With 70 percent of the world covered by water, having the world's largest carrier fleet can help win wars and save lives.
Today, the United States Navy operates 286 ships in active service and more than 3,700 aircraft, according to its website. The Navy traces its roots to the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War.
The Navy's present day mission is to "provide a lawful maritime order and deny the use of the sea to terrorists and violent extremists. We do this through our presence..."
We take a look back at where it all started.
Bonhomme Richard (formerly the Duc de Duras), 1779
Pennsylvania, 1837 (Lithograph by N. Currier)
Saint Louis (renamed the Baron de KaIb in 1863), 1861
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