U.S Navy

Overview
1783–1865
1866–1898
1899–1945
Since 1946

The part of the U.S. armed forces with primary responsibility for defending the nation at sea. Since World War II, the Navy has been the most powerful in the world. A part of the Department of Defense, the Navy is headed by a secretary of the navy. It includes the U.S. Marine Corps, and, in wartime, the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Continental Navy was established in 1775, lasting until 1784. The permanent Navy was reconstituted in 1798 to fight the Barbary Wars.

See the Introduction, Abbreviations and Pronunciation for further details.