U.S. Navy Copper
The United States Navy has always been known for their use and procurement of copper. From its early years to the present day, it has used this versatile and strong metal in a multitude of applications within ships, aircraft carriers, submarines and more. Copper is especially well suited for the Navy because of its unique properties including outstanding electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance and malleability. Copper has been a key contributor to the Navy’s success in its mission as a deterrent force and global power.
The use of naval copper stretches back to the Revolutionary War when it was used in the construction of warships and other vessels. The British navy had been using copper sheathing on their vessels since the 1500s. By the late 1700s, it was an integral part of wooden ship construction, protecting the bottom of ships from worms that were common in warm seas.
During the Civil War, copper became even more important in US naval vessels. It was used in armor plates and for naval guns, ones that were much larger than used previously. This allowed for the building of larger and more powerful ships than ever before, allowing the US Navy to maintain the steam-powered advantage it had over the Confederate Navy.
The Navy had its first pure copper vessel in 1892 when it was commissioned with the launch of the Keystone State. This was the first of many ships built with a copper hull and soon other US ships followed its lead. Copper also played a significant role in the development of the first US submarines in the early 1900s. It was used in hull plating and propellers, as well as electrical wiring in the sub’s interior.
The use of copper accelerated during World War II, when it was essential in the battle against the Japanese in the Pacific. Copper was used in everything from the exhaust system to the ship’s electrical components that kept the vessels running. It also shielded areas of the ship that were vulnerable to attack and helped maintain the vessels’ speed while relying on less fuel. As a result, the US Navy was often able to outrun and outgun Japanese vessels.
Copper is still a vital part of US Naval operations today, with its importance in the construction of vessels such as aircraft carriers and submarines. It is also used in many components of these vessels, such as ship hull plating and wiring. Copper is used for its anti-corrosive and anti-bacterial properties, as well as for its superior electrical and thermal conductivity. With its unique properties, copper is sure to be an integral part of US Naval operations for years to come.
