navy will be its 249th. Whether you celebrate by giving a challenge coin to your favorite Navy member (this year I’ll be gifting one to my brother-in-law) or listen to the iconic anthem “Anchors Aweigh”, join me in learning about the Navy’s revolutionary beginnings.

A revolution begins

Today the U.S. Navy is one of the most elite military powers to span the globe. But in its early years, the Continental Navy would face off against the strongest force of its era – the British Navy.

After the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, the thirteen colonies knew they needed to prepare for retaliation. By outfitting small ships with men ready to fight for freedom against King George III, America’s patriots started to assemble the beginnings of a navy.

The colonists first taste of naval battle took place almost two months later in present-day Maine. Following the first skirmishes of the revolution, the British had become trapped in Boston and were running low on supplies. A local merchant, loyal to the crown, made a deal with them. In exchange for lumber, the British would provide the village of Machias with flour, pork and other food supplies. 

Eager to see the deal carried out, the HMS Margaretta sailed north in early June 1775.

The Battle of Machias

While the British had been pleased by the merchant’s terms, the rest of the village was not. Determined to not give any help to the men from across the pond, the colonists gave the captain of the HMS Margaretta a resounding “no.” The British, angered by the colonist’s response, tried a new approach – bringing the ship within firing distance of the village.

The local militia quickly rallied. An attempt was made to capture the British forces during the Sunday service. However, seeing the militia coming, the men got away.

In the early morning hours of June 12, 1775, the militia surprised the enemy. After boarding the Unity and the Polly – two ships which had accompanied the Margaretta into Machias – the first round of gunfire began. Fleeing from their attackers, the British made their way towards the open sea. 

Under the command of local Captain Jeremiah O’Brien, the colonists were able to catch up to – and capture – the Margaretta. As shots rang out and the fighting dragged on, soldiers on both sides would become fatalities. Victory was won when the British captain James Moore was fatally struck by a bullet. The British troops quickly surrendered bringing an end to the Battle of Machias.

On a Monday off the coast of New England, the first naval battle of the American Revolution ended in colonial victory.

Launching the navy

Of course, what would the anniversary of the U.S. Navy be without the man who championed it? America’s first vice president, John Adams, would take on this role.

The Massachusetts native, recognizing the need for protection on the sea, began to advocate for a naval force. Four months after the Battle of Machias, Congress convened with Adams at the helm. A delegation held discussions and made plans to protect the shorelines of the promising nation. On October 13, 1775, the Continental Navy was born.

Eager to see the newly formed military branch succeed, Adams became a member of the Marine Committee. Made up of two other members – John Langdon and Silas Dean – the committee was responsible for overseeing the navy. This meant that the three men were in charge of acquiring ships, firepower and even creating the Marine Corps.

The following year, the Continental Navy had amassed a fleet of 27 ships. A true underdog against the Royal British Navy’s 270 warships, the colonists saw victories like the Raid of Nassau, John Barry’s capture of the Edward and the Battle of Flamborough Head.

Roughly 3,500 men served in the Continental Navy and the Marines during the American Revolution. Thanks to the courage of those early soldiers, the United States of America’s Navy has become one of the greatest in the world.

Honor, Courage, Commitment

Today the men and women serving in the U.S. Navy play a crucial role in keeping Americans at home and abroad safe. “Seabees” – members of the navy – can be found offering aid to those in need by building homes & hospitals, creating & maintaining crucial technology, providing critical healthcare to those serving and so much more.

As October 13th draws near, here at LCC we’re grateful to those who have served (or are serving) over the last 249 years. Ahead of this year’s anniversary, I’m thankful for the dedication of those like my grandfather & grandmother, uncle and brother-in-law as well as all the men and women who have protected our nation.

Who will you be celebrating for the anniversary of the U.S. Navy this year? Tell me in the comments below!

Sources:

Bisno, Adam. “The Birth of the U.S. Navy” Accessed July 29, 2024 https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/heritage/origins-of-the-navy/birth-of-the-us-navy.html

American Battlefield Trust. “Naval Tactics in the American Revolution” Accessed July 30, 2024 https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/naval-tactics-american-revolution

New England Historical Society. “The Battle of Margaretta, When Pitchforks Beat The British Navy” Accessed July 31, 2024 https://newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/the-battle-of-margaretta-when-pitchforks-beat-the-british-navy

Naval History and Heritage Command. “John Adams I (Frigate)” Accessed August 2, 2024 https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/j/john-adams-frigate-i.html

Naval History and Heritage Command. “American Revolution 1775-1783” Accessed August 7, 2024 https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/wars-conflicts-and-operations/american-revolution.html