What was the first armed naval vessel in the U.S. Navy?

The first armed naval vessel in the U.S. Navy was the schooner Hannah. This vessel was commissioned in 1775 and played a significant role during the American Revolutionary War, serving as both a warship and a privateer. Hannah's early deployment marked the beginnings of the U.S. Navy and highlighted the need for a capable maritime force to protect American interests and conduct operations against British forces.

The USS Constitution, often misidentified as the first due to its famous status in naval history, was launched later in 1797. The USS Nautilus was the first nuclear-powered submarine and not part of the early naval history relevant to this question. The USS Bonhomme Richard, famously commanded by John Paul Jones, while significant in naval battles, came after the commissioning of the Hannah. Understanding the timeline and the roles these vessels played helps clarify why the schooner Hannah is recognized as the first armed ship of the United States Navy.