Navy - Reports & Bulletins, 1939 -March 1940

Navy: Reports : 1939-Mar.1940 1. REPORT TO THE SECRETARY October 16, 1939 Total Enlisted Strength, 16 October ..... 116,706 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 1,069 Other Reservists " " " 15 Total 1,084 Officers returned to duty as of 14 October: Line Officers ....... 151 Staff Officers ...... 67 Warrant Officers ..... 19 TOTAL.....257 Marine Corps, Total Enlisted Strength, 16 Oct. - 19,650 Net gain last 24 hours - 34. Number of Volunteer Reserves enlisted in regular Marine Corps for current fiscal year to date - 70. -------- Director SOSED attended National Safety Congress meeting, Atlantic City, to receive trophies won by Navy units in the national competition. Destroyer RUSSELL, acceptance tríals 17 October, Newport News, Virginia. RUSSELL is second of two, MUSTIN was first. Destroyers HUGHES and MUSTIN delivered and commissioned September 21, 1939. Following destroyers placed in full commission: blakeley, BIDDLE, DUPONT, COLE, BERNADOU and ELLIS. 2. 3. Drew Peurson and Robert 8. Allen story, Washington Puget Sound Dry Dock No. 4 Times-Herald, 16 October, of alleged sabotage flying 48% complete as of September 30, 1939. boat being built by Glenn L. Martin Co. for the Mavy Estimated date final completion, August 1940. is without foundation, Fuaero reports. Engine failures Puget Sound Dry Dock No. 5 referred to were due to minor defects, since eliminated. Bids will be opened on October 18th. Real trouble is in take-off characteristics in that plane Estimated work will be underway Sovember 1939. shows a porpoising tendency believe due to hull design. Estimated completion date, November 1941. This characteristic was prodicted by Buacro, based upon Pearl Harbor Dry Dock No. 2 performance of model tests at National Advisory Committee Plans and specifications are complete. for Aeronautics, but Martin did not see fit to make Pearl Harbor Dry Dock No. 3 changes. Anticipated plans and specifications will be Surgeon Ceneral, fellowship conferred on him by completed October 23, 1939. Both of these docks will be included in one contract, American College of Surgeons at Philadelphia. and it is estimated all plans end specifications will Status of Dry Dock construction, 16 October, 1939: Mare Island Dry Dock No. 3 be ready for advertisement shortly after November 1. Navel Medical Center, asshington. It is anticipated 89% complete, September 30, 1939. Coundations for tower and main building will be com- Expected final completion - April 1940 pleted prior to December 1, 1939. Tentative opening Mare Island Dry Dock No. 4 date for bids steel work superstructure of the tower, Preliminary plans completed and approved. November 22. Anticipato finel plans and specifications complete end ready for advertisement by Docember lst. 4. Emergency hospital building and dispensaries at Training Stations, Norfolk, Newport, Great Lakes, and San Diego. San Diego - Instructions issued to the Commandant, 11th Naval District, to obtain field data, prepare plans and specifications, open bids and make recommendations for award locally. Norfolk, Newport and Great Lakes - Plans and specifications will be completed and forwarded to these three stations prior to November 1, with in- structions to advertise and take bids locally. Status of PWA-WPA Projects, combined Yards and Docks contracts, WPA labor are as follows: Total number of such projects - 162, all started subsequent to August 1, 1935. 16 Projects 100% complete. 85 Projects are between 95% and 100% complete. Balance of all other projects, with few exceptions are more than 75% complete. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY October 17, 1939 Total Enlisted Strength, 17 October 116,882 Fleet Reservists (enlisted)- on active duty 1,099 Other Reservists 17 17 17 = 15 Total 1,114 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 209 Discharges 63 to Net gain 146 Officers returned to duty as of 16 October: Line Officers 154 Staff Officers 68 Warrant Officers 19 Total 237 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement: No. No. No. Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation instruction 150 150 52 District Patrol Planes 128 0 O Censorship 100 32 32 Miscellaneous 292 107 57 Ensigns & Lt. (jg)with fleet 200 2 1 Total Officers: - 820 291 142 Men District Patrol Planes 1024 o o Radio Intercept. 120 51 51 Miscellaneous 1606 325 325 Total Men: 2750 376 376 Budget hearings completed on appropriations for C & R and Replacement of Naval Vessels (RNV) and 4. 3. Alteration Noval Vessels (ANV). performance of this detail of small caliber gun manu- Budget hearings BuEng. appropriations will be facture outside of Government plants. held 18 October, Marine Corps, 19 October. SOSED reports arrangements made for docking the From CinCUS. Special effort necessary to advance NORTH STAR (Byrd Expedition) at Boston. Funds being gunnery training and exercises Cruiser Division Seven supplied by the Dept. of Interior. (San Frencisco, Tuscaloose, Vincennes, Quincy) by all SOSED took under consideration possibilities of practicable means. Navy Day and Ammistice Day visits employment, Naval Station, Key West, in connection with cancelled. possible expansion +03 overhaul plant facilities which From CinCUS. Request all submarines making might be required passage between ports inform me of noon position each Chief of Bureau of Aeronautics, in his opinion day, submarines in Atlantic and Caribbean. the German air attacks on the units of the British Fleet 50 far have been conducted in a very amateurish Training Stations expected to be filled up, manner and indicate either lack of training, inadequate present facilities, by 30 October. Can take 4000 por equipment, or both. month, actually taking 3800 per month now. Total number applicants for first enlistment remaining on waiting Ordnance, in planning production for the 1940 list - 2646. ----- building program, it has been found advisable to use Naval Reserve. There is indication that a very commercial facilities in gun manufacture, Bids have limited number of radio non (Class V=3) will volunteer been requested for finish machining 110 5"/38 caliber for assignment to active duty. In response to a gun berrels. This is the first instance in connection directive Commandant, Washington, to procure 23 such with the present expended building program, of the 4. no volunteers have come forward in one month. Same condition is indicated from various districts. BuNev will probably be faced with the necessity to depend upon Fleet Reservists. It may be necessary to order them back to duty whether they volunteer or not. Concerning appointments to the Naval Reserve, strong interest continues. It is not expected qualifi- cations will have to be lowered in any of the categories. Navy maintains reserve supply of fuel oil, Pearl Harbor, of 3,700,000 barrels. After investigation by Buling. it was deemed advisable to replace this oil with oil of different characteristics more suitable for long time storage. Contract has been entered into for re- placement 500,000 barrels at cost of $209,500. A further contract is being entered into for replacement of 'such additional oil as will be allowed by the remaining funds, $174,500. Navy Department authorizes Commandant, Navy Yard, Philadelphia, to place USS RHIND in full commission on or about 10 November, 1939. Confidential TO THE SECRETARY 19 October, 1939 Total enlisted strength, 18 October yele Susmie 117,044 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 1,133 Other Reservists " 11 " 11 15 Total 1,148 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 200 Discharges 72 Net gain 128 Marine Corps, Total enlisted strength, 17 Oct. 19,709 Status of Naval Air Base construction program: Western Pacific Islands - Contractors procurement, storage and transfer base established at Alameda. Stock of materials being assembled. Equipment will be available for shipment soon. Similar dis- tribution depot established at Pearl Harbor. Kaneohe - Land has been acquired and permit issued for inmediate occupancy. Contractor has excavator working at site, dredging to start shortly. Midway - Dredging progressing satisfactorily. It is anticipated 120' channel 20' deep will be completed within a month to permit entrance of 3. barges to lagoon. 2000 acre tract opposite side of bay from Isla Grande Johnston - Reconnaissance survey completed. U.S.S. for possible Air Base expension and sites for magazines WRIGHT expected to sail from Pearl Harbor about and amunition storage. 7 November with construction party, materials and Jacksonville, Florida - The transfer of approximately equipment. Dredging equipment will be towed to the 1000 acres, Camp Foster site, has been effected. Data site shortly thereafter. for acquisition of 2200 additional acres adjoining Expansion of Naval Air Station, Fearl Harbor - Plans Camp Foster site have been received. Field office and and specifications for dredging, new Quay Wall and forces being organized. Contract for dredging channel boat landing distributed to bidders. Good progress between Camp Foster site and Jacksonville advertised. in preparation of plans and specifications for addi- Bids opened October 18th. tional buildings. Norfolk, Virginia - Quonset Point, Rhode Island - Appraisals underway for Kodiak - Small force is on site constructing a tem- preparation specific recommendations regarding the ao- porary pier. Materials have nearly all been assembled quisition of property both sites. for shipment to Kodiak and Sitka, from Seattle. Ar- rangements made for Alaskan Communicat ion System (Army, Cruiser HELENA, preliminary dock trial one engine room to handle traffic along with Naval communication system. held 17 October. San Juan, Puorto Rico - Officer-in-charge construction BB 61 (IOWA), first shipment of steel received at Navy Yd. has established field office and personnel organization. New York. Dredging contract progressing satisfactorily. Con- Naval Reserve, The call for officers (200 volunteers) struction operations should begin in about six weeks. Ensigns and Lieuts. (18) is bringing a reasonable number Award of a cost plus a fixed fee contract expected of applications. Probable that quota can be filled. within 15 days. Investigation is being made of a Medical Officers, Five are attending research conference 4. Mayo Brothers. Aviation will be stressed. Interesting note - During the eleven years of our Naval building holiday we laid down naval vessels at the rate of 3-1/10 ships per year as compared to Japan's 14-2/10 and Great Britain's 11-2/10. Re: Increased Wool Prices - Contract awarded to Ameri- can Woolen Company, total $217,900, at 2.179 per yard (Flannel). Previous purchase of same material was made at price of $1.625 per yard. : BuAero reports survey of northeast area of the U.S. has been made with a view to placing hangars of tem- porary construction in the Chatham, Narragansett Bay, and New York areas. Bids were opened on following Y&D contracts 18 October: Tongue Point, Oregon, Dredging, Air Station-, , 80,000 Jacksonville, dredging for Naval Air Sta. - 142,000 Aircraft storehouse, Pensacola - 350,000 Bids will be opened 25 October on the following: New Dry Dock No. 5, Navy Yard Puget Sound -$1,500,000 Pearl Harbor, dredging for Navy Yard - 800,000 NAS Alameda, seaplane ramps - 150,000 Contract entered into with EDO Aircraft Corporation, for 22 landing gears and parts, amount $172,451.50. REPORT TO THE SECRETARY 1. 20 October, 1939 Total Enlisted Strength, 19 October 117,216 fill Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 1,223 Other Reservists, 15 Total 1,238 am Aggregate Enlistments last 24 hours) 224 Discharges 142 Net Gain 82 Percentage Re-enlistments, Year to date(since 1 July) 77.55 Officers returned to duty, as of 19 October: Line Officers 166 Staff Officers 67 Warrant Officers 18 Total 251 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement: No. No. No. Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation instruction 150 150 52 District Patrol Planes 128 O O Censorship 100 34 32 Miscellaneous 292 107 62 Ens.& Lt. (j.g. with fleet .200 8 1 Total Officers 870 299 147 Men District Patrol Planes 1024 o 0 Radio Intercept. 120 51 51 Miscellaneous 1606 325 325 Total Men 2750 376 376 Marine Corps, Total Enlisted Strength, 19 October, 19,480 Total Enlisted (last 24 hours) 50 3. Marines, Authority granted to lesse training area adja- SOSED conference discussed the following projects cent Navy Flying field, Comp Koarney, 88,000 acros, from the standpoint of progress and planning: where all yeapons can be fired except enti-aircraft. (1) Wage determination and Board on Wages. Fleet Training, recommended Navy put two machine guna (2) 1942 Budget - Estimate of the Situation on searchlight mount for remote control on one ship having due regard for bhanges in the inter- national situation and possible expansion es a trial, experimental anti-aireraft. Submarine SE/DRACON, inspectors have recomended socep- of the Navy and Merchant Marine, as fore- cast in the press from authoritative sources. tance, 23 October, 1939. NORTH STAR, Byrd Expedition, is to be dry docked at the (3) Expending the acope of, and correlating the Atlantic Works, Boston, instend of Navy Yard, Boston. current survey of shipbuilding facilities and SOSED Reports, numerous inquiries have been received sources of machinery. from labor organizations, Congression and others ro- (4) The general subject of re-opened Noval Sta- garding a Navy Department letter to the Norfolk Navy tions and stations that may be established in the near future, with reference to civilian Yard to the effect that supervisors should not actively participate in union activities in which their sub- personnel* requirements and plant facility ro- ordinates hold membership. Contrary to the supposition quiraments. of those making such inquiries, the letter apacifically (5) Further study of procurement methods with a states that supervisory employees may retain membership view to standardizing contractual procedure in such labor organizations but they are expected and and the procedure for review in the case of required to cease all active participation therein of contractual disputos. The foregoing discussions were in the nature of long- any character whatsoever. range planning projects, rather than administrative in character, end all are designed to anticipate, as far as possible, the trends of Navil activities in 80 far is as the shore establishment is concerned. Destroyer RUSSELL, last destroyer at Newport News suc- cessfully completed. Official trials 17 October, 1939. Bids will be opened, Y & D, at the stations and yards concerned for the following projects in the near future: Extension of Assembly Bldg. Newport, R.I., $400,000 New Riggers and Laborers Shop, Charleston, $135,000 S.C. Bids were opened, 18 October: Mooring facilities for USS HARTFORD, 18,000 Bids for the following projects will be opened on 1 Nov: Superstructure Central Office & Administra- tion Bldg. Navy Yard, Washington, D.C. $450,000 Superstructure Aeronautical Engine Labora- tory & Office Bldgs. Navy Yard, Phila., Pa. $1,000,000 Reconstruction of Pier and Wharf, Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba $150,000 Barracks, Messhall and Industrial Bldgs., - Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla. 375,000 Caisson for Panama Canal Locks $600,000 Y & D awarded 17 October contract for turret and erec- tion shop, Brooklyn Navy Yard, - amount $119,452 Line Selection Boards, on 22 November Senior Selec- tion Board will convene to recommend for promotion to Rear Admiral and Captain. Tentative number to be selec- ted, Rear Admirals 10, Captains 40. Medicine & Surgery, Construction to be begun at San Diego, Norfolk, and Newport as soon as possible, due to increase of recruits in these areas. Confidential file REPORT TO THE SECRETARY 23 October 1939 Total Enlisted Strength, 21 October 117,628 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 1,354 Other Reservists If If If If 15 Total 1,369 Aggregate Enlistments (last 48 hours) 529 Aggregate Discharges 17 11 If 248 Net gain 281 Officers returned to duty as of 20 October: Line officers 167 Staff officers 1,..... 67 Warrant officers 18 Total 252 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement; as of 20 October 1939. No No. No. Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation instruction 150 150 52 District Patrol Planes 128 o 0 Censorship 100 38 36 Miscellaneous 292 113 65 Ens. & Lt. (j.g.) with fleet 200 29 4 Total Officers: 870 330 157 Men - no change sincé 20 October report. SQUALUS, DIESEL ENGINES suffered no appreciable 3. damage after four months on the bottom. Builders say Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida. engines were found in good condition to run. Engines, Y & D reports first active contract was awarded however, will be taken down piece by pisce, minutely for this station 19 October as follows: inspected and reassembled. Contract for dredging and filling awarded to U.S.S. DALLAS, assigned Middle Atlantic Patrol, 22 October. Standard Dredging Corp., New York City, comprising U.S.S. HOPKINS, departed Newport for Patrol Service the following work: East of Nantucket, 21 October. Dredging channel, beach and seaplane area, British M.V. GEORGIC, arrived New York armed with 1-6" (Estimate 1,560,000 ou. yds. at $.0454) -- 270,824.00 and 1-3" antiaircraft guns. Has on board 51-6" cordite Dredging the turning basin, (Estimate 2,500,000 charges, 20-6" CPG-shells, 20-6" H.E. shells, 393 H. 4. cu. yds. at $.1092) -- $273,000.00 Shells and charges. Also practico shots for 6" guns. (This material to be used to fill low aress). CHEROKE, last of three fleet tuge under construe- Contract also includes hydraulic disposal of tion et Staten Island plant of Bethlehem Steel Company, muck over areas to be filled prior to deposit of launching date set 10 November 1939. fill material. Commonder Mine Division Five (BREESE, GAMBLE, Total estimated cost of the contract included MONTGOMERY, and REMSAY) reports departure of these four last above mentioned item $438,894.00, work to be vessels recently recommissioned at Sen Diego, ready for completed within 210 calendar days. active service except for amunition, motor boats and National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, sec chests for sound geer to be installed at Mare Island. Doctor Vannevar Bush, President of the Carnegie Institute of Washington, was elected Chairman. Mr. George J. Mead was elected Vice Chairman. Mr. Mend was connected with Pratt and Whitney. 