The
United States Exploring Expedition was an exploring and surveying expedition of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding lands conducted by the United States from 1838 to 1842. The original appointed commanding officer was Commodore
Thomas ap Catesby Jones. Funding for the original expedition was requested by President
John Quincy Adams in 1828, however, Congress would not implement funding until eight years later. In May 1836, the oceanic exploration voyage was finally authorized by
Congress and created by President
Andrew Jackson. The expedition is sometimes called the "
U.S. Ex. Ex." for short, or the "
Wilkes Expedition" in honor of its next appointed commanding officer,
United States Navy Lieutenant
Charles Wilkes. The expedition was of major importance to the growth of science in the United States, in particular the then-young field of
oceanography. During the event, armed conflict between Pacific islanders and the expedition was common and dozens of natives were killed in action, as well as a few Americans.