The U.S. Navy was founded on October 13, 1775, with the Department of the Navy established in 1798. The Navy’s mission is to “maintain, train and equip combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas,” and it does so with warfare specialities that include aviation, surface warfare, nuclear submarines, special forces and support services.

There are approximately 341,000 sailors serving actively in the U.S. Navy today with an additional 59,000 reserve personnel.

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