4. Experimental Ship Stabilization research project, Destroyer HAMILTON assigned for the test installation which is being made ready with the assistance of the National Academy of Sciences. At the Material Laboratory, Navy Yard, New York, a proposed system of controls and synchronization was observed. Experimental ventilation fan, previously reported, is found to be working much quieter in operation than on previous inspection two weeks ago. Editorials from various parts of the country con- tinue to evince much interest in a two ocean navy and are generally favorable to such a plan. Columbus, Ohio (Dispatch) "Construction of a second American Fleet is a common sense defense suggestion which, while/need not be rushed into hastily, merits careful study and most serious consideration." Charleston, S.C. (The Post)--"The need of the United States for adequate naval protection on both its Atlantic and Pacific coasts becomes daily more obvious." Houston, Texas (The Post)--"We need a bigger and better navy, one to patrol both sides and with unquestionability to vanquish any potential foe.' Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY File 24 October 1939 Total Enlisted Strength, 23 October 117,843 10 Fleet Reservists (enlisted) on active duty 1,388 tapite Other Reservists 15 Total 1,403 03 rietriw nt 10 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 241 visaos 0.15 20 Aggregate Discharges (" " " 60 outsne Net gain 181 Officers returned to duty as of 24 October: Line Officers 179 Staff Officers 68 to Warrant Officers 18 Total 265 80 treem eas 03 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement; as of 21 October 1939: US No. No. No. Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered. Aviation instruction 150 to 150 52 District Patrol Planes 128 TO 0 0 Censorship 100 38 36 Miscel laneous 292 113 65 Ensigns and Lt. (jg) TO with Fleet - 200 33 6 Total Officers - 870 334 159 Men - no change since 20 October report. Marine Corps, Total Enlisted Strength, 23 October 1939- 19,968. Net Gain, (last 24 hours) - 82. Lowan ToTTy at aland yeq Inolgol B bebulont beasuosib 2. 3. Lotted The call for volunteers from among reserve officers masters; limitation of the rank of foreman to subordinat of the ranks of Ensign and Lieutenant (J.B.) for duty positions under masters; and a general discussion of the afloat has resulted in 65 applications to date after distribution of employees in the three pay rates and approximately one week of available time in which to possible modifications of the relative efficiency markin receive' applications from all parts of the country. system for the Laborer, Helper and Mechanical service. It would appear from this response that the entire On 23 October conference was held in the office authorized quota of 200 will be filled by March 1940 of the Director of Shore Establishments relative to the up to which time the vanancies have been predicted. items of additional shipbuilding facilities to be submit As of 24 October orders have been issued to 18 officers as a supplement to the regular 1941 budget. About with approximately 20 to be ordered within the next 48 $16,000,000 worth of navy yard items were considered. hours. The conference unanimously agreed upon importance of Recruiting activities for week ending 20 October adopting procedure whereby collateral estimates for 1939: machine tools and other appliances necessary for operatic Number of applicants, first enlistment, 1121 Number of first enlistments - 749 of structures appropriated for under Public Works, Navy, Number of reenlistments within three months continuous service - 46 should be considered as essential parts of any Public Number of reenlistments under broken service - 125 Works program. SOSED representative attended preliminary conferen Representatives of the Masters Association conferred between Coordinator's representatives and ELCO represents with the Director of Shore Establishments on 23 October, - - tives concerning additional M.T.B. program. prior to their annual convention which takes place in SOSED representative discussed with Budget Officer New York City during the first week in November. Matters the proposed item in the Emergency Appropriation setup discussed included a more logical pay basis for navy yard 4. for patrol craft, with a view to considering patrol edentificative of 20 XIST edd 20 mottesimil ¡szetsam craft program in addition to the Experimental M.T.B. odd TO notecuoals Inteney D Brue тебии anoizleog program. These discussions still in preliminary stage. brie setar VST edd al seavoIque TO nottudistell Machine Tool and War Plans Section investigating in sviteler only 20 amottmolitibom eldreeog conjunction with the Maintenance Section of combined .ectvice Date reqleh eat TOI medays Bureaus the question of maintenance facilities in Puerto 901970 edit at Med BBW zodośo 88 no Rico for the possible use of surface patrol craft. ont of svitsion atminialidated erode 10 TOJOSTAC said to U.S.S. BENSON - will be launched, 15 November, Quincy, bettimdua ad of nettifiest Lenottibbs TO amadi Massachusetts. froda stegbud IDEI Isluger edd of s 80 U.S.S. GUAM relieved U.S.S. LUZON as station ship, bezeblanoo BIEW smatt DTAY Vvsa to nfrow 000,000,810 Shanghai, 19 October 1939. to bestge ont Naval Hospital Corps School, Norfolk, Va. - Because 707 setemitee убэтеня итиверота yattgobs of shortage of corpsmen and increase of patients in nottagego 209 утвавезел seonsligge I tiso bus aloot entriorm hospitals it has been necessary to shorten the course of ,axzon offict тебли TOT compoute TO instruction 2 weeks (ordinary course 10 weeks), so that otider yes 20 address Intrieses bezeblanos od bluode personnel may become available in Norfolk and Philadelphia alton hospitals. behasits 01803 Contract award, Bureau Y&D for Aircraft Storehouse, ONE 5ds neewsed Naval Air Station, Pensacola - amount $221,149, Time - .8.T.U 180 calendar days. TOOLTTO tegbua HJLW 0208 Chief of Bureau of Aeronautics, Rear Admiral Towers cutea vonented edj nl mett Beaugoro will deliver an address, subject Naval Aviation, in Atlanta, Ga., on Navy Day. confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY 1. Zill October 25, 1939 Total Enlisted Strength, 24 October 117,969 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 1,438 Other Reservists 17 Total 1,455 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 181 Aggregate Discharges = If 11 107 Net gain 74 Officers returned to duty as of 25 October: Line Officers 190 Staff Officers 69 Warrant officers 18 Total 277 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement, as of 23 October 1939: Officers No. No. No. Allowed Obligated Ordered. Aviation instruction 150 150 52 District Patrol Planes 128 o o Office, Naval Intelligence 100 38 38 Miscellaneous 292 113 66 Ensigns and Lt.(j.g.) with Fleet 200 36 8 Total officers 870 337 164 Men - no change since 20 October 1939, report. Marine Corps, Total Enlisted Strength, 23 Oct. - 20,062 Net gain (last 24 hours) - 94 2. 3. Marine Corps, 2 officers and 53 men will be assigned to BROOKS, DALLAS, HATFIELD, KANE and GILMER. Navy Yard, Key West when it is opened 1 November. USS OMAHA, will assume patrol duty Caribbean, 1 Officer and 25 men will sail for Kodiak, Alaska, temporary assignment, Atlantic Squadron. 8 January, 1940. Destroyer Division 18, (BENHAM, DAVIS, ELLET, JOUETT) U.S.S. GILMER, reported for duty Atlantic Squadron. which have been operating Grand Banks Patrol under Opnav, CinC Asiatic Fleet plans to sail for the Philippines in detached and assigned temporary duty Atlantic Squadron, the AUGUSTA 20 November leaving Commander Yangtze Patrol remaining on same patrol duty. in charge of Shanghai and Northern Situation. Defense against torpedo explosion, conferences have been Submarine SEADRAGON, placed in commission 23 October 1939 held Bureau C&R with shipbuilders' representatives relative at Submarine Base, New London. to minor alterations to be made on battleships under con- Conference CNO's Office on modernization of LEXINGTON struction, the desirability of which has been indicated by and SARATOGA 24 October. Blister on one side of each recent half-scale caisson model test at Norfolk. Necessary ship would probably add about l'foot higher water line arrangements have been made. which would be compensated for by increased weight Letter from Naval Mission, Brazil, dated 25 September, additional engineering features. Pending advices from 1939, notifies CNO of the intention of Brazilian Government Puget Sound Navy Yard it is expected to do this work to construct in Brazil 6 destroyers to replace 6 which were 1 ship at a time first ship January 1941. Originally under construction for Brazil in England and confiscated; thought it would take 11 months, each ship, now it is material and machinery to be bought in U.S. Amount of credit hoped working double shift to complete each ship in allowed by England for sums already paid by Brazil is 6 months. Addition of blisters to LEXINGTON and SARATOGA understood to have been transferred to U.S. to finance will add to their stability. purchases. Chief of Mission recommends that all possible Patrol Duty, actually assigned from Philadelphia: assistance be rendered Brazilian representatives.to make 4. project a success. Weight, of top structures for light cruisers and de- stroyers, There has been considerable. effort along these lines to reduce without sacrifice of strength and durability Various types of structures have been used but have not proven fully satisfactory in service. High temperature tests were made at Philadelphia of three types, newly de- veloped, which include all steel, steel and aluminum and all aluminum, to determine strength and resistance to load when heated. Aluminum structure showed satisfactory results Later explosive shells will be fired into the test structures to determine their behavior under such impact. Inspector of Naval Material, Pittsburgh District, reports that the strike which was called at the plant of the Federal Mogul Corporation, Detroit, on 29 August 1939, was settled 11 October 1939, and shipment and manufacturing started at that time. Plant is now operating normally. Naval Station, Key West to be reopened 1 November 1939 with Chief of Staff in charge. Commandant, 6th Naval Dist. to retain existing command. sonfidention TO THE SECRETARY L. October 1939 file Total Enlisted Strength, 25 October 118,118 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty ... 1,472 Other Reservists If 23 Total 1,495 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 210 Aggregate Discharges 101 Net gain 109 Officers returned to duty as of 26 October: Line Officers 193 Staff Officers 70 Warrant Ufficers 19 Total 282 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement, as of 26 October 1939:- No. No. No. Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered. Aviation instruction 150 150 53 District Patrol Planes 128 o o Office, Naval Intelligence 100 38 38 Miscellaneous 292 124 68 Ensigns and Lt.(j.g.) with Fleet 200 77 40 Total Officers 870 389 199 Men - no change since 20. October report. Resident Inspector of Naval Material, an office has been established at the Plant of the Hayes Industries, Inc., Jackson, Michigan. 2. 3 Task Patrol Groups, Additional ships have been Executive Committee, Federal Interdepartmental assigned as follows: New England Patrol, Boston based, U.S.S. HATFIELD Safety Council, elected Captain C.W. Fisher (cc), as Newport based, U.S.S. KANE and BROOKS Middle Atlantic Patrol, Charleston based - Chairman. Commender Carney attended session as alter- U.S.S. DALLAS Key West, Patrol, U.S.S. BARRY, GILMER and FOX. nate from Navy Department. Budget matters relative to From Cincus, When ready about 30 October U.S.S. BREESE appropriations for Safety Engineering were discussed. and RAMSAY report Commandant 13th Naval District. USS Function of the council is to express opinion as to mer GAMBLE and MONTGOMERY to Commander, 12th Naval District. of general projects but justification for requests for This division assigned Minbatfor insofar as U.S. appropriations is a matter for the departments and Fleet is concerned. Independent offices to handle. U.S.S. OMAHA, request, received opnav to hold OMAHA BuY&D, Status of project for construction of Naval A: at Balboa until 8 November as target ship for battle Station, Tongue Point, Oregon torpedo practice. Authorization - $1,500,000 t Aviation, reported from Rear Admiral Pickens, Comdr. Total obligations to date - $133,694. Cruiser Division 7, Atlantic Squadron to Chief of Buaero Contract awarded for bulkhead and pier - $86,194. that Patrol Plane Squadron Fifty-one is established com- Contract advertised for dredging , clearing and filling. Bids to be opened 30 October, 13th fortably in a camp on Isle Grande and the patrol opera- Naval District Headquarters - Estimated cost $200;000. tions in the Caribbean area are going very smoothly. Satisfactory progress is being made in the preparation of plans and specifications. Buaero reports, Captain M.A. Mitscher, Assistant Chief BuY&D, Status of expansion construction program, Nav representated Buaero at a meeting of the Air Transport Air Station, Pensacola: Association, New York City, on 24 October. Authorization - $5,850,000 t 4. Total obligations to date, including land acquisitions, field and Bureau personnel, material purchases, contracts, etc. - $1,387,486.00 t - Status of property acquisition for base and auxiliary fields: Felton Farms (base field) - 867 acres - estimated cost - $26,000 Tarkill Field (auxiliary) - 640 acres - estimated cost - $3,865 Spencer Field (auxiliary) - 640 acres - estimated cost - $6,000 Site No. 7- 240 acres - estimated cost - $3200. Site No. 4a - 160 acres n " - $1500 Appraisals are now well underway for 9 additional aux- iliary fields. It is estimated that appraisals, negotiation and condemnation proceedings can be completed and title - obtained by the U.S. for all'fields within the next three I months. - Contracts awarded to date: Title Price Completion Due $800 Runways, Chev. Field $129,000 Dec. 24, 1939 Hangar, Chev. Field 116,850 Feb. 24, 1940 Officers Apts 115,916 Feb. 20, 1940 Boiler 33,784 Mar. 17, 1940 Turbo Alternator 50,000 May 18, 1940 Condenser 8,195 Mar. 17, 1940 Circulating Loops 76,620 Three Hangars 327,000 Aircraft Storehouse 221,149 -0- Confidential THE SECRETARY 1. 27 October 1939. file Total Enlisted Strength, 26 October 118,286 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 1,523 Other Reservists " If 25 Total 1,548 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) ... 241 Aggregate Discharges If = = 126 Net gain 115 Officens returned to duty as of 27 October: Line officers 195 Staff officers ... 70 Warrant officers 18 Total 283 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement, as of 27 October 1939: Officers No. No. No. Allowed Obligated Ordered. Aviation instruction 150 150 55 District Patrol Planes 128 0 0 Office, Naval Intelligence 100 38 38 Miscellaneous 292 124 71 Ensigns and Lieut. (18) with fleet. 200 77 40 Total officers 870 389 304 Men Dist. Patrol Planes 1024 0 0 Radio Intercept 120 51 51 Miscellaneous 1606 326 326 Total men 2750 377 377 se TOT 2. 3. BuY&D Naval Air Station, Pensacola, contracts adver- of Iogistic support to aircraft and light forces tised, plans and specifications issued to bidders: Est.Cost Bids Opened basing on San Juan. Gatehouse, Barracks, Mess Hall and Industrial Bldg., $250,000 Nov. 1. From Submarine CACHALOT, successful full power run held Runways, Taxiways and Drain- age for New Field 350,000 Nov. 15 this date. BuY&D, award of Public Works contracts, 27 October 1939: From Fourth Marines, Shanghai, digest Thursday Press Extension Assembly Bldg. N.T.S., Newport, R.I. - Reuters, Chungking peace rumors again reported by Mr. $ 390,750 - Time 180 days. Navy Yard Charleston, S.C., Laborers and Riggers Shop, Chu Chia Hua, Secretary General Central Kuomingtang. $84,500 - Times 150 days. Navy Yard, Mare Island, Celif., Paint Shop, - Reports of Soviet demands on China ridiculed by Mr.Chu $170,700 - Time 270 days. Naval Air Station, Alameda, Calif., Seaplane Ramp, Rumors circulated by Japanese. No peace for China $162,500 - Time 180 days. unless Japanese withdraw troops from China. USS RUSSELL, delivery. 