As winter tightened its grip, General Washington's army faced immense challenges after several defeats. Outnumbered and pursued by British forces under General William Howe, Washington turned to Major Nicholas and his Marines aboard the frigates Delaware and Washington to strengthen his defenses.

At the same time, General Israel Putnam worked to protect Philadelphia, striving to prevent British ships like the HMS Roebuck from blocking the city. Fearing the loss of their valuable fleet, Congress ordered the Randolph and Hornet to defend the Delaware River. The British threat was so significant that American leaders even considered burning their own ships rather than allowing them to be captured. Amid this tension, Washington made a daring decision: crossing the ice-choked Delaware River on Christmas night to launch a surprise attack on the Hessians at Trenton. With the crucial support of the Marines, Washington’s bold move reinvigorated the American cause and marked a turning point in the quest for independence.

Major Samuel Nicholas, the first Marine Commandant, organized new detachments for freshly built frigates like the Washington, Randolph, Effingham, and Delaware. Officers like Benjamin Dean and Andrew Porter tackled recruitment challenges, while men like Robert Maullen recruited Marines from Philadelphia’s taverns and endured British captivity.

Though short on resources, these Marines guarded key locations, prepared for shipboard combat, and even marched north to defend Philadelphia from a potential British invasion. Meanwhile, Commodore Esek Hopkins faced scrutiny for the Bahamas raid, and Captains Dudley Saltonstall and Abraham Whipple came under investigation.

Amid political turmoil, disease, and shortages, the Marines developed discipline and honed their combat skills. As General Washington retreated across New Jersey, Marine units readied for action, standing firm in their commitment to independence.

By early 1776, Captain Miles Pennington was recruiting Marines aboard the Reprisal, laying the groundwork for what would become a legendary fighting force. These new recruits quickly faced their first challenge during the Fire Boats Operation, using burning vessels to disrupt British ships. Officers like Luke Matthewman and Robert Scott worked tirelessly to fill the ranks of the Lexington, embracing the Marine mindset of improvising and adapting.

Commodore Esek Hopkins and the Reprisal clashed with British patrols in the Caribbean, forging French alliances while capturing enemy prizes. The Lexington seized British vessels as well, including a bold Marine-led recapture.

After seizing weapons and supplies during their daring raid in the Bahamas, the Continental Marines returned from their first amphibious operation with renewed purpose. As Philadelphia fortified the Delaware River, bracing for inevitable attacks on major ports, America’s navy expanded its reach. Ships like the Lexington and Reprisal clashed with British frigates, testing the colonies’ power at sea. Bold captains like John Barry and Lambert Wickes captured prizes, recruited Marines, and showed Britain’s navy was not invincible. These early hard-fought victories set the stage for greater coordination between land and sea forces, expanding the Revolutionary War’s scope.

In the spring of 1776, the Continental Navy and Marine Corps launched a daring mission in the Bahamas. Commodore Esek Hopkins and Captain Samuel Nicholas led a fleet south to secure critical supplies, pivoting from Virginia to New Providence after British reinforcements arrived. Guided by captured sailors through dangerous reefs, over 200 Marines seized Fort Montagu overnight. Although 162 barrels of gunpowder were hidden, they captured cannons, ammunition, and other supplies. Fort Nassau fell days later without resistance. This first amphibious assault demonstrated the Marine Corps’ potential in complex operations.