The U.S. Navy is the branch of the United States military primarily responsible for sea operations. It is one of the five U.S. Armed Forces and one of seven uniformed services.

On October 13, 2009, the U.S. Navy celebrated its 234th anniversary, commemorating the moment in 1775, when the Continental Congress commissioned two armed sea vessels for the purpose of finding and engaging British supply ships in the Atlantic Ocean.

1. 1775: Leading up to the Revolutionary War, George Washington takes command of armed ships to attack British supplies
2. 1861: The Navy plays a key role in leading the Union Army to victory in the U.S. Civil War
3. 1907: Theodore Roosevelt sends the "Great White Fleet" of ships around the world in a demonstration of naval power
4. 1941: Japan attacks naval base in Pearl Harbor
5. 1962: Sea, Air and Land (Navy SEALs) special forces established

On January 8, 2009, the U.S. Navy announced it will be in charge of a special task force from 20 countries focused on fighting pirates in the coast of Somalia. The Combined Task Force 151 was created due to increased activity of pirates on the area.Australian Broadcasting News: US Navy announces international counter-piracy force (January 8, 2009)