Brief History of the Navy
Originally, the Continental Congress debated over the existence of the Navy. British ships headed towards Massachusetts, so George Washington had 3 ships to try and intercept them in 1775. The success of the Continental Navy was bittersweet. They won some battles but lost a total of 24 ships. The left over ships were actually sold by Congress, and the nation went without ships and a Navy for 10 years. Since 1794, however, ships came back into play as they were obviously needed to the Quasi-War, the War of 1812, and beyond.
Navy Supplemental Education Sailor veterans can get up to $2,000 to pay for non-military licensing and certification exams for occupational purposes. This is done through the Montgomery GI Bill. The program is maintained by the VA Education Service.
Science for the Navy We know how ships in the Navy can at times be under the stress of dangerous weather and ocean waters. Scientists are trying to find out more on storm waves create as well as how large they can actually get. In August of 1998 during Hurricane Bonnie, a single wave was calculated at more than 50 feet and more than a mile of crest length. By being able to predict such waves, these scientists can help avoid future disasters for the Navy.
Aircraft CarriersOne of the most important ships in the Navy's arsenal is an aircraft carrier. They are like mini floating cities and airports all in one. An aircraft carrier can hold up to 5,500 people and over 25 air planes. Naval seamen maintain the engine room, guide the ship, and keep a constant watch for threats. Furthermore, an aircraft carrier of the Navy can house a hospital, a dental clinic, gym facilities, chapels, and even a post office. The sailors also have access to email and regular meals are served daily.
Aircraft Carriers are considered the best in technology and the U.S. fleet is the most powerful in the World with over 5 nuclear powered carriers.
Ships of the NavyNavy ships have been named using a variety of categories. Ships can be named after naval leaders, national figures, and Navy and Marine war heroes in order to honor them. Some of the ships named for living people include: the USS Ronald Reagan, the USNS Bob Hope, and the USS Jimmy Carter.
Destroyers, also dubbed "Greyhounds of the sea", came about during the 1891 Chilean Civil War and the 1894 Singo-Japanese War. There was a need for a new, faster torpedo boat that could keep close to bigger ships, shoot torpedoes, and swiftly slide away. From the first US destroyer in 1902 to today, Navy destroyers are always evolving for the better, becoming faster and carrying a more diverse load of weapons.
Top Naval Leader The one who is in charge of all that goes on in the Department of the Navy is the Secretary of the Navy, currently Donald C. Winter, sworn into office at the start of 2006. He deals with all the organizing, supplying, recruiting, training, equipping, demobilizing, and mobilizing. He also must supervise outfitting, construction, and repair of Navy equipment, ships, and facilities. Others at the top of the Navy food chain include Assistant Secretaries, the General Counsel of the Navy, the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.
United States Naval Academy The USNA is a school for undergraduate education of Navy and Marine Corps officers. The school is located in Annapolis, Maryland (near Washington D.C.). The USNA can sometimes be referred to as "The Academy", "The Yard", "Annapolis", or even "The Boat School".
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