ABOUT USN
- The United States Navy was established on October 13, 1775, making it the oldest branch of the U.S. military.
- The U.S. Navy is the largest navy in the world, with a fleet size larger than the next 13 largest navies combined.
- The Navy's first commissioned officer was Commodore Esek Hopkins, who commanded the Navy's first fleet of eight ships during the American Revolutionary War.
- During World War II, the U.S. Navy played a crucial role in the defeat of the Axis powers, particularly in the Pacific theater where the Navy's aircraft carriers were instrumental in turning the tide of the war.
- The Navy SEALs, an elite special operations force, were established in 1962 and have since become known for their roles in high-profile missions such as the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.
- In 1794, the Navy established the U.S. Naval Observatory, which is responsible for providing astronomical data for navigation and timekeeping purposes.
- During the War of 1812, the U.S. Navy achieved several notable victories against the British Royal Navy, despite being significantly outnumbered.
- In 1907, the Navy's Great White Fleet, a group of 16 battleships, embarked on a world tour to demonstrate U.S. naval power to the world.
- The Naval Special Warfare Center, located in Coronado, California, is where Navy SEAL candidates undergo the grueling Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training, known as BUD/S, to become members of the elite force.
- The U.S. Navy has a long tradition of excellence in naval aviation, with famous aircraft like the F-14 Tomcat, F-18 Super Hornet, and the E-2 Hawkeye serving as key components of the Navy's air power.