3. November 1939, at Newport News, Va. Chunking - 50 Japanese bombers carry out widespread Coast Guard, Washington - Following received from raiding activities over Szechwan. Chengtu raid fails Cape May Group. Motorship Apohaqui located by plane .oM due to bad weather. Chungking population spends 6 hrs. 4 miles east of Ocean City, New Jersey, in suspicious in dugouts. China said to be building new air fleet circumstances. For thorough investigation she will be with Soviet aid. brought to Cape May NAVY DAY 1939 USS DALLAS, will depart for Patrol duty morning of Oct. 00s HALF The most significant Navy Day since its inception 27th. 078 in 1922 is in progress. According to press reports USS WYOMING, when in all respects ready for sea will from all over the country it is being greeted with get underway 30 October and proceed San Juan. When at [0+61 enthusiasm. Press Relations, Navy Department, report South latitude 25° she will report to Commander greater interest in Nevy Day than ever before, from Caribbean Patrol for duty as base ship and connection 4. volume of correspondence handled and number of re- to quests from all over the country for speakers. Officers were speaking in various parts of the United States. Rear Admiral Yarnell addressed the Navy Council of Illinois, Chicago. At New Orleans, Rear Admiral King delivered an address while at Atlanta, Ga. Rear Admiral Towers spoke on Naval Aviation. It is significant that the latter stressed the importance of aviation, but only in a subordinate capacity to the fleet as a whole. In Washington, Commander Carney and Major George F. Unmacht, U.S.A. delivered addresses at the John Paul Jones Memorial. There was more interest than ever be- fore in Philadelphia where a parade larger than the one a year ago was held. San Francisco as usual led in inter- est with its Navy Week of many significant affairs. The National press generally expressed the opinion that the great interest in Navy Day was due to press comments all over the country on a two ocean or a two fleet navy, and the fact that Americans realized more than ever before the importance of the Navy as the first line of defense in protection of the Monroe Doctrine. -0- ential TO THE SECRETARY 30 October 1939 Program 1. Dewoll Total Enlisted Strength, 28 October 118,682. IC OSI Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 1,584 088 088 Other Reservists If If " 58 - Total - 1,642 Aggregate Enlistments (last 48 hours) 285 Aggregate Discharges If If 103 Net Gain 182 Officers returned to duty as of30 October 1939: KRIT Line, officers 203 Staff officers. 71 Warrant officers 19 Total 293 Recruiting Activities for week ending 27 October: No.of applicants accepted for first enlistment -1122 No. of first enlistments 472 No. of reenlistments (continuous service) 40 No. of reenlistments (broken service) 102 Total number applicants for first enlistments Intotemos remaining on waiting list 3,076 Naval Reserviate ordered to active duty for neutrality en- - forcement, as of 28 October 1939: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered. Aviation instruction 150 150 56 District Patrol Planes 128 o o Office, Naval Intelligence 100 38 38 Miscellaneous 292 125 72 Ensigns and Lieuts (Jg) with Fleet 200 83 47 Total Officers 870 396 213 10 2. (Naval Reservists to duty, continued) 8 Number Number Number struction Co. and. the Gase Construction Co. Men - Allowed Obligated Ordered. Dist. Patrol. Planee 1024 o 0 Inc., Clearwater, Calif. for $1,956,900. Radio Intercept 120 51 51 Miscellaneous. 1606 329 329 Contract time 720 days. Total men 2750 380 380 Dredging of Ford Island channel at Pearl Harbor Marine Corps, Total Enlisted Strength, 28 October - 20,178 T.H. to the Standard Dredging Corporation, New Percentage reenlistments October to date - 80.10 York City, based upon unit, prices for different Number of volunteers{class three) enlisted for durrent fiscal year - 98. classes of material at a total overall estimated Number of broken enlistments (appointed to old renk)-37 cost for the contract of approximately $600,000. Seaplane Tenders BARNEGAT andBISCAYNE, keels were laid Contract time is based upon an estimated yardage at Puget Sound Navy Yard 27 October. per day. S&A reports Department of Labor All Commodity Wholesale Opnav, It is desired that SEPULGA, TIPPECANCE, Price Index for 21 October was 79.4., compared with RAPIDAN (all cilers), YUKAN (store ship) , and SPICA 78.9 of October 14. High for the year, 79.5 occurred (cargo ship) be completed and ready for sea by 1 Feb. weeks of September 23 and September 30. 1940, and the four AVP (Seeplane Tenders, small) Bureau of Ordnance. Awards are being made to commercial by 1 March 1940. manufacturers for 5"/38 caliber gun mounts. These mounte Priority II destroyers, Commandants of Navy Yards, are for use on ships of the 1940 building program and con- Mary Island, Norfolk, and New York will recommend to stitute the first instance in which such mounts will be CNO by despatch the proposed date of commissioning for manufactured in other than Government plants. each vessel when known. Bureau of Yards and Docks, the following contract awards SEPULGA, TIPPECANOE, RAPIDAN, YUKON and SPICA were made as of 28 October 1939: should be altered and equipped with the following Dry dock No. 5 at the Navy Yard, Puget Sound awarded to a combination of the Macco Con- 4. (recommendations to Opnav): edd.bris .00 notionale (1) 2-50 caliber machine ..0mL (2) Modern radio equipment (delivery not expected prior to March 1st, 19400) TO (3) Full allowance of boats. ... (4) Paravane gear. time (5) Gyro equipment. S In Isluetem To secondo .000 It is now contemplated assigning a two months navy yard availability for all vessels recommissioned during 6 to 12 months period after recommissioning. CLEMSON, GOLDSBOROUGH, HULBERT, VM. B. PRESTON, to be recommissioned and converted to AVP (Seaplane Tenders). Priority for this work assigned at Navy Yards immediately after work on recommissioned destroyers. It is desired vessels be completed as 'soon as possible. Naval Units, Grand Banks Patrol, may now be with- drawn that area, effect urgent and essential repairs, to Boston yard, then reassigned other patrol stations, preferably Gulf Area and Coast Line. Coast Guard vessels are continuing Grand Banks Patrol. DAVIS, JOUETT, ELLET, and BENHAM will be assigned to Western Gulf Patrol. ,ADJUTE -0- Dra benetle ed bloode Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY 2am 1. 31 October 1939 nain Total Enlisted Strength, 30 October 118,903 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 1,624 16 Other Reservists (- ) 11 If = 61 Total 1,685 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) .... 216 од Aggregate Discharges " " " 35 Net Gain 181 or Officers returned to duty as of 31 October: Line officers 204 Staff officers ... 71 Warrant officers 19 edd Total 294 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality (eeer enforcement, as of 30 October 1939: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered. Aviation Instruction 150 150 73 District Patrol Planes 128 o o Office, Naval Intelligence 100 39 39 Miscellaneous 292 127 72 Ensigns and Lieuts.(jg) with Fleet 200 97 52 Total officers 870 413 236 Men District Patrol Planes 1024 o O Radio Intercept 120 51 51 Miscellaneous 1606 329 329 Total men 2750 380 380 3. 2. Bureau of Ordnance. No bids were received receiver. Unconfirmed position report over Miami 2310, from commercial manufacturers for finish machining 29 October. Announced route Miami, Colon, Talara, Lima. of the 110 5"/38 caliber gun barrels for the 1940 Desire immediate initiation search along rout and suggest building program, which it had been planned to RANGER be used along route in Western Caribbean parti- obtain from private industry. This is the first in- culary Central American Coast Line. (This message stance during the present building program that no addressed priority to COMATRON, COMBPERON, COMSIX, response has been received to a proposal for ordnance COMPIFTEEN). work within the capacity of private industry. By chang- Bureau of Yards and Docks. Status of program for ing plans and rearrangement of current work, these gun construction of temporary wooden frame dispensary barrels can be finish machined at the Naval Gun Factory. buildings at Training Stations and war buildings of SOSED reports, rough water testa of PT-9 were again Hospitals: deferred, due to clearing weather (30 October 1939). Newport, R.I. The Sub-Committee of the Interdepartmental Committee Training Station: 1 H-type ward building to be on Mechanica Training to study the proposed plan sub- fitted out for dispensary. mitted by the War Department met on 30 October, Lt. Hospital: 2 H-type ward buildings of 120 Comdr. N.V. Hamilton presiding ». in the absence of bed total capacity. Captain Fisher. Estimated date of opening bids - November 16. Opnav. President Peru requests assistance search Estimated date of completion of contract - Jan. 25. Barnclay Grow Plane carrying Gallino Brothers departed Norfolk, Va. New York 1345, 29 October non-stop flight destined Lima Training Station: 1 H-type ward building to be carrying twenty-eight hours fuel equipped only radio fitted out as dispensary. 4. Hospital: 3 H-type ward buildings of 180 bed total capacity. . RS Estimated date of opening bids - Nov. 15. Estimated date of completion of contract - Jan. 30. San Diego, California. Visino Training Station: 1 H-type building to be fitted out as dispensary. Hospital: 10 3 H-type ward buildings of 180 bed total capacity. 10 Estimated date of opening bids - Nov. Estimated date of completion of contract - Feb. 10. Great Lakes, Ill. Training Station: 1 Special type building with 2 story head house for dispensary and dental OSL to accommodations with two single story ward wings of 60 bed total capacity. Estimated date of opening bids - Nov. 16. Estimated date of completion of contract - Jan. 20. All of the above structures are to be standard type wooden frame, single story, with the exception of the building at the Training Station, Great Lakes. Dec-02 Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY file 1 November 1939 Total Enlisted Strength, 31 October 119,033 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 1,624 Other Reservists ( If ) If " 61 Total 1,685 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 216 Aggregate Discharges If " If 86 Net gain 130 10 Officers returned to duty as of 1 November 1939: Line officers 204 Staff officers 72 Warrant officers 19 Total 295 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement, as of 31 October 1939: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instruction 150 150 73 District Patrol Planes 128 0 0 Office, Naval Intelligence 100 39 39 Miscellaneous 292 141 73 Ensigns and Lieuts (jg) with Fleet 200 103 53 Total officers 870 433 238 Men District Patrol Planes 1,024 O o Radio Intercept 120 52 52 Miscellaneous 1,606 329 329 Total men 2,750 381 381 to 21 3, Training Center for Merchant Marine Officers in the struction B weeks. (Not for Press Release) Third Naval District. Receiving Ship SEATTLE is to Bu. Medicine and Surgery, Bunav is ordering ten be placed in immediate operation for this training naval reserve medical officers to Naval Aircraft Station, subject to availability of funds. Benefits to the Pensacola, to report 21 November for. 2 months' course Navy, primarily in the indoctrination of Merchant Marine instruction to qualify as Aviation Medical /Examiners. licensed personnel in all duties connection with convoy. It is contemplated ordering additional reserve medical Generous cooperation with the Maritime Commission. officers to this course in near future. Selection will Bunav will consider enrollment for training of eligible be made from those successfully completing course for Merchant Marine Officers employed on Maritime Commission further course leading to designation of flight surgedn. ships operating under charter to such private U.S. oper- Incident to neutrality and enforcement program 7 flight ators as agree to furlough their officers with pay for surgeons (at least) will be filled from among those that purpose. Instruction to be left to discretion satisfactorily completing this course. Such needs at of Commanding Officer SEATTLE including gunnery (surface present are 3 Pensacola, 1 San Juan, Puerto Rico, 1 Key and aircraft), anti-submarine and anti-aircraft tactios, West, 1 Philadelphia Navy Yard, 1 Cape May, N.J. also mine defense. First class not to exceed 20 members Naval Academy, to date 21 retired officers have been proposed to commence 4 December 1939. Only Merchant ordered to Annapolis relieving officers for duty at sea. Marine Reserve officers, U.S. Naval Reserve, Deck and Bu. Operations, SQUALUS is being ordered decommissioned. Engineering should be ordered to this training duty. Bm.S&A. Bids opened today on 200 class vos airplanes. Damage control communications, gas defense procedure, Bu. oro, Chief of Bureau conferred yesterday with and Davy Regulations will be part of the curriculum. officers Pratt and Whitney Engine Corp. on meximum Three commissioned officers and three chief petty officers capacity of plant when expanded and plant's ability to are estimated for school personnel. Course of in- meet naval aviation needs for Pratt end Whitney engines. Results of conference were reassuring. 4a, S.S. COULMORE, evidently torpedoed off New England coast, 450 miles, nottrace as, navy planes, Coast Guard, and patrol destroyers reached destination of attack at long. 62-31 W., lat. 40-20 N. CAMPBELL, BIBB, ROPER assisting search with Newport VP's. U.S.S. STACK, commissioned, authorized Norfolk Navy Yard, 20 November. U.S.S. PATOKA, commission authorized Commandant Puget Sound, Nov. 10th. USS RUSSELL to be commissioned 3 November, Navy Yard Norfolk. Bu Medicine and Surgery, through District Commandants is building up Naval Reserve specialists in Psychiatry, X-ray, Arthopedic, and other branches. Bu Yards and Docks , Status of project for construction Naval Air Station, Tongue Point, Oregon: Second active contract this station authorized November lst for dredging, clearing and filling. Amount $158,276. Time of completion 180 days. Bids for the following large projects are being opened today: Guantanamo - Reconstruction of pier "A" and con- struction of wharf. Estimated cost $150,000. of Panama Canal - Caisson for Canal locks. Estimated cost $600,000. Naval Air Station, Pensacola - Barracks, mess hall, industrial building, etc. Estimated cost - $375,000. Confidential 1 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY November 1939 File Total Enlisted Strength, 1 November 119,194 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 1,651 Other Reservists (Enlisted) If " 11 69 Total 1,720 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 220 gregate Discharges (last 24 hours) ... 94 Net Gain 126 Officers returned to duty as of 2 November 1939: Line officers 211 Staff officers 72 Warrant officers 19 Total 302 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement, as of 1 November 1939: - Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instruction 150 150 73 District Patrol Planes 128 o o Office, Naval Intelligence 100 39 39 Miscellaneous 292 142 84 Ensigns and Lieutenants (jg) with fleet 200 200 58 Total officers 870 531 254 Men District Patrol Planes 1,024 O o Radio Intercept 120 52 52 Miscellaneous 1,606 329 329 Total men 2,750 381 381 2. .8. detail already nominated. Review of important aviation Marine Corps, total enlisted strength, 1 Nov.-20,320 problems will be made as well as more pressing immediate Marine Corps, total officers (including warrants)- 1421. problems. It is hoped this group will lay a good founda- U.S.S. TRIPPE, commissioned Boston 1 November. tion for research establishment in the new Medical Center S.S. SOUTHERN CROSS, will be taken over from Mari- now being erected. Stratosphere flying, oxygen and helium time Commission and converted for transport duty , over- supply, matter of fatigue, and age limits for continued haul preceding service at Navy Yard or private yard. duties as pilot will be studied. Such research will lead SOUTHERN CROSS, sister ship of "PRESIDENT" ships, 13,788 into the fields of biological and physiological chemistry. gross tons, 535 feet long, 72 feet beam, built July 1922. SOSED representative, Commander Carney, witnessed Conversion incident to increased forces to be transported rough water trials of PT-9 off New London. SOSED re- in the Pacific. Her speed is 18 knots. presentative attended CNO's conference concerning U.S.S. ROWAN, Norfolk Navy Yard reports completion proposed expansion of the Navy. as of 31 October, 1939. Inspector of Navy Material, Pittsburgh District, re- U.S.S. GLEAVES, (DD423) launching set for 9 December. ported that strike at the plant of the DeVilbiss Co. Special Warning, German Government, announces that Toledo, 0. which Was called on 15 September 1939 was the danger zone indicated at the Southern outlet, Baltic settled on 4 October 1939. Plant resumed operations Sea, area A (refers to the minedmareas in the Western 5 October. part of the Baltic Seal, amended as follows: New terminal Italian Battleship VITTORIO VENETO, according to points S. E.boundary line are Lat.55-04 N., Long.12-34 E. press reports attained a speed of 30 knots today in tests in place of Lat. 55-04.9 N., Long 12-29 E. and Lat.55-14 N held Adriatic Sea. VENETO is new 35,000 ton battleship. Long. 13 E. in place of Lat. 55-16.5 N., Long. 12-58.2 E. Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, Texas - Investigation Bu M&S, plans formulating a reserve group in con- was started 27 October to determine topographic and nection with Aviation medicine. Senior officer this and Hydrographic survey requirements at this site. Arrangements are being made to have this work undertaken at once by contract for subsequent acquisition of property and preparation of plans and specifications. Bu Y&D, status of contract awards since 1 July 1939: No. of Month Contracts Amount of awards. July 1 to Sept. 30 129 $40,185,623.39 October 51 15,320,261.42 Total to date 180 $55,505,884.81 The awards. during October include the award of the cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to the Arundel Corporation and Consolidated Engineering Co. Inc. both of Baltimore, for the Naval Air Station at San Juan, Puerto, Rico, at an estimated cost of $8,330,000. The total contract awards for the fiscal year, 1939 were 45,223,180. It is to be noted that the total above listed awards amount to $10,282,705 more for the first four month of the current fiscal year than for the entire fiscal year of 1939, which in itself was approximately three times the amount of contract awards during any previous year since 1918. Civil Engineer Corps Reserve, 8 additional officers ordered to active duty Oct.making 49 officers to date. fill 1. Report to the Secretary hay 3 November 1939 pan Total Enlisted Strength, 2 November 119,358 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 1,696 Other Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 69 Total 1,765 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 212 Aggregate Discharges (last 24 hours) 93 Net Gain 119 Officers returned to duty as of 3 November 1939: Line officers 219 Staff officers 73 Warrant officers. 19 Total 311 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement as of 2 November 1939: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered. Aviation Instruction 150 150 73 District Patrol Planes 128 o o Office, Naval Intelligence 100 39 39 Miscellaneous 292 142 87 Ensigns & Lieutenants (jg) with fleet 200 200 70 Total officers 870 531 269 Men District Patrol Planes 1,024 o o Radio Intercept 120 52 52 Miscellaneous 1,606 329 329 Total men 2,750 381 381 2. 3. Percentage Reenlistments, Navy, year to date - 75.91 any suspicious behavior, particularly change of # October - 72.06 course and use of the radio apparatus upon sighting last year - 80.81 German naval forces, zigzugging, screening lights, New Attache 'offices will be opened at: Stockholm, feiling to obey a demand to stop, and the acceptance Sweden; Bengkok, Thailand; Caracas, Venezuela; Trujillo of convoy by naval forces of the powers at war with City, Dominican Republic; Batavia, Dutch East Indies Germany. (will be an assistant attache to the attache, The Hague). Patrol Force as at present organized and proposed Offices will be opened as soon as officers are made assignments when recommissioned DD's report: available. New England Patrol, Captain W.S. Farber, Comdesron 41. (area 2)- - HAMILTON, LEARY, HATFIELD. All Boston based. Special Warning No: 36 "Following notereceived from HOPKINS, BROOKS, KANE, all Newport based. 4 VP's. the German Government: "Neutral merchant ships have re- Middle Atlantic Patrol, Captain S.F. Heim, Comdearon 30 (area 3) - SCHENCK, ROPER, DECATUR, all Norfolk based. peatedly attempted in the waters around France end 8 VP's. DALLAS OWL, Charleston based. (3-6, VP's) England to evade the exercise of the right of German Key West Patrol, Captain A.S. Carpender, Comdesron 32, (area 5) BABBITT, CLAXTON, BADGER, BARRY, CILMER, FOX, naval forces, granted by international law, of stoppage All Key West based except GILMER, Phila. 6 VP's. and search. Besides, they have repeatedly aroused sus- Caribbean Patrol (Area 6) OMAHA, VINCENNES (SOPA) TRUXTUN, SIMPSON, FAIRFAX, REUBEN JAMES, RANG and picion of attack or unneutral acts, by improper behavior. RANGER squadrons, Guantanamo based. 6 VP's. Captain Bradley, Comdesron 31, BORIE, BROOME, WYOMING (base "The Government of the Reich therefore begs to cell ship), all San Juan based. 12 VP's plus THRUSH. attention of American merchant vessels traveling into the Striking Group, SAN FRANCISCO, TUSCALOOSA, QUINCY, WICHITA, all Norfolk based. waters mentioned to the fact that, in their own interest, Reserve Destroyer Group, Captain N.F. Greenman, and in order to prevent confusion with naval or auxiliary Comdesron 10, GOFF, JACOB JONES, both Norfolk based. ships of the enemy, especially at night, they should avoid Reserve Patrol Plane Group. ComPat.Wing 5, GANNET, VP planes as received, transferred and overhauled. Norfolk based. 4. Reserve Striking Group, Combatdiv 5, TEXAS, NEW YORK, ARKANSAS, all Norfolk based. Gulf Patrol, Captain Denfeld, Comdesdiv 18, when organ- ized. Canal Zone, Compperon, CHARLESTON, ERIE, TATTNALL, HUMPHREYS, SANDS (HUMPHREYS and SANDS will report about 23 November. Later to be relieved by Desdiv 62). U.S.S. WASP, Tentative schedule: Builder's trial, 12-15 December. Official trial, 23 January to 6 February 1940. Delivery April 1940. U.S.S. PIGEON, recently. salvaged from rocks near Tsingtao, China, expected to be undocked on 9 November, BuY&D. - The following contract awards were made 2 Nov. Gatehouse, barracks and messhall, and industrial build- ing, NAS, Pensacola, awarded to Virginia Engineering Co. Newport News, Va. for $283,000. Time of completion 150 days. Panama Canal Locks, Construction and delivery of a caisson, to the Dravo Corp., Pittsburgh, awarded for $574,800. Time of completion 365 days. Proposed Submarine Base at Little Krum Bay, St. Thomas Virgin Islands, All survey work has been completed and forwarded to the Department. Plans and specifications are now in course of preparation. -0- Confidential "1. REPORT TO THE SECRETARY file 6 November 1939 Total Enlisted Strength, 4 November .119,487 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 1,808 Other Reservists 17 " " # 71 Total 1,879 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) ... 106 Aggregate Discharges 11 If If 73 Net gain 33 Officers returned to duty as of 6 November 1939: Line officers 228 Staff officers 73 Warrant officers 19 Total 320 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement, as of 4 November 1939: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered. Aviation Instruction 150 150 73 District Patrol Planes 128 0 o Office, Naval Intelligencel00 39 39 Miscellaneous 292 146 93 Ensigns and Lieutenants (jg) with fleet 200 200 73 Total Officers 870 535 278 Men District Patrol Planes 1,024 0 0 Radio Intercept 120 52 52 Miscellaneous 1,606 329 329 Total men 2,750 381 381 Marine Corps, Total Enlisted Strength, Nov. 4. - 20,460 2. 3. The Chief of Bureau of Aeronautics, stated that Transport Plane, S&A reports contract has been recent reports from abroad, believed to be accurate, made for transport plane at a total cost of bring out the following interesting points in connection $117, 668.05 with the Lockhead Aircraft Corporation. with Air operations: Aviation Cadets, Navy Department announced lists of (1) The inability of the heavy, high speed fighters to 94 appointed for flight training, Pensacola in the engage successfully in air combat with a low speed but fourth class commencing October 30th, 1939, selected more maneuverable type of fighter. The numerous reports from Navel Reserve Aviation bases. appearing in the Preas to the effect that the Curtiss Destroyers 0.0 high speed mine sweepers, CNO's office P-36 fighter, being used by the French, is definitely reports that the practicability of recommissioning the superior of the German Messerschmidt, appear definite- 4 destroyers as such is being considered with priority ly substantiated. 2, 60 day boats. (2) British air operations indicate lack of training U.S.S. LANG, On or about 11 November after completion and indoctrination, Examples: of test torpedo firings at Newport will report to (a) Planes of a British fighter squadron shot down CINCUS for temporary duty in Atlantic Squedron in connection with neutrality patrol. two of their own planes which had been delayed in Repeal of the Arms Ambargo, resulting in the cancella- taking off and were attempting to join up in the air. tion of operation of ships of several lines in the (b) The recent air raid on Helgoland was conducted North Atlantic should release a considerable number of in two waves, thirty minutes apart, Às a result of candidates (Merchant Marine officers) for the special the attack of the first wave, German fighters took course at the Merchant Marine Reserve Training Center the air and when the second wave arrived all of its aboard the U.S.S. SEATTLE, New York. No provision has planes were shot down. as yet been made for training these officers at sea, 4. but it has been suggested that in future some classes might be attached to neutrality patrol ships for training in convoy duties at sea. (Not for press re- lease) Price Index, S&A reports the Department of Labor All Commodity Wholesale Price Index for 28 October 1939 was 79.2, as compared with 79.4 October 2lst. From U.S.S. VINCENNES, Customs Inspector at Nippes, Haiti, reported submarines seen by many inhabitants visible 1000 yards off shore. Planes and ships search- ing area today. CNO has requested Bunav to detail 2 Lieutenants (J.G.) or Ensigns, Naval Reserve, who volunteer for duty with the two patrol craft (YP) that will be transferred from the Third Naval District to the Canal Zone for duty. Battleship TEXAS underway 7 November for gunnery tactical training and Inspection of Northern Patrol (Boston, Newport, and New York). HUMPHREYS and SANDS, both recommissioned destroyers, leaving Mare Island 13 November for temporary duty, Canal Zone. -0- Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY 1. 7, November 1939. febs Total Enlisted Strength, 6, November 119,665 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 1,841 Other Reservists kitw 71 Total 1,912 -61 edi Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 193 TO Aggregate Discharges ( 11 = If ) 48 to Net Gain 145 Officers returned to duty as of 7 November 1939: Line officers 229 Staff officers 75 Warrant officers 19 Total 323 DD Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality at Value no ford 20 enforcement, as of 6 November 1939: BBW Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered. 'sloof has aqorée enidorm TOH Aviation Instruction 150 150 73 District Patrol Planes 128 iteve et 0 110 Office, Naval Intelligence 100 39 39 Miscellaneous 088 292 146 DO - 94 Ens. & Lieuts. (jß) with fleet 200 200 76 -ab Lee Total officers J001 870 535 282 Men 8.0£ District Patrol Planes 1,024 o o Radio Intercept 581 120 52 52 Miseellaneous 1,606 331 331 Total Men 2,750 383 383 2. 3. Total Officer Strength, regulars, retired and SOUTHERN CROSS, delivered tomorrow, November 6, Reserves on active duty, 11,053. for conversion to transport. Probable new name, U.S.S. SQUALUS, The Havy Department announced today U.S.S. WHARTON, for the second Commendant of the that the SQUALUS will be decommissioned at the Portsmouth Marine Corps. Navy Yard on November 15, 1939, incident to the re- U.S.S. HELENA, modification of shakedown cruise, habilitation of that vessel for service. The SQUALUS HELENA will go to New York, Norfolk, Guantanamo, will be recommissioned in the spring of next year and, Buenos Aires, Monterideo, Santos, Quantanamo, Norfolk, according to present estimates, will be ready for service New York. &n route Quantenamo to Buenos Aires the about July 1940. Navy Department desires that the Islands.of Rocas U.S.S. DENEBOLA now et Philadelphia Navy Yard and Fernando Noronha off the Northeast coast of to be recommissioned as B. mobile tender for destroyers Brazil be approached and investigated. It is desired of patrol squadrons on duty in the West Indies. Reason, that the investigation determine, insofer as practicab- all vessels or this type in use in the Pacific. From le, whether or not these islends. are being used Norfolk to the Caribbean her machine shops and tools for unneutral services inimical to the interest of will be made available to boats. DENEBOLA is 423 feet the Americas. Results will be reported of invests- long, 54 feet beam, 6,250 tons displacement (light) gation by restricted despatch. Noon position while 10,000 tons (loaded), 20 foot mean draft. Speed de- at sea on shakedown oruise to be reported daily veloped 10.5 knots. to the Chief of "aval Operations. SWORDFISH, submerino 193, preliminary acceptance Development Board District Craft - meeting held trials completed 1 November. Quick dive in 67 seconds in connection with neutrality patrol and navel ex- with maximum diving angle 7 degrees. Trials otherwise pansion program. satisfactory. 4. S.S. PLATTE, now building at Sparrows Point Works Bethlehem Steel Company, Maryland, for Standard Oil Co. will be delivered to the Navy. The final trials of the PLATTE will be held late in November 1939. VP-13, (6 planes), Pearl Harbor to Johnston Island 6 November and arrived same day. Johnston Island to Midway 7 November and arrived same day. VP-22, Pearl Harbor to Midway 7 November and arrived same day. VP-23, Pearl Harbor to Johnston Islands 7 November and arrived. same day. VP-24, departed Pearl Harbor to Midway (6 planes) 6 November and arrived same day. BAILEY, WELLES, WILLIAMS and MACKENZIE commissioned 6 November 1939 at Destroyer Base, San Diego, Calif. CONCORD and MILWAUKEE aviation units, shore based San Diego 6-11 November. Bureau of Yards and Docks, The following contract awards were made November 6th: Pier and bulkhead, Naval Station, Guantanamo, awarded to Frederick Snare Corp.New York City for $123,699. Time of completion 240 days. Turret assembly building and welding bldg. at Norfolk Navy Yard awarded to Messrs.Doyle and Russell, Richmond, Va. for $107,770. Time of completion 90 days. -0- Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY 1. November 1939 fill Total Enlisted Strength, 7 November ..... 119,789. Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty, 1,890 Other Reservists (" "If If 17 71 Total 1,961 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) ..... 121 Aggregate Discharges " " If 46 Net Gain ..... 75 Officers returned to duty as of 8 November 1939: Line officers ... 230 Staff officer ... 75 Warrant officers 20 Total 325 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement, as of 7 November 1939: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered. Aviation Instruction 150 150 73 District Patrol Planes 128 0 o Office, Naval Intelligence 100 39 39 Miscellaneous 292 147 96 Ens. & Lieuts. (jg) with fleet 200 200 78 Total officers 870 536 286 Men - no change since 7 November report. Marine Corps, Total Enlisted Strength, as of 7 Nov. - 20,525 Modification of design of main engine air induction valve for submarines - In this connection tests were conducted at the Navy Yard, Portsmouth, on submarine 3. SCULPIN with two engines running full speed, to de- Marine Corps. It is planned to send 750 officers termine possible effect on engine room personnel of and men to Pearl Harbor in April or May 1940. Temporary accidental closing of this valve. Analysis of results barracks will be built for housing this number. has not been completed. Animal subjects were used. Air Proposals will probably be opened these battacks in pressure was reduced in less than one minute from about December. 30 inches to less than 11 inches of mercury. Engines U.S.S. TRIPPE - Ready for sea January 6, 1940, continued to run about one minute after closure of valve U.S.S. RUSSELL - Ready for sea Movember 27, 1939. about 15 seconds at high speed. Indications are that as Naval Petroleum Reserves - Rear Admiral Stuart, Dir- effect on engine room personnel would be serious, valve ector, told nouse Interstate Commerce sub-committee that design must continue to include features to guard again- present naval oil reserves are "far from sufficient for at accidental closure of valve. future needs. With the proppect of material increase in Battleships NEW JERSEY end IOWA (DD 61 & 62), re- tonnage of the Navy durihg the next few years the Savy presentatives of C'R and ENG. visited the Brooklyn Department has surveyed its present petroleum reserves Navy Yard 6 November for consultation as to means with a view to determining their adequacy with respect to possible to be taken to improve further resistance of the "avy's probable future fuel oil requirements. these ships to underwater explosion attack. Results This survey has disclosed that the petroleum contents of the lands comprising the "avy's petroleum reserves very promising. District Material Officers - Those recently appointed is far from sufficient. For this reason the havy has from First, Third and Fourth Naval Districts have been been extremely anxious to add to its present reserves." in the Navy Department consulting with representatives Ships commissioned calendar year 1939 to date are as of the bureaus for indoctrination as to the duties of follows: DMO's and spope of their activities. 