Navy Birthday Timeline

​September 30, 1954

​The Navy launched its first nuclear submarine

The Navy deployed the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine — the USS Nautilus.

​December 7, 1941

"A day that will live in infamy"

Japanese forces sent 353 aircraft to launch a surprise attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This led directly to America's involvement in World War II.

​1800

​The Navy built its armada

​Three ships were commissioned and pressed into service. These were the USS Constitution, the USS United States and the USS Constellation.

​March 27, 1794

​The Navy became permanent.

​Congress passed the Naval Act of 1794 — establishing a permanent standing navy.