The establishment of a modest Austrian Navy began during the reign of Emperor Joseph Ⅱ (1765-1790). A total of 14 warships were built at the Arsenal of Trieste: they were ships of the line, frigates and galleys. A specific Navy Ensign, based on the Austrian red-white-red colours, augmented with a shield of the same colours, was introduced in 1786. In 1797 Austria took over the Venetian Navy, and in 1849 the Italian language was replaced by the German language in the Austrian Navy. The ships of the Navy were designated SMS, for Seiner Majestat Schiff (His Majesty's Ship). In 1854 the Navy became an independent branch of the armed forces, with the building of large naval bases in Pola (now Pula in Croatia) and in Cattaro (now Kotor in Montenegro) being initiated.
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