Naval Warfare

Because it lacked sufficient funds to build a strong navy, the Continental Congress gives privateers permission to attack any and all British ships on this day in 1776.

Privateering refers to government licensing of private vessels to wage war. In what is now Canada, privateering dated back to Samuel Argall's attack in 1613 on Port-Royal, Acadia. From 1756 to 1815 British privateers sailed from Halifax, Liverpool and other Atlantic ports, cruising as far south as Venezuela. The Napoleonic Wars presented ample opportunity for privateers, as did the War of 1812.

One hundred years ago, in the summer of 1914, a series of events set off an unprecedented global conflict that ultimately claimed the lives of more than 16 million people, dramatically redrew the maps of Europe, and set the stage for the 20th Century.

In 1942, Seaman Calvin Graham was decorated for valor in battle. Then his mother learned where he'd been and revealed his secret to the Navy.

Long before the invention of cannons and other modern weaponry, ancient navies often clashed in spectacular sea battles involving hundreds of vessels and thousands of sailors.

A closer Look at the largest and most influential naval Battles in World History.

Ranking battles by their importance has been a bloodsport among military historians as long as there have been military historians. Creasy's classic Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World(1851) set the standard for the genre.

Naval warfare is combat in and on seas, oceans, or any other major bodies of water such as large lakes and wide rivers.

On its 240th birthday, get the facts on America's maritime force.

Learn about the historical timeline of America's Navy by viewing a list of wars, battles, engagements, missions, milestones, introductions and innovations.