Navy - Reports & Bulletins, April - September 1940

Navy Reports: April-Sep. 1940 Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 1 APRIL 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 30 March 135,760 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty .... 2,891 Other Reservists " 972 Total 3,863 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 111 Aggregate Discharges 95 Net Increase 16 Retired Officers, returned to active duty as of 1 pril: Line Officers 303 Staff officers 100 Warrant officers 32 Total 435 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 30 March: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 66 District Patrol Planes 128 o o Naval Intelligence 100 62 61 Miscellaneous. 192 184 162 Ens. and Lieuts. (jg) di with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. (D-V(G) 100 100 88 Total Officers 870 696 489 Men District Patrol Planes 340. 340 340 Communications 120 75 75 Miscelleneous 900 895 671 Total men 1360 1310 1086 3. 2. The turbine was stopped, thorough investigation made of New Commissionings, The following vessels, it is expected, bearings and again operated up to speeds of approximately will be placed in commission during April and early May: 19 knots. The rumbling noise was no longer in evidence, USS WAINWRIGHT (DD419), 15 April. although a clicking noise accompanied by some vibration USS WALKE (DD416), 15 April persisted. This casualty seems to be almost identical to USS WASP, Aircraft Carrier, 30 April the two casualties on the HUGHES and HAMMANN. The Bureau USS DIXIE, Destroyer Tender, 1 May of Engineering is requesting Chief of Naval Operations to USS SEAWOLF, Shakedown cruise will include departure order SIMS to Navy Yard, Boston, for examination of tur- Portsmouth 12 April, receive torpedoes at Newport, receive bine. The SIMS is now in an extended guarantee period. ammunition at New York, and touch at Galveston, Tampa, PT6 for Finland, Commander Carney is returning to New Corpus Christi, Coco Solo, C.Z., Annapolis, and New York, Orlans for standardization trials 3 April. Boat will be before returning to Newport 20 June, 1940. delivered to Finns between 6 and 9 April. Submerine Rescue Chamber, an experimental design of a mes- Steel Contracts, have been made with the Carnegie Illinois senger buoy as a means for utilizing subm ine rescue Steel Company and the Allen Wood Iron and Steel Company chamber without services of a diver has been developed for steel plates, sheets, strips, angles, etc., both and will be installed on USS SEADRAGON the latter part black and galvanized, under which steel may be ordered of April. within the dimensions, specifications, etc., for all USS SIMS (DD409), casualty to starboard I.P. turbine, purposes - ship repair, ship construction and stock - to (previously reported) occurred while operating at 15 knots meet each and every need during the period for 1 April according to a telephonic report received from the Com- 1940 to 30 September 1940. The value of the steel re- mmanding Officer. A heavy rumble accompanied by consider- quirements within the categories included in the contract able vibration developed. This continued for a short with the Carnegie Illinois Steel Company is estimated at period after which the rumbling and vibration died away. about $470,000.00. The Allen Wood Iron and Steel Company contract is estimated at about $200,000.00. These con- tracts reflect a change in the method of procuring steel from the previous method of making independent contracts for steel for each vessel or group of vessels of the same design or type and still other contracts for the regular stock requirements. These blanket contracts are designed to provide quick means of ordering steel as need arises and because of the volume it is expected that shipments can be so planned to receive the benefits of the lowest available transportation rates. USS AUGUSTA (CA31) Dispatches have been received stat- ing that the USS AUGUSTA sideswiped an uncharted pinnacle on 25 March and damaged her starboard propeller beyond repair, broke forward skeg casting and damaged rudder. Vessel is in dry dock at Olongapo. Propeller being replaced by spare and other damage being repaired by welding. Estimated date of completed, 15 April. Bureau of Yards and Docks, announces the following award: Bachelor Officers' Quarters at the Naval Air Station Alameda, Calif. awarded to M.H. Golden of San Diego, Calif. for $357,880. Time of completion 300 days. Confidental SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 2 April 1940 2nd Total Enlisted Strength, 1 April 135,913 OS lo Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,891 ni Other Reservists 11 If If If 972 ILLW SIXIG JI to Total 3,863 to of Aggregate Enlistments (last 48 hours) 188 od 10 Aggregate Discharges If If If 33 Net Increase 155 ASI Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 2 April: To Line Officers 303 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 32 J1 Total 435 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of. neutrality patrol as of 1 April: JI Number Number Number Officers to Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 66 District Patrol Planes 128 0 0 Naval Intelligence 100 62 61 Miscellaneous 192 184 162 Ens. and Lieuts. (jg) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 88 Total Officers 870 696 489 Men. District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 75 75 Miscellaneous 900 895 671 Total Men 1360 1310 1086 2. Marine Battalion, for Hawaii sails from Norfolk on U.S.S. K. made: CHAUMONT, 4 April. Temporary Ward Buildings at the Naval Hospital, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, awarded to the Pacific Construction U.S.S. DIXIE, (destroyer tender), made a top speed of 20 Company of Honolulu, for $76,494. Time of completion, 90 days. knots in her successful trials, which is well in excess Completion of Hangars at the Naval Reserve Aviation of contract requirements. It is thought DIXIE will be Base, Squantum, Massachusetts, awarded to Grande and Volpe, Inc., of Malden, Massachusetts, for $203,000. able to take care of three squadrons of destroyers, which Time of completion, 150 days. is in excess of any destroyer tender the Navy has up to Nine senior officers' quarters at the Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida, awarded to the S.S. Jacobs Com- the present. DIXIE is designed to maintain a fleet speed pany, of Jacksonville, Florida, for $115,950. Time of completion, 180 days. of 163 knots. Power requirements were easily made. De- Gasoline Storage and Distribution System, at the Naval livery of ship is 5 months ahead of contract, completion Air Station, Banana River, Brevard Co., Florida, awar- ded to Aqua Systems, Inc., 2443 Third Avenue, New York, date being 27 October. N. Y., under item 1, for the sum of $32,832. Time of completion, 100 calendar days. To attend Army maneuvers, in the South, it has been pro- U.S.S. HUGHES, (DD410), built by Bath Iron Works, and posed that 2 naval officers and 2 marine officers be equipped with Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Com- detailed. It is probable these officers will be sent. pany turbines, conducted final trials on 19 March 1940. Naval Reserve division, in the Office of Chief of Naval During the trials a slight vibration was noted on the Operations will probably be approved by letter today. after engine - believed to have béen caused by the after Bureau of Yards and Docks: Number of Amount of I.P. turbine. Upon opening the after I.P. turbine for Contracts Contracts July 1 to February 29 385 $81,119,082.64 post-trial examination it was revealed that the shroud- March 66 7,231,340.34 ing from six blades, 15th row, had been thrown. The Total fiscal year, 451 $88,350,422.98 turbine rotor is being returned to the Westinghouse July 1 to March 31 Electric & Manufacturing Company for repairs. It is The following Yards and Docks contract awards have been estimated that 15 days will be required by the Westing- .4. house Company to effect repairs after receipt of the rotor at their plant. It is considered that repairs to this of turbine are Contractor's responsibility and are being so 00 handled by this Division. This failure occurred during to the regular 6-months' guarantee period. 20 U.S.S. HAMMANN (DD412), before reporting for duty in U.S. Fleet will have test torpedo firings at Newport. She will depart Newport 4 May and proceed to San Diego via Norfolk, Guantanamo, and the Canal Zone. It is expected MUSTIN (DD413) and ROWAN (DD405) will be ready to depart Norfolk Бод on to 7 May and if ready it is desired that the HAMMANN- pro- ODI ceed in company with them. (OIACC) Present dates, on the following ships include: Expected to Ship Report Cincus ANDERSON (DD411) 23 April HAMMANN (DD412) 14 May HUGHES (DD410) 20 May MUSTIN (DD413) 14 May RUSSELL (DD414) 29 May O'BRIEN (DD415) 15 October WALKE (DD416) 1 December. twords U.S. Fleet, left the West Coast in two waves, one yes- terday sriT and one today, bad for Pearl Harbor and Fleet Prob- et lem 21. at JI Hawaiian Detachment, will be commanded by Commander Scouting Force. COANT REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 3 April 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 2 April yils 136,005 (EASUA) Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,891 Other Reservists If If 11 If 972 Total 3,863 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 188 Aggregate Discharges If IT If 96 Net Increase 92 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 3 April: Line Officers 303 Staff Officers 101 Warrant Officers 32 Total 436 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 2 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 65 District Patrol Planes 128 : O 0 Naval Intelligence 100 62 59 Miscellaneous 192 185 178 Ens. and Lieuts. (jg) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 88 Total Officers 870 697 502 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 75 75 Miscellaneous 900 895 671 Total Men 1360 1310 1086 2. 3. U.S.S. WALKE (DD416), commissioning date is deferred Kern Lawrence Willingham, aviation chief metalsmith, U.S. from 15 April to 27 April. Navy and Pete Delfatti, aviation machinist's mate, 3rd U.S.S. NOA (DD343), was placed in full commission at class. Willingham, naval aviation pilot, was in charge. Navy Yard, Philadelphia, on 1 April. Both were attached to the Naval Air Base, Norfolk, Va. U.S.S. SIRIUS (cargo ship), will be delayed about five Keel of GRENADIER (SS210), was laid at the Navy Yard, months in joining the U.S. Fleet due to defective cruis- Portsmouth, N. H., on 2 April. SBI ing turbine. Comdesron 36, upon reporting to the Atlantic Squadron in Bureau S. & A., awarded a contract to the Westinghouse the SHUBRICK (DD268) will proceed to the West Gulf with Electric and Manufacturing Company for hydraulic ele- the McCLANAHAN, AULICK, SWASEY, and MEADE. On arrival at vators in the amount of $307,493.64. Also awarded a Galveston he will assume command of the West Gulf Patrol, contract to the United Aircraft Corporation, East Hart- vice Comdesdiv 73. Comdesdiv 71 in the LAUB with the ford, Conn., for aircraft Engines totalling $245,569.02. EDWARDS will proceed to the Caribbean Patrol. The THATCHER Bureau Y. & D., awarded a contract for completion of (DD162) will proceed to Newport via Guantanamo and report hangar at the Naval Air Station, Quonset Point, R.I., to Comdesron 41 for duty with the New England Patrol. to James S. Mossicato, Medford, Mass., for the sum of U.S.S. DENEBOLA (destroyer tender) is authorized to be $212,100. Time: 150 calendar days, except that all work placed in full commission at Baltimore on or about 6 in connection with hangar door tracks shall be completed April, on completion of the present work in connection within 90 calendar days. Also awarded a contract for with fitting out. DENEBOLA expected to arrive Naval personnel buildings at the Naval Air Station, Tongue Operating Base, Norfolk, on 9 April, where she will load Point, Oregon, to the Western Construction Co., Seattle, stores and go to Philadelphia for necessary Navy Yard Wash., for $279,350. Time,270 calendar days. work. When ready for sea, about 24 April, she will re- Plane crash, this morning near Norfolk, Virginia, killed port to Cincus for duty in the Atlantic Squadron. 4. Admiral Robinson, told the House Naval Affairs Committee that shipbuilders are reluctant to bid on battleship contracts because changing specifications offer the con- stant threat of a loss if the original amount of the con- tract is maintained. This reluctance is heightened by the statute limiting profits on such contracts to 10%. Robinson appealed to urge recommendation of a Senate approved bill to permit shipbuilders to apply losses and profits less than 10% to any excess profit that is made during the next four years. Admiral Robinson poin- ted out that construction of aircraft carriers is almost always carried out with a net loss. U.S.S. EBERLE (DD430) is scheduled to be launched at the Bath Iron Works on 5 October. Field Marshal Hermann Goering, in addressing German youth said that as Germany struck in Poland, so would she strike against the Allies when the time comes, "to show that Germany is determined to put an end to the war", and that the decisive blow would come in the West. British Cabinet, Changes were expected by informed sources to be revealed almost momentarily. They fore- cast that Churchill would be placed in a new position similar to the Chairmanship of a British Council of Defense. Confidential REPORT SECRETARY OF THE Jile NAVY 4 April 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 3 April 136,062 binl (8022) Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,884 LimA ,treet Other Reservists If If If 11 983 .th to Total 3,867 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 105 ItaqA 8 TIA Isvelli Aggregate Discharges If If If 52 Increase 53 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 4 April: To Line Officers 303 Staff Officers 101 Warrant Officers 32 Total 436 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 3 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 65 District Patrol Planes 128 o o Naval Intelligence 100 62 59 Miscellaneous 192 185 178 Ens. and Lieuts. (jg) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D V(G) 100 88 Total Officers 870 697 502 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 75 75 Miscellaneous 900 895 671 Total Men 1360 1310 1086 2. 3. U.S.S. SAN DIEGO (light cruiser 53), keel was laid at Bureau of Yards and Docks, announces the following con- Quincy, Mass., 27 March 1940. tract award: Kitchen and refrigerating equipment at the U.S.S. GRAYBACK (SS208), keel was laid at Groton, Conn- Naval Air Station, Alameda, California, awarded to Emil (betatine) ecticut, Electric Boat Company plant, on 3 April. Brown and Company of Los Angeles, California, for The Acting Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Compton, inspected $53,947.52. Time of completion, 150 days. the Naval Academy at Annapolis yesterday and will fly to U.S. Antarctic Service, West Base Station NUW, was placed Pensacola to inspect the Naval Air Station on 8 April. in full operating commission on 3 April. U.S.S. SIMS (DD409), was ordered to the Navy Yard, Boston, Flagship Change, On completion of present Navy Yard over- and the starboard intermediate pressure turbine was open- haul about 28 May, the Commander Atlantic Squadron will to of ed, due to vibration, on 2 April, in the presence of rep- shift his flag and administration from the NEW YORK to EOE resentatives of the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing the TEXAS. From the date that this shift is completed Company, the Bath Iron Worka, the Navy Yard, Boston, and TEXAS is assigned as the regular flagship of the Atlantic the Bureau of Engineering. Upon opening it was discovered Squadron, vice the NEW YORK. that a foreign body had entered this turbine and had Naval Communications, has recently completed a new cipher damaged the impulse blading. No damage of any kind had for merchant vessels. A test message has been sent out been suffered by the reaction blading. The damage to to be replied to by letter. the impulse blading is of such a nature that it can be U.S.S. CROSBY (DD164), collided with the fishing vessel repaired SIL without renewal of blading. The Navy Yard es- LONE EAGLE, 51 gross tons, of Gig Harbor, Washington. timated that about ten days would be required to effect Vessel sank at once with nothing salvaged. The crew of 7 the necessary repairs. This casualty is not considered were rescued with no injuries to them or to the personnel to be ONE contractor's responsibility. SIMS will renew her of the CROSBY. No apparent damage was done to the CROSBY schedule (previously reported) when repairs are completed. which is proceeding to San Pedro to land the crew. Into? 4. Communications, Since being mobilized the outgoing words from the Navy Department have averaged 5,010 words between 25 March and 2 April, against 10,170 words during the per- iod 1-24 March. This decrease relieves the fleet of ad- ministrative traffic which interferes with fleet problem. Cooperation of the Navy Department has been excellent. U.S.S. DAHLGREN, experimental engineering ship with high pressure steam of 1300 pounds, safety valves set at 1800 pounds, is at the Navy Yard, Washington, and took inter- ested officials out today. Pan American 4-Engine flying boat, is being demonstrated to Government officials today. This plane is equipped for stratosphere flying with a supercharged cabin. Admiral Towers represented the Navy Department at demonstration. Midshipmen's two Cruise, schedule, aboard three battleships, TEXAS, flagship; ARKANSAS and NEW YORK, of the Atlantic Squadron, has been announced. 