The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. It is the largest and most capable navy in the world, with the highest combined battle fleet tonnage. The U.S. Navy traces its origins to the Continental Navy, which was established during the American Revolutionary War and was disbanded in 1785. The U.S. Navy played a major role in the American Civil War by blockading the Confederacy and seizing control of its rivers. The Navy continued to grow and modernize throughout the 20th century, playing a major role in World War II and the Cold War. Today, the U.S. Navy operates more than 300 ships and submarines, and has more than 3,700 aircraft.