United States Navy | |
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![]() Naval jack of the United States (1859–1861) at the start of the U.S. Civil War | |
Founded | 13 October 1775[1] |
Country | ![]() |
Type | Navy |
Role | Sea control Maritime security |
Size | 84,415 personnel 671 vessels |
Part of | ![]() |
Motto(s) | "Semper Fortis" (English: "Always Courageous" (official)) |
Colors | Blue and gold[2][3] |
Anniversaries | 13 October |
Commanders | |
Commander-in-Chief | ![]() |
Secretary of the Navy | ![]() |
Admiral in Chief | David Farragut |
The Union Navy was the United States Navy (USN) during the American Civil War, when it fought the Confederate States Navy (CSN). The term is sometimes used carelessly[citation needed] to include vessels of war used on the rivers of the interior while they were under the control of the United States Army, also called the Union Army.
The Navy's colors themselves have special meaning: Blue represents the ocean and seas; gold is the color of integrity and valor.