Fun Facts About the Navy
Get to know the branch of the US Armed Forces that protects America by sea with these fun facts about the Navy.
Basic Facts About the Navy
The primary mission of the Navy is to protect the US at sea, defend freedom, preserve economic prosperity, and keep the seas open and free.
The US Navy is the most powerful in the world.
It has more aircraft carriers than any other nation (it has eleven in service and others in reserve or under construction).
There are over 300,000 active duty personnel in the Navy and over 100,000 in the reserves.
The US Navy is part of the Department of the Navy. The Navy and the Marines are coequal branches of the same department.
Now that you know some basic facts about the Navy, read on for some Navy fun facts!
This article contains affiliate links to things that you might like.
Ten Fun Facts About the Navy
Learn more about this seafaring service branch with these fun facts about the Navy.
The Navy Began During the American Revolution
On October 13, 1775, the Second Continental Congress authorized the commissioning of a navy fleet to combat British ships.
This small Colonial naval fleet was called the Continental Navy.
George Washington himself understood that a naval force was necessary to win the war.
The Continental Navy was disbanded in 1785 due to lack of funds.
A permanent Navy was established in 1794 and continues to this day.
The Navy Is the Only Service Branch Without a Motto
The Navy does not have an official motto, although it has a couple of unofficial mottoes that describe its values and mission.
“Non sibi sed patriae” is Latin for “Not self but country.” This motto is carved on the doors of the chapel at the US Naval Academy.
It reminds sailors of their legacy of duty and sacrifice.
“Semper fortis” is Latin for “Always courageous” because sailors venture into the vast ocean.
The Navy Has Floating Cities
The Navy has aircraft carriers in its fleet. Housing over 5,000 people, aircraft carriers are like floating cities.
Aircraft carriers have their own post office, hospital, and mess halls (these are like cafeterias). Some even have a Starbucks!
The aircraft carriers have runways on their decks. These short strips of road allow jets and helicopters to take off and land.
Submarines Are Nearly Undetectable
A US submarine can stay submerged for months at a time.
A submarine can operate in stealth mode called “silent running.”
The goal of silent running is to evade detection by enemy sonar.
The engines run slowly on minimal power, and other nonessential systems are shut down.
The crew is encouraged to rest and make minimal noise.
The Blue Angels Are Expert Pilots
The US Navy has a demonstration team of expert pilots called the Blue Angels.
Formed in 1946, the Blue Angels have six Navy pilots and one Marine pilot.
Their jets travel at speeds up to 700 miles per hour. Currently, the team flies the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet.
The pilots fly their jets just inches apart at high speeds in formations such as the Diamond 360 maneuver.
The US Navy Has Several Special Forces
The Navy has several kinds of special forces.
The Navy SEALs are the most widely recognized. They work in small teams on missions involving more than the ocean.
SEALs are trained for jungle, arctic, desert, urban, and mountainous operations. They can conduct missions on land, sea, or air.
Other special forces in the Navy include divers, rescue swimmers, special warfare combat crew members, and explosive ordinance disposal technicians.
The Largest Naval Base is in Norfolk Virginia
The largest naval base in the world is located in Norfolk, Virginia and consists of over 6,000 acres.
That’s about seven to eight times as large as Central Park in New York City.
The Norfolk Naval Base is the headquarters of the Atlantic Fleet.
The base is home to dozens of ships, submarines, and aircraft.
The base itself houses around 67,000 people.
Naval Ships Are Often Named After States
The US Navy has a tradition of naming its ships after states, cities, battles, and famous individuals.
Many current aircraft carriers are named after presidents including Truman, Lincoln, Kennedy, Ford, Eisenhower, and Roosevelt.
The submarine force has four classes: the Ohio, Sea Wolf, Los Angeles, and Virginia.
The Navy College Has a Goat as a Mascot
The United States Navy Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, has an unforgettable mascot: Bill the Goat.
Legend has it that in the early 1900s, a naval ship had a pet goat.
The goat died before the ship reached port. It was so beloved that the sailors skinned the goat and intended to have it stuffed by a taxidermist.
Two young officers were assigned the task. On their way to the taxidermist, they were distracted by a Navy football game.
They joined the crowd watching the game, and at halftime, they donned the goatskin and galloped in front of the crowd, to the delight of the fans.
The crowd loved it, and they made a goat their new mascot.
Today, the Naval Academy mascot is a live goat with blue-painted horns. His name is Bill the Goat.
“Anchors Aweigh” Is the Official Army Song
“Anchors Aweigh” was first played during a football game between the Army and the Navy in 1906.
To “weigh an anchor” means bringing all the anchors onboard to prepare the ship for departure.
The song is a two-step march with an extended instrumental section (since it was designed for a marching band to play at the football game).
Here is the current version:
Anchors Aweigh, my boys, Anchors Aweigh!
Farewell to foreign Shores, we sail at break of day-ay-ay-ay;
Through our last night ashore, drink to the foam,
Until we meet once more, here’s wishing you a happy voyage home!
Read More About the Navy
If you are eager to learn more about the Navy, check out these books about the Navy.
Navy SEALs Special Forces
This is the first book in an eight-book series on the Navy SEALs. The target audience is between 5 and 10 years old.
US Navy Ship Facts
This book of fun facts delves into the incredible history of the US Navy.
Saving Bravo
This book for teens and adults tells about an extraordinary rescue mission done by Navy SEALs during the Vietnam War.
Navy Fun Facts
These Navy fun facts give you a glimpse into the service branch that patrols the oceans.
Get to know the Navy with these fun facts!
