I don’t know what it is, but I always had a soft spot for the Navy. They had the spiffiest uniforms–at least the officers, anyway. Their ships went to exotic ports of call. A US aircraft carrier could stop international incidents just by sticking itself in a foreign port.
Few recognize the naval contributions to medicine, particularly pathology. Sailors are medical wonders, world experts at such subjects as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis (at least their transmission, of course). Yeah, that went a little too far, but at least I didn’t go the “don’t ask, don’t tell” route.
And if you’re asking, no. I will not put the lyrics to a certain Village People tune.
“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.” — Resolution of the Continental Congress, October 13, 1775
The original provision called for construction of one or two ships. A subsequent resolution upped the number to 13.
It was an incredible case of wishful thinking. The fledgling United States did not have that kind of dough, and its infant navy relied heavily on privateers: essentially pirates for hire who would attack British ships for their cargo and prize money.
By the 1790s, the Navy would begin a more structured development, in that 4 large frigates would be constructed: The USS United States, the USS Constitution, the USS Constellation and the USS President. Through the War of 1812, the young Navy with its four flagships would create among America’s first naval heroes, and establish a fighting reputation well in excess of its small size.
Attached is three filmstrips from the US Department of the Navy‘s series on naval history from the 1950’s. Its done in that tried-and-true high school filmstrip style, which may put off some students. At worst, do what I do: make fun of the hokeyness while highlighting the important information.
Today’s Document from the National Archives
Mr. D's Neighborhood 
This Day in History 10/13: The Birth of the United States Navy
I don’t know what it is, but I always had a soft spot for the Navy. They had the spiffiest uniforms–at least the officers, anyway. Their ships went to exotic ports of call. A US aircraft carrier could stop international incidents just by sticking itself in a foreign port.
Few recognize the naval contributions to medicine, particularly pathology. Sailors are medical wonders, world experts at such subjects as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis (at least their transmission, of course). Yeah, that went a little too far, but at least I didn’t go the “don’t ask, don’t tell” route.
And if you’re asking, no. I will not put the lyrics to a certain Village People tune.
Today, on October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress passed a resolution creating the Continental Navy, the forerunner of today’s United States Navy. The original resolution is below:
The original provision called for construction of one or two ships. A subsequent resolution upped the number to 13.
It was an incredible case of wishful thinking. The fledgling United States did not have that kind of dough, and its infant navy relied heavily on privateers: essentially pirates for hire who would attack British ships for their cargo and prize money.
By the 1790s, the Navy would begin a more structured development, in that 4 large frigates would be constructed: The USS United States, the USS Constitution, the USS Constellation and the USS President. Through the War of 1812, the young Navy with its four flagships would create among America’s first naval heroes, and establish a fighting reputation well in excess of its small size.
Attached is three filmstrips from the US Department of the Navy‘s series on naval history from the 1950’s. Its done in that tried-and-true high school filmstrip style, which may put off some students. At worst, do what I do: make fun of the hokeyness while highlighting the important information.
Have fun. Anchors aweigh!
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