John Paul Jones, whom many consider the father of the American Navy, took command of the Bon Homme Richard in 1779. Bon Homme Richard was named in honor of Benjamin Franklin. On September 23, 1779, the Bon Homme Richard engaged the English frigate Serapis near Cape Flamborough in the North Sea. The battle was a turning point for a young American Navy. During the battle British Captain Pearson called out "Has your ship struck?" and Jones instantly replied "I have not yet begun to fight". After a fierce battle the American's captured the Serapis.
In 1913, John Paul Jones was laid to rest in the crypt of the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis.
