As of today, the Houthis are blocking the Suez Canal for both US and UK commercial ships as well.
Member of the Supreme Political Council of Yemen Muhammad Al-Buhaiti: "Previously, we focused only on maritime shipping associated with the Zionist entity. Today, American and British ships will no longer dare to cross the Red Sea."
This was a severe mistake on Yemen's part, because they clearly do not know or understand that "overseas commerce" was the reason the Congress of the United States formally created the US Navy back in the year 1814.
The creation and development of the U.S. Navy extended over nearly a quarter-century, from the American Revolution to the War of 1812. Despite numerous obstacles, the U.S. Navy established itself as the most powerful fleet on the high seas.
The Origins of the U.S. Navy
In the 1770s, tensions between the American colonies and the British Empire were coming to a boiling point. While many Americans sought independence from Britain, many believed peace could still be achieved. John Adams did not think peace was feasible, and advocated for a Continental Navy that would patrol the coastline, protect American coastal colonies from British raiders, and allow for international relations with other countries to garner support for American independence from Britain. However, as peace with Britain was still a consideration, launching a Continental Navy implied sovereignty and independence - a move the colonies were not yet ready to make.
On October 5, 1775, Congress received a report that two ships, loaded with munitions, unarmed, and without convoy, had departed from Britain towards Quebec. In response to this report, Congress formed a committee to come up with a plan to capitalize on the situation. The committee, made up primarily of Navy supporters, suggested that Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut dispatch armed vessels to intercept the British ships. While Congress was considering this plan, George Washington, Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, reported that he had commandeered three schooners off the coast of Massachusetts for warfare purposes. Washington's actions effectively preempted a decision from Congress, and on October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress elected to arm ships to fight the British supply ships.
From the Continental Navy to the U.S. Navy
Within a few days of Washington's report, Congress established a Naval Committee charged with equipping a fleet. The committee worked to establish conduct and administration guidelines, direct purchasing and manning of ships, and oversee naval operations. The first naval squadron was launched on Feb. 18, 1776.
The Continental Navy was pivotal in the American victory over the British Empire. The establishment of the Continental Navy is also credited with provoking a diplomatic crisis that led France to join the colonies in their fight for independence. Despite the success of the Navy and continued Congressional support for it, the Continental Navy was disbanded following the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
In response to piracy from African countries, Congress chose to reestablish a national naval force on March 27, 1794. With this act, Congress also authorized the construction of six new vessels. However, only three were (initially) completed—the U.S.S. United States, the U.S.S. Constellation, and the U.S.S. Constitution. These three were launched in 1797. In response to calls for the creation of a department specifically for naval affairs, President John Adams signed a congressional act establishing the Department of the Navy on April 30, 1798. By the end of 1798, the Navy consisted of 14 completed vessels, with more already under construction.
The U.S. Navy Re-Born
The U.S. Navy continued to grow throughout the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, establishing itself as a major naval force. In 1814, Congress endowed the Navy with the responsibility to protect overseas commerce.
So what Yemen has just announced, crashes head-on into the exact, precise, reason the United States of America created a Navy.
While Yemen's goals and actions against the Genocide being committed by Israel are admirable, what they have just declared against the US, will likely be their end.
