The Confederate Navy was the naval branch of the military forces of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Established to protect the Confederacy's coastline and waterways, it aimed to disrupt Union supply lines and trade. The navy operated a mix of warships, including ironclads like the CSS Virginia, and smaller vessels for coastal defense. Despite being outnumbered and underfunded compared to the Union Navy, the Confederate Navy had some successes, including the use of commerce raiders like the CSS Alabama. Ultimately, the navy struggled with limited resources and manpower, contributing to the Confederacy's defeat.