This Day in History: October 13

(WKYT) - In the lead-up to America turning 250 years old, we are looking back every day at ‘This Day In History.’

Today is the U.S. Navy’s actual birthday, observed every year on October 13.

It was on this day in 1775 that the Continental Congress green-lighted the first U.S. naval force.

According to NationalDayCalendar.com, the Continental Navy had just two ships and a crew of 80 men at the time of its inception.

Today, the Navy has more than 340,000 active duty personnel and upwards of 71,000.