The Navy dates back to October 13, 1775, with action taken by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Congress approved supplying General George Washington with an armed schooner and sloop to seize British supplies. Other vessels were sent to patrol key ports to intercept British transports. These armed actions in the final months of 1775 established the U.S. Navy during the early days of the Revolutionary War.
General Washington, considered the father of the Navy, and his fleet of privateers and ships were led initially by Hannah, the Navy’s founding vessel. Washington’s fleet of warships captured 55 British vessels before they were dissolved in 1777.
Due to financial issues, Congress sold off the remaining Naval ships after the Revolutionary War ended, and the U.S. Navy was disbanded. However, it was revived in 1794 by Congress in part to help fight pirates. The Navy was involved in two wars at the turn of the 19th Century, including the Quasi-War and War of 1812.
The Navy’s place in U.S. military history is highlighted by many firsts, including the first use of submarines in 1898. The first usage of modern battleships came in 1908, and the first Naval aircraft was purchased in 1911. Other firsts included the first aircraft flight off a U.S. Navy cruiser in 1910, and in modern times, the Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat was introduced in 1992. These are now used by Navy SEALs.
The Navy turned into a Presidential proving ground in the 20th Century, with six future Presidents serving in World War II. John F. Kennedy served in the Solomon Islands; Lyndon B. Johnson was stationed in New Zealand and Australia; Richard Nixon worked in air cargo; Gerald Ford served as an aircraft carrier navigator; Jimmy Carter attended the Naval Academy and was a submariner; and George H. W. Bush flew 58 combat missions.
The Illinois House Republicans are proud to recognize one of our own, Dr. Paul Jacobs, as a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Jacobs (R-Pomona) represents the 118th House District in deep southern Illinois. He served in the Navy right out of high school during the Vietnam Era from 1965-71. Jacobs was first elected to the House in 2020, and he practiced Optometry for over 40 years. Rep. Jacobs and his wife, Rhoda, have four children and 10 grandchildren.