At the beginning of the US Civil War the US Navy had 90 shipshowever only 40 were commissioned vessels. It also did not have theships needed to conduct a war against the South. The navy lackedthe ocean going force, equipment doctrine and training foroperations on its coast and internal waterways. President Lincolnliked General in Chief Winfield Scott's plan on blockading Southernports. To this end, ships on overseas duty were recalled to help onthe blockades. The navy grew quickly. Within 9 months the UScommissioned 76 ships, bought 136, and built in its safe harborsand shipyards another 52. Within 12 months the US Navy had 300vessels.The South began the war with no navy at all and could neverhope to match the US in war vessels. They bought as many as theycould from England and used these small but swift war cruisers toattack Union cargo vessels and harass Union blockading ships. Intime places such as Mobile, Alabama were able to build a few shipsbut not many.