Today is the United States Navy’s 241st birthday! The U.S. Navy traces its roots to the American Revolution. Starting as a fleet of two ships, it grew to include more than 50 ships over the course of the war. The Continental Navy, as it was called then, was disbanded in 1783, and the United States remained without a navy for more than a decade. However, the Continental Navy marked the start of a rich history and tradition carried on by the U.S. Navy still today. Read on for more fun facts about the history of the U.S. Navy.