1100 members of the Second and Fourth Classes will make the cruise under command of Rear to Admiral Hayne Ellis, Commander, Atlantic Squadron. The itinerary, of eleven weeks duration, includes the following of ports of call: Colon, C.Z.; La Guaira, Ven.; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Guantanamo; Hampton Roads; New York; and return to Annapolis. Confidential Tile. THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 5 April 1940 confidential Total Enlisted Strength, 4 April 136,123 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,883 Other Reservists If If If If 986 Total 3,869 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 169 Aggregate Discharges 11 " If 110 Increase 59 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 5. April: Line Officers 303 Staff Officers 101 Warrant Officers 31 Total 435 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 4 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 65 District Patrol Planes 128 0 0 Naval Intelligence 100 62 59 Miscellaneous 192 185 178 Ens. and Lieuts. (jg) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 88 Total Officers 870 697 502 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 75 75 Miscellaneous 900 895 671 Total Men 1360 1310 1086 2. 13. U.S.S. LAUB, AULICK, EDWARDS, McLANAHAN, MEADE, SHUBRICK, Communication, with the Antarctic Expedition has been SWASEY, and THATCHER, reported to Commander Atlantic maintained excellently at all times by the Navy. Squadron for duty on 4 April. U.S.S. DAHLGREN, made a trip yesterday down the Potomac Army Maneuvers, will be observed and reviewed as follows: with observers of high pressure boiler. The acting Sec- Capt. R.A. Theobald ) at Fort Benning, 14-27 April retary of the Navy, Mr. Compton, members of the General Capt. P.H. Bastedo ) Board, and Admiral Robinson were on board. Another trip Capt. R.A. Theobald ) Comdr. F.P. Sherman ) Camp Beauregard, La., May 11-25 for Navy Department officials is scheduled for today. OIL Major C.C. Brown ) Major R. McC.. Pate Fort Benning, 8-27 April S. & A. Reports, All Commodity Price Index for 30 March ) was 77.9, unchanged since a week ago. Col. C.D. Barrett ) Col. H.L. Larsen Camp Beauregard, La., May 6-25 Sunspots, have upset the whole radio system, occurring the Selection Board, Medical Corps, will convene at the Navy last two week ends. At both times Navy communications Department on 15 April 1940, or as soon thereafter as were affected, mostly on high frequency. practicable to recommend officers for advancement who are Society of Naval Engineers, will hold their annual dinner eligible for promotion to assume the ranks of lieutenant tonight, at the Willard Hotel with 1,000 members and their commander and lieutenant, guesta attending. 1,600 would probably have attended if PT6, in her demonstration trials off New Orleans carried there had been accommodations for them. Capt. Henry away connecting rod on Packard engine while operating Williams (c.c.), President of the organization will pre- at full speed. Finnish government will no doubt reject side. Admiral Stark will give one of the principle the engine and shipping date has been cancelled. It is addresses. probable the Navy Department will reject these engines U.S.S. McLEISH, will depart from Guantenamo today, ar- too, probably taking them out of the boats at Detroit riving Cienfuegos 6 April. Vessel will attend ceremonies and sending them back to the factory. of carnival at request of Cuban authorities, leaving Cienfuegos 8 April and arriving Guantanamo 9 April. 4. Budget Hearings, will be held 9 April at 10:30 A.M. by the Senate Subcommittee on Naval Affairs. Admiral Moreell will testify on shipbuilding facilities item. These hearings will include the change in limit of cost of the Naval Medical Center. The Navy bill has not yet been marked up in this committee, but will be early next week, and might conceivably be on the floor by the end of next week. S.S. KING EDWARD, sent out an SOS on 30 March reporting a broken steering gear. She was offered assistance by the Coast Guard but the master stated at that time none was desired as tûg was coming to her assistance from shore. Tug left Halifax and has not arrived as yet, being hove to in a south gale. This morning U.S.C.G. Cutter SPENCER, 400 miles from KING EDWARD, received message requesting vessels in vicinity to stand by. SPENCER is heading for position of distressed vessel. Further action on the part of the Coast Guard depends on adequate available assistance. Merchant Marine Naval Reserve, Selection Board report. recommending advancement of 8. officers to the grade of Commander has been approved by the Acting Secretary of the Navy. Confidential w/ REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY Tile Thembatine not betamoos to Isdmon 8 April 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 6 April 136,049 ESE to Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,885 (solvies Other Reservists tellortd rebrus 1,001 800 Total 3,886 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 107 Aggregate Discharges tooovba egbut 150 brue of I Lavan at Loss 43 10 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 8 April: meems to votioa Line Officers (est 303 Entoeqa) nottaiva Staff Officers 101 LENGA EL no Warrant Officers 31 for 20 Total 435 at associates Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement at по (desag) TTORNAT GRAT teav of neutrality patrol as of 6 April: bas UNAM Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors Identito 150 150 64 dowa District Patrol Planes 128 0 0 Naval Intelligence head 100 boze 62 bed 59 od Miscellaneous 192 188 187 Ens. and Lieuts. (jg) LTIS with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 88 a Total Officers howo 870 700 510 Most (escad) Men otal E-dttin District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 IAH Communications 120 75 75 Miscellaneous 900 894 670.0 Total Men 1360 1309 1085 $8 3. 3. Recruiting Activities for week ending 30 March: Naval Communication Service, Among the more important Number of applicants accepted for first enlistment, 838 matters accomplished recently are the following: (1) Com- Number of first enlistments 523 pleted plans and instructions regarding the mobilization Number of reenlistments within three months (continuous service) 66 of naval communications for the Annual Fleet Exercises Number of reenlistments under broken service 19 and Fleet Problem 21; (2) Obtained permission from FCC Total Enlistments 608 to use facilities of commercial communication carriers in Naval Reserve Selection Board, concluded its work 6 April, connection with Fleet Problem 21 in preparation for na- and approved by the Judge Advocate General are promotions tional defense; (3) Completed preparation and issue of of 5 officers to Commander in Naval Intelligence, 1 to "Visual Type Installations for Ships" similar to "Radio Commander Aviation (general service) and 2 to Commander Type Installations for Ships" previously issued; (4) Com- Aviation (special service). According to policy of Bureau pleted distribution and put into effect new Radio Call of Navigation, release of names will come on 13 April, Book, and delivered manuscript for. 1940 Visual Call Book; minus those in intelligence. (5) Completed tentative revision of plans for intercom- U.S.S. J. FRED TALBOTT (DD156), was ordered on 7 April to munication between Army and Navy as a part of Joint contact Japanese steamer ASIMA MAKU off Guatemala and Action; (6) Continued steps to improve intercommunication render such assistance as practicable to George F. Hovey, between U.S. Naval vessels and U.S. merchantmen; (7) Made Jr., who had suffered a serious head injury. satisfactory progress in provision of communication faci- X-PBS-1, flying from San Diego arrived Pearl Harbor on lities, radio range, etc., for the Hepburn Board Air 6 April. 001 Bases; (8) The Naval Communication Reserve National Net- U.S.S. BARNEY (DD149), has towed disabled 50 foot sloop, work of 30 stations in all Continental naval districts HALIGONIAN, with 3 men aboard into Charleston. completed its 4th month of 100 percent attendance at U.S.S. DENEBOLA (destroyer tender), was placed in full 2801 semi-monthly drills for this drill season and 7th con- commission at Baltimore on 6 April. secutive month for this season and last. 4. Conference of Chiefs of Bureaus of Operations, Aviation, Navigation, and Directors of all divisions of operations conferred today on the estimate of the situation for the fiscal year 1942. State Department officials, are reported saying they prob- ably will consult with the Navy and Maritime Commission regarding the effect of British mining of certain Norweg- ian territorial waters on U.S. shipping. At the present time only one U.S. steamship line operates to Norway. It is the American Scantic Line out of New York. New Orleans Drydock, at noon 7 April was reported 457 miles from Canal Zone. Rate varies, but about 70 miles per day has been the average speed. (2) Naval Reserve Policy Division, A change in the organiza- tion of Office of Chief of Naval Operations has been made to provide (5) for a Naval Reserve Policy Division in that office. The Secretary of the Navy approved this action before his departure. A Resolution of the House Naval Affairs Committee recommended the Assistant Secretary as Co-ordinator of Reserve Affairs. After study, it was recommended by the Assistant Secretary and the Chief of Operations that the co-ordination of Naval Reserve mat- ters be under the Chief of Naval Operations as Naval Reserve policy involves the military side of the Navy, and is of great importance to the Fleet in its readiness for war. bns Coof REPORT 110 THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 9 April 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 8 April 136,120 It Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,885 Other Reservists If II 11 If 1,001 Total 3,886 Aggregate Enlistments (last 48 hours) 191 Aggregate Discharges If If If 122 Gain 69 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 9 April: Line Officers 301 Staff Officers 101 Warrant Officers 31 Total 435 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 8 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 64 District Patrol Planes 128 0 0 Naval Intelligence 100 62 59 Miscellaneous 192 188 187 Ens. and Lieuts. (jg) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 88 Total Officers 870 700 510 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 75 75 Miscellaneous 900 894 670 Total Men 1360 1309 1085 2. No U.S.S. WASP (aircraft carrier), Unaccountable fires on the Reserve having proved imminently satisfactory to the WASP at various times have led to an investigation by Naval Academy, it is planned to fill 12 more vacancies O.N.I. as it is pretty definitely established that they there in the same manner, from among men of long estab- have been the result of sabotage. The last fire reported lished experience in the teaching profession in the best WOO on 6 April, and occurred in a compartment that had universities who have signified a desire to teach at the been thoroughly cleaned and locked and was free of all Naval Academy. combustible material. Oily rags had been placed in the Gunfiring, The Hydrographic Office in its notice to compartment and a blaze started. It was the second fire mariners informs them that U.S. destroyers are conducting in the WASP over a period of a few days. No damage is target practice from 4 to 28 April, inclusive, in an area understood to have been done except to paintwork. between latitudes 24°-45' N and 25°-05' N, and longitudes Postgraduate Instruction, A board of officers, Capt. 82°-00 W and 82°-20' W. Shipping is requested to keep Henry Williams (c.c.), Service Member, met in the Navy clear of this area during this entire period. Department on 8 April to select, from those having applied, Naval Communications Service, has established a strategic ensigns from the Naval Acndemy classes of 1937 and 1938 Direction Finder Net on the Atlantic Coast and has pre- to take postgraduste instruction at Massachusetts Instit- pared new naval codes which have been put to use by our ute of Technology in Naval Architecture and Marine In- Neutrality Patrol. This information should not be pub- gineering. lished. After 10 or 12 years of research, successful U.S.S. J. FRED TALBOTT, sent out to contact the Japanese types of high frequency direction finders have recently steamer ASIMA MARU to render assistance to George F. been developed. For the past two years all efforts had Hovey, Jr., reported to have suffered & head injury, been spent in the Pacific with the result that the Euro- found that he had chicken pox. pean War found us with only one Strategic Direction Finder Four Professors, detailed from Officers in the Naval on the East Const. Since that time, efforts have been devoted to establishing a strategic high frequency direc- -4. tion finder net on the East Coast. East Coast High Fre- quency Direction Finders now in operation are: Winter Harbor, Maine; Amagonsett, Long Island; Cheltenham, Mary- land; Poyners Hill, N.G; Jupiter, Florida, and at Lakehurst, New Jersey (the first successful installation) and Pensa- cola, Fla. Training exercises have been conducted covering calibration, developing and maintaining proficiency of in- dividual operators, and coordinated training in tracking ships and aircraft. Targets on which bearings have been taken include: U.S.S. HENDERSON, U.S. Naval vessels in the Atlantic, and Pan-American Clippers flying the Atlantic. Attempts by the direction finder stations to get bearings on belligerent ships have been unsuccessful due to lack of transmissions by such vessels. The only bearings on bel- ligerent, or foreign, transmissions obtained have been on . fixed stations. Bureau of Yards and Docks Contract, for Bridge and Wall Cranes at the Navy Yard, New York (Brooklyn), have been awarded as follows: Two 175-ton bridge cranes and four 3-ton wall cranes for the Turret and Erection Shops at the Navy Yard, New York, to Shepard Niles Crane and Hoist Corporation, Montour Falls, New York, for the sum of $175,400.00. Time as specified. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 10 April 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 9 April 136,301 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,878 Other Reservists If II If If 1,066 Total 3,944 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 213 Aggregate Discharges " " 11 90 Gain 123 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 10 April: Line Officers 302 Staff Officers 101 Warrant Officers 31 Total 434 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 9 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 64 District Patrol Planes 128 0 o Naval Intelligence 100 62 59 Miscellaneous 192 188 187 Ens. and Lieuts. (jg) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 88 Total Officers 870 700 510 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 75 75 Miscellaneous 900 894 670 Total Men 1360 1309 1085 2. 2. Recruiting Activities for week ending 5 April: using night shift when practicable. Number of applicants accepted for first enlistment, 908 Hydrographic Office Special Warning No. 66, has gone out Number of first enlistments 8/,0 carrying information received about specified areas in Number of reenlistments within three months (continuous service) 83 Norwegian territorial waters that have been rendered Number of reenlistments under broken service 25 dangerous to shipping by mine fields. Total enlistments 948 U.S.S. PROTEUS (collier) has been found unfit for further The Acting Secretary of the Navy, returned from Pensacola naval service and will be disposed of by sale as a ship. by plane on 9 April after inspecting the Naval Air Station Chemical Warfare School, at Edgewood Arsenal has been there. made available for naval officers by the War Department. U.S.S. MANLEY, when in all respects ready for sea about It is planned to assign 15 officers of the Regular Navy 15 April will proceed to the West Coast in company with from various sources, and 30 from the Naval Reserve of the ANDERSON and STERETT. On departure from the Canal all appropriate classifications. Naval Reserve Officers Zone, MANLEY will report to CinCUS for duty with the base will be chosen from East Coast and 9th Naval districts. force. Course will run from 5-30 May. U.S.S. SHAW, is due for completion of repairs to her shell 50 Communication Officers, from the Naval Reserve C(V)S plating at Pearl Harbor today. Estimated cost, $250. will be ordered to active duty with the Atlantic Squadron U.S.S. KANAWHA (oil tender), Pearl Harbor. It is neces- in neutrality patrol if present plan is carried out. sary to rebore port low pressure and both high pressure Mobilization of Communications, upon recommendation of cylinders in addition to starboard low pressure. Esti- CinCUS orders have been issued to extend mobilization nated cost including starboard low pressure piston rod which has been in effect since 25 March to Special Ser- which is cracked, $13,000. Intermediate pressure cylin- vice Squadron and Atlantic Squadron as being desirable ders are out of round 2/3000. Probable date of comple- for their training. tion 14 June, with work proceeding at all possible speed, 4. Bids for Vessels in 1941 Program, The Acting Secretary of the Navy, announced that bids for the propelling machinery for two seaplane tenders (small) were opened at noon to- day in the Navy Department, the first bids to be received in connection with the Naval building program of 1941. He also announced that advertisements have been issued. for. the construction of one, or two, light cruisers and for furnishing the propelling machinery for submarines in the 1941 program and for machinery for the United States Sub- marines NAUTILUS, NARWHAL, and ARGONAUT. The following bids were submitted for furnishing the propelling machin- ery and electric plant for Seaplane Tenders, (small) based upon delivery tothe Supply Officer, Navy Yard, Boston: Bid Alternate Bid General Motors Corporation Cleveland Diesel Engine Division $1,626,000 $1,510,000 Fairbanks Morse & Company Chicago, Illinois 1,435,350 1,454,797 Following advertisement was issued for future bids: Proposals for constructing one or two light cruisers of approximately 10,000 tons standard displacement will be received at the Navy Department until 12 o'clock noon, Wednesday, May 8, 1940, when they will be public- ly opened. Confidential SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 11 April 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 10 April 136,441 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,877 Other Reservists " If If 11 1,066 Total 3,944 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 197 Aggregate Discharges II If 11 67 Gain 130 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 11 April Line Officers 302 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 432 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 10 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 64 District Patrol Planes 128 0 o Naval Intelligence 100 62 59 Miscellaneous 192 188 187 Ens. and Lieuts. (jg) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 88 Total Officers 870 700 510 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 75 75 Miscellaneous 900 894 670 Total Men 1360 1309 1085 2. 