What was the Navy's primary duty during the Civil War?

The primary duty of the Navy during the Civil War was to blockade the Confederate coast. The strategy behind this was to suffocate the Confederacy economically by preventing the import of supplies and the export of cotton, which was vital for funding their war efforts. The implementation of the blockade, known as the Anaconda Plan, aimed to constrict the Confederacy, limiting its ability to sustain its military operations and ultimately leading to a strategic advantage for the Union forces.

This blockade involved deploying naval ships along the Southern coastline to intercept and capture trade vessels. It was a significant commitment that not only demonstrated naval power but also involved complex logistics and strategic planning. The success of the blockade was crucial in undermining the Confederate economy and contributing to the Union's overall victory in the war.