Rhode Island State Navy

Rhode Island State Navy
Katy, a sloop of the Rhode Island State Navy
Active1775–1781
CountryUnited Colonies
United States
BranchNavy
Commanders
Notable
commanders		Abraham Whipple
Silas Talbot

The Rhode Island State Navy was the state navy of Rhode Island during the American Revolutionary War. It was founded on June 15, 1775 by the Rhode Island General Assembly, which authorized the acquisition of two ships for the purpose of defending Rhode Island's merchant shipping and coastal communities from British attacks. The state navy was generally utilized for defensive operations within Narragansett Bay, although it captured several British ships. In addition to the state navy, the General Assembly also issued letters of marque to privateers. The state navy was disbanded in 1781 after its last ship was sold.

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