2. Naval Expansion Bill, as a result of the Norwegian situa- Indies), Colon, Guantanamo, Santiago, and many other tion is being studied seriously with the view to returning ports in the U.S. and North and South Atlantic before to the original 25% increase plan over a period of about returning to New York, 15 August. This prolonged cruise five years instead of the 11% increase over 8. period of with many stops will give boiler full test under all con- two years. ditions of weather, water, getting underway, securing, Naval Attache, London, in a dispatch, says the KARLSRUHE maneuvering, etc. was actually torpedoed by the TRUANT and the BLUCHER was U.S.S. WILKES (DD441), is scheduled for commissioning sunk by shore batteries. British losses included the at Navy Yard, Boston, on 1 June. HUNTER and GURKHA, sunk, and the HARDY, aground. The Submarines 212 to 217, proposals for furnishing one, two, HOTSPUR was badly damaged, all at Narvik. British be- or three sets of propelling machinery will be received at lieve Germans landed 155 millimeter guns from the holds the Navy, Department until 12 o'clock noon on 15 May. Pro- of ore ships. The GLOW WORM believed lost was last seen posals for furnishing one set of replacement propelling engaged in the fog with a German destroyer, but encoun- machinery for the NAUTILUS (SS168) and reduction gears, tered larger types as fog cleared, and has not been heard hydraulic clutches, auxiliary generating units and plans from since. The Norwegian destroyer DRANG escaped from and equipment in manufacturing main engine for the NARWHAL Oslo with 65 German prisoners. Attache, London, believes (SS167) and ARGONAUT (minelaying submarine) will be re- Narvik is the initial objective of allied counter measures. ceived at the Navy Department until 12 o'clock noon on U.S.S. DAHLGREN, operating schedule to test 1300 pound 15 May. pressure steam boiler installation has been announced, Senate Appropriations Committee, reported favorably the leaving New York on 22 April and including stops at Nor- $963,797,478 Navy Bill for the 1941 fiscal year, carrying folk, Charleston, Jacksonville, Matanzas, (Cuba), San an authorization to begin construction of two 45,000 ton Juan, La Guaira (Venezuela), Curacao (Netherlands West battleships, 2 cruisers, 1 aircraft carrier, 8 destroyers, and 6 submarines. .4. Bureau Supplies and Accounts, reports All Commodity Whole- sale Price Index for week ending 6 April was 77.6, down .3 from the previous week. Gas Masks, The Navy has supplied the Marine Corps with 15,000 ND-Mark III, and 1,000 NDO-Mark I gas masks which are far superior to those the Marines had used previously. Flex 6, Advance reports coming in to the Department tell of two complete problems conducted, one an attack against Vieques, the other against Culebra. In both Instances the attacking forces consisted of all elements, sea, air and landing forces making an approach as a team. The effect of aviation in attack and defense was carefully watched to compare the relative value of land based and carrier based aviation (the former being infinitely stronger). The value of the submarine in defense was strikingly brought out, particularly in the Culebra prob- lem. Naval gunfire support was simulated during the problems, but was delivered actually against shore ter- gets by guns of all calibers in a week devoted exclusive- ly to that phase. Developments in the various problems showed the necessity for special boats and special train- ing of naval officers and crews who would have charge of conducting the landing force with their equipment from ship to shore. Confidential SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 12 April 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 11 April 136,610 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,876 Other Reservists If If If If 1,092 Total 3,968 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 263 Aggregate Discharges If If If 108 Gain 155 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 12 April: Line Officers 302 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 432 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 11 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 64 District Patrol Planes 128 0 0 Naval Intelligence 100 62 59 Miscellaneous 192 188 187 Ens. and Lieuts. (jg) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 88 Total Officers 870 700 510 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 75 75 Miscellaneous 900 894 670 Total Men 1360 1309 1085 2. U.S.S. WASHINGTON (BB56), will be launched at the Navy 2. relieving Rear Admiral Murfin as of 11 April. Yard, Philadelphia, on 15 June, according to present plans. Naval Communications, at the request of United Press U.S.S. NORTH CAROLINA (BB55), will be launched at the and with the concurrence of commercial companies, has Navy Yard, New York, on 13 June, according to present agreed to handle San Juan dispatches during those hours plans. of the night when commercial offices are closed. Secretary Edison, today resumed his inspection of Hawaiian U.S.S. O'BRIEN (DD415), preliminary shakedown cruise defenses after announcing that the Federal Government itinerary has been approved, departing Boston on 6 May felt more naval bases were necessary. He said that the to include Newport, Yorktown, Washington, and arrive Hawaiian Naval Detachment, recently increased to a force Norfolk on 16 May. of 7,000 will remain there indefinitely, and that prog- U.S.S. REUBEN JAMES (DD245), present Navy Yard avail- ress on the Puerto Rican and the development of the Alas- ability has been extended to 31 May and scheduled to kan bases were most satisfactory. begin Naval Reserve training cruise on 27 July at Bos- Special Warning 68, Hydrographic Office, says that the ton, being released from duty in connection with tests German Government anhounces that mines were laid on 8 of gyro compass equipment not later than 20 July. April off all important ports of the Norwegian West Coast Representative Hennings, of St. Louis, Missouri, has and across the Skagerrak in the area bounded by Lindesnes, asked the Navy Department for their reaction to a pos- Sodjborg, Flakkering, and Sandnaes Hage. Claiming that sible construction of & new Naval Armory at St. Louis the Skagerrak 1s mined all the way across at these points to cost $750,000. The Naval Reserve has 4 divisions, is probably fallacious, as there is a deep area along about 280 men, in St. Louis. Naval Reserve Policy Board the coast of Norway that is not suitable for mining. has made a report that when a new armory is to be built, Rear Admiral Bloch, has assumed duty as Commandant of survey be made of adjacent localities with possible the 14th Naval District and Navy Yard, Pearl Harbor, resulting transfers of divisions. The Chief of Naval 4. Operations is replying that the armory would be acceptable if plans were submitted for approval before construction, that material rather than monumental features be stressed, and that reductions made, if possible, in cost and main- tenance. Representative Scrugham, accompanied by members of. the Naval subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee expects to leave Washington in two groups by plane on 12 and 15 April to inspect various naval activities in the 11th and 12th Naval Districts. Antarctic Broadcast, The executive committee of the U.S. Antarctic Service announced today that a radio program will be broadcast for the first time from the West Base, Little Antarctica, from 11:15 to 11:30 P.M. on 13 April. Promotions, Aviation Volunteer Reserve, The Acting Secre- tary of the Navy has approved the Selection Board report recommending three officers for promotion from the rank of lieutenant commander to commander. Add Flex 6 Report, (Continued from. 11 April), Tanks were used both on attack and defense. It was developed that the earliest waves in attack must carry with them not only their own tanks, but anti-tank weapons to provide against sudden counter-attack from enemy's tanks during the earlier stages of disembarkation. Confidential SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 15 April 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 13 April 136,804 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,876 Other Reservists 11 If 11 IT 1,092 Total 3,968 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 171 Aggregate Discharges If If If 31 Gain 140 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 15 April: Line Officers 302 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 432 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 13 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 64 District Patrol Planes 100 O 0 Naval Intelligence 100 65 65 Miscellaneous 220 217 186 Ens. and Lieuts. (jg) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 89 Total Officers 870 732 516 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 75 75 Miscellaneous 900 897 673 Total Men 1360 1312 1068 2. 2. Bureau Supplies and Accounts reports, a contract has been the Navy might well be called upon to defend itself in nade with the Norris Stamping and Manufacturing Company the Atlantic and Pacific simultaneously. He stressed the for 250,200 cartridge containers, aluminum, 5-inch/38 advisability of the Navy's being strong enough to safe- caliber, Mark VI, Mod. 1, at a total contract price of guard the supply of vital strategic materials such as $700,309.80. This price is calculated on an f.o.b. fac- manganese, rubber, and tin. Even with the proposed in- tory price of $2.799 per cartridge tank. The price paid crease, he said, the Navy would not be able to perform under this contract compares with an average factory all its tasks so necessary to defense of the U.S. price of 83.05 for 285,700 of the same type of cartridge U.S.S. GRAYSON (DD435), is scheduled for launching at tanks purchased from the Norris Stamping and Manufactur- Charleston, S.C., on 7 August. ing Company in May, 1938. Flex 6 (concluded), Interesting problems in communica- Officer Personnel, as of 1 April is as follows: tions arose from the necessity to maintain continuous Line, 6682; Medical Corps, 885; Dental Corps, 279; service between ship and shore for the purpose of tacti- Supply Corps, 574; Chaplain's Corps, 94; Construe- cal control in the flow of troops and naval gunfire sup- tion Corps, 212; Civil Engineers Corps, 126; Chief port. The vital need of special transports both of the Warrants and Warrants, 1623; total, 10,457. MANLEY type and regular transports fitted to handle the Hearings, before the Senate Naval Affairs Committee in correct gear and equipped with the proper landing boats session today on the Naval Expansion Bill. Admiral for the task in hand was strikingly shown. It is axio- Stark was the leading witness with others to follow. matic that the speciallanding boat program should be so Admiral Stark told the Committee that developments in developed that M-Day finds the Navy and Marine Corps in the European War dictate the advisability of adding 25 a position to place c. minimum of six combat teams afloat percent to the fighting strength of the Navy, rather in small boats simultaneously. than the 11% House approved Vinson Bill. He added that U.S.S. FALCON (submarine rescue vessel) reports collision 4. with steamer EL OCEANA on 12 April in Buzzard's Bay, in heavy fog with slight damage to both. EL OCEANA proceeded to New York to Robins Shipyard where repairs are esti- mated to cost $15,000, from a broken stem and six shell plates. Repairs to FALCON, ON the hull plating, will find her ready for sea on the seventeenth of April. Communications Reserve, 50 officers C(V)S will be ordered to active duty with ships of the Neutrality Patrol.as previously reported. They will act as Communications and assistant Communications officers. These officers are in addition to allowance now existing. Such assignments will release active line officers on ships for other duties. This should provide excellent training for reserve officers who have previously had practically no training at sea. Communications, messages from the President and Secretary through of the Navy have gone/to Tutuila, Samoa, for publication on the anniversary of first raising the American Flag there, April 17. Floating Mine, in the North Atlantic steamer routes was reported by a Belgian steamer at Lat. 45-54 N., Long. 40-07 W., approximately 600 miles east of Cape Race, New- foundland. Confidential THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY pie Total Enlisted Strength, 15 April 16 April 1940 136,987 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,863 Other Reservists If 11 = 11 1,106 Total 3,969 Aggregate Enlistments (last 48 hours) 219 Aggregate Discharges 11 If " 37 Gain 182 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 16 April: Line Officers 302 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 432 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 15 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 64 District Patrol Planes 100 0 0 Naval Intelligence 100 65 65 Miscellaneous 220 217 186 Ens. and Lieuts. (jg) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 89 Total Officers 370 732 516 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 75 75 Miscellaneous 900 897 673 Total Men 1360 1312 1088 2. 3. American Embassy, London, according to a dispatch from Maritine Commission. our naval attache, requested cable verification of the Naval Reserve Activities, on the West Coast are being latitude and longitude points defining the extended com- inspected by Captain Gygax. On his return, about 5 bat area. London and Paris radio bulletins evidently May, he will assume his new duties in the Office of did not agree, nor did the Admiralty. the Chief of Naval Operations as Director of the Naval U.S.S. DENEBOLA, according to movement report sheet, Reserve Policy Division in the new organization set up left Baltimore on 9 April, arriving Norfolk 11 April. under C.N.O. The new Director of the Naval Reserve, She left Norfolk on 12 April and arrived Philadelphia relieving Captain Gygax, will be Captain Shafroth. 13 April. Detail Office Bureau of Navigation, has indicated a U.S.S. SATTERLEE (DD190), left Guantanamo on 12 April, need for the assignment of about five Naval Reserve Of- arriving Cienfuegos, Cuba, on 13 April. She remained ficers for Panama Canal security duty on merchant ships for the festival over the week-end and departed for proceeding through the canal. The presumption is that Navy Yard, Norfolk, on 15 April, to arrive there 18 these officers will be in addition to the regular Canal April. Zone pilots who are still acting in their civilian cap- Norwegian vessel, S.S. BAJAMAR has been taken by the acities, many of whom are Naval Reserve officers. It French, according to the relay of a message from Para, will be the duty of these officers to inspect ships via Rio de Janeiro. The French naval vessel also exam- passing through and be responsible for safeguarding the ined a Brasilian and an American vessel. It is thought Canal. that there may be some interruption in shipping between Naval Affairs Committee, Senator Tydings offered an North Brasil and the United States. amendment to the Bill to authorize the expenditure of Nautilus School Ships, according to a directive will be not more than $5,725,000 to raise the gun levels of transferred from Navy Department jurisdiction to the the Havy's three oldest battleships - the TEXAS, ARK- 4. ANSAS, and NEW YORK. Admiral Stark had previously pointed out that these three battleships would be practically use- less in a naval battle because of their limited fighting power. Admiral Stark appeared before the Committee again today. British Admiralty, announced officially that 11 German transports or naval auxiliaries totalling 40,486 tons had been súnk during the invasion of Norway. Seven of the ships were torpedoed by British submarines. The Admiral- ty's report for the week ending April 14th said it was believed 18,000 more tons of German shipping had been sunk by British submarines and other ships in Norwegian ports. The week also marked the first time that Britain had not lost a merchant ship since the war started. German merchant shipping losses since the war started were listed as totalling 363,930 tons. British Cruiser, was sunk by airplanes off the Norwegian Coast, Berlin reported. It was denied by the Admiralty. Bureau of Supplies and Accounts, announces a contract has been let to the Freeport Point Shipyard, Inc., Freeport, New York, for aircraft rescue boats totalling $86,587. