NAVY

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Navy, United States, is the branch of the armed forces of the United States that acts to maintain command of the sea. In time of peace, the Navy often serves as an instrument of international relations. The very presence of naval vessels may be helpful in keeping a crisis from flaring into war. Navy ships also speed on errands of mercy, such as carrying food and medical supplies to disaster areas. Merchant vessels and passenger ships often call on the Navy for aid in emergencies. In time of war, the Navy seeks out and destroys the enemy on, under, or above the sea. It can also strike the enemy ashore. In fact, if attacked, the Navy can return the blow almost anywhere on earth from its warships and aircraft. Powerful naval amphibious forces can support troop landings against heavy enemy resistance. Nuclear-powered submarines can carry missiles and travel around the world underwater. Any enemy that might attack the United States must expect counterblows from these submarines, whose exact locations at sea cannot be pinpointed. To perform its functions efficiently, the Navy has many types of ships, including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers, frigates, destroyers, submarines, and amphibious type ships. These fighting ships depend on the services of ammunition ships, minesweepers, oilers, repair ships, supply ships, and tugs. Both fighting ships and service ships rely on a shore organization, including naval bases, shipyards, docks, naval air stations, and training stations, for supplies, repairs, training, and other services. Many people choose the Navy as a career because of their love of adventure and the sea. They may have an opportunity to visit many parts of the world. The history of the U.S. Navy is a colorful story of daring deeds and famous ships at sea. It is the story of growth from a few sailing ships in Revolutionary War days to the greatest fleet ever to sail the seas. It recounts the changes from sails and cannon to nuclear power and guided missiles. It blazes with the achievements of such historic ships as the Bonhomme Richard, Constitution, Monitor, Olympia, Enterprise, and Nautilus. Naval history tells of John Paul Jones, whose battle cry, "I have not yet begun to fight," established the Navy's fighting traditions. It includes the achievements of James Lawrence, who rallied his men with the historic words: "Don't give up the ship!" It reflects the deeds of David G. Farragut, the Navy's first admiral, who reportedly bellowed "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" as his forces charged into Mobile Bay. It includes leaders such as Chester W. Nimitz, who directed the Pacific Fleet in its sweep from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay, and Hyman G. Rickover, the father of the nuclear Navy. It shines with the names of famous ships, such as the Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered warship. The Navy operates under the Department of the Navy. The Navy has an active strength of about 320,000 men and 52,000 women. Active naval reserve forces total about 180,000. The department also maintains a Marine Corps of about 170,000 and employs more than 125,000 citizens worldwide. In wartime, or by decision of the president, the Coast Guard also operates under the Department of the Navy. The Navy seal was adopted in 1957. "Anchors Aweigh" is the Navy's famous marching song. Blue and gold are the official colors of the Navy.