4. Heavy Cruiser (1) - WICHITA Light Cruisers (2) - ST. LOUIS and HELENA. Submarines (8) - SCULPIN, SARGO, SQUALUS, SAURY, SPEARFISH, SWORDFISH, SEA RAVEN, SEA DRAGON. Destroyers (15)- - JOUETT, BENHAM, ELLET, LANG, ANDERSON, WILSON, SIMS, HAMMANN, STERETT, MUSTIN, MAYRANT, HUGHES, ROWAN, TRIPPE, RUSSELL Oilers (2) - CIMARRON, NEOSHO. Bu. Yards and Docks - Status of emergency construc- tion for Marine Corps buildings, including barracks and messhalls, radio (direction finder shelters) and emer- gency temporary storage facilities: Radio (Direction Finder Shelters) - $40,000. All work has been authorized and is actively underway by Yard labor for Winter Harbor, Maine; Naval Air Station, Norfolk; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Naval Air Station, Seattle; Point St. George, Calif.; Dutch Harbor, Alaska; and Tutuila, Samoa. At San Diego the work for Imperial Beach, Calif. is to be under- taken by contract, and bids will be received in the near future. Temporary Provision Storehouse, Pearl Harbor, T.H. - $150,000. This work will be accomplished by contract, bids will be opened about 13 December. Contract time for completion will be 100 days. Temporary Cold Storage Facilities, Pearl Harbor, T.H. $330,000. This work will be accomplished under contract, specifications for the temporary bldg. and in- sulation, and for equipment and installation are being prepared locally. Bids will be opened about 13 December. Contract times for completion will be 90 days for each contract, and will run concurrently (to be continued) -0- Confidential Tile Report to the Secretary 9 November 1939 Total Enlisted Strength, 8 November 119,879 Fleet Reservists( Enlisted) on active duty, 1,933 Other Reservists If 71 Total 2,004 Aggregate Enlistment (last 24 hours) 59 Aggregate Discharges If If 17 12 Net Gain 47 Officers Returned to Duty, as of 9 November: Line officers 232 Staff officers 76 Warrant officers 19 Total 327 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement, as of 8 November 1939: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered. Aviation Instruction 150 150 74 District Patrol Planes 128 0 o Office, Naval Intelligence 100 39 39 Miscellaneous 292 148 97 Ens. & Lieuts. (jg) with fleet200 200 81 Total officers 870 537 291 Men Radio Intercept 120 52 52 Dist. Patrol Planes 1024 0 o Miscellaneous 1606 332 332 Total Men 2750 384 384 Marine Corps, Total Enlisted Strength, 8 Nov. - 20,594. 2. Bu.Yards and Docks, Marine Corps Construction (continued 3. from yesterday): and the Chief of Bureau of Aeronautics, Navy, are working Temporary Facilities $1,250,000. together closely in an effort to assure that the placing All work will be undertaken by contract and specifica- or large contracts for aircraft and aircraft engines by foreign governments will not interfere with authorized or tions are being prepared locally. Opening dates and prospective procurement by the U.S. Army and Navy. Further contract times for completion are as indicated below: objective is to bring about a distribution of foreign Quantico, Va. - 1 storehouse; bids open 29 Nov.; orders among American aircraft and aireraft engine manu- time of completion 60 days. San Diego, Calf. - 10 storehouses;bids open 28 Nov.; facturers in such a, way as best to develop balanced pro- duction facilities. It is believed that the above can time of completion. 90 days. ancampment for 2 battalions be accomplished. (8 barracks and messhall); bids open 19 December; Overage Destroyers, recommissioned and in commission(44): time of completion 120-150 days. BAILEY, BAINBRIDGE, BARNEY, BERNADOU, BIDDLE, BLAKELEY, BRECKINRIDGE, BROOKS, BUCHANAN, COLE, CROWNINSHIELD, Pearl Harbor, T.H. - Encampment for 1 battalion DALLAS, DUPONT, KLLIS, EVANS, FOX, GILMER, GREER, HALE, HATFIELD, HUMPHREYS, KANE, KING, LAWRENCE, LEA, MACKENZIE (4 barracks and 1 messhall; bids open 22 Nov. MACLEISH, ECCORMICK, OVERTON, PHILIP, SANDS, STURTEVANT, TARBELL, TWICGS, UPSHUR, AARON NARD, WELLES, WICKES, time of completion 90 days. 1 storehouse and 1 WILLIAMS, YARNALL, (Light Mine Layers ) BREESE, GAMBLE, MONTGOMERY, and RAMSAY. storage shed will be covered by subsequent contract) Ordered Recommissioned, but yet to be Commissioned, (25) , AULICK, BANCROFT, BRANCH, CRANE, Parris Island, S.C. - Encampment for 1 battalion (4 CROSBY, EDWARDS, HARADEN, HERNDON, HUNT, KENNISON, KILTY, LAUB, MASON, MOCALLA, MeCOOK, MEADE, NOA, SATTERLEE, barracks, 1 messhall, 1 storehouse, 1 storage shed RODGERS, SHUBRICK, SWASEY, THATCHER, A.P. UPSHUR, W.C. NOOD, and MCLANAHAN. at main station and 1 barracks, 1 storehouse and 1 or 103 overage destroyers, 69(above)are already recommissioned, or to be commissioned. storage shed at Hilton Head); bids open 28 Lov.; ComPat Wing 3, departed from Canal Zone and arrived time of completion 100 days. Guantanamo, 8 November. Bureau of Aeronautics, The Chief of Air Corps, Army, VP-24, departed Midway and arrived Johnston Island 8 Nov. 4. VP-23, departed Johnston Island and arrived Midway, 8 Nov. A Selection Board will be convened, at the Navy Depart- ment on 22 November, 1939 or as soon thereafter as practi- cable, to recommend 12 Captains and 52 commanders of the line of the Navy for promotion to the next higher grades. Membership of the board is as follows: President, Vice- Admiral Charles P. Snyder; Members - Vice Admiral Charles A. Blakely, Rear Admirals Pettengill, Greenslade, Freeman, Pye, Vernou, Roweliff, Kimmell, Recorder - Comdr. Allan R. McCann. The same board(with the exception of Rear Admiral John D. Wainwright in place of Rear Admiral Green- slade and Lieut. Col. Donald Curtis, U.S.M.C. acting as recorder) will at the same time recommend 1 Brig. General of the Marine Corps for promotion to the next higher grade. S.S. SAN JOSE, distress signals intercepted at 1000 G.M.T. last night and following at 0604 today from S.S. SAN JOSE, chased by submarine. Lat. 27-35 N. Long.57-58 W Press Reports SAN JOSE had accommodations for 12 passengers and carried a normal crew of more than 30 men. Lloyds lists the San Jose as an oil tanker of 6,013 tons, owned by General Transatlantic Company. -0- Confidential 1. REPORT TO THE SECRETARY wa 10 November 1939. Total Enlisted Strength, 9 November 119,995 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty, 2,025 Other Reservists " " " 71 Total 2,096 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 125 Aggregate Discharges 12 If " 101 Net Gain 24 Officers Returned to Duty, as of 10 November 1939: Line officers 233 Staff officers ... 76 Warrant officers 19 Total 328 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for Neutrality enforcement, as of 9 November: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instruction 150 150 74 District Patrol Planes 128 o 0 Office, Naval Intelligence 100 39 39 Miscellaneous 292 150 97 Ens. & Lieuts. (jg) with fleet 200 200 81 Total officers 870 539 291 Men - no change since 9 November report. Bureauof Yards and Docks, following contract award was made November 9th: Foundations and floors for Turret and Erection shops, Building No. 18, at the Navy Yard, New York, 2. 3. awarded to Mill Basin Asphalt Corporation, Brooklyn, D.M. (Deck Merchant Marine), U.S.N.R., the previous New York, for $189,000. Time of completion 63 commanding officer for the SOUTHERN CROSS and Lieut. calender days. Commander William C.A. Russell, E.M. (Engineering SOSED representative returned from Key West after Merchant Marine), U.S.N.R., previous Chief Engineer making survey of tools, equipment, facilities, etc. have been ordered to active duty CFO and on board SOSED representative inspected DENEBOLA at Philadel- when commissioned as navigating officer and engineer phia for purpose of looking over her machine tools, etc. officer respectively. These two officers are the This is 8. precautionary measure looking to possible use first Merchant Marine officers, Naval Reserve, to of maintenance facilities in the Caribbean area. be ordered to active duty. U.S.S. HAMMANN, arrived Havy Yard, Washington, for VP-24, Johnston Island to Pedrl Harbor 9 November further tests. and arrived the same day. (6 planes). U.S.S. TARBELL, Philadelphia, recommissioned destroyer VP-22, Midway to Johnston Island 9 November and reported for duty Atlantic Squadron. arrived the same day. U.S.S. GAMBLE and MONTGOMERY, ships in collision on VP-13, Midway to Pearl Harbor 9 November and arrived West Coast, reports concerning damages will come in same day in form of letters and will be reported as soon as possible. U.S.S. BARNEY, reported for duty to CINCUS and (no casualties to personnel) U.S.S. WHARTON, formerly the SOUTHERN CROSS, acquired Commander Atlantic Squadron. U.S.S. YARNALL also. from the Maritime Commission has arrived Naval Operating TRAINING SHIP, DANMARK, from Beltimore cleared Base, Norfolk, Vs. Living quarters have been found Cape Henry and headed for 898. Captain Herman E. Fischer, has returned from habitable for commissioning "In ordinary" as soon as London. He was on & secret mission to investigate personnel arrives. In connection with commissioning Harbor defenses, mines, nets, etc. For the last several in the immediate future, Lt. Comdr. John J. Fallon, 4. days. he has been conferring with various officers in the Navy Department. CNO, It is desired by CNO that the following dates of completion and readiness for sea be adhered to if possible: YUKON(storeship), and SPICA (cargo ship), 1 Feb. 1940; SEPULGA, (oiler) and TIPPECANOE (oiler), 15 Feb. 1940; RAPIDAN (oiler), CLEMSON, GOLDSBOROUGH, HULBERT, and WILLIAM B. PRESTON (destroyers), all by 1 March 1940. Naval Medical Center, Press reports from all over the country, publicized Navy release, all excellent, and mentioned that nearly two miles of 6 foot wire fence costing $26,000 (estimate) would surround the property. - U.S.S. LOS ANGELES, was stricken from the Navy Register on 24 October. U.S.S. WILKES and NICHOLSON, keels were laid at Navy Yard, Boston, on 1 November. From 4th Marines, China, Domei News agency, Nanking, reports that 80 battles per day were fought by the Japanese in the Lower Yangtze Valley during October. -0- REPORT TO THE SECRETARY to 13 November 1939 Total Enlisted Strength, 10 November 120,187 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty.. 2,135 Other Reservists " 102 Total 2,237 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 121 Aggregate Discharges " = # 70 Net Gain 51 Officers returned to duty, as of 13 November 1939: Line officers 236 Staff officers 76 Warrant officers 19 Total 331 Bise Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for Neutrality Enforcement, as of 10 November 1939: oven No. No. No. Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instruction 150 150 74 District Patrol Planes 128 o o Naval Intelligence 100 39 39 Miscellaneous 292 150 95 Ens. & Lts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 81 Total Officers 870 539 289 Men - No change since 9 November report. U.S.S. SCULPIN, Further examination has been made by the medical officer of the animal subjects used in the recent tests conducted on the SCULPIN to determine the 3. possible effect on operating personnel of accidental USS GREER, reported to neutrality petrol, from Philadel- closing of air induction valve with main engines phia, and has been designed to Charleston. running. The definite conclusion is that serious in- USS LANG, reported to Comdesdiv 18, who will command jury to engine room personnel would result. Galf Patrol. SAN JOSE, French freighter previously reported SOSED representative, attended contract conference arrived Willemstad, Dutch West Indies and reported she between ELCO and Navy representatives at the Navy Depart- had been pursued for an hour by an unidentified sub- ment. marine about seven miles from (illemsted. Submarine "Naval Reserve, Commandants of Naval Districts probably unable to attack because of heavy seas. SAN have been requested to nominate applicants from Naval JOSE was armed and .ready to defend itself, but had Reserve officers who are qualified as instructors of been ordered not to fire the first shot. Master said chemistry for active duty at the Naval Academy in that levels freighter escaped because of its superior speed. capacity. The withdrawal of regular officers from the Shipping fatalities, London reports neutrals have faculty at the Naval Academy makes it necessary to lost almost 89,000 tons of shipping since the war started. assign one Naval Reserve officer to that duty immediately. Norway believed to be the heaviest loser with nine vessels Bureau of Yards & Docks, status of construction totalling 20,000 tons. Greece has lost four ships, of temporary emergency buildings and facilities for Naval 19,455 yons; Donmark, three ships, 12,558 sons; Sweden, Aviation Patrol in neutrality enforcement: seven ships, 11,110 tons; Finland, five ships, 8,746 tons; N.R.A.B., Squantum, Mass. - Directive for this pro Holland, two ships, 8,387 tons; Belgium, two ships, ject was forwarded to Comone on 29 October, 1939. Add1- 8,202 tons. tional directive for inclusion of dispensary facilities USS RHIND, placed in full commission, Navy Yard, in program' will be forwarded within a day or two. The Philadelphia. District proposes to handle plans and specifications, required by the directive, by District force. to NAS, Chatham, Mass. - The Chief of Naval Operations has approved the elimination of the establishment of Aviation Patrol facilities at Chatham. This elimination is due to the adverse flying conditions which pertain in the Chatham area. NAS, Quonset Point, R.I. - Directive for this pro- ject was sent to the Commanding Officer, NTS, Newport, R.I. on 31 October, 1939. Regarding the acquisition of the state-owned land at Quonset Point, a decision is expected by 13 November from the Dept. of Justice as to whether data furnished by the State and the U.S. Attorney at Providence, R.I., are sufficient to permit title to the land to be taken by the United States. Contract was awarded to Jenks and Ballou, Providence, R.I., for engineering services for the program at Quonset Point on 8 November, 1939. N.R.A.B., Floyd Bennett Field, N.Y. - Directive for this project was forwarded to Comthree on 31 October, 1939. Negotiations for the lease of necessary land are being con- ducted by the Commandant in accordance with instructions from the Bureau of Aeronautics. NAS, Cape May, N.J. - Directive for this project was forwarded to Comfour on 31 October, 1939. By letter dated 6 November, 1939, the Commandant was requested to look into the matter of renovating existing buildings at Cape May for use as storehouses instead of constructing a new storehouse, with a consequent saving. Commandant proposes to advertise for bids on the work at Cape May on or about 15 November, 1939, and open bids on 15 December, 1939, with approximately 60 calendar days contract time. NAS, Jacksonville (Banana River), Fla. - Directive was forwarded to the Officer in Charge of Construction, NAS, Jacksonville, Fla., on 1 November, 1939. A dispensary was added to the program on 8 November 1939. The Officer in Charge of Construction has been directed by despatch to proceed with plans, specifications, advertising and opening of bids for clearing the site for the neutrality program with necessary dredging and fill. This work is being charged to "Base Facilities". The 0-in-C proposes to open bids for clearing the site on 29 November 1939, with a contract time of 45 calendar days. He proposes to open bids for. dredging and fill on 20 December, 1939, with a contract time of 90 days for immediate area neutrality patrol facilities. Confidential 1. REPORT TO THE SECRETARY 14 November 1939 Total Enlisted Strength, 13 November 120,336 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty, 2257 Other Reservists 11 11 " 102 Total ... 2359 Aggregate Enlistment (last 24 hours) 98 Aggregate Discharges 11 " " 70 Net gain 28 Officers Returned to Duty, 'as of 14 November: Line officers ... 237 Staff officers 78 Warrant officers. 20 Total 325 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement, as of 13 November 1939: No. No. No. Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered. Aviation Instruction 150 150 74 District Patrol Planes 128 o 0 Office, Naval Intelligence 100 39 39 Miscellaneous 292 151 97 Ens. & Lieuts. (jg) with Fleet 200 200 82 Total officers 870 540 292 Men Dist. Patrol Planes 1,024 o 0 Radio Intercept 120 52 52 Miscellaneous 1,606 332 332 Total men 2,750 384 384 U.S.S. PATOKA, commissioned on 10 November, Navy Yard, Puget Sound. 3. Gulf Patrol, organized under Captain Denfeld, com- at Staten Island. posed of JOUETT, ELLET, DAVIS (flagship), BENHAM, and Commanding Officer U.S.S. SQUALUS, Licut. Oliver F. LANG, all now destroyers in the Western Gulf, operating Naquin ordered to Submarine Force, U.S. Fleet. west of the 90th Meridian, based nt Galveston with possible Bu Supplies and Accounts reports Department of Labor secondary base at Corpus Christi. Operations to include All Commodity Wholesale Price Index for 4 November Yucatan Channel, Florida Straits, Vera Cruz, Tampico, as 1939 W.LS 79.3 compared with 79.2 October 28th. The low well as U.S. Coast line. for this fiscal year was on 19 August, 74.6. Des Div 83, LAWRENCE, KING, SANDS and SUMPHRKYS, under- Status of Construction, Bureau of lards and Docks, way from the West Coast to report to the Atlantic Squadron temporary emergency buildings and facilities for Naval for duty. Avintion Patrol in neutrality enforcement: LDO's, Selection Board met to consider five officers N.A.S. Jacksonville (Banana River) Fla.- The officer for Engineering Duty only from the Line. in charge of construction has made a supplemental Ambassedor of Equador, called on the Chief of agreement with Marsh de Saxelbye, Jacksonville, Fla. Naval Operations in connection with the cooperation for engineering services for the personnel buildings or the United States and Sequedor in various naval and storehouse at Banana River. The supplemental agree- matters. ment is now in the Bureau for execution. Herbert Schiff Memorial Trophy, awarded to Patrol Naval Station, Key West, Fla.- Directive was sent to Squedron Eleven. This squadron received no penalties, Commanding Officer, Naval Station, Key West, on Nov. 2nd having had no accidents of any kind during the past 1939. Arrangements for leasing the necessary land are being year. It is the first time any squadron has won the made by Comseven in compliance with instructions from the trophy twice, Squadron Eleven also winning it in 1937. Bureau of Aeronautics. The Buresu of Aeronautics has Fleet Tug 66, U.S.S. CHEROKEE launched on 10 Nov. 4. issued 8 project order to cover the cost of necessary modifications of Bldg. 66, Seamen's Barracks, at the Naval Station, Key West, to permit temporary occupancy by enlisted men and officers of the neutrality patrol squadron pending provision of housing facilities on the proposed air station site under this program. Naval Station, Guantanamo, Cuba.