United States Navy
“Honor, Courage, Commitment”
From the decks of the Continental Navy to today's carriers and submarines, the Navy keeps the seas open, defends commerce, and projects American resolve across every ocean.
What They Defend
To maintain, train and equip combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas.
Every branch serves a distinct role in the defense of the United States. Together, they form a unified force — ready, resilient, and resolute — that has answered our nation's call for more than two centuries.
Anchors Aweigh
Composed in 1906 by Lieutenant Charles A. Zimmermann and dedicated to the Naval Academy Class of 1907.
Currently Playing
U.S. Navy Band & Sea Chanters Chorus
The official Navy Band and choral ensemble singing both the service verses and the triumph chorus.
Heritage & Origins
Written as a football march for the Midshipmen against West Point in 1906, 'Anchors Aweigh' rapidly became the heartbeat of sailors stationed on every ocean. Today it is the official march of the Navy, played whenever warships depart port and at naval ceremonies across the globe.
Official Lyrics & Verses
Official Service Text for the Navy
Stand Navy out to sea, Fight our battle cry; We’ll never change our course, So vicious foe steer shy-y-y-y. Roll out the TNT, Anchors Aweigh. Sail on to victory And sink their bones to Davy Jones, hooray!
The definitive wartime and service version adopted for sailors on deployment and honored during naval honors.
Anchors Aweigh, my boys, Anchors Aweigh. Farewell to foreign shores, We sail at break of day-ay-ay-ay. Through our last night ashore, Drink to the foam, Until we meet once more, Here’s wishing you a happy voyage home!
Celebrates the sailor's bittersweet farewell when casting off from port into uncharted waters.
Stand, Navy, down the field, Sails set to the sky. We’ll never change our course, So Army you steer shy-y-y-y. Roll up the score, Navy, Anchors Aweigh. Sail Navy down the field And sink the Army, sink the Army Grey!
The original 1906 Annapolis verse penned by Alfred Hart Miles for the historic Army-Navy football classic.