![]() ![]() “The keel is completed and laid on the blocks…The stern frame is complete and ready for raising. Senate which included information on United States: On DecemSecretary of War Timothy Pickering submitted a progress report on the frigates to the U.S. There is every reason to believe this ship may be completed next year.” Little did Humphreys know that his frigate would not be ready for launch for another two and half years. In late December, 1794 Humphreys optimistically predicted, “The foundation …is laid, and one piece of keel hauled up. Construction progress on the frigates, the largest wooden vessels (either merchant or war ship) yet built in America, was much slower than expected. Frigate “B” was built at Humphreys’ own yard. The warships, initially nameless, were known only by letter designations to differentiate one from the other. Six frigates, rated to carry either 44 or 36-guns, were built as six private shipyards along the U.S. After the most extensive researches, and mature deliberations, dimensions were fixed, and I was directed to prepare the draughts. “As soon as Congress had agreed to build frigates, it was contemplated to make them the most powerful, and, at the same time, the most useful ships. Joshua Humphreys, a well-known Philadelphia ship-builder and designer was appointed the chief “Naval Constructor” by the U.S. The frigate class was determined to be the most cost-effective warship for the new Navy. Finally, on March 27, 1794, "An Act to provide a Naval Armament," was signed by President Washington, bringing to life the new United States Navy. The increasing threat to American ships prompted President George Washington to recommend building a navy. In 1793 at least eight American merchant vessels were captured by Algiers. Senate Committee on Mediterranean Trade concluded that only a navy could protect American shipping in the Mediterranean. attempts at stemming the depredations on its fleet and their crews included both diplomacy and tribute, with little success. Sweeping the Mediterranean and capturing vessels were the Barbary corsairs, privateers working for the North African states of Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli, and Morocco. ![]() However, the American Navy had been disbanded after the Revolution and the American merchant fleet sailed unprotected from the late 1780s to the 1790s. Important trading destinations were in and around both the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas. Navy's earliest heroes, achievements, and traditions are part of the six frigates story.Īfter the close of the American Revolution, trade with foreign countries was vital to the economic recovery of the new United States. The launch of the frigates is a significant moment in both U.S. Navy's six frigates (United States), which began the new United States Navy. "Editor's Note: On May 10, 2022, Naval History and Heritage Command will commemorate the 225th anniversary of the launch of the first of the U.S. ![]()
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