- Directive was sent to the Commandant, Naval Station, Guantanamo, 1 November 1939. The Commandant was directed to grade the site for the proposed hangar by Yard labor. An allotment for this work will be granted as soon as an estimate is received from the station. N.A.S. San Juan, P.R. - The directive for the work at this station was forwarded to the officer in Charge of Con- struction on Nov. 2, 1939. Authority was granted the 0-in-C by despatch on Nov. 8, 1939, to make a contract with Robert & Co., Atlanta, for the preparation of plans and specifications for the work. Albert Kahn has been re- quested to expedite the design of two seaplane hangars for San Juan for the use of the neutrality patrol. The Bureau is arranging with the contractors to construçt the emergency facilities at San Juan under the fee contract. On Nov. 9, 1939, the Officer in Charge of Construction was directed to add a dispensary to the emergency program. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY 1 November 1939 file Total Enlisted Strength, 14 November 120,552 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty, 2,272 Other Reservists 11 Il If , 102 Total 2,374 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) ... 227 Aggregate Discharges If If 11 26 Net gain 201 Officers Returned to Duty, as of 15 November: Line officers 239 Staff officers 78 Warrant officers 20 - Total 337 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement, as of 14 November 1939: No. No. No. Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instruction 150 150 74 District Patrol Planes 128 O o Office, Naval Intelligence 100 39 39 Miscellaneous 292 153 100 Ens. & Lieuts. (jg) with Fleet 200 200 82 Total officers 870 542 295 Men Dist. Patrol Planes 1,024 o o Radio Intercept 120 52 52 Miscelleneous 1,606 334 334 Total men 2,750 386 386 Recruiting Activities for week ending November 10th: Number of applicants accepted for enlistment,911. Number of first enlistments 1186 2. 3. Number of reenlistments within 3 months (continuous service) 60 During the same tests, four 500-1b. bombs were dropped Number of reeplistments, broken service, ..76 Total reenlistments and new enlistments - 1,316 with a delayed tail fuze that does not function on Experimental Bombing end Dropping of Depth Charges the blow on the water 0.5 most previous nose fuzes have The Chief of the cureau of Ordnance reports that done. With a .4 seconds delay a bomb that misses a last week (Nov. B) depth charges and bombs were dropped ship will go off 30 feet under water and if close along- from a plane off the Virginia Capes in connection with side will give an excellent mining effect to bombs that otherwise would have been useless. The success of these experimentation that has been going on under the exper- two developments by the Duredu's Experimental Section imental Desk of the Bureau of Ordnance and the Navel Ord- and the Ordnance Laboratory is most gratifying. The nance Laboratory of the Navel Gun Factory for the last aircraft dopth charge affords an important additional means two years. Among these were ten 325-1b. depth charges 'combating submarines by battleship planes whose carry- specially designed to be dropped from catapulted planes ing load was limited to two 325-pound depth charges. in an attack on submerged submarines. The hydrostatic fuze The hydrostatic fuze tested successfully in the 500-pounds functioned perfectly. The shape of the depth charge and bombs gives a weapon for patrol planes against submerged particularly a new development of a cylindrical tail which submarines, and the .4 seconds delayed tail fuze gives a gives a much better trajectory under water, is a marked mining effect to heavy bombs that narrowly miss surface advance over anything that is known to exist for under- craft. water attack by a plane. The drops were made from 6000 Emergency buildings for Naval Aviation Patrol in feet to as low as 800 feet and the aviators felt from the neutrality enforcement: Plans for structural steel for perfect runctioning of the fuzes that there was no danger -all hamgers included in the program (Squentum, Mass.; in coming lower na they will have to do in order to drop Quonset Point, R.I.; Floyd Bennet Field, N.Y.; Cape Mey, the sirplane depth charges on submerged submarines. N.J.; Jacksonville (Banana River) Fla.; Key West, Fla.; 4. Guantanamo, Cuba; and San Juan, P.R. ) are scheduled to be mailed to the Bureau of Yards and Docks by Albert Kahn on 9 November 1939. Date for opening bids for furnishing and erection of steel work has been set tenta- tively for November 29 or December 6, depending on date of receipt of plans from Albert Kahn. Buaero, The Chief of Bureau left Washington on 15 November for Corpus Christi, Texas, where he will join Members of the House Naval Affairs Committee for purposes of inspection. They will also inspect Naval Air Station, Pensacola. Commender A.E. Montgomery, Buaero, will leave Washington on 16 November to go to Boulder Dam and join the Honorable James G. Scrugham of Nevada for inspection of the Dam area with a view to establish- ing a Naval Air Station or Base at the Lake. This in- spection is being done at the request of Mr. Scrugham. U.S.S. GAMBLE, collision damage to shell plating, damage bulkhead, damage to upper and lower side stringers and bilge fenders (collision with Montgomery previously reported) total estimated damage including docking $6500. 5 days, three shifts. Engineering damage due to flooding of Engine room requiresrepairs including dock trial, estimated cost, $5000, time 5 days, 3 shifts. Mare Island Yard proceeding with all work. Expect completion, 18 Nov. 1939. Confidential 1. REPORT TO THE SECRETARY 16 November 1939 fels Total Enlisted Strength, 15 November ...... 120,789 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty, 2,283 Other Reservists 11 Il If 102 Total 2,385 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 277 Aggregate Discharges If 11 If 51 Net Gain 226 Officers Returned to Duty, as of 16 November: Line officers 240 Staff officers 79 Warrant officers 20 Total 339 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement, as of 15 November 1939: No. No. No. Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instruction 150 150 74 District Patrol Planes 128 o o Office, Naval Intelligence 100 39 38 Miscellaneous 292 154 100 Ens. and Lieutenants (jg) with Fleet. 200 200 84 Total officers 870 543 296 Men, no change since 15 November report. Marine Corps, Total Enlisted Strength, November 15th, for 20,818. Percentage of reenlistments, Marine Corps for November, 83.17 in comparison with 68.37 for current fiscal / year. 3. 2. Awards for armor, Bureau of Ordnance awarded contracts Elevators in the General Storehouse at the Naval Air Station, Alameda, California awarded to Pacific for armor for battleships No. 61 and 62 (45,000 tonners), Elevator and Equipment Company of San Francisco for $54,256. 14 November 1939, in accordance with prices bid and capa- Arrived New York, YUKON, SPICA, CLEMSON, GOLDSBOROUGH, bilities of meeting the required delivery dates as follows: HULBERT, WM. B. PRESTON (to be converted to Light Air- Bethlehem Steel Co. 7998 tons - $4,855,610 Carnegie Illinois Steel Corp. 5969 tons - 3,436,335 craft Tenders) towed from Philadelphia by the tugs The Midvale Co. 7285 tons - 3,991,879 ALLEGHENY and SAGAMORE. Comparative costs of armor per ton (not including cost U.S.S. BENSON, launched 15 November at Quincy, Mass. of gratings which are special) on recent contracts are: British Admiralty, said today that as usual no in- Battleships Nos. 55 and 56 -- $579 " Nos. 57-60 -- $628 (new features in formation would be given out as to whether the battle shapes, bends and sizes). Aircraft Carrier No. 8 es $607 tapered side belt cruisers HOOD, REPULSE or RENOWN were patrolling the requiring extensive machining) Battleships No. 61 and 62 - 578 Atlantic Ocean. Bureau of Yards and Docks, the following contract The following ships are due to be commissioned awards have been made: (approx.) STACK - 20 Nov., SEALION and SEAWOLF (submarines) Foundations and floors for Turret and Erection Shops, 27 November. Building No. 18, Navy Yard, New York, awarded to Mill Basin Asphalt Corporation, 5410 Avenue U, Brooklyn, U.S.S. BRANCH and LAUB, overaged destroyers, ordered New York for $189,000. recommissioned for neutrality patrol work. Seawalls and slip for Turret and Erection Shops Building Nol 18, Navy Yard New York awarded to Centaur Con- Naval Reserve, in connection with the recommissioning struction Co. of New York City for $499,859. of numerous vessels for the Train it will be necessary Structural Steel for superstructure Central Office and Drafting Building, Washington Navy Yard awarded to detach approximately 50 officers from Combatant to Lehigh Structural Steel Co., Allentown, Pa. for vessels of the Fleet for assignment to these ships. $137,400. The vacancies thus created in combatant vessels will have 4. to be filled by Naval Reserve officers. As a result of the dislocation of shipping lines operating in the North Atlantic re the repeal of the Arms Embargo and the establishment of war zones many officers of the Merchant Marine will probably be thrown out of employ- ment. The Bureau of Navigation has under consideration the feasibility of a plan to order officers of the Merchant Marine Reserve of the rank of Lieutenant and be- low to the recommissioned vessels of the Train, in order not to withdraw regular officers of the line for this secondary duty. If placed in effect the plan would provide much needed training in naval procedure for Merchant Marine Naval Reserve officers which they have not been able to obtain due to existing limitations in appro- priations. Such a plan also would result in not lower- ing the efficiency of combatant vessels by employment of Naval Reserve officers in these ships. Total commissioned officers as of 1 November 1939 10,478 - (line - 6,701; Medical Corps - 891; Dental Corps - 272; Supply Corps - 574; Chaplain Corps - 94; Construction Corps - 214; Civil Engineer Corps - 126. Chief Warrant officers - 980; Warrant officers - 626.) -0- Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY file 17 November 1939 illifidential Total Enlisted Strength, 16 November 1939 ... 120,939 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty, 2,309 Other Reservists 11 11 II 102 , Total 2,411 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) ... 251 Aggregate Discharges If " 11 127 Net gain 124 Officers Returned to Duty, as of 17 November: Line officers 242 Staff officers 83 Warrant officers 20 Total 345 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement, as of 16 November 1939: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered. Aviation Instruction 150 150 73 District Patrol Planes 128 O 0 Office, Naval Intelligence 100 53 51 Miscellaneous 292 156 100 Ens. & Lieuts. (jg) with Fleet 200 200 91 Total officers 870 559 315 Men Dist: Patrol Planes. 1,024 O O Radio Intercept 120 52 52 Miscellaneous 1,606 334 334 Total Men 2,750 386 386 3. Anlisted Strength, Marine Corps, 16 November, 20,941 U.S.S. SEPULCA, 5,375 ton oiler tied up at Mare Marines in China: Officers Enlisted Island Savy Yard, ordered fitted out for active U.S.S. AUGUSTA 3 67 duty. Ashore 96 1,602 Total officers and men 99 1,669 Norwegian-American Liner Bergensfjord, arrived at Proposed Shipbuilding Program, Conference was held the Brooklyn Army Base, Brooklyn, New York, today in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations this with 162 Danish seamen, said to be 4 complete crews morning. Development of the program was expounded to take over from Standard 011 Company tankers which by all the interested parties. have been transferred to Panamanian Registry. The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, tankers are I.C. WHITE, DEAN EMERY, ELISHA WALKER and The 47th Annual Meeting is being held currently at the STANDARD. None of the crew nor the Standard the Waldorf-Astoria, New York City. A number of 011 representatives who met them at the pier would papers are being given by Naval Officers. The committee discuss their plans or the proposed operations of the on awards voted unanimously that Licut. Commander H.A. tankers. Schade (Construction Corps) U.S.N. be recommended for British Flagships of the Furnace Prince Line, in the the CAPTAIN JOSEPH H. LINNARD prize for his paper South American trade will be placejon the New York- "Bending Theory of Ship Bottom Structure." London run next month, it was ennounced. The line's Commander Aircraft Scouting Force, Rear Admiral A.B. vessels are the SOUTHERN PRINCE, EASTERN PRINCE, Cook, U.S.N. and former Chief of Bureau of Aeronautics WESTERN PRINCE and NORTHERN PRINCE. They will re- was in Washington for several days with some members place American vessels barred from the North Atlantic of his staff, Admiral Cook has assisted the Bureau Service and belligerent ports by the lifting of the materially with advice and consultations. ne departed Arms Embargo. this morning for San Diego. 4. Infentry Drill, The Navy Department is engaged in extensive revision of the Landing Force Manual, 1938, involving close Infantry drill. Ready for issue to the Service early in 1940, to be effective upon receipt. Radical changes are to be made in infantry drill and instruction along lines already adopted by the Army and the Marine Corps. General Board - Rear Admirals A.W. Johnson and A.E. Watson, reported for duty in Washington with the General Board on 6 November. U.S.S. ST. LOUIS - During trials off Rockland, Maine, run perfectly for four hours. In reversing to full speed astern from full speed ahead, number 2 shaft came to a stop and could not move ahead or astern. H.P. Engine on shaft for some reason not yet known rubbed the impulse blading to such an extent that blades were almost welded together. Trouble is in construction by the Newport News Company. Proceeding to take turbine apart. New rotor will be made and bladed and returned to ship for reinstallment, time 2 or possibly 3 months. It is recommended to CNO that ship leave the yard and operate moderate speed on two shafts. Fault is material and not design. -0- Confidenting file 1. REPORT TO THE SECRET. RY 20 November 1939 Personal gonfidential Total Enlisted Strength, 18 November 1939: 121,465 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty, 2385 Other Reservists n° If If 183 Total 2568 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) ... 327 Aggregate Discharges If " If 69 Net Gain 258 Officers Returned to Duty, as of 20 November: Line officers ... 244 Staff officers ... 85 Warrants officers. 20 Total 349 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcment, as of 18 November 1939 Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered. Aviation Instruction 150 150 77 District Patrol Planes 128 o o Office, Naval Intelligence 100 52 51 Miscellaneous 292 157 102 Ens. & Lieuts. (jg) with Fleet 200 200 91 Total Officers 870 559 321 Men, no change since 17 November report. Recruiting Activities for week ending 17 November 1939 Number of applicants accepted for first enlistment:842 Number of first enlistments: 1,210 3. 2. trouble. Ran light;on account of weather did not run Number of reenlistments(3 mo.) continuous service: 41 through steering gear tests. St. Louis had same trouble Number of reenlistments under broken service: 83 with throttles her initial run. Total enlistments 1,334 U.S.S. WICHITA, reported to have one of quill shafts U.S.S. BEAR, Antarctic Expedition. Trials underway on 17 November. Machinery functioned satisfactorily and slightly out of alignment. No vibration, will proceed on trials. reports indicated that vessel was proceeding at once to load and prepare for departure. U.S.S. CONSTELLATION, Oldest ship in the Navy, quarters provided for 150 enlisted men because of needed space DesDiv 60, COE, BERNADOU, ELLIS, end DUPONT expected to on account of expanded activities Naval Training Station report for duty, Atlantic Squadron 22 November. Newport. U.S.S. GAMBLE and MONTGOMERY, ships that were in Cargo of Teak, for Navy reported lost on P & 0 ship collision reported ready for duty in 12th Naval District. SIRDHANA off Singapore when ship sank. Teak was U.S.S. PRAIRIE, will be launched December 9th, destined for decking U.S.S. TENNESSEE during overhaul Camden, N.J. PRAIRIE is & destroyer tender of about period beginning April 15, 1940. Estimated loss about 10,000 tons displacement. She is over 500 feet long, $22,000, which falls on contractor as it was payable beam 75 feet, expected completion and commissioning by Navy only on delivery. There should be adequate spring of 1940. time to replace lost teak before the TENNESSEE reaches U.S.S. SANTA INEZ and SANTA RITA, renamed BOWDITCH Puget Sound Navy Yard. Two-thirds of necessary teak and WILLIAM WARD BURROWS. BOWDITCH is a miscellaneous available now. auxiliary, BURROWS is a transport. BuM&S, is planning for M day in directive of personnel U.S.S. HELENA, On sea trial from New York, first run, situation to eliminate mental and nervous unfit by 27 knots satisfactory with exception of minimum throtle collaborating with American Psychiatrical Association, 4. a branch of American Medical Association to formulate detailed examination study for recruits and selection of proper type. Trained medical personnel to conduct these examinations all recruiting stations. Estimated 125 doctors necessary this work. Had this been started earlier in last war Government probably would have saved much on such medical cases. It is estimated that for M-day M&S would need althgether 1500 doctors in TO various duties of medical profession. Bu.Yards and Docks, Following contract awards have been made: Extension to bachelor officers' quarters, Naval Fleet Air Base, Coco Solo, C.Z. awarded for $51,660. Time of completion 150 calendar days. Structural steel work for turret and erection shops Building No. 18 at the Navy Yard New York awarded Bethlehem Steel Co. for 723,800. Time of completion 140 and 112 days respectively. Runways, taxiways and drainage at Naval Air Station Pensacola awarded to Smith Engineering and Construction Co., Pensacola, Fla. for $208,256. Time of completion 170 days. Western Pacific Air Bases, U.S.S. WRIGHT which left Pearl Harbor for Johnston Island on November 6th reports all materials for construction camp at Johnston Island have been unloaded, the camp construction is underway, and the U.S.S. WHIPPOORWILL is standing by at Johnston Island until camp is completed. -0- I Total Strength, 20 November, 1939 .121,776. 