240 years ago today, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution, establishing what is today, the United States Navy:
“Resolved, That a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible despatch, for a cruise of three months, and that the commander be instructed to cruize eastward, for intercepting such transports as may be laden with warlike stores and other supplies for our enemies, and for such other purposes as the Congress shall direct.
That a Committee of three be appointed to prepare an estimate of the expence, and lay the same before the Congress, and to contract with proper persons to fit out the vessel.
Resolved, that another vessel be fitted out for the same purposes, and that the said committee report their opinion of a proper vessel, and also an estimate of the expence.”
Happy birthday, Navy.
We have some old Navy personnel around IMAO, both in the comments, and on the writing side. (Thinking of you, Harvey.) And, I’ve got a next door neighbor that flies the Navy flag every day, just under his U.S. flag.
Do me a favor, will you? Go find a sailor and buy him lunch. Or a drink. Or shake his hand and thank him for his service.
Thanks Basil!
I served from 83-87. Was aboard the USS Saratoga CV-60 for 2 deployments. Closest I saw to any kind of action was twice:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achille_Lauro_hijacking
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_in_the_Gulf_of_Sidra_(1986)
Thank you to all the other squids. Happy Birthday Navy!
Serving from 1985 to 1991, I was on the USS Enterprise (CVN 65, may she rest in peace) during the last great American naval battle.
It was against Iran, incidentally:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Praying_Mantis
I daresay a repeat performance is LONG overdue.
Still navy (13 years now). Been “involved” in every major theater and some minor ones. Happy to be part of a storied tradition.
Fast attack sub sailors have a unique view of the world where most everything is a target. It’s a nice feeling knowing that what you’re seeing (or hearing!) could be dead soon.
Nice tribute, Basil.
1. I drove a Cougar up the Battle River during the spring flood.
2. My nephew’s a Subbie, and I’m supposed to do what?
Cheers
US Navy…[purrrr]
Did 20 years all over the world in the Navy-loved it. Now, still working with the Navy as a civilian-love it. Happy Birthday, shipmates!
Swift boat with John Kerry. No. Really, I got a booney identical to Kerry’s somewhere in my closet.
In all serious, Happy Birthday Navy. Beat ARMY!
My dad was a submariner on the USS Pickerel (SS-524). LOVE his stories. His boat: http://www.navsource.org/archives/08/0852403.jpg
Thanks, love and blessings to all the bubbleheads and skimmers out there. Fair winds and following seas, y’all.
on my last year in the NAVY, 22 yrs, 10 Active, 12 Reserve, served on 3 submarines, 3 NAVY SEABEE BTNS, and 3 tours down range……loved every minute of it
@Harvey
Small world! I was on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) for my 3rd class midshipman cruise in the summer of ’85, and my ship (USS Long Beach (CGN-9)) accompanied the Enterprise around the world from the fall of ’89 to early ’90. That was an awesome cruise.
Happy Birthday to us honored and revered shellbacks, and the rest of the IMAO squids.