Sleep Well, America

On March 27th, 1794, the U. S. Congress passed the Naval Act, thus laying the groundwork for the United States Navy. Although the fledgling nation had used ships under the authority of the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War, it is generally accepted that this is the date of the Navy's inception. The first ships in the Navy were the six frigates that included the U.S.S. Constitution, now the oldest active commissioned naval vessel in the world. She is a three-master whose storied career started with the defeat of six British warships during the War of 1812, during which she won her moniker, "Old Ironsides." The total cost to build all six frigates was just under $700,000.

Today, the United States Navy has almost a half million sailors, with a little over a quarter of that number in the reserves. It has 280 ships and 3,700 aircraft divided into six fleets and nine operational commands. 11 carrier groups conduct operations around the world to satisfy our commitments to our allies and governmental policy as it evolves. As in all military commands in America, the top post is held by a civilian, the Secretary of the Navy and under that is the Chief of Naval Operations. In terms of operational command, the Joint Chiefs, under the direction of the Secretary of Defense, command the Fleet Admirals for the projection of American seapower.

Having served in the U. S. Navy on active duty during the Vietnam era and watching the Navy's forces today, little has changed since then in terms of customs and decorum. What has changed is the level of sophistication of its weapons systems and shipboard technology. The Navy quickly adapts to contemporary threats both operationally and in its hardware.

Today, take a few moments to reflect on the millions of Americans that have gone into harm's way to protect our interests throughout history. As you read this, thousands of men and women serve in the finest Naval Force to ever sail.