1. TO THE SECRETARY November 1939 to Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty, 2466 10 Other Reservists If 183 Total 2649 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 261 OJ Aggregate Discharges (last 24 hours) 29 esed Net Gain 232 Officers Returned to Duty, as of 21 November down Line officers 245 Staff officers 85 beerga Warrant officers 19 Total 349 Jaoo and T9V0 = 10 Jaoo Had Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality odd 70 олтоб ad 02 ent to enforcement, no change in either officers or men since e'IS Team yesterday's report. esont '80 010 00 of TC 20 econt Bunav, quota of first enlistments for December will 130 20 of 18 aqideelated TO be 4,200. 983 nit 10x208 U.S.S. CAPELLA, returned from sea to pick up material TO SAGL for Byrd Expedition to be delivered in New York. TODAY stottom #3 at U.S.S. PYRO, will deliver additional material for Byrd 20 Expedition from Philadelphia to the Canal Zone. - TIA COMDESRON 30, Captain Heim, reported for duty (Command atd TO Doe 3 2. of Middle Atlantic Patrol) in the GILMER. offices and plants at Alameda. The plant includes COMDESRON 10, Capto in Greenmen, has taken over Command office building, storage shed and handling platforms, of the Reserve Destroyer Group. outside storage area, track system, and transportation Increase In Monufacturing Facilities for Rangefinders, equipment. Over 530 tons of material and equipment have at Rochester, N.Y. In order to increase the country's already been shipped from this point to Pearl Harbor facilities for optical work and particularly to provide for redistribution to the several bases. space in which to build end assemble the longer base Temporary Neutrality Patrol Air Bases - Bids for furnish- rangefinders that are required for now battleships, the ing and erection of the steelwork for the hangers at all Bureau of Ordnance has agreed with the Bausch & Lomb such bases will be opened on December 6th. Optical Company, Rocheater, liem York to let them spread Emergency hospital and dispensary facilities. The Bureau half the cost of a now $100,000 building over the cost of Yards and Docks has awarded the following contracts: of rengefinders, the other helf to be borne by the Ward building at the Neval Training Station, Great Company. The WEST VIRGINIA's rangefinders are 33'6"; Lakes, illinois, awarded to Pickus Construction and Equipment Co. of Waukegan, Illinois for $27,303. those of battleships 57 to 60 are 43' long, and those Time of completion 60 days. of battleships 61 to 64 are 46' long. Emergency hospital buildings at the Norfolk Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Virginia, and the Naval Operat- SOSED, has been making studies in connection with the ing Base, Norfolk, Va. awarded to the Southeastern Construction Company of Charlotte, N.C. for $147,224 1942 Estimato of the Situation and the proposed increase Time of completion 60 days. in the Navy as it may affect matters under the cognizance The Bureau of Yards and Docks has owarded a contract of SOSED. for the superstructure for the Aeronautical Engine Western Pacific Air Bases - Contractor has established Laboratory and Laboratory Office Building, Naval Air- his personnel organization and completed the construction craft Factory, Philadelphia, to Ralph S. Herzog, Philadel- and installation of his purchasing, storage and transfer phia, Pa. for $947,127. Time of completion 360 days. 4. Structural Steelwork for extension to Machine Shop Building 42-A at the Boston Navy Yard awarded to Lehigh Structural Steel Co. of Allentown, Pa. for $64,137. Time of completion 120 days. Wharf at the Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, awarded to Frederick Snare Corp. of New York City for $66,000. Time of completion 220 days. Improvement of berths 11 and 12 at the New York Navy Yard awarded to E.W. Foley Inc. of Brooklyn, N.Y. for $208,418. Time of completion 180 days. Emergency hospital and dispensary facilities: Emergency hospital buildings at the Naval Training Station and Naval Hospital, Newport, R.I. awarded to the Platt Contracting Co. of Cambridge, "ass. for 164,900. General Motors Laboratory - A representative of the Bureau of &R visited General Motors at Detroit on 16 November and spent the day with Dr. Kettering who was most cooperative. Considerable valuable information and general procedure was obtained concerning sound absorption for submarine engine compartments, fatigue testing of structures, instruments of precision, etc. S&A reports that the Department of Labor All Commodity Wholesale Price Index for 11 November 1939 was 79.3. Unchanged since 4 November report. -0- 1. REPORT TO THE SECRETARY 22 November 1939 Total Enlisted Strength, 21 November 1939 ... 121,992. Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,490 Other Reservists (" 17 " 210 Total ... 2,700 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) ... 271 Aggregate Discharges " 17 " 106 Net gain 165 Officers returned to duty, as of 22 November 1939: Line officers ... 249 Staff officers . . 86 Warrant officers 20 Total 355 Naval Reservists ordered to active durty for neutrality enforcement, as of 21 November: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instruction 150 150 78 District Patrol Planes 128 0 o Office, Naval Intelligence 100 51 51 Miscellaneous 292 158 102 Ens. and Lieuts. (jg) with Fleet200 200 91 Total officers 870 559 322 Men Dist. Patrol Planes 1,024 0 o Radio Intercept 120 52 52 Miscellaneous 1,606 335 335 Total men 2,750 387 387 Marine Corps, Total Enlisted Strength, 21 November . - 21,084 If If , Percentage of reenlistments, Nov. to date - 72.78. 2. 3. Bureau of Aeronautics, The Chief of Bureau, Rear Admiral Planers for armor plate work, Contracts have been Towers and the Congressional party which made an inspection awarded to the Consolidated Machine Tool Corporation, of the Corpus Christi area arrived at the "aval Air Station, General achinery Corporation and William Sellers & Co. Pensacola, Florida, yesterday. The Chief of Bureau is ex- Inc., for three planers, pit type, heavy duty, longi- pected to arrive in Washington today. The party had been tudinal and cross planing, one to each company for joined at Corpus Christi by the Honorable J.G. Scrugham and armor plate work in the building of battleships at the Commander A.E. Montgomery of the Bureau. Representative Navy Yards, Brooklyn and Philadelphia, These planers Scrugham and Commander Montgomery had conducted an in- cost $248,550.33 each. They are larger then any machines spection of the Boulder Dam lake with a view to determining of this type which have been heretofore built. The its use as el seaplane operating point. contracts were made with each of the three machine tool Bureau of Supplies end Accounts reports that confirmation builders as no one company is capable of building the has been received of earlier advice that SS SIRDHANA which three machines in one plant withing a ressonable delivery was sunk when outward bound from Singapore, had on board period. a quantity of teak decking intended for deliver to the Navy U.S.S. SEALION, date set for delivery, 27 November 1939. Yard, Puget Sound, for overheuling the USS TENNESSEE. U.S.S. TIPPECANCE, More Island Mavy Yard, ordered recom- Advice is locking as to the exact quantity of teak aboard missioned. this vessel. The quantity is estimated at about 40,000 U.S.S. YUKON, storeship of 4,980 tons, ordered re- to 50,000 feet. The contractor, Ichabod T. Williams commissioned. & Sons, has been called upon to expedite shipment of the SOSED, during the past week while the Director has been teak to replace that lost on board the SS SIRDHANA. on leave, Captain Baldwin has been acting Director. Captain Atkins has been primarily occupied with the King Board (Personnel). 4. Status of emergency temporary structures, 14th Naval District: Dry provision storehouse: Estimated date of opening bids - December 6th. Contract time for completion - 100 days Estimatec cost - $100,000. Cold Storage building and insulation: Opening of bids - December 6th Contract time of completion - 90 days Estimated cost - $200,000 Furnish and install cold storage machinery and equipment: Opening of bids - December 13th' Contract time of completion - 100 days Estimated cost - $90,000. Justice Department officials said they would appeal to the Supreme Court for ruling on a soldiers' reenlistment bonus question which may cost the Federal Government approximately $14,000,000. They seek a clarification on whether failure of Congress to appropriate funds for the bonus in 1938, and a declaration in the appropriations bill that none of the funds included therein should be used for the bonus. Relieves the Federal Government of an obligation included in the 1920 rmy Act. The U.S. Court of Claims sustained the 75.00 reenlistment bonus claim. Claims Court acted four days after claim had been refused by the New York Eastern Federal District Court. -0- Confiden REPORT TO THE SECRETARY 24 November 1939 Total Enlisted Strength, 22 November 1939 122,259 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,529 Other Reservists 17 " 11 " 210 Total 2,739 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 259 Aggregate Discharges " 11 " 31 Net Gain 228 Officers returned to Duty, as of 24 November 1939: Line officers 251 Staff Officers 86 Warrant Officers 20 Total 357 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement - no change since 22 November 1939 report. Marine Corps, Total Enlisted Strength, 22 November, 21, 162. SEALION (SS195) - The Electric Boat Co.has reported the SEALION as complete and ready for delivery on 27 Novem- ber, 1939. The Bureaus have recommended acceptance on that date. The contract delivery date was 1 February 1940. The SEALION design represents certain departures from previous submarines constructed by the Electric Boat Co. Also it is one of a program in which only two submarines were ordered from this company. in spite of these handicaps it has been found practicable to anticipate the delivery 2. 3. date by two months. encouraging news to Britains who during the past two Building Program - The Navy as of this date has days claimed to have seen "balloon" bombs splashing into 90 ships building in various yards. These include the sea from black Germen bambing planes, within view of 8 battleships, 2 aircraft carriers, 6 light cruisers, the shore and who feared that Hitler's much publicized 16 submarines, 30 destroyers, 16 auxiliaries, 5 sub- "secret wespon" had been unleashed upon then. New York marine chidders, end 8 motor boats. Times reported that the British cruiser BELFAST was London reports - British steamer, MANGALORE, 8,886 badly damaged, confirming en earlier report. She is of tons, reported sunk by a mine while at anchor today off the SOUTHAMPTON class and was said to be in the Firth of the east coast. This is the 25th victim off the British Forth. Isles in one week. There is much discussion in the Navy Shanghai, The fall of Nanning, Capital of Kwangsi Department as to whether ships have been sunk by floating province after four days of aerial and artillery bom- or stationary (planted) mines, or if perhaps the Cermans bardment which set large portions of the city ablaze, have not developed a magnetic mine placed at depths that was announced by the Japanese today. cannot be reached by the ordinary mine sweeping opera- USS COLE, ELLIS and BERNADOU reported to mid-Atlantic tions, end If magnetic wooden ships might not be used patrol for duty. for sweeping, towing steel rafts behind them. Naval USS HUMPHREYS and SANDS, reported for temporary duty authorities assured the British public today that they with the Special Service Squadron in connection with held means of combating "parachute" and "magnetic" mines neutrality patrol. which German flyers might have been sowing along the USS BLAKELY, reported for duty New England neutrali- British donst and ship channels, even in the estuary of ty patrol. The Themes near London. Spokesman said that the Admiralty USS RANGER, REUBEN JAMES, and FOX will visit Havana, had not been taken by surprise and that appropriate 30 November to 3 December 1939. counter measures already had been devised. It was 4. USS GOFF, reported having a turbine casualty and had gone to Navy Yard, Norfolk, for repairs. Commander of the Special Service Squadron in the CHARLESTON, will visit Galapogos Islands from 7 to 12 December, and Cocos Island, 13 December, returning to Canal Zone, 14 December. USS GUDGEON, submarine, keel laid at Navy Yard, Mare Island, 22 November. USS BEAR, Byrd Ahtarctic Expedition, expected to arrive Norfolk 0900 Saturday, 25 November. - SS MANGALORE - Further report from London said that it was believed the MANGALORE was the victim of mines dropped by a, German airplane during last Wednesday night's air alarm on the east coast of England. More than 200 mines were reported to have been washed ashore on the Yorkshire coast largely as a result of mine sowing by German submarines and airplanes. (U.P. report) British losses, Germans report that Britain has lost 9 capital ships and cruisess and "numerous des- troyers". Big ships sunk or put out of commission, it was said, include the COURAGEOUS, ARK ROYAL, ROYAL OAK, y REPULSE, HOOD, SOUTHAMPTON, EDINBURGH and MOHAWK and the famous training ship, IRON DUKE. REPORT TO THE SECRETARY 27 November 1939 Total Enlisted Strength, 25 November 1939 122,907 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,602 Other Reservists " " " 11 238 Total 2,840 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 504 Aggregate Discharges " " 11 98 Net Gain 406 Officers returned to Duty, as of 27 November 1939: Line officers 253 Staff officers 87 Warrant officers 23 Total 363 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement, as of 24 November: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Merch Marine NR-Afloat 100 O o Aviation Instruction 150 150 78 District Patrol Planes 128 O 0 Office, Naval Intelligence 100 55 53 Miscellaneous 192 160 105 Ens.and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet200 200 93 Total Officers 870 565 329 MEN Dist Patrol Planes 1,024 o 0 Radio Intercept 120 54 54 Miscellaneous 1,606 336 336 Total Men 2,750 390 390 Marine Corps, Total Enlisted Strength 29 November 1939: 21,292 3. Recruiting Activities for week ending 24 November, 1939 Merchant Marine Reserve of the rank of Lieutenant and be- Number of applicants accepted for first enlistment: 762 low on a voluntary basis to active duty with pay and Number or first enlistments: 731 allowances for the duration of the limited emergency not Number of reenlistments(3 mo. continuous service: 45 to exceed one year with vessels of the auxiliary and naval Nunber of reenlistments under broken service: 60 transportation service. There is an indicated need at Total enlistments: 836 this time for approximately 65 such officers to avoid the BuAero reports - The Consolidated Aircraft Corp. of Recessity of ordering officers of the regular line from n Diego has been asked by the British Government to make the U.S.Fleet to recommissioned vessels of the above types. quotation on one hundred J.S.Navy type PBY-4 twin engine This plan will accomplish the very desirable purposes of ying boats. Consolidated Corporation has also been asked stabilizing the regular officer personnel in the junior make quotations on thirty of the same type for the grades. for combatant vessels of the U.S.Fleet and of pro- ench Government. It is understood that the Consolidated viding training with pay for officers of the Merchant rp. has made quotations based upon the foreign govern- Marine Reserve who have. been thrown out of employment by nts bearing the entire cost of necessary expansion of repeal of the Arms Embargo. From the initial class of 20 e plant to accomplish the work. This to be done-without Merchant Marino Reserve officers which commences training terference with any orders, present or future, for the on the USS SEATTLE on 4 December, it is expected that S.Navy and Army. London reports Joan Monnet, French those officers whose records at the school are most satis- nancial expert, was appointed on 26 November by the factory will be given preference for assignment to duty as emiers of Britain and France as Chairman of an Allied indicated above. ordinating Committee to deal with purchases of armaments Reserve Junior Officers - Present indications with d aircraft in the 0. S. and Canadae Merchant Marine Reserve, Chief of BuNavy has been 94 already ordered to active duty with the Fleet after thorized to order not more than 100 officers of the approximately one month are that perhaps a maximm of 150 4. - only will be procured by 1 March. 