On October 13, the U.S. Navy celebrates its 242nd birthday. When it was created in 1775, it was known as the Continental Navy. It was put in place to help protect us against the British during the American Revolution. In honor of our heroes of the sea, let’s look at three significant Navy battles.
First blood is drawn. There were several naval battles between America and Britain in the early days of the Revolution. But the first after America’s Navy was officially formed took place off the coast of Rhode Island in April 1776. The Navy was returning home after raiding a British colony in the Bahamas—a trip that would also yield the capture of two British ships—when it was attacked by a lone HMS Glasgow. Faster and loaded with more fire power, the British ship fought the American fleet for six hours, eventually sending all six vessels into retreat. Ten American sailors—compared to only one British sailor—died in the skirmish.
Looming large on the horizon. The Battle of Leyte Gulf was the biggest and most complex battle in the history of the U.S. Navy. Fought in the waters of the Philippines against the Japanese in 1944, it was made up of several smaller fights over a period of three days. The fighting involved more than 800 ships and 1,800 aircraft. Allied Forces lost three carriers, two destroyers, a destroyer escort and 200 planes. The Japanese lost eleven destroyers, ten cruisers, four carriers and three battleships. More than 2,800 Allied sailors lost their lives. Japan suffered 12,500 losses. The Allied invasion of Leyte Island cut off Japanese oil reserves. And the location gave Allied Forces a strategic advantage.
The tables are turned. Considered by many to be the most decisive Navy battle ever, the Battle of Midway helped turn the tide of World War II. After the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the Navy realized it needed to have better intelligence on what the Japanese were up to. Efforts were concentrated on breaking Japan’s coded messages, which is how the U.S. learned about a Japanese trap being planned near Midway Island in 1942. The U.S. had a Navy base at Midway—located half way between the U.S. and Japan in the Pacific Ocean. It was an important strategic location. And Japan wanted control. But Japan’s code had been broken, and the U.S. had plenty of time to put ships, aircraft and equipment in place. When the four days of fighting ended on June 7, the U.S. emerged victorious. Japan lost four carriers, a cruiser, 292 aircraft and about 2,500 men. The U.S. lost two ships, 145 aircraft and about 300 men. For the remainder of the war, Japan was on the defensive.
Veteran Energy is proud of America’s Navy and all of the brave men and women who make it a reality. Happy 242nd birthday!
