Since its founding on October 13, 1775, the United States Navy has earned our nation’s lasting gratitude.
Recognizing the need to protect America’s vital merchant fleet and shipping lanes, the Continental Congress authorized a small fleet of mostly homebuilt craft to battle the Royal Navy. According to tradition, the Navy’s indomitable spirit began when Capt. John Paul Jones refused to surrender his damaged vessel to the British and instead declared, “I have not yet begun to fight!”
Today, more than 314,000 sailors are on active duty, with another 65,000 in the reserves and nearly 500,000 veterans. Statistics show that nearly 45 percent of all Navy personnel have families, accounting for about 500,000 spouses, children and dependents.
Two years ago, the Surgeon General of the Navy invited MFRI researchers to study what could be done to offer better support services to Navy families. MFRI remains a steadfast partner in supporting all of our nation’s service families, including active, reserve and veteran Navy families everywhere.