What Is the Navy?
Since 1775, America’s Navy has maintained freedom of the seas. Not only for our nation, but for our allies and strategic partners. We are the most powerful Navy in the world. We are here to preserve the peace, respond in crisis and win decisively in war. We operate around the world, from seabed to space, in cyberspace and the information environment to secure our nation.
But what does that really mean? As the threats to our nation grow, we are tasked with defending our homeland. We’re here to deliver decisive combat power when necessary to win at war. It means our ships are here to keep shipping lanes open, so packages can across the ocean without interruption. Our submarines defend the fiber-optic cables on the sea floor, so your internet connection remains strong. Naval aviators keep the skies clear and deliver critical strikes when needed. In cyberspace, our teams defend our nation’s networks, developing new strategies to win in the online battlefield. Most importantly, we train the best and brightest warfighters to serve as Sailors aboard our vessels and on bases around the world. In America’s Navy, we’re always on watch so you never have to be.
Our Legacy
The United States Navy was officially authorized by the Continental Congress on October 13, 1775 in the midst of the American Revolution. Despite having just a small fleet of 27 ships and enduring overwhelming odds, the Navy had success in defending our shores for freedom. Two hundred and fifty years later, we have developed into the world’s largest and most powerful naval force. The modern Navy of today is made up of hundreds of ships, including aircraft carriers, submarines, and a variety of surface ships and thousands of aircraft.
We continue to lead the world in technological advancements, with many of our Sailors being responsible for inventions in computer coding, engineering, nuclear propulsion, radar, sonar and even the beginnings of the modern internet. Sailors have explored and mapped every corner of the planet, from the Antarctic coastline to the deepest parts of the sea — a U.S. Navy Sailor was even the first person to walk on the moon.
Who Can You Become?
Every Sailor in the U.S. Navy lives by the core values of “Honor, Courage and Commitment.” As an all-volunteer force, we are made up of men and women who represent America. Earning your place among us takes strength, skill and determination to become a better version of yourself.
Becoming a Sailor in the Navy means becoming one of our technicians, nuclear engineers, aviators, logistics managers, construction specialists and special operators. Each of our Navy communities is trained to accomplish a specific important role that is part of our larger Navy mission. These communities foster a sense of teamwork and camaraderie that you won’t find anywhere else — Sailors up and down the chain of command always have each other’s backs whether they’re on or off duty.
The jobs that we offer can also easily translate to the civilian world after service, with roles in nuclear engineering, STEM, mechanics and even computer science and IT. You can gain certifications in the role of your choice and even come away with security clearances, money for college and leadership skills that few in the civilian world can claim. Most importantly, serving as this team of men and women can help make you the strongest version of yourself.