200 are authorized. USS BEAR - Sailed from Norfolk 26 November. USS YARNALL - Floated 25 November at 2030, and towed to Norfolk. Both anchors were lost on grounding broad- side to in 8 feet of water three miles west of Cape Henry. No water taken aboard. Two men washed overboard from small boat alongside when she floated are apprently not seriously injured. There were no other casualties. USS EVANS, MAC LEISH, MECORMICK, OVERTON, PHILIP, TWIGGS and WICKES sailed from San Diego 25 November, to - join Atlantic Squadron. BUCHANAN, CROWNINSHIELD, HALE LEA, and AARON WARD sailed 27 November. All are priority I ships recently recommissioned. USS LAWRENCE and KING - Reported Commander Atlantic Squadron and assigned to Guantanamo. USS ROPER - Transferred from Norfolk to Key West. BuY&D - Following contract awards have been made: Structural steelwork for the tower section of the Naval Medical Center, Washington, D.C., awarded to the American Bridge Co. of Baltimore, Md. for $169,233.00. Time of completion. 200 calendar days. Preparation of Floating YFD-2 Dock for towing, at Naval Station, New Orleans, La., awarded to Todd John- son Drydocks, Inc., New Orleans, La., for $163,800.00 Time of completion 60 days. REPORT TO THE SECRETARY 28 November 1939 Total Enlisted Strength, 27 November 123,104 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2622 Other Reservists IT " " " 238 Total 2860 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 260 Aggregate Discharges If 17 " 83 Net Gain 177 Officers returned to duty, as of 28 November 1939: Line officers 257 Staff officers ..... 88 Warrant officers 24 Total 369 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement, as of 27 November: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Merch.Marine NR-Afloat 100 3 3 Aviation Instruction 150 150 78 District Patrol Planes 128 0 o Office, Naval Intelligence 100 56 55 Miscellaneous 192 157 107 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 95 Total officers 870 566 338 Men District Patrol Planes 1024 o O Radio Intercept 120 54 54 Miscelleneous 1606 336 336 Total men 2750 390 390 2. 3. BuS&A, reports the Department of Labor All Com- December. Guantanamo Base destroyer will escort her on modity Sholesale Price Index for 18 November 1939 was to the Cenal Zone. This is a safety precaution to keep 79.1 as compared with the low for this fiscal year on the SAURY from being a target of ships operating in the 19 August 1969 of 74.6. Price index down .2 since last Atlantic. report, 11 November. Engineering Duty Only - The report of the Board Waukesha Motor Company, Waukesha, Wisconsin, re- to Select Officers for Engineering Duty Only has been ports shop employees struck beginning 10 November. They approved. The following officers were nominated: All are constructing one experimental engine for the Bureau Lieutenant Commanders, Drischler, Burris, Forsyth, Latrobe and Schreiner. of Engineering. USS CHAUMONT - Transport, will be under overhaul Appropriations - The House Sub-committee on Appro- Navy Yard, Norfolk, from 4 December, 1939, to 6 February, priations are convening today and holding hearings on 1940. emergency and supplemental appropriations (extra man Sub-committee of the Naval Affairs Committee - which power, etc.). recently made a trip of inspection to Pensacola, New USS DENEBOLA - will be overhauled in private yard Orleans and Corpus Christi, appeared most favorably in- due to the present shipbuilding program and lack of space in Navy Yard, Philadelphia. pressed with the recently completed additional facilities at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, with the further USS GANNET - Arriving Key West today. USS ELLIS and BERNADOU - Shifted from Norfolk to expansion now under way, and with the manner in which the Charleston to replace the GREER and the UPSHUR. GREER station is being operated. While in New Orleans, the Committee visited the Naval Station and went aboard the and UPSHUR will proceed to Norfolk. floating drydock. The efforts of local civic officials USS LEARY - Detailed to escort the submarine and Congressman Fernandez to convince members of the un- SAURY from Newport to Quantanamo, reporting there 4 desirability of taking the drydock away did not seem 4. to make much of an impression. All members of the committee seemed to regard Corpus Christi as a very suitable place for an additional aviation training station. Most, if not all, of the members appeared doubtful as to the need for such a station at this time. Co-ordinator of Allied Aircraft Procurement in U.S Jean Monnet, visited Washington in the autumn of 1938, and arranged the first contract for aircraft for the French government. He co-operated in every possible way with all U.S.Goverment departments concerned, reports Admiral Towers, Chief of Bureau of Aeronautics. The lack of co-operation in the recent past between the French and British Governments on procurement in the U.S. has been a matter of serious concern to both the Air Corps of the Army and the Bureau of Aeronautics in that it was difficult to keep track of what was going.on and it appeared that the French practice of ordering large numbers of engines for installation in aircraft built in France, if continued, would develop a lopsided industry in this country. At last accounts a situation existed where the British were highly desirous of placing additional large orders for complete aircraft but were confronted with a situation where, although the air- craft manufacturers were capable of producing the air- craft, the engine manufacturers could not produce the engines in time because of the large French orders for engines alone. It is believed that the appointment of Mr. Monnet was the result of informal conversations between the British Ambassador to Washington and the Chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics. REPORT TO THE SECRETARY 29 November 1939 Yile Read Total Enlisted Strength, 28 November 123,368 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty. 2,633 Other Reservists " " If If 238 Total 2,871 Aggregate Enlistments (Last 24 hours) 269 Aggregate Discharges " " " 116 Net Gain 153 Retired officers returned to duty, 29 November, 1939: Line officers 259 Staff officers 89 Warrant officers 24 Total 372 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement, as of 28 November: Officers Number Number Number Allowed Obligated Ordered Merch. Marine 100 3 3 Aviation Inst. 150 150 78 Dist. Patrol Planes 128 0 o Naval Intelligence 100 57 55 Miscellaneous 192 159 107 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 93 Total Officers 870 569 336 Men, No change since 28 November report. Marine Corps, Total enlisted strength, 28 November: 21,385 2. 3. British Admiralty, Announced the following regulations Merchent Marine, In connection with ordering Merchant concerning Firth of Forth, Scotland: Until further Marine Reserve Officers of the rank of Lieutenant and notice anchorage or passage of all merchant vessels below to auxiliary vessels end the Naval Transportation end small craft is absolutely prohibited in specified Service a careful check is being made with the Maritime areas. The channel south of Inchkeith is closed. Commission and the Department of Commerce in order to Vessels disregarding the warning as given do DO at determine those factors of eligibility and desirability their own peril. which the very limited official records of the Bureau Lieut. Y. ... Howe, Jr. reported on 27 November as of Navigation do not indicate. This was deemed advis- assistant to the Superintending Constructor, Stamford, able in view of the fact that in verifying the identity Conn. Lt. Rowe is an expert on small boats and will of applicants for the Merchant Marine Reserve from assist Lt. Hoyt on submarine chaser PC449 and it is Merchant Marine Officers, the records of the F.B.I. also intended to use him on the new construction at indicated that there were several who had prison Bayonne, Electric Launch Company. records. Careful liason is being maintained with the Nanning, China, U.P. reports Chinese are said to be Department of Commerce and the Maritime Commission withstanding the attacks of Japanese troops. Heavy with respect to deserving officers thrown out of em- fighting still going on around Manning. ployment by the repeal of the Arms Embargo. Their U.S.S. SACRAMENTO, decommissioned. status in connection with the Maritime Commission, Chief of Naval Operations has approved the recommen- their ships and records on which their licenses are dations of the General Board regarding allocation issued by the Department of Commerce, are carefully of ships in various classes and recommends their scrutinized. findings for planning purposes end further study. SOSED Reports, Proposals for the proprietary purchase of 23 Scott-Paine motor boats were sent to Mr. Sutphin 4. on 24 November 1939. No bids have as yet been re- ceived, but are expected any moment. Inspector of Naval Material, Pittsburgh District, reported to the Chief of the Bureau of Construction and Repair, on 27 November 1939, that the employees of the Stahl Gear and Machine Company have been on strike since 12 October 1939, and that no settlement is as yet foreseen. Emergency Construction in connection with Neutrality Program: MARINE CORPS FACILITIES Date of Bid Time of Project Location Opening Completion Storehouses San Diego 11-28 90 or 120 days Encampment for two Battalions San Diego 12-12 120 or 150 days Encampment for one Battalion Parris Isl. 12-4 105- or 120 days Encampment for one Battalion Pearl Hbr. 11-29 90 days Storehouse quantico 12-6 60 or 90 days STORAGE FACILITIES Provision Store- house Pearl Harbor 12-13 150 days Cold Storage Building Pearl Harbor 12-13 120 days Refrigerating Ma- chinery and Equip- ment for Cold Storage Building Pearl Harbor 12-13. 120 days candentia REPORT TO THE SECRETARY yile 30 November 1939 X Total Enlisted Strength, 29 November 123,463 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty..2,633 Other Reservists " ii " If 238 Total 2,871 Aggregate Enlistments (Last 24 hours) 307 Aggregate Discharges = 11 11 112 Net Gain 195 Retired officers returned to duty, no change since 29 November report. Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement, as of 29 November: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Merch. Marine 100 3 3 Aviation Inst. 150 150 78 Dist. Patrol Planes 128 o O Naval Intelligence 100 57 55 Miscellaneous 192 161 110 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 93 Total. Officers 870 571 339 Men Dist. Patrol Planes 1024 o o Radio Intercept 120 54 54 Miscellaneous 1606 336 336 Total Men 2750 390 390 3. Marine Corps, total enlisted strength, 29 November: to fuel and prepare to proceed to assist the REUBEN 21,523 JAMES, bearing 268 from Lobos Cay Light. Percentage of reenlistments for November to date, 75.89. U.S.S. PLATTE, to be delivered by the Maritime Com- This compares with 39.55 percent reenlistments for the mission to the Commandant, Navy Yard, Norfolk, last fiscal year. It is interesting to note that in and to be commissioned on 1 December 1939. The the higher pay grades (Sgt. Major, 1st Sgt., etc.) PLATTE is a new tanker. reenlistments run 100 percent while in the lowest U.S.S. GANNET and Pat Wing 53, transferred to Key pay grade for October reenlistments ran only 26 per- West. cent. This is no doubt due to the better employment U.S.S. DUPONT, assigned to Middle Atlantic Patrol. conditions existing in civilien life, and the ability She is the last of the Priority I destroyers on the of privates at the end of first enlistments being East Coast to report for duty. She will be based able to secure more money outside the service. The at either Norfolk or Charleston. Marine Corps, however, expects to reach their full Navy Department has been informed that the DANMARK, allowed complement of 25,000 enlisted personnel by training ship, is due to arrive in Puerto Rico on February 1, 1940. or about 10 December for a visit of a few days. U.S.S. REUBEN JAMES, went aground eighteen miles west The DANMARK also proposes to cell at Jacksonville, of Lobos Cay, off the coast of Cuba, in the Old Florida, early in the new year. She is a full Behama Channel. Message received 0635 today. She rigged ship with a small auxiliary Diesel engine. was en route from Quantenemo to Key West. The Bureau of C. &R. Radio Direction Finder Facilities RANGER and the FOX are standing by. The MONTCAIM, Practically all funds under this item have been tug from Quantanamo, will be ready to proceed at allotted and work is under way by Yard Labor with noon today. The LAPWING and GANNET have been ordered the exception of San Diego, where the work will be accomplished under contract. The specifica- tion for this project should open in the near future. DD70 (Ex-CRAVEN), renamed CONWAY. DD185 (Ex-BAGLEY), renamed DORAN. Maritime Commission, announces that its training ship, the AMERICAN SEAMAN, will make a winter cruise with 250 apprentice seamen to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands next month. Russo-Finnish War, Russia attacked Finland today on land, sea, and in the air, bombing Helsingfors. The Russian fleet was reported to have passed Hoagland Island headed for Helsingfors. It was later reported that this fleet had been sighted off Helsingfors. Oslo, Norway, Two British cruisers and one damaged British submarine have put in to port near Stavanger. Warships pleaded necessity of entering a neutral port because of stress of weather damage. Later report, unconfirmed, stated that ships had been damaged in battle with German planes while convoying merchant ships. Confider REPORT TO THE SECRETARY 1 December 1939 Jul I teanfix Total Enlisted Strength, 30 November 123,553 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,674 Other Reservists If If IT 17 238 Total 2,912 Aggregate Enlistments (Last 24 hours) 172 Aggregate Discharges " If " 123 Net Gain 49 Retired officers returned to duty as of 1 December: Line Officers 259 Staff Officers 89 Warrant Officers 25 Total 373 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for neutrality enforcement, as of 30 November: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Inst. 150 150 78 Dist. Patrol Planes 128 0 O Naval Intelligence 100 57 55 Miscellaneous 192 163 111 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 98 Merchant Marine 100 3 3 Total Officers 870 573 345 Men Dist. Patrol Planes 1024 0 0 Radio Intercept 120 54 54 Miscellaneous 1606 337 337 Total Men 2750 391 391 3. Bureau S & A reports the Department of Labor all A total of 7 officers of the Merchant Marine Reserve commodity price index for 25 November was 79.0, off have already been issued orders. .1 from the previous week. U.S.S. REUBEN JAMES, was floated at eleven o'clock Contract has been made with the United Aircraft Cor- this morning and is able to proceed under own convoy poration, Vought-Sikorsky Division, for 100 Airplanes to Charleston. She hed remained on an even keel, and 45 Landing Gears in the amount of $2,576,677.50. pumping oil overboard from forward. All torpedoes Contract has been made with Edo Aircraft Corporation had been removed. 011 was used to reduce sea and for 75 sets of Landing Gears in the amount of motion, wind about 22 knots. Several frames in $493,261.25. vicinity of frame 90, Number 2 fireroom, badly Naval Reserve, letters are being received from the buckled. Apparently no water taken aboard, sea rough officials of the National Association of Masters, and only one boiler was in use while grounded. Due Mates, and Pilots requesting that Merchant Marine to grounding, arrival at Havana of RANGER and destroyers Officers and men thrown out of employment as a result indefinite. of the new neutrality law be assigned to duty with U.S.S. GOLDSBOROUGH, at the Philedelphia Havy Yard the Havy. Such letters have been acknowledged with ordered recommissioned for Patrol Duty. the statement that authorization has already been Department of Commerce, reports that because of the granted to Commendents to proceed with the procure- Arms Embargo, U.S. firms exported only 3,024,668 ment of applications from the Merchant Marine Officers worth of airplanes, airplano engines, and parts during who are members of the Naval Reserve. Others are of October. This sum represented a decline of 62 percent course not eligible for this duty. lio authorization from September and 39 percent from October of last has been granted for ordering enlisted nen of the year, in airplane engines and parts. Merchant Marine Reserve to active duty with the Navy. 4. German Mines, according to UP reports, informed sources here have received reports that British Naval Officials have recovered several of the German "mystery" mines and found them to be of an acoustic magnetic type. Mines are said to be double chambered with powerful explosives that can be detonated by the magnetic attraction of a ship's hull or by the noise of a propeller. Responsible sources said that the mines were placed deeply below the surface and that actual contact by a ship was unnecessary to explode them. They explained that the acoustic and magnetic devices set off the firing apparatus, and that the force of the explosion below the water was sufficient to wreck a ship. Mines were said to have been laid originally by submarines, but that susceptibility of their steel hulls to explosion prevents their returning to the area. Replacements are being made by. aircraft on a lesser scale. Greatest depth at which one of the mines has been reported is 148 feet. Soviet-Finnish War, Russians continued to bomb Hel- singfors, but apparently no attempt has yet been made to follow up the attack with invasion.