The Massachusetts Navy historically came into being in December 1775, but the modern organization was activated in December 1967 by an act of legislature by then Massachusetts Governor John Volpe.  The unit is officially recognized as the Colonial Navy of Massachusetts (C.N.M.), which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017, and is designated as the official militia of the Commonwealth.  Part of that anniversary included a re-dedication in December 2017 of the C.N.M. and presentation of the unit's colors inside the State House in Boston, where the unit was recognized by Governor Charlie Baker, Representative Pat Haddad (Speaker Pro Tempore Massachusetts House of Representatives), Representatives Carole Fiola, Paul Schmid, and Steve Howitt, and Senator Michael Rodrigues.  Governor Baker even declared December 11, 2017 as Colonial Navy of Massachusetts Day in the Commonwealth.