You are here: Home About the Navy Mission & History Naval history – answering the call to serve for 237 years and counting Mission & History

America’s Navy is a force as relevant today as it’s been historically significant for the last 237 years. The times may change. The threats may become more obscure. The complex nature of 21st century life may make the demand for such a presence less obvious. But now more than ever, the Navy is something to be aware of. Something to be thankful for. Something to be proud of.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Navy is to maintain, train and equip combat-ready Naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas.

Domination of the maritime domain

Today, the U.S. Navy has the distinction of being the world’s premier naval power. Complete with the big ships that one would most commonly associate with it. But to really understand why there’s a need for a sea-based military organization in this day and age, just consider that:

• 70% of the earth is covered in water
• 80% of the planet’s population lives within close proximity to coastal areas
• 90% of global commerce is conducted by sea

Any way you look at it, supremacy on the waterways of the world will always be critical. And whether it’s by way of oceans, canals, rivers or littoral areas, there remains a great need for the Navy to be out there:

• Serving as a guardian for America’s freedom and defending the life we know
• Supporting the cause of liberty abroad and promoting peace for all humanity
• Enabling the safe travel of people and goods to meet the expanding demands of globalization

Expansion of the seapower concept

America’s Navy is unique in that it conducts missions on all fronts: in the air, on land and at sea. Fulfilling a broad role that encompasses everything from combat to peacekeeping to humanitarian assistance – in theater, on bases and everywhere from the cockpits of F-18’s to the control-rooms of nuclear submarines.
Wherever a military presence is needed, the Navy is there. Whenever a situation requires U.S. involvement, the Navy is often the first to deploy, the first to engage and the first to help. Always on call and standing by to:

• Utilize its force of highly skilled Sailors in whatever capacity is called for
• Serve as an operational platform for anything from military missions to disaster relief
• Transport uniformed military personnel and equipment

"Our mission is to provide a lawful maritime order and deny the use of the sea to terrorists and violent extremists. We do this through our presence..."
Vice Adm. Bill Gortney
Commander Combined Maritime Forces

Working together for a better world

Among the seven uniformed services of the Unites States, America’s Navy holds the distinction of being the most multidimensional force serving the nation. Composed of highly specialized communities whose duties often extend beyond the sea, it does far more than meet the overwhelming task of carrying out Naval operations around the globe. It’s there to do a job no one else can do. And to offer the kind of support that often helps enable our other military forces to complete their missions – successfully and efficiently.
Because of its wide-ranging capabilities, the Navy routinely collaborates with the other uniformed services to meet Department of Defense (DoD) requirements. And to meet and anticipate the new challenges of the 21st century, there now exists an even more definitive connection between the Navy, the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard through the historic newMaritime Strategy – a collaborative approach to securing a better tomorrow. (Can't view this file? Download Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Beyond all that, America’s Navy can also be found routinely teaming with multinational forces and organizations to:

• Conduct training exercises ranging from combat to medical readiness
• Strengthen ties between people and nations through hands-on diplomacy
• Do everything from rebuild schools to conduct cleft lip surgery clinics

"Our assistance in Haiti reflects our nation's compassion and commitment to those impacted by this tragedy."
Rear. Adm. Ted Branch
Commanding Officer

Looking back on a proud and accomplished history

From everyday small feats to undeniably heroic efforts, the accomplishments and achievements of America’s Navy are vast and significant. Since its birth on October 13, 1775, the Navy has been involved with more than ten major wars and countless battles in the effort to bring security, democracy and prosperity to the American people and to the international community.
From the high-seas crusade against the tyranny of the British Navy to the fight for Cuba’s independence from Spain, see how American Sailors have shown their bravery for more than 230 years.

"We have a mandate to recruit and train the most qualified and capable Sailors. Our Navy will continue to be made up of the most sophisticated, professional, and disciplined Sailors in the history of our great nation. The knowledge, high standards and productivity that are required of them, in some of the most challenging environments, prove how truly exceptional our people are."
Adm. Jonathan Greenert
Chief of Naval Operations