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 17 April 1940 Fl Total Enlisted Strength, 16 April 137,146 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,861 Other Reservists If IT Il II 1,132 Total 3,993 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 219 Aggregate Discharges 11 If " 84 Gain 135 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 17 April: Line Officers 302 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 432 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 16 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 64 District Patrol Planes 100 o 0 Naval Intelligence 100 65 65 Miscellaneous 220 217 186 Ens. and Lieuts. (jg) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 89 Total Officers 870 732 516 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 75 75 Miscellaneous 900 897 673 Total Men 1360 1312 1088 2. & Recruiting Activities for week ending 12 April: 5 feet and some damage was done to the roller path. He Number of applicants accepted for first enlistment, 1,011 stated that the extent of the damage was being investiga- Number of first enlistments 1,012 ted and a further report would be made to the Bureau of Number of reenlistments within three months (continuous service) 63 Ordnance. Number of reenlistments under broken service 28 Crankless Diesel, The Bureaus of C. & R. and Engineering Total Enlistments 1,103 are conducting tests of a 135 HP crankless Diesel engine U.S.S. GLEAVES (DD423), Commander Stubbs, Inspector of manufactured by the Sterling Engine Company, Buffalo, N.Y. Machinery; Bath, Maine, reported by telephone that two The engine is unique in that the motion of the pistons is minor fires had occurred on the GLEAVES on 16 April. Both converted to rotational power through inclined discs or fires were caused by weld sparks and were minor. The "slants" instead of the conventional crankshaft. While story carried by the Associated Press made it appear much the weight per H.P. is high for & power boat engine, in- worse than the actual facts. The first fire was caused creased ruggedness and freedom from repair may more than by a weld spark igniting oily rags in the forward engine- compensate for this weight. Preliminary laboratory tests room in the vicinity of the reduction gear. These rags having been completed, the engine is being installed in a had been used in cleaning the reduction gear sump. There ferry operating between the Engineering Experiment Station was a large volume of smoke but the only damage was to and the Naval Academy to simulate & service test. five or six branch electric cables. The second fire was Bureau of Supplies and Accounts reports, a contract has caused by a weld spark hitting the canopy of the 26-inch been made with the Pressed Steel Tank Company for 747 motor launch. Some damage was done to the thwarts, but blank shells at a total cost of $32,548.77. this can be easily repaired. A report of this damage also U.S.S. SIMS (DD409) will remain at the Navy Yard, Boston, appears in the Associated Press release. Commander Stubbs from 15-29 April for authorized repairs, installation of also reported that 8. torpedo tube had been dropped about instruments in connection with machinery space ventilation tests and full scale rudder tests. She will be ready for 4. sea on 29 April, after which she will embark Bureau repre- sentatives in connection with ventilation tests. These tests will be conducted at 10, 20 30 knots and full power. Full scale rudder tests will follow about 7 May.off Rock- land, Maine, with Model Basin representatives on board to obtain tactical data. On completion these tests SIMS will return to Boston. U.S.S. ROWAN (DD405) is scheduled to hold final trials off Boston on 19 April with Board of Inspection and Survey. She will' then return to Navy Yard, Norfolk, for post trial examination. She will then proceed to Newport for test torpedo firings. ROWAN will depart for West Coast on 14 May and report to CinCUS for duty in Destroyers, Battle Force, on leaving the Canal Zone, on 24 May. Recommissioned Seaplane Tenders (small), at the Navy Yard, New York, completions and assignments: Completion Date Fleet Assignment HULBERT 31 May Patrol Wing 1 WILLIAM B. PRESTON 17 June 11 If 2 GOLDSBOROUGH 1 July 11 If 5 CLEMSON 15 July 11 IT 3 It is expected that the above-named vessels will be com- missioned two weeks in advance of the above completion dates and that they will be ready to proceed to their TO assignments about two weeks after completion dates. Gon idential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 18 April 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 17 April 137,361 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,861 Other Reservists If II If If 1,132 Total 3,993 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 270 Aggregate Discharges " " IT 55 Gain 215 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 18 April: Line Officers 302 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 432 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 17 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 64 District Patrol Planes 100 O o Naval Intelligence 100 65 65 Miscellaneous 220 217 186 Ens. and Lieuts. (jg) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 89 Total Officers 870 732 516 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 75 75 Miscellaneous 900 897 673 Total Men 1360 1312 1088 2. U.S.S. HOPKINS (DD249), will proceed with ROWAN from Nor- 3. steps necessary to remedy this condition is being atudied. folk to the West Coast, leaving on 16 May. On departing Bureau Supplies and Accounts, announces the Price Index Canal Zone on 24 May, HOPKINS will report to CinCUS for on all commodities for week ending 13 April was 78.0, a duty in Destroyers, Battle Force. rise of % since last week's report. This is the first Naval Reserve Cruises, are now in the process of forma- rise in commodity prices since the steady weekly decline tion. Cruises will probably be divided into four per- began on 13 January. iods as follows: July 6-19; July 27-August 15; August Floating Dock YFD-2, left New Orleans March 19th, arrived 17-30; and September 7-20. It is expected that target Panama April 12th (Atlantic end of Canal). Original con- practice will be fired on all cruises. 78 Naval Reserve tract estimated time for passage from New Orleans to Pan- divisions will participate from Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, qma by April 17th. Passage was made in 24 days, beating in addition to 18 divisions from the Pacific Coast. contract time by 5 days. The contractor, Merritt, Chapman Cruises will probably be worked in conjunction with neu- and Scott, did an excellent job. The approximate estimated trality patrol on East Coast, various divisions operating time for disassembly, transit through Canal, and reassembly close to their home ports. at Pacific end to be ready for tow by Naval vessels to Captain A.C. Read, has assumed duties as Commandant, Naval Pearl Harbor is 60 days. This work is being done by Pan- Air Station, Pensacola, having recently been detached as ana Canal force. The estimated approximate time for tow Commanding Officer, U.S.S. SARATOGA. by Navy from Panama to Pearl Harbor is 45 days. The NAVAJO U.S.S. FANNING (DD385), is scheduled for emergency dock- (oceangoing tug) will do the towing, accompanied by the ing due to cracked shell plates below the water line. CAPELLA (cargo ship) and the PLATTE (tanker) as escorts. These same difficulties have been experienced with re- U.S.S. DAHLGREN (DD187), operating schedule (previously cent destroyers of welded construction due to stresses reported) cancelled, due to trouble with control valves set up in the process of welding. The whole question of of 1300 lb. pressure boiler. Will remain New York until trouble is ironed out. 4. U.S.S. AUGUSTA, repairs completed at Cavite. Post repair trials will be held today. U.S.S. BUSHNELL, (submarine tender), reported Venezuelan Coast Guard Patrol southeast of Cape San Roman, Paraguana Peninsula, refused permission for our survey parties to land to erect necessary survey signals until they receive permission from the Minister of War. The Venezuelan Naval Officer was unconvinced patrols have proper authorization. The U.S. Ambassador has been informed. The HANNIBAL and BUSHNELL are both working on surveys close to Venezuela. 112 Reserve Officers at Sea, in the ranks of ensign and lieutenant (j.g.) during their first quarter period aboard battleships, cruisers, and aircraft carriers, have made exceptionally high marks on their fitness re- ports. As these officers are serving in actual jobs of responsibility aboard ships, and are not there for training, their first records are highly gratifying to all concerned. Advisory Committee for Research, will inspect the Naval Research Laboratory, Bellevue, D.C., on 19 April, and will be received by the Acting Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations on 20 April. This commit- tee consists of Doctors Frank B. Jewett, Charles F. Kettering, Robert A. Millikan, and Max Mason. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY fell 19 April 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 18 April 137,552 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted ) on active duty 2,851 Other Reservists IT IT 11 11 1,153 Total 4,004 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 274 Aggregate Discharges If 11 If 94 Gain 180 Retired Officers, returned to active duty as of 19 April: Line Officers 302 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 432 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 18 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 89 District Patrol Planes 100 O 0 Naval Intelligence 100 64 64 Miscellaneous 220 219 190 Ens. and Lieuts. (jg) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 90 Total Officers 870 733 545 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 75 75 Miscellaneous 900 897 673 Total Men 1360 1312 1088 2. 2. The Secretary of the Navy, returns from Honolulu today in gift of certain lands from the City of San Diego, Calif- the NASHVILLE to inspect $35,000,000 worth of Naval pro- ornia. It is expected some of this land will be used jects now under construction in the San Francisco Bay for nn additional building to the Naval Supply Depot. region. Mr. Edison will be joined by members of Congress Destroyer Division 64, (TWIGGS, WICKES, PHILIP, and Albert E. Carter, Charles A. Plumby, James. E. Casey, EVANS) has been ordered from Key West, Florida, Key and James A. Scrugham, all members of the House Appro- West Patrol, to San Juan, Puerto Rico to sugment the San priations Committee, who arrived in San Francisco last Juan Patrol. evening by Navy Plane from Boulder Dan. H.R. 9450, to transfer the active list of the Construc- Naval Medical Center, Steel for the tower has reached the tion Corps to the Line of the Navy was introduced yes- 9th floor and half the fence to surround the property terday on the floor of the House by Mr. Vinson. This (there are over 2 miles of it) is up. The contractor's bill was prepared in the office of the Judge Advocate time for placing of steel in the tower is up on 28 June, General under instructions from Mr. Vinson. Under its but it is expected that he will have completed his end terms each officer of the Construction Corps would be by 15 May. On 23 April bids will be received on the main designated in the line for engineering duty only. group of buildings (East wing, recreation center, corps- Admiral Towers, told the Senate Naval Affairs Committee men's and nurse's quarters, power house, and laundry.) that foreign governments have purchased about 7,000 war Bid will be let for entire group in a single contract, planes from the U.S. since the beginning of the European after which subcontracts will be let on plumbing, elec- War, 3,000 planes already have been shipped, mostly to trical work, etc. Britain and France. American capacity to produce war Senate 2993, was passed by House after previously passing planes has increased from about 4,000 to 17,000 units the Senate. It authorizes an exchange of lands between annually, with the end of the expansion not yet in the City of San Diego and the U.S., and acceptance by sight. 4. Admiral Greenslade, member of the General Board is addres- sing the American Society of Newspaper Editors this noon at their convention in the National Press Club. His talk will be on the history of the Service and why we need a Navy. It is hoped it will result in improved power be- hind national defense in the press of the Nation. Naval Reserve, From 80-100 applicants are expected to fill 30 appointments to the Army school of Chemical War- fare from the Naval Reserve. 70 applications have been received to date, Rear Admiral Robinson, said before the Senate Naval Af- fairs Committee that existing authorizations for air- craft carriers was below what the Navy regards as neces- sary. Admiral Towers added in his testimony that appar- ently no planes had been sold to Italy. He also said that no instances of sabotage have been reported in our aircraft factories. Workers must be American citizens and are closely watched by government inspectors. Norwegian ships, Caught in California harbors found England and France tóday anxious "to protect" them. Norwegian authorities in California also received re- quests from the German Consul in Los Angeles who. was "interested" in them. Confidential file REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 22 April 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 20 April 137,728 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,852 Other Reservists If = 11 11 1,163 Total 4,015 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 185 Aggregate Discharges If If If 129 Gain 56 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 22 April: Line Officers 302 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 432 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 20 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 91 District Patrol Planes 90 0 O Naval Intelligence 100 48 48 Miscellaneous 230 224 187 Ens. and Lieuts. (jg) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 90 Total Officers 870 722 528 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 75 75 Miscellaneous 900 897 673 Total Men 1360 1312 1088 2. 3. Submarine Tender AS-12, The Navy Department has authorized 3,736 were active service personnel. The greatest hos- the Navy Yard, Mare Island, to proceed with preparation pital loads at present are at Norfolk (815 patients) and work looking to the construction at that yard of Submarine San Diego (1,038 patients). These hospitals, plus the Tender AS-12, which is included in the 1941 building pro- one at Pearl Harbor, had patients in excess of official gram covered by Naval Appropriation Act and pending in number of beds. Special provision has been made for over- Congress. This authorization does not cover any expendi- flow. The general hospital situation seems to be adequate ture of funds in advance of actual passage of appropria- for the present, but with increased service personnel it tion act. U.S.S. FULTON, AS-11, is now building at Mare is apparent that additions will have to be made in the Island; hull is 26.7% complete, machinery, 39.0% complete. areas where there is the greatest concentration of service U.S.S. CURTISS (Seaplane tender), was launched success- personnel. fully at the plant of the New York Shipbuilding Corpora- Representative Meas, Admiral Nimits, and Admiral Towers tion, Canden, N.J., on 20 April. expect to fly to Pensacola tomorrow. U.S.S. ATLANTA (CL51), keel was laid at the plant of the Naval Air Station, Squantum, Mass., is closed until fur- Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., Kearny, N.J., this ther notice, due to a flood. norning. U.S.S. WASP (aircraft carrier), preliminary acceptance Bureau Yards and Docks, announces contract for dredging trials will be held tomorrow. It is expected that the for floating Drydock YFD2 at the Navy Yard, Pearl Harbor, WASP will be delivered to the Navy at Boston on 25 April has been awarded to the Hawaiian Dredging Company, Hono- provided trials are satisfactory. lulu, for 66 cents per cubic yard. The estimated anount Naval Communications Service, is studying communications of money involved is $130,340. Time, 120 calendar days. problems with Greenland. To date nothing of importance Bureau Medicine and Surgery, reports that as of 10 April has been intercepted from Greenland, although the Radio had 5,536 patients in naval hospitals, of which number Corporation of America is in direct communication, where- 4. as, formerly traffic.was routed through Denmark. Governor of Guam, Captain G.J. McMillin has relieved Capt. J.T. Alexander as Governor and Commandant of the Naval Station at Guam. U.S.S. NICHOLSON (DD442), is scheduled to be launched at the Navy Yard, Boston, on 1 June 1940. Rear Admiral J. K. Taussig, Commandant 5th Naval District, told the Senate Naval Affairs Committee today that he be- lieved a war between Japan and the U.S. is inevitable. He said he believed Japan intends to try and conquer the Philippines, French Indo-China, the Netherlands Indies, and other sections of the Far East. The Japanese pro- gram of World Conquest, he said, was detailed in memorial from Premier Tanako to the Emperor of Japan on 25 July 1927. The Tanako Memorial said, "Japan must first crush the U.S. before embarking on its career of world sub- jugation." Japan is "determined and warlike," their pledges "worthless", Taussig added. He advised fortify- ing the Philippines and Guam, building a huge merchant marine, and cooperating with Great Britain and France in the Far East. Admiral Taussig said that he spoke as an interested citizen, not as a naval officer. