The U.S. Navy is officially 249 years old on Sunday, October 13, 2024. Although every year is celebrated, the Navy is already planning next year’s semiquincentennial birthday bash.

“We are going to come next year, we are going to have the Blue Angels fly over. We are going to bring several of our ships,” said Vice Admiral John Gumbleton, reported PHL17 News.

The U.S. Navy recognized the dedication and service of Sailors and civilians to the Navy through social media.

In 1775, the Continental Navy, which would later become the U.S. Navy, operated with a small fleet of ships. These vessels were assigned the mission of intercepting ships attempting to deliver supplies to British Army troops stationed in or near the colonies.

Following the American Revolution, the Continental Navy was disbanded. It wasn’t until 1794 that the U.S. Government recognized the need to protect American interests from piracy and rival powers in the Western hemisphere, prompting the re-establishment of a fleet of ships, per Veteran Community.

Despite the timeline of the original Continental Navy and the revival of American sea power, the date the Continental Navy was established is considered the official “birth of the U.S. Navy.”

“The modern Navy of today is made up of hundreds of ships, including aircraft carriers, submarines, and a variety of surface ships and thousands of aircraft,” states the U.S. Navy website.

” I think being part of your armed forces is a noble calling. We come from all walks of life and for for young people to come and join and be part of something that’s bigger than you is, can be somewhat life-changing,” Gumbleton told PHL17.

Forged by the sea, the U.S. Navy’s mission recognizes that the “United States is a maritime nation, and the U.S. Navy protects America at sea. Alongside our allies and partners, we defend freedom, preserve economic prosperity, and keep the seas open and free.”