When is Navy Birthday in 2016?

The 2016 Navy Birthday is on Thursday, October 13th. 

What is Navy Birthday?

The naval force that is now the United States Navy was originally established on October 13, 1775 by the Continental Congress. This small naval force was faced with a powerful enemy-since the British Navy was the most formidable sea power of its time. Rather than going head-to-head against Britain's warships, the Continental Navy collaborated with privateers to wage tactical raids against British supply vessels. After the Revolutionary war, Congress sold off the ships in the Continental navy. It wasn't until 1794 that the U.S. government reassembled a naval fleet. Today, the U.S. Navy boasts thousands of ships and aircraft. The original birthdate of the Navy is celebrated with a Birthday Ball and other events to show appreciate for active, reserve, and retired naval forces, as well as their families. There is a special order of ceremony for naval birthday celebrations including the salute to the flag, the national anthem, bell ringing, pronouncements, and a rousing rendition of "Anchors Aweigh."