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 23 April 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 22 April 137,948 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,849 Other Reservists 11 " If 11 1,180 Total 4,029 Aggregate Enlistments (last 48 hours) 239 Aggregate Discharges If " 11 33 Gain 206 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 23 April: Line Officers 303 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 433 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 22 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 91 District Patrol Planes 90 0 o Naval Intelligence 100 48 48 Miscellaneous 230 224 187 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 90 Total Officers 870 722 528 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 75 75 Miscellaneous 900 897 673 Total Men 1360 1312 1088 2. 2. Retired Officers, It is estimated that by 1 July 1940 been made with the B. F. Sturtevant Company, Hyde Park, there will be between 530 and 550 retired officers on Boston, Mass., for forced draft blowers, turbine driven, active duty, approximately 94 officers retiring before together with certain spare parts for battleships IOWA this date being expected to remain on active duty. (BB61) and NEW JERSEY (BB62) to the value of $591,693.20. Bureau of Yards and Docks, announces the following con- Naval Reserve Avintors, 18 who were commissioned ensigns, tract: for Radio Towers at the Naval Air Station, Jack- Class A-V(N), to rank from March 25, 1940, April 1, and sonville, Florida, has been awarded to The Aetna Steel April 15, have been ordered to report for active duty with Construction Co., Jacksonville, Florida, for $14,880.00. the aircraft squadrons of the fleet. Time, 120 calendar days, except that all work in connec- Bids, will be opened today on 7 - 29 foot aircraft rescue tion with the anchors shall be completed within 15 calen- boats, also on construction work, Naval Medical Center, dar days. Washington, as previously reported. Bureau of Ordnance, is turning over to the Panama Canal U.S.S. DIXIE (destroyer tender), Navy Yard, Philadelphia, for its protection, old armor originally intended for has requested authority for commissioning on or about 25 the ships scrapped by the 1922 Conference. This armor April. consists of curved plates for which the Bureau has no Paul Cret, nationally known architect recently honored use at the Proving Ground. All flat plates are being by the President, designed the extension to the Chapel assembled at the Proving Ground for use in the test of and the new dispensary at Annapolis. He is consulting projectiles and fuzes. The curved plates that the Bureau architect on the Naval Medical Center. of Ordnance is giving to the Canal, with. shipmento be- Cramp's Shipyard, A conference was held this morning with ginning May 8 and running into next year are: from New the Acting Secretary of the Navy, attended by Mr. Roland York, 24; from Norfolk, 25; from Mare Island, 37 to 44. Harrison and Mr. N.T. Smith in regard to reopening Cramp's Bureau of Supplies and Accounts reports a contract has Shipyard in Philadelphia. 4. H.R. 4929, The Acting Secretary conferred with Admiral Stark on the personnel bill today. Commander Atlantic Squadron, Captain Hayne Ellis is in the Navy Department today in connection with orders for a new chief of staff. His present chief of staff is on the sick list. Lieutenant Commander Durgin, recently returned from Ger- many will talk to a selected group of officers in the rooms of the General Board this afternoon. C in C Asiatic Fleet, shifted his flag from the ISABEL to the AUGUSTA on 23 April. The Commander in Chief had ro- mained in Shanghai on the ISABEL while the AUGUSTA, under- went repairs at Cavite. The AUGUSTA reached Shanghai yesterday. U.S.S. NOA (DD343), rigged to carry an experimental plane on deck departs Navy Yard, Philadelphia, on 26 April for tests with plane returning 29 April. C in C Asiatic, reports that since the middle of April a new 450 foot combination passenger and freight British auxiliary mounting 7 (uns, 4" to 6", has been patrolling off the mouth of the Yangtze. A British destroyer was observed on patrol near the territorial waters of Luzon on 20 and 21 April. Confidential SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 24 April 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 23 April 138,120 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty ... 2,845 Other Reservists If If If If ... 1,191 Total ...... 4,036 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 266 Aggregate Discharges If If . 101 Gain 165 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 24 April: Line Officers 303 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 433 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 23 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 91 District Patrol Planes 90 o o Naval Intelligence 100 64 64 Miscellaneous 230 220 186 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 90 Total Officers 870 734 543 Mon District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 75 75 Miscellaneous 900 899 675 Total Men 1360 1314 1090 2. 2. Director of Naval Communications, Admiral Noyes, reports Army and Navy Munitions Board, The Acting Secretary met that on 29 April the Havy's new high power, low frequency with the Joint Board yesterday. It was a routine monthly transmitter at Lualualei, Onhu, one of the most powerful meeting which approved the work that had been accomplished in the world, will go on the air for its first acceptance during the past 30 days. West Point Cadet, son of the Minister from Equador, will test. U.S.S. BEAR, Byrd Anterctica, is due in Boston sometime probably make the Midshipman's Cruise this summer. U.S. Fleet, which has been engaged in Problem 21 during in May. Bureau of Yards and Docks: announces that the following April will begin arriving at Pearl Harbor on 26 April. Senator Bennett Clark, demanded today that Admiral Taussig contract awards have been made: Night flying illumination at the Naval Air Station, be court-martialed for telling the Senate Neval Affairs Pensacola, Fla., awarded to the Rogers Electric Co. Committee that war between the United States and Japan of Birmingham, Alabama for $90,879. Time of completion, was inevitable. Harbor Tug 143, was launched at the Havy Yard, Charleston, 150 days. Exterior services at the Naval Aircraft Factory at S. C. on 22 April. Philadelphia awarded to Riggs Distler and Co., Inc., Pan American Week, will be observed at the Naval Academy of Philadelphia for $59,788. Time of completion, 150 from May 8-15. A dress parade will be held 8 May and a Pan American Ball, 11 May. There will be lectures in days. War Plans Officers, from several Bureaus in the Navy De- Mahan Hall by Dr. Berius of Yale and a to be named member of the State Department. Military and Navel Attaches partment net together yesterday. Despatch Traffic, from the Navy Department under present from all American countries will be invited. mobilization of Naval Communications is remaining at U.S.S. MEREDITH (DD434), was launched at the Navy Yard, Boston, today, said to be the first ship to go down the about 50% of normal. 4. ways there in nearly 17 years. Reserve Radiomen, Class V-3, convened in three consecutive classes, each of 30 men, for a 30-day indoctrination course, preliminary to active duty afloat in the Battle Force, at the Navel Training Station, San Diego, Calif. The first group of 29 reservists was given this course from 4-27 March with satisfactory results and have gone to the fleet for active duty. C in C Pacific Fleet, Admiral Hart, said in a press inter- view that he was "in entire sympathy with the efforts of the Navy Department to improve the situation in Gunm." He said that a misunderstanding exists over the extensive fortifications suggested for Guan, inassuch as the Island was never intended as a battleship base. Supply Corps, Naval Reserve, a limited number of students in college graduating classes may secure appointments to commissions as ensigns. Applicants must hold & college degree, be under 26 years of age, and pass required physical examination. Anderson Cláss destroyers, the first of these has now re- ported to CinCUS for duty. On the way up the West. Coast they expect to pick up stores belonging to the Navy from S.S. TIMBER RUSH, aground off Acapulco. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 25 April 1940 filesomal confidential Total Enlisted Strength, 24 April 138,201 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,845 Other Reservists = # If " 1,191 Total 4,036 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 135 Aggregate Discharges . . If 54 Gain 81 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 25 April: Line Officers 303 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 433 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 24 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 91 District Patrol Planes 90 o o Naval Intelligence 100 64 64 Miscellaneous 230 220 201 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.s.) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine Reserve and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 90 Total Officers 870 734 558 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 75 75 Miscellaneous 900 899 675 Total Men 1360 1314 1090 2. 3. Bureau of Yards and Docks, announces that the following STERRETT departs Charleston 6 May (Thence from Guantanamo contract awards have been made: with HAMMANN and MUSTIN). Buildings at the Naval Medical Center, Washington, D.C., Admiral Robinson, appeared before the House Naval Affairs awarded to John McShain, Inc., Philadelphia, Pa., for Committee who approved the bill in committee for $4,360,250. Time of completion, 540 days. $5,750,000 to raise the guns of the NEW YORK, TEXAS, and Caissons at the Navy Yard, Pearl Harbor, T.H., and the ARKANSAS. The Navy desires to start as soon as possible Puget Sound Navy Yard, awarded to the Moore Dry Dock Co. on this work, which is attached as an amendment to the of Oakland, California, for $525,070. Time of comple- Expansion Bill in the Senate. tion, 340 days for Pearl Harbor and 450 days for Puget U.S.S. WASP (aircreft carrier), Admiral Brinser, Board Sound. of Inspection and Survey, reports WASP's full power New Destroyers, Following is tentative schedule of New trials were successful in every way and that she will be Construction destroyers for test törpedo firings at New- turned over to the government at the Havy Yard, Boston, port: 27 April - 3 May, HAMMANN; 6-13 May, ROWAN and today. As to readiness for commissioning, WASP is said HUGHES; 13-17 May, RUSSELL; 20-24 May, TRIPPE; 22-28 May, to be in better shape than any vessel inspected for three MAYRANT; 1-7 June, STACK; 22-28 June, RHIND; 23-30 Aug- years. WASP developed 70,000 H.P. without difficulty. ust, ROE; 26 Sept. - 4 Oct., O'BRIEN; 26 Oct. - 1 Nov., Economy at high power was very good, based on allowances in the contract. As all WASP trials exceeded contract MORRIS. Following destroyers, new construction, depart Norfolk requirements, maximm bonus of about $18,000 will be al- for West Coast as follows: HOPKINS, 6 May; MUSTIN, 7 lowed. Trials were 4 hours with steering, crashing, stop May; HAMMANN, 7 May; HUGHES, 16 May; RUSSELL, 22 May; and backing. Powder, The Acting Secretary and Admiral Furlong conferred ROWAN, 16 May; MAYRANT, 12 June; STACK, 12 June; RHIND, with Secretary Morgenthau today covering sale of powder 2 July; ROE, 4 Sept; O'BRIEN, 9 Oct.; MORRIS, 4 Nov. 4. to foreign countries. The Assistant Secretary of War was also present. The Secretary of the Navy, arrives in Washington 28 April at 8:50 A.M. on the Liberty Limited from Chicago. Mexican Foreign Office, has informally granted permission for ANDERSON and MANLEY to enter Mexican territorial waters for the purpose of obtaining 17 boxes of naval material from the TIMBER RUSH, aground off Acapulco. Our naval attache, Mexico, will proceed to the TIMBER RUSH today. MANLEY and ANDERSON are expected to arrive at the scene at noon on 27 April. Medical Selection Board, is due to report tomorrow on 8 lieutenants (J.E.) considered for promotion to lieutenant and 24 lieutenants considered for promotion to lieutenant commander. Naval Reserve selections are also due on 20 names submitted for promotion from licutenant commander to commander. All can be selected as fitted in (v)s (specialist) or (V)G, general categories. Bureau of Supplies and Accounts, reports All Commodity Price Index for week ending 20 April was 78:5, up .5 since a week ago and up .9 in two weeks. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE SAVY 26 April 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 25 April 138,345 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted ) on active duty 2,843 Other Reservists II 11 " If 1,205 Total 4,048 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 279 Aggregate Discharges = " " 1/7 Gain 132 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 26 April: Line Officers 303 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 433 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 25 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Avintion Instructors 150 150 91 District Patrol Planes 90 o 0 Noval Intelligence 100 64 6/, Miscellaneous 230 216 206 Eno. and Lieuts. (j.s.) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 90 Total Officers 870 730 563 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 75 75 Miscellaneous Service 900 899 675 Total Men 1360 1314 1090 2. 3. March Enlistments, Bureau of Navigation reports 13,347 ing your end accessories not being monufactured end EB- applicants, 3,153 first enlistments, and 251 reculistments sembled at that port for use in connection with the towing for the month of March, 1940. In the fiscal year until of Drydock R from Balboa to Pearl Harbor. CAPELLA will the end of March there have been 140,708 applicants, leave Norfolk on 5 June, arriving Canal Zone 12 June. 26,628 first enlistments, and 3,783 reenlistments. The Space for 1000 weight tono of contractor's naterials under various recruiting stations are matching their quotas cognisance of the Bureau of Yards and Docks has been ob- satisfactorily. ligated for shipment in the CAPELLA from Philadelphia to Bids, were opened today on four harbor tugs, 100 feet Pearl Harbor. CAPELLA will then return to Mere Island of- long, complete in all respects as to hull and auxiliary ter loading general cargo awaiting shipment at Pearl Harbon machinery. Contractors were asked to innert shortest time Board of Inspection and Survey, reports the following ten- in which they could make deliveries, successful bidder to tative schedule for May, of trials and inspections: be the one whose price and time of delivery best neets Shin Date Place Duty the interests of the Government. There were 14 bidders, RHIND (DD404) 2 May Philadelphia Material Inspection most of which were on the basis of about $270,000 per tug. SEMINOLE (tug) 3 May New York Material Inspection U.S.S. CAPELLA, upon completion of present restricted SEARAVEN (SS196) 10 May Portsmouth Material Inspection availability at New York will leave for Norfolk on 30 SEALION (88195) 14 May Portsmouth Final Trials ocean- April and after loading at Naval Operating Base, will de- NAVAJO (going tug)17 May New York Final Trials part on 6 May to rendezvous with the NAVAJO off New York TAUTOG (88199) 21 May Provincetown Preliminary Accep- tance Trials harbor entrance for towing test at pen by the latter STACK (DD406) 21 May Boston Official Trials vessel. Upon completion of this test, the CAPELLA will SEMINOLE (tug) 24 May New York Final Trials proceed to Havy Yard, Boston. In addition to general BARRY (DD248) 28 May Norfolk Material Inspection cargo received at Boston, the CAPELLA will load all tom- U.S.S. RUSSELL (DD414), official trials will be held to- 4- day off Boston with Board of Inspection and Survey present. Chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics, Admiral Towers, ac- companied by Captain Montgomery, will leave Washington on or about 29 April in connection with aviation matters on the West Coast. Trip will include flights to Seattle, Oakland, San Diego, and Pensacola. This itinerary may be varied as found necessary. U.S.S. WASP (airplane carrier), was placed in commission at Boston yesterday. U.S.S. DIXIE (destroyer tender), was placed in commission at Philadelphia yesterday. Naval and Air Attache, Commander Richard B. Tuggle, has been assigned to the Embassy at Ankara, Turkey, a key spot if war should spread through the Balkans. Diesel Airplane Engine, for use in warplanes, developed by the Guiberson-Diesel Engine Co., Dallas, Texas, has been inspected by Navy and Army officials in a plane that was flown here from Dallas. The Guiberson motor is in- stalled in a Stimson plane and is said to be adaptable to small planes. Ile de France, 43,000 ton French liner, is expected to sail today or tomorrow from New York, on war duty. SECRETARY OF THE NAVY April 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 27 April 138,540 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,845 Other Reservists 11 11 If 1,297 Total 4,142 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 124 Aggregate Discharges If If If 42 Gain 82 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 29 April: Line Officers 303 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 433 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 27 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 92 District Patrol Planes 90 0 0 Naval Intelligence 100 64 64 Miscellaneous 230 221 215 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 90 Total Officers 870 735 573 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 101 101 Miscellaneous 900 917 917 Total Men 1360 1358 1358 2. 