- The United States Navy has four major functions. It helps to control the seas all over the world, often through safety patrols. The Navy transports troops, equipment and goods to various locations, especially during wartime. Many of the ships in the fleet have nuclear capabilities that can be used to protect the United States. Finally, the presence of the Navy throughout the world serves to show that America is a country that will use all of its power to protect itself and its citizens.
- The training that the Navy provides for its sailors is excellent. Many people that have done great things were in the Navy. For example, John F. Kennedy, George H. W. Bush, Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford all served in the Navy before becoming President. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Alan Shephard, Jr. served in the Navy. Comedians Bill Cosby and Johnny Carson were both in the Navy. All of these men have one thing in common--they all credit at least part of their success in life to the discipline and training they received in the United States Navy.
- The United States Navy uses classifications, known as ranks and rates, to distinguish members. Ranks, which are actually the sailor's pay grade, are further separated into Enlisted, Warrant Officer and Officer classifications. The Enlisted Sailors have nine ranks, which are E1 through E9 and include Seaman, Petty Officer and Chief Petty Officer. Warrant Officers have five ranks, W1 through W5. Officers have 10 regular ranks, O1 through O10, which include Ensign, Lieutenant, Commander, Captain and Admiral. In times of war, an additional rank is added for the Fleet Admiral. A sailor's rate is his job. Electronics Technician (ET), Gunners Mate (GM) and Hospital Corpsman (HM) are examples of rates. Every sailor's uniform has insignia or patches that identify his rank and rate.
- The Navy is more than just a group of ships. In addition to ships such as aircraft carriers like the USS Enterprise and submarines like the USS Seawolf, the Navy also operates planes, including long-range reconnaissance aircraft and fighters. Ships and aircraft are deployed in groups, many of which center around an aircraft carrier. Even submarines are part of a deployment group as they have submarine tenders deployed with them.
- The United States Naval history dates back to October 13, 1775, which is the date on which the Continental Navy was organized. At that time, the Navy was very small and weak, consisting mainly of half-rotten merchant ships converted to resemble battleships. After the American Revolution, the Continental Navy was disbanded. April 30, 1798 was the date on which the United States officially created the United States Navy as we know it today. Since that day, the United States Navy has worked hard to stay ahead of our enemies by constantly working on new technology for weapons, power and reconnaissance. In 1962, John F. Kennedy established the elite Navy force known as SEa, Air, and Land Special Forces or SEALs, which enable the Navy's impact to go far beyond bodies of water and ports.
