What we found is that President John Adams signed the act establishing the Department of the Navy on April 30, 1798.
In October each year, the U.S. Navy celebrates its birthday. It has done so for 234 years, but the birth of the U.S. Navy stems in 1775. In November 1775, the Continental Navy was formally organized, and in December Esek Hopkins was appointed the first commander-in-chief of the Continental Navy.
His first fleet consisted of seven ships: two 24-gun frigates, the Alfred and the Columbus; two 14-gun brigs, the Andrea Doria and the Cabot; and three schooners, the Hornet, the Wasp, and the Fly.
During the American Revolution, the Continental Navy successfully preyed on British merchant shipping and won several victories over British warships.
After being disbanded for several years, the United States Navy was formally established with the creation of the Department of the Navy in April 1798.
Learn 10 surprising facts about John Adams, the most educated member of the Sons of Liberty who also served as the first vice president and second president of the United States at History.