3. Recruiting Activities for week ending 19 April: U.S.S. CHEROKEE (fleet tug), was placed in full commission Number of applicants accepted for first enlistment, 993 at the Havy Yard, New York, on 26 April. Number of first enlistments 839 Admiral Byrd, departed for the United States from San- Number of reenlistments within three months (continuous service) 54 tiago by commercial transportation. Number of reenlistments under broken service 32 Bureau of Yards and Docks, reports the following contract Total Enlistments 925 award: The Assistant Secretary, and Admiral Nimits conferred with For exterior and interior power services at the Naval the President this morning on the Personnel Bill. Aircraft Factory, Philadelphia, to Horman Mayer Company, House Naval Affairs Committee, Admirals Robinson and Van Inc., Philadelphia, for $127,837. Time: 180 Calendar Keuren appeared in regard to induction of naval construc- days. tors and engineers into the Line of the Navy. Bureau of Aeronautics, Rear Admiral Towers, Chief of Admiral Watson, Commandant of the 4th Naval District is in Bureau, will depart Washington, in the Navy Lockheed, on the Havy Department regarding the launching of the WASH- 30 April for a nine day inspection of West Coast avia- INGTON (BB56), either 1 or 15 June. tion facilities. Admiral Tower's revised schedule calls British Cruiser CARADOC, 4,180 tons, carrying 5 - 6" and for inspections at the following points: Senttle, Ton- 2 - - 3" antiaircraft guns is expected to put in to San Diego gue Point, Alameda, San Pedro, San Clemente, and San for fuel and water. Diego. (Additional information previously reported.) U.S.S. MANLEY, obtained 23 cases of Havy stores weighing Bids, were opened on 26 April for 4 tug boats, harbor. 5900 lbs. from S.S. TIMBER RUSH, aground off Acapulco and Thirteen bids were received on the 4 tug boats with is proceeding according to schedule. The ANDERSON pro- prices ranging from $244,888.00 to $316,000.00 per boat. ceeded to Acapulco upon request of our Naval attache to Bids were opened on 25 April on the annual lubricating obtain 3 cases, one of delicate instruments, and was ex- oil schedule. Eleven bids were received at B wide range pected to rejoin the MANLEY on 28 April. of prices under variable conditions which makes it impos- 4. sible to determine the unit price range until a complete abstract is made of all bids. The money. value of the an- nual requirements is estimated at about $2,500,000.00. Bids were opened on 25. April for bituminous coal for power plant use at the various Navy Yards and Stations for three months beginning with 1 May 1940, or until minimum prices are established by the Bituminous Coal Commission. Flag Officers, Changes in 20 assignments were announced on 27 April. Plane Crash, Two Navy training planes from the Norfolk Naval Base collided in mid-air near Virginia Beach. One of the four occupants of the two ships, Harold C. Alex- ander, radioman 2nd class, was killed; Lt. Allen, pilot of the plane Alexander was in, bailed out to safety before the ship crashed. The other plane, with 2 men aboard, was able to return to the Naval Base landing field, its oc- cupants uninjured. Selection Board, Medical Corps, The President has approved 22 officers for promotion from lieutenant to lieutenant commander and 8 officers from lieutenant (jg) to lieutenent. S.S. PANAMAN, American-Hawaiian freighter, enroute from Baltimore to Tacoma, lay idle at its berth in San Diego today after the Captain charged his crew had mutinied. Confidential OF THE NAVY file Enlisted Strength, 29 April 30 April 1940 138,669 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,845 Other Reservists If If " 11 1,297 Total 4,142 Aggregate Enlistments (last 48 hours) 192 Aggregate Discharges If If 11 62 Gain 130 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 30 April: Line Officers 304 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 434 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 29 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 92 District Patrol Planes 90 0 0 Naval Intelligence 100 64 64 Miscellaneous 230 221 215 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 90 Total Officers 870 735 573 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 101 101 Miscellaneous 900 917 917 Total Men 1360 1358 1358 2. 1. The Assistant Secretary, is lunching informally today with (previously reported) recently sent out to the Merchant the British Ambassador. Tomorrow, accompanied by Secre- Marine Service to try out the new cipher. As replies are tary Morgenthau and Admiral Furlong, he will visit Indian made by letter, the only ships so far heard from are those Head concerning release of powder to the British Government. near United States ports. The Masters, in their replies, U.S.S. WALKE (DD416) was placed in full commission at Navy are generally enthusiastic. Yard, Boston, on 27 April. U.S.S. DENEBOLA (recommissioned destroyer tender), repor- U.S.S. CROSBY, recommissioned destroyer, while at anchor ted to CinCUS for duty in the Atlantic Squadron on 27 at San Pedro on 29 April, in attempting to adjust the April. governor on No. 1 main generator, the generator over- Bureau Supplies and Accounts, reports that the case of speeded and the rotor disintegrated. One man was injured the so called "little steel" companies against the Sec- (lacerations of the eyelid). A hole about three feet retary of Labor and others on the subject of the steel square was pierced in the starboard side about two feet wage determination issue in January, 1939, has been de- above waterline at frame 100. The casing and rotor of No. cided by the Supreme Court of the U.S. in the government's 2 generator was damaged beyond economical repair. The favor. The Judge Advocate General's office and the Direc- vessel is now at Torpedo Repair Base, San Pedro, effecting tor of Procurement, Treasury Department, are in close con- temporary hull repairs before proceeding San Diego. tact with the Department of Labor regarding the practical Naval Communication Service, as one of the results of re- effect of this decision on government contracts for steel. cent Joint Army and Navy Communication exercises the Army It now appears likely that the Department of Labor will is making plans to equip its transports with Havy Communi- issue instructions to the Procurement Division for dis- cation apparatus to insure better joint communications. semination to all Government Departments making the wage Merchant ship cipher, about 75 replies have already been determination applicable only to invitations to bids received from American merchant ships to the test message issued within a reasonable time after the date of the 4. Supreme Court's decision, This is of interest because the original wage, determination was applicable to con- tracts awarded after the effective date of determination. Seattle Chamber of Commerce, representative called on the Navy Department to inquire whether or not the 6% differ- ential contained in the Act authorizing construction of certain auxiliary vessels for the Navy, approved 30 July 1937, stating that "any bid for construction on the Pacific Coast of any of the vessels authorized by this Act should have a differential of 6% in its favor", would apply on bids for Harbor Tugs opened on 26 April. Inasmuch as the wording of the Act specifically restric- ted the application of the differential to such vessels, he was informed that the differential would not apply. Naval Air Station, Alameda, reports foundations for en- gine test building completed. Two seaplane hangars are about 20% completed, completion expected to run a little beyond contract date, though it is too early to be defin- itely predicted. Seaplane ramps are 35% completed. Store- houses and Power Plant Building are over 50% completed. The contract for roads and exterior services is as a whole about 28% completed, roads about 70%. The following reports are missing from this group: May 16, 1940 " 28, . " 30, " confidentiat.com OF THE NAVY files 1 May 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 30 April 138,845 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,852 Other Reservists " 11 If If 1,311 Total 4,163 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 201 Aggregate Discharges If If 46 Gain 155 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 1 May: Line Officers 304 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 434 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 30 April: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 92 District Patrol Planes 90 0 0 Naval Intelligence 100 64 64 Miscellaneous 230 221 215 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 90 Total Officers 870 735 573 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 101 101 Miscellaneous 900 917 917 Total Men 1360 1358 1358 2. 2. Recruiting Activities for week ending 26 April: Astronomical Survey Group, operating in the Bahamas, Number of applicants accepted for first enlistment, 1,070 completed their work on 30 April and the party is retur- Number of first enlistments 706 ning to Key West. This group was sent out at the insti- Number of reenlistments within three months (continuous service) 34 gation of the Hydrographic Office. Number of reenlistments under broken service 32 U.S.S. MORRIS (DD417), Havy Yard, Norfolk, reports com- Total Enlistments 772 pletion and delivery. Builder's trials are finished and Anti-aircraft Cruiser, a type so often mentioned in German she is ready for duty with the Fleet dispatches as being used off Norway as a new adjunct to The Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Stark, will ad- the British Fleet, is said to carry only anti-aircraft dress the Annual Meeting of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce guns and is not designed for regular fighting purposes. tomorrow after luncheon at the Mayflower Hotel. The British are said to have converted 6 old cruisers of U.S.S. WASHINGTON (BB56), will be launched on 1 June at 1918 and 1919 classes, all of them less than 5,000 tons, the Navy Yard, Philadelphia, instead of 15 June as pre- into this unique category. viously reported. Navel Medical Center, Steel work has reached the 13th Naval Reserve, Captain J. T. Nelson, recently appointed floor of the tower. Contract for steel erection expires the only Rear Admiral in the Naval Reserve, will come on 28 June and will probably be completed by 1 June. to Washington in September as assistant to Admiral The Chief of the Bureau of Supplies and Accounts, Admiral Nimits. Spear, will leave on 12 May for an informal inspection of Naval Air Station, San Juan, Puerto Rico, will be placed material needs in the 9th, 11th, 12th, and 13th Naval in commission on 1 May as an activity of the 10th Naval Districts. He will return on 3 June, Captain Watrous ac- District. This will be the first of the air bases rec- companying him. Commandants, supply officers, and major omended by Congress to be established under the Naval fleet staff supply officers will be visited for confer- Appropriation Act of 1940. Dredging and foundation ences on all S. & A. problems. 4. work of the majority of the buildings is now underway while two hangars for patrol planes with some temporary buildings are nearing completion. Light Cruisers 57 and 58, Bids will be opened on 15 May. These ships are duplicates of the CLEVELAND and COLUMBIA (CL55 and 56) now under construction at the New York Shipbuilding and Drydock Company. There will be a call for bids on 8 May for the main propelling machinery on 6 submarines and re-engineering of the NARWHAL (SS167) and NAUTILUS (SS168) Seaplane Tenders 21 and 22, reward is being held up on main propelling machinery pending completion of Naval Ap- propriation Act. West Base, Little America, A report says the Antarctic night which will last four months has set in. Comfort- able living quarters and work buildings have been estab- lished as well as a snow hangar to house the Navy transport plane. Temperature range at its lowest has been from 45° to 55° below zero, work proceeding under flood lights. The science building will house the activities of geogra- phers, geologists, physicists, physiologists, biologists, meteorologists, and bacteriologists. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 2 May 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 1 May 138,926 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,852 Other Reservists 11 11 11 11 ... 1,311 Total 4,163 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 155 Aggregate Discharges " 11 11 74 Gain 81 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 2 May: Line Officers 304 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 434 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 1 May: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 91 District Patrol Planes 42 0 0 Naval Intelligence 100 64 64 Miscellaneous 278 278 219 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 112.. Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 89 Total Officers 870 792 575 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 101 101 Miscellaneous 900 917 917 Total Men 1360 1358 1358 3. 2. Marine Corps, The Major General Commandant is making the U.S.S. RUSSELL (DD414), the revised date of completion graduating address today to the graduates of the Marine and present Navy Yard availability is 17 May. From 17- Basic School, in Philadelphia. There are 130 officer 20 May, the RUSSELL will hold such post repair trials graduates in the ten months' course. and runs as my be necessary. From 21-27 May she will Bureau Supplies and Accounts, reports the All Commodity be at Newport for test torpedo firings following which Price Index for 29 April is 79.0, up .5 from a week ago she will proceed to San Diego via Norfolk, Guantanamo, and only .5 lower than the high for the year, reached and the Canal Zone, reporting to CinCUS for duty in Des- on 6 January. troyer Battle Force on departure from the latter 8 June. Submarine Chaser (P.C. 450), will be delivered to the Aviation Cadets, 22 have been appointed for flight train- Navy Yard, Norfolk, on 3 May and commissioned on 4 May, ing at Pensacola in the class which convened on 29 April. built at the American Car and Foundry Co., Wilmington, They have been selected from ten aviation bases located Delaware. throughout the country. U.S.S. BROOME (DD210), on or about 10 May will proceed U.S.S. HOPKINS (DD249) will act as escort for the SEA to Annapolis and report for duty to the Superintendent DRAGON (SS194) from the Virginia Capes to the Canal Zone. of the Naval Academy as relief for the ROPER (DD147) Rendezvous will be effected on 16 May, with arrival at as Midshipman instruction destroyer. ROPER will then Canal Zone set for 22 May. HOPKINS will report to proceed to New York for interim overhaul. CinCUS for duty in Destroyer Battle Force, while it is U.S.S. STERETT (DD407), will leave Charleston on 4 May expected CinCUS will provide for further escort of the and proceed to Guantanamo. On arrival there of the SEA DRAGON to the West Coast. HAMMANN and MUSTIN, STERRETT will proceed in company U.S.S. PLATTE (oiler), was tentatively scheduled to con- with them to the Nest Coast. On departure from the duct full scale rudder tests on returning from the Gulf Canal Zone they will report to the CinCUS for duty. Area about 20 May. Instead the CIMARRON will conduct 4. these tests on her arrival on the East Coast prior to overhaul at the Navy Yard, Philadelphia, in October. The scheduled date of the tests to be conducted on the DIXIE has been advanced from September to 29 May - 3 June. Naval Reserve, Incident to the expanded program at Pensa- cola, it has become necessary for the Bureau of Navigation to plan to assign from 5 to 10 officers to fill battalion and ground school administrative billets. These are non- flying details. Ex-Naval Academy graduates and R.O.T.C. members will be detailed if possible. Reserve Cruises, The Material Bureaus have developed a system of decommissioning destroyers by which vessels may be safely put out of commission so that they will be. ready to operate almost immediately when needed without deteri- oration occurring. This is done by dehumidifying compart- ments and using only a light oil. which is a protective as well as a lubricant in recommissioning. Topside gear re- tains heavy oil and grease protection, but it is expected such destroyers could be recommissioned in two weeks or less. Crews can live aboard while recommissioning and it has been suggested that a reserve division, during its two weeks summer cruise period, recommission a destroyer.as the best training possible for actual war conditions, take it out for a few days run, and return, the succeeding divi- sion decommissioning the boat after being out with it on a few days run. It is thought this method of training can be worked out satisfactorily before cruise periods begin. Confidential file REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 3 May 1940 Personal Total Enlisted Strength, 2 May Confidential 138 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,852 Other Reservists IT 11 If 11 1,311 Total 4,163 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 136 Aggregate Discharges 11 If 11 79 Gain 57 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 3 May: Line Officers 304 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 434 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 2 May: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 91 District Patrol Planes 42 0 0 Naval Intelligence 100 64 64 Miscellaneous 278 278 219 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 89 Total Officers 870 792 575 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 101 101 Miscellaneous 900 917 917 Total Men 1360 1358 1358 2. 