The Battle of Nassau, occurring on New Providence Island in the Bahamas, was notable for being the first amphibious assault conducted by the United States Marine Corps. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel William Eaton, approximately 250 Marines and sailors from the Continental Navy embarked on this mission to capture British-held territory. The operation commenced on March 3, 1776, as the forces landed at Fort Nassau without facing significant opposition, leading to a swift victory. The Marines seized vital supplies, including munitions and arms, which were desperately needed by the American forces engaged in the ongoing Revolutionary War.

This operation not only underscored the strategic importance of amphibious warfare but also highlighted the evolving capabilities of the Continental forces. The success of the mission encouraged other similar undertakings and demonstrated to the colonial leadership that effective coordination between naval and ground forces could yield significant results. Despite being a relatively small-scale operation, the capturing of Nassau had a psychological impact, boosting morale among American patriots and proving that the fight against British dominance could be taken to their territory.

While the direct military significance of Nassau may have been limited, the operation represented the embryonic stages of the Marine Corps' storied tradition of amphibious warfare. It established operational precedents for future engagements, giving the Marines a foundational role in American military strategy. The rapid success at Nassau opened the door for further military initiatives in the Caribbean and demonstrated the commitment of the Continental Congress to leverage all available resources in the war against British rule.