5 SEPTEMBER 1776 – The first formal movement for a navy came from Rhode Island, whose State Assembly passed on 26 August 1775, a resolution instructing its delegates to Congress to introduce legislation calling “for building at the Continental expense a fleet of sufficient force, for the protection of these colonies, and for employing them in such a manner and places as will most effectively annoy our enemies…” The US Navy recognizes 13 October 1775 as the date of its official establishment, the date of the passage of the resolution of the Continental Congress at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that created the Continental Navy. On this day, Congress authorized the purchase of two vessels to be armed for a cruise against British merchant ships. The first uniforms were adopted on 5 September 1776. rochestemilitary.com