2. Bureau of Yards and Docks, The following contract awards Conference, Chief of Naval Operations, of various inter- have been made: ested officers and bureaus of the Havy Department was Exterior and interior power service at the Naval Air- held today with a view to preparing additional testimony craft Factory, Navy Yard, Philadelphia, Pa., awarded for the Senate Naval Affairs Committee regarding future to the Herman Mayer Co. Inc., of Philadelphia, for characteristics of naval ship design. 8127,837. Time of completion, 180 days. H.R. 9450, The present status of the bill to consolidate Laundry building and bakery building at the Naval Air Engineering Duty Only end Construction Corps officers Station, Pensacola, Fla., awarded to the Southeastern into the line of the Navy is still the subject of hear- Construction Co., of Philadelphia, for $84,192. Time ings in the House Naval Affairs Committee. As it stands of completion, 180 days. the bill is acceptable to the Engineering Bureaus and Foundations for the assembly and repair shop at the the Bureau of Navigation, except Section 5, which pre- Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Fla., awarded to the scribes the number of Admirals allowed the Engineering Smith and Pew Construction Co., of Atlanta, Ga., for bureaus. A directive has been received from the chair- $63,384. Time of completion, 75 days. man of the Committee to draw up a plan providing that U.S.S. TROUT (SS202) is scheduled to be launched at the at no time will there be more than 10 Rear Admirals al- Havy Yard, Portsmouth, N.H., on 21 May. lowed these conbined groups, and that this number be Assistant Attache, London, Commander Gordon Nelson, con- reduced to 6 within ten years. Thereafter 6 will be- struction Corps, has returned with interesting reports come the authorized number allowed. At present there on damage to British ships from shell fire, torpedoes are ten rear admirals in the combined groups. and aircraft. U.S.S. WASP (airplane carrier), the following is the Air Attache, Paris, Captain Ellis S. Stone, has returned employment schedule from date of completion until final from Europe. departure to join the U.S. Fleet: 4. 25 April-14 June, at Boston, available for Navy Yard work to be assigned. WASP will fit out and receive stores, ammunition, provisions and fuel, the personnel to famil- iarize themselves with "at anchor" operation of machinery. Tests and trials will be held as desired by the Commanding Officer or the Navy Yard, until readiness for sea about 15 June. From 15-21 June, WASP will be enroute to and at Norfolk to obtain fuel, aviation gasoline, provisions, and ammunition. Assigned airplane squadrons will be em- barked to make shakedown cruise, from 22 June-24 August, itinerary of cruise to be announced later. From 25 Aug- ust-1 November, WASP will be based at Navy Yard, Norfolk, Final trials will be observed by the Board of Inspection and Survey as soon as practicable after return from shake- down cruise. These will be followed immediately by post trial examination and material inspection. All Navy Yard work and necessary preparations for joining the U.S. Fleet is expected to find her ready for sea on 2 November. From 2-12 November qualifications and refresher operations with airplane squadrons will be completed as found necessary. Selection Board, Medical Corps of the Naval Reserve, 20 officers were recommended for promotion to the grade of commander from lieutenant commander. Senfidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 6 May 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 4 May 139,097 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,851 Other Reservists II If If 11 1,309 Total 4,160 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 93 Aggregate Discharges If If If 37 Gain 56 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 6 May: Line Officers 304 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 434 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for. enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 4 May: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 106 District Patrol Planes 42 0 0 Naval Intelligence 100 64 64 Miscellaneous 278 278 222 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 89 Total Officers 870 792 593 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 101 101 Miscellaneous 900 917 917 Total Men 1360 1358 1358 2. N. Bids, were opened on April 30 for the Anthracite Coal Bids, for constructing one, two, or three submarines of requirements of the various Navy Yards and Naval Stations 1,500 tons will be received until 5 June. Circulars of for the period from 1 May 1940 to 30 April 1941. The information will be available to bidders on 15 May. tonnage is estimated at 10,165 tons for all Navy Yards Bids for machinery for these submarines (SS212, 213, and and Stations. The bids will be evaluated and awards 214) and also for SS 215, 216, and 217, will be received made as promptly as possible. until noon on 15 May. Senate Naval Affairs Committee, will hold hearings on U.S.S. PYRO (ammunition ship), Owing to the necessity the Naval Expansion Bill beginning tomorrow morning. of accomplishing urgent voyage repairs, the schedule Navel Finance and Supply School, Philadelphia, 4 members for this vessel has been, revised. PYRO will depart of the Navel Academy Class of 1937, 22 members of the Boston on 8 May for Norfolk, Guantanamo, Canal Zone, Class of 1939, and 23 students of Naval R.O.T.C. units San Diego, San Pedro, Mare Island, and Puget Sound, are being, or will be, commissioned as Ensigns in the arriving Puget Sound on 24 June. Supply Corps. They will receive instruction at the U.S.S. WHARTON (transport), undergoing conversion at school, reporting in September, 1940. Robins Drydock Corporation, Brooklyn, N.Y., will be U.S.S. WASHINGTON (BB56), to be launched at Philadelphia completed in September, and will be outfitted at Havy on 1 June, has had sponsor designated. This is the 6th Yard, New York in October. vessel so called, but the first battleship to be named U.S.S. WILLIAM WARD BURROUGHS, (transport) undergoing conversion at Navy Yard, Norfolk, will be completed in after that State. Bureau of Yards and Docks, announces the following award: late June. Contract for paving at hangar, Naval Reserve Aviation Asiatic Fleet, as of 1 May, vessels were stationed as Base, Squantum, Mass., to Charles Capone, Boston, Mass., follows: AGUSUTA - Shanghai; MARBLEHEAD - Manila; for $25,330.20. Time: 90 calendar days. ASHEVILLE - Hong Kong. .4. Yangtze Patrol: LUZON - Guam, Shanghai; OAHU - Hangkow; TUTUILA - Chungking. South China Patrol: MINDANAO - Hong Kong. Destroyer Squadron 29: PAUL JONES - Swatow; BLACK HAWK - Hong Kong. Destroyer Division 57: ALDEN, BARKER, JOHN D. EDWARDS, WHIPPLE - all at Swatow. Destroyer Division 58: BULMER - Manila; EDSALL - Olon- gapo; PARROTT, STEWART - Manila. Destroyer Division 59: JOHN D. FORD, PEARY, PILLSBURY - Hong Kong; POPE - Manila. U.S.S. ISABEL - Shanghai; TULSA - Swatow. Submarine Squadron 5: PICKEREL - Manila; PIGEON - Cano- pus - Tsingtao. Submarine Division 10: SS36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Tsing- tao. Mine Division 3: BITTERN, FINCH - Manila. Aircraft Detachment: LANGLEY, HERON - Cavite; VP-21 - Manila. Auxiliaries: PECOS - Shanghai; NAPA - Manila; GOLD STAR, PENGUIN - Guam. Naval Transportation Service: HENDERSON - Shanghai; SEPULGA - enroute Manila to Mare Island. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY filed 7 May 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 6 May 139,184 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,849 Other Reservists IT " If " 1,330 Total 4,179 Aggregate Enlistments (last 48 hours) 90 Aggregate Discharges If If " 22 Gain 68 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 7 May: Line Officers 304 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 434 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 6 May: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 106 District Patrol Planes 42 0 0 Naval Intelligence 100 64 64 Miscellaneous 278 278 222 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 89 Total Officers 870 792 593 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 101 101 Miscellaneous 900 917 917 Total Men 1360 1358 1358 2. 2. District Craft Development Board, net this morning con- cluding visit to Washington of 4 days duration at begin- cerning program for 19/1. ning of cruise to allow bureau personnel to inspect ves- Admiral Towers, is due back Thursday from his aviation sel. United States ports and non-belligerent ports in inspection trip to Test Coast Air Bases. Caribbean (except Havana), Cartagena and La Guaira are Commandant, 16th Naval District, has requested that four available for visits. communications officers (reserve) be detailed to Cavito. British Convoys, The Admiralty said that up to May, Bachelors will be designated if possible. 19,038 ships had been convoyed by the British with a 31 Ensigns, U.S. Naval Reserve, former aviation cadets, loss of 31 ships, or 5 ratio of 1 to 616. Neutral ships received changes in assignments during April. Most of convoyed totalled 2,912 with & loss of 3, or a ratio of these were from aircraft squadrons of the fleet to Naval 1 to 970. French Convoys in the same period handled Air Station, Pensacola. 3,457 ships with a loss of 7. 110' wood subchaser (PC450), diesel engine drive, com- Air Attack, An Admiralty spokesman said that "one British missioned nt Norfolk on 6 May and built by the American warship in Norwegian waters was attacked 40 times in one Car and Foundry Company at Wilmington, is the first of day and over 150 bombs were dropped, yet there were no experimental boats in program to be commissioned. From hits and no casualties." 4-19 May she will be based on Norfolk, fitted out and will Lester P. Barbow, announced that he will demonstrate his receive stores, ammition, provisions, and fuel, person- new explosive, described as the world's most deadly, on nel familiarizing themselves with operation, tests and live goats at Aberdeen, Maryland, on 16 May. trials as desired by the Yard and Comminding Officers. German losses, The British Admiralty says that Germany From 20 May - 3 June, compasses will be compensated, has lost 300,000 tons of merchant shipping since 1 April. radio direction finder calibrated and ship made ready for Almost all of the 300,000 tons, it was asserted, had shakedow cruise. Cruise will be about 3,500 miles, in- been munk during Norwegian operations, including trans- 4. ports and supply ships. "German mercantile tonnage defin- itely accounted for as captured, sunk or scuttled, now amounts to 454,000 tons," the Admiralty said. "In addi- tion it is estimated that a further 30 unidentified ships of approximately 150,000 tons have been sunk by allied submarines, mines, or aircraft.' Regular Officers for Aviation Training, Naval Academy classes 1934-1938, whose requests were received prior to April 15th have been selected. In order to obtain the full quota of officers for the fiscal year 1941, applica- tions have been extended to July 1, 91 officers have been selected to date for various classes between 16 Sep- tember and 12 November 1940. Regular Officers for Submarine Training, 30 have been selected (ensigns and lieutenants (j.g.) for class con- vening 1 July 1940, and 24 for class beginning 2 Jan. 1941. German Press, tonight touched new heights of concern over the Mediterranean situation. Despite the terrific press bombardment, some observers believed Germany might be trying to divert attention and possibly allied forces to the Mediterranean in order to launch the long awaited final "blitzkrieg" against England from the air. The sudden Dutch defense measure in calling up naval reserves and cancelling all military leaves could support this view. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY fither Total Enlisted Strength, 7 May 8 May 1940 139,298 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,841 Other Reservists 11 If 11 If 1,346 Total 4,187 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 140 Aggregate Discharges IT 11 If 34 Gain 106 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 8 May: Line Officers 304 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 434 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 7 May: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 106 District Patrol Planes 42 0 0 Naval Intelligence 100 64 64 Miscellaneous 278 278 224 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 89 Total Officers 870 792 595 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 101 101 Miscellaneous 900 917 917 Total Men 1360 1358 1358 2. 2. Recruiting Activities for week ending 3 May: Construction Company, Inc., Panana City, Florida, for Number of applicants accepted for first enlistment 966 $206,618.50. Time, 150 calender days. Number of 1st enlistments 323 Tokio Newspapers, uniformly charged today that ptation- Number of reenlistments within three nonths (continuous service) 60 ing of U.S. Fleet in the Howaiien area in nimed against Number of reenlistments under broken service 27 Japan. "This demonstration was expected," said Asahi. Total Enlistments 410 "It is no surprise. Other papers made similar comments The Assistant Secretary of the Navy, is addressing the and the Kokunin Shimbun predicted that the Philippines Princeton Club at Juncheon today. would be used as B bage for American operations in the Naval Communications Service, Admiral Hoyes reports that Far East. plans are being made upon request of the State Department Wage Board of Review, will be convened at the Navy De- to furnish a radio receiver and radio man to the American partment on 13 May to consider reports on wages of la- Embassy, Tokio, in order that the State Department daily borer, helper, mechanical and supervision forces of the bulletin may be received there. field service of the Navy submitted by local boards which U.S. Fleet, reports from CinCUS indicate there was good have been holding meetings for the past 12 weeks at Navy reception of high frequency communications from Navy Yards and Stations. Hearings will be public, the report Radio, Washington, while his flagship was at sea in of the boards to be made about 13 June. Captain J.A. Hawaiian waters, but that it is poor while alongside Furer (c.c.) will be Senior Member of the Board. the dock in Pearl Harbor, which is.te be-expected due Selection Board, (to be announced Saturday) has recom- to distance and interference. mended six officers of the Naval Reserve, Civil Engineer Bureau Yards and Docks, announces the following award: Corps, for promotion from lieutenant commander to comman- Contract for Runways and Drainage at the Naval Air Sta- der. tion, New Base Field, Pensacola, Florida, to C.C. Moore Cruiser Bids, proposals for the construction of one or 4. two light cruisers (CL57 and 58) of 10,000 tons displace- ment, were opened today in the presence of the Assistant Secretary. The Naval Appropriation Bill for 1941 con- tains provisions for funds to commence construction, authorized by Act of 17 May 1938. The New York Shipbuild- ing Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, submitted the follow- ing bids: One cruiser - Time to build, 362 mos. - $17,907,000 Two cruisers - Time to build, 36½ & 39, mos. $17,580,000 New York Shipbuilding Corporation is now building the CLEVELAND and COLUMBIA (CL55 and 56) at $17,990,000 for each vessel. Cruisers 57 and 58 have been designed with certain additional features that would normally add to their cost of construction. U.S.S. SEALION, (SS195), schedule has been modified as follows: 6-16 May at Navy Yard, Portsmouth for adjustments to torpedo tubes, sea tests and training with final trials 17 May; 18-25 May, contract torpedo trials will be held off Newport; 27 May - June 1, post trial examinations at Portsmouth; 2-9 June, dummy torpedo tests at Portsmouth; 10 June, proceed to Newport, reporting to inspector of Ordnance in charge for tests as directed by the Bureau of Ordnance. Commander Atlantic Squadron will furnish escort in carrying out this schedule. Com firm REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY 9 May 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 8 May 139,368 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,841 Other Reservists If 11 " 11 1,346 Total 4,187 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 77 Aggregate Discharges If 11 11 7 Gain 70 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 9 May: Line Officers 304 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 434 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 8 May: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 106 District Patrol Planes 42 0 0 Naval Intelligence 100 64 64 Miscellaneous 278 278 224 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 89 Total Officers 870 792 595 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 101 101 Miscellaneous 900 917 917 Total Men 1360 1358 1358 2. 