How did the Continental Navy begin during the American Revolution?

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The Continental Navy did not emerge as a single, formal entity at the start of the American Revolution. Instead, it began through a series of localized and ad hoc efforts.1

Initially, nine of the thirteen colonies armed small vessels to protect local waterborne commerce. In July 1775, George Washington took command of the Continental Army and, facing a critical shortage of ammunition, commissioned seven small vessels to intercept British supply ships.1

The formal establishment of a national maritime force occurred on October 13, 1775, when the Continental Congress voted to fit out ships for service. A Marine Committee was subsequently appointed to oversee the first Continental squadron, which was placed under the command of Esek Hopkins with the primary objective of capturing munitions. Throughout the war, this Continental Navy grew to include approximately 60 ships, though it faced significant administrative and financial challenges, often struggling to recruit sailors who preferred the better financial incentives offered by privateering.1