Ace the 2025 PMK-EE E4 Naval Heritage Exam – Sail Through Your Military Knowledge Adventure!

The first Navy vessel powered by steam was the USS Demologos. Launched in 1814, this ship was significant for being the first steam warship commissioned by the United States Navy. The development of steam power represented a pivotal advancement in naval technology, as it allowed vessels to navigate independent of wind conditions and provided greater tactical flexibility in naval engagements.

In the context of naval history, the USS Constitution, although an iconic U.S. Navy ship, was a sailing frigate and did not utilize steam power. The USS Princeton was one of the first steam-powered warships but came into service after the USS Demologos, while the USS Monitor, famous for its role in the Civil War, was an ironclad warship that utilized steam power but was not the first. Understanding the significance of the USS Demologos helps to highlight the evolution of naval warfare and technology in the early 19th century.