Happy birthday to the United States Navy, which was founded as a small force to work with privateers and raid the transport ships that supplied the British forces. On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the creation of the Navy, and at the time was a small fleet of mostly homebuilt craft. Generations later, it has brought our nation through times of trial as it has defended our shores, with a spirit that remains proud and loyal.
Though the Continental navy was later dismantled, October 13, 1775 remains the U.S. Navy's official birthday. 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. MFRI pauses to salute the United States Navy today as it celebrate 240 years of service. We thank not only those who are serving today, but also Navy veterans, and all the families who have served by their side.