2. 20 Aviation Cadets, have been appointed for flight train- U.S.S. MAXRANT, (DD402), will embark the Board of Inspec- ing at Pensacola in the class convening 13 May. They tion and survey on 1/, May and conduct supplementary of- come from 13 aviation bases located throughout the United ficial trials, to be followed by post trial examination States. at Havy Yard, Boston. Director Navul Reserve Policy Division, Captain Gygax, U.S.S. ROWAN, (DD405), will depart Norfolk on 17 May Director of the Noval Reserve Division, Bureau of Navi- for the Canal Zone, via Guantanano. ROWAN will depart gation, assumed the above duty as of 7 May, recently Canal Zone on 25 May and report to the CinCUS for duty organized in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. in Destroyers, Battle Force. Bureau of Supplies and Accounts, announces All Commodity Admiral Onan, Medical Corps, has returned from a four Price Index for 4 May was 78.9, down .1 from a week ago nonths trip. inspecting medical activities in the areas and the first recession in the last 4 weeks. of Charleston, Parris Island, Key West, Pensacola, Great Senate Naval Affairs Committee, reported favorably to Lakes, Norfolk, Philadelphia, and New York. Naval ex- the Senate the House approved Vinson Bill calling for pension with 16,000 employed in the Philadelphin Navy an 115 expansion in Novel Strength. The only major Yard, 12,000 In New York, 10,000 in Norfolk, etc., he change in the bill was the adoption of the amendment to reports as the greatest problem of medical personnel. nodernize the TEXAS, NEW YORK, and ARKANSAS to raise At Kansas City he lectured on "The Hague Convention", their guns to a 30° angle, increasing their range. having been this country's representative at Geneva in U.S.S. HUGHES, (DD410), when ready for sea about 1/, revising it three years ago. May will conduct post repair trials and then proceed to U.S.S. BENSON, (DD421), The office of the Superinton- Newport for test torpedo firings to include four firing ding Constructor, Quincy, Massachusetts, celled by days. Further schedule will be issued on completion of phone yesterday afternoon to report on oil explosion above. on the BENSON due to welding being done on the vent 4. pipe of an oil tank which was filled with oil. The acci- dent was due to carelessness in permitting welding under these conditions. There were no injuries to personnel and the estimated damage caused by the explosion was ap- proximately $1,000. Admiral Towers and Captain Montgomery returned on sched- ule from their inspection trip to West Coast Air Bases (previously reported). Small Boat Program, Commander Carney has returned from the Electric Boat Company plant, Bayonne, N.J., and re- ports that work is progressing very satisfactorily on 6 boats in various stages of construction, due primarily to excellent working of production line. Add Navy Bill, Senate, The committee adopted an amendment which would permit the Navy to shift tonnage between air- craft carriers, cruisers, and submarines to an extent not exceeding 33,400 tons out of an authorized 166,000. This would allow for bigger cruisers or carriers as found nec- essary. $6,000,000 for equipment and armor plate factory facilities was authorized by the committee, as well as $5,000,000 for construction work in Hawaii. A limit of 18 was placed on the number of blimps that could be built. The committee also limited to $35,000,000 for construc- tion of ways and shipyards. This bill contains only auth- orizations. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE July NAVY 10 May 1940 Total Enlisted Strength, 9 May 139,349 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,842 Other Reservists 11 11 11 AT 1.361 Total 4,203 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 70 Aggregate Discharges If If 11 105 Loss 35 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 10 May: Line Officers 304 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 434 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 9 May: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 106 District Patrol Planes 42 0 O Naval Intelligence 100 65 65 Miscellaneous 278 278 229 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 90 Total Officers 870 793 602 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 101 101 Miscellaneous 900 917 917 Total Men 1360 1358 1358 2. 2: Bureou of Yards and Docks, announces the following awards: rank of Rear Admiral. Contract for Industrial Buildings at the Novel Air Sta- By Executive Order, The President has established a Los tion, Jacksonville, Florida, to Doyle & Russell, Rich- Angeles - Long Beach Harbor Navel Defensive Sea Area from mond, Virginia, for $302,320.00. Time: 300 calender which foreign vessele are excluded except by the Secre- days, except the torpedo workshop and storage building tary's permission to enter. During fogs or other ener- within 150 calendar days. geneies anchorage may be permitted to prevent serious Contract for Dredging at the Navel Reserve Aviation damage to versels. Bose, Squantun, Mass., has been awarded to J.S. Packard Noval Attache, London, In a dispatch estimates 50 Curtise Dredging Company, Boston, Mass., for $0.55 per cubic fighter planes were captured at Oslo and come insction at yard. The estimated amount of money involved under this Narvik. Other American types in transit to Streden and contract is $52,000.00. Finland may elso be in German hands. In n. second dis- Contract for Power Plant Building at the Naval Air Sta- patch the present best estimates of British navel losses tion, Jacksonville, Florida, has been awarded to Blythe In the Norwegian campaign beginning 8 April were: dan- Brothers Co., Charlotte, N.C., for $68,232. Time: 190 aged - RODNEY (33,900 tons), HENOWN (32,000 tons), SUF- calendar days. FOLK (10,000 tons), PENELOPE (5,270 tons), GLASGOT, SOUTH- Selection Board, has been approved nominating two lieu- AMPTON (9,100 tone), PELICAN (escort vessel, 1,200 tons), tenant commanders in the Ordnance Branch of the Volunteer HOSTILE,HOTSPUR (1,340 tons, destroyers), ECLIPSE (1,375 Reserve to be promoted to commanders, and one lieutenant tons, destroyer), ESKINO, PUNJABI, COSSACK (1,870 tons, commander in the Legal Branch of the Volunteer Reserve to destroyers), also one aircraft carrier, either the FURIOUS be promoted to commander. or the ARK ROYAL. Following were sunk: GURKHA (1,870 Selection Board, will convene on 13 May to recommend one tons), HUNTER (1,345 tons), HARDY (1,505 tons), AFRIDI officer of the Construction Corps to be advanced to the (1,870 tons), THISTLE, TARPON (1,575 tons, submrines), 4. STERLET (960 tons, submarine), 12 trawlers, 1 minesweeper, and the BITTERN (1,190 tons, escort vessel). Commander in Chief, Asiatic, reports Commanders of all European forces in the vicinity of Shanghai have promised peaceful continuance of the status quo if Italy enters the war. S.S. IDARWALD, German freighter in Tampico is reported raising steam in main boilers and testing engines. H.M.S. CARADOC, (British Cruiser, 4,180 tons), cleared Cristobal on 9 May. U.S.S. TUTUILA (River gunboat), Asiatic Fleet, ran aground near Chungking while shifting anchorage. Ship reports plates starboard side adjacent to keel, four square feet in area, dished in and others slightly bent with no rup- tures or leaks. River is said to be falling slowly with no prospect of refloating until river rises. S. W. Wakeman, Vice President in charge of shipbuilding, Bethlehem Steel Company, died today in New York City. U.S.S. PATOKA, will remain an oiler, her complement being reduced accordingly, with essential aviation facilities now incorporated in her to be retained. This status to be effective 15 June. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY the 13 May 1940 Enlisted Strength, 11 May 139,322 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty ... 2,842 Other Reservists 11 II If If 1,361 Total 4,203 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 152 Aggregate Discharges 11 11 Il 105 Gain 47 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 13 May: Line Officers 304 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 434 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 11 May: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 106 District Patrol Planes 42 o 0 Naval Intelligence 100 65 65 Miscellaneous 278 278 229 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 90 Total Officers 870 793 602 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 113 113 Miscellaneous 900 882 882 Total Men 1360 1335 1335 2. 2- Personnel Figures: at Navy Yards including intensified training of personnel Total Officers, Regular Navy, 1 May (including Staff in order to meet the requirements of the Expansion Bill Officers) 10,439 Total Officers, Marine Corps, 1 May 1,409 when appropriations become available. Enlisted Personnel, Marine Corps, 1 May 25,067 Captain Ogawa, Japanese Naval Attache, called on the As- Naval Planes, as of 1 April: sistent Secretary this norning. Service Planes 1,487 Obsolete and obsolescent 406 C.N.O.'s Office, Studies are being made as to costs of Experimental planes 33 certain urgent items, appropriations for which will be Total 1,926 requested immediately. (The above figures include 131 planos, U.S.M.C.) Representative Vinson, proposes to start hearings as soon Naval Reserve Planes, as of 1 April: as possible on aircraft expansion. Service Planes 190 Obsolete and obsolescent 37 Bureau of Yards and Docks, announces the following award: Total 227 Contract for transfer and erection of overhead electric Total Planes available, 2153 traveling bridge cranes from the Naval Ordnance Plant, Naval Reserve Personnel, as of 31 March: South Charleston, West Virginia, to the Navy Yard, Wash- Enlisted Men 40,240 Officers 14,226 ington, D.C., has been awarded to the Morgan Engineering Aviation Cadets 619 Company, Alliance, Ohio, for $56,130. Time, 135 calondar Marine Corps Reserve Personnel, as of 1 May: days. Enlisted Men 14,660 Officers 1,147 Destroyer Squadrons, 1 and 5 consisting of the following Aviation Cadets 531 vessels from Hawniian Detachment reported to Destroyers Wage Board of Review, first meeting has been postponed Battle Force for duty on 8 May: PHELPS, DEWEY, HULL, until 15 May because of the inability of Mr. Calvin, head McDONOUGH, WORDEN, AYLWIN, DALE, FARRAGUT, MONOGHAN, of Metal Trades Division, A. F. of L., to attend. PORTER, DRAYTON, flusser, LAMSON, MAHAN, CUSHINE, PERKINS, SOSED, is making every effort to expand industrial forces 4. PRESTON, and SMITH. Destroyer Squadrons 3 and 4, consisting of the following vessels from Destroyers, Battle Force, reported to the Hawaiian Detachment on 8 May: CLARK, CASSIN, CONYNGHAM, DOWNES, REID, CASE, SHAW, CUMMINGS, TUCKER, SELFRIDGE, BAGLEY, BLUE, HELM, HENLEY, JARVIS, MUEFORD, PATTERSON, and RALPH TALBOT. U.S.S. LEXINGTON, reported from Air Battle Force to Hawaiian Detachment for duty on 8 May. Rear Admiral Joseph Reeves, retired, will return to duty in the Secretary's Office, orders being issued today. U.S.S. WALKE (DD416) and WAINWRIGHT (DD419), shakedown cruise, will depart Norfolk on 6 July. On 18 July they will rendezvous with WASP (aircraft carrier) and MORRIS (DD417) in Panama Bay. In company they will all proceed to Callao, remaining there 5 days (26-31 July) and Valpar- aiso (5-10 August) returning to Canal Zone on 17 August. WALKE and WAINWRIGHT will be at Charlotte Amelie on 22 August, San Juan, 27 August. On 3 Sept. WAINWRIGHT will return to Norfolk and on 4 Sept., WALKE will return to Boston Navy Yard. WASP and MORRIS will return to Norfolk on 25 August. Diplomatic arrangements have been initia- ted for visits to Callao and Valparaiso, Commanding Offi- cers to be advised when completed. Confidential REPORT SECRETARY OF THE NAVY file " 14 May 1940 Enlisted Strength, 13 May 139,562 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,842 Other Reservists If If If 11 1,361 Total 4,203 Aggregate Enlistments (last 48 hours) 180 Aggregate Discharges 11 If If 35 Gain 145 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 14 May: Line Officers 304 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 434 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 13 May: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 106 District Patrol Planes 42 o o Naval Intelligence 100 65 65 Miscellaneous 278 278 229 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 90 Total Officers 870 793 602 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 113 113 Miscellaneous 900 882 882 Total Men 1360 1335 1335 2. 2. Admiral Robinson, Admiral Van Keuren, and Captain Fisher cial trials as directed by the President of the Board of spent the morning with the House Naval Affairs Committee. Inspection and Survey. From about 22-24 June, on comple- House Naval Affairs Committee, will commence hearings to- tion of official trials and when directed by President morrow (15 May) in connection with the proposal of Chair- Board of Inspection and Survey, proceed to Navy Yard, New man Vinson to introduce legislation authorizing a tre- York, for post trial examinations. From 24 June-9 July, mendous expansion in Havel Aviation. at Havy Yard, New York, for post trial examinations and Fleet Transportation, In order to facilitate transporta- completion of all preparations for joining U.S. Fleet. tion of personnel destined for U.S. Fleet in Hawaiian Bureau of Yards and Docks, announces the following award: Area, the Chief of Naval Operations, Bureau of Naviga- Contract for Barracks, Mess Hall, Bakery, and Brig at the tion, and Commandent Eleventh Naval District will be Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida, to the Artley kept informed of the prospective dates and departure Company, Savannah, Georgia, for $718,645. Time: 300 cal- of units proceeding from San Diego and San Pedro for endar days. Selection Board, to recommend officers of the ranks of that area. U.S.S. HELENA (light cruiser), The following employment commander and lieutenant (j.s.) in the Chaplain's Corps schedule is prescribed for HELENA from date of completion has been approved. Dental Corps, Examinations will be held on 8 July for of Havy Yard availability on 7 June until reporting for the appointment of dental officers in the Havy. Candi- duty in U.S. Fleet: 8-17 June, operating at discretion dates must be graduates of recognized dental schools and in the vicinity of New York. Conduct post repair trials, between the ages of 21 and 32 years upon date of appoint- arriving Rockland, Maine, not later than 17 June for of- ment. The examinations will be competitive. ficial trials. C.N.O. to be kept advised of proposed schedule during this period; 18-22 June, embark Board Mrs. Lewis Compton, wife of the Assistant Secretary, has been designated as sponsor of the U.S.S. ALBEMARLE, sea of Inspection and Survey at Rockland and conduct offi- 4. plane tender (large), which is scheduled to be launched at the plant of the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, on 3 August. The Albemarle was auth- orized by Act of Congress dated 17 May 1938. Dutch High Command, ordered Dutch soldiers to cease de- fense of Rotterdam and Utrecht, the Holland radio repor- ted. The radio statement, broadcast from Amsterdam, said that the order was given by General Winkelman, Commander in Chief of the Dutch forces. It appeared to mean the end of resistance in the main areas of Holland. The order added that the fight to save Rotterdam and Utrecht must be abandoned to prevent destruction of the two cities and to avoid "unnecessary bloodshed". Add Hearings, Admiral Robinson proposed to the House Naval Affairs Committee that U.S. Shipyards be placed on a 24-hour construction basis and a $300,000,000 additional appropriation be authorized. Admiral Robinson said the reason for slow construction was the "long holiday" in shipbuilding in the 20's. Other factors were the vast changes in warship design in recent years, delay in com- pleting designs at the Navy Department, shortened hours of work in shipyards and the increased complexity of modern vessels. Confidential REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY fete Total Enlisted Strength, 14 May 15 May 1940 139,640 Fleet Reservists (Enlisted) on active duty 2,837 Other Reservists " " 11 If 1,381 Total 4,218 Aggregate Enlistments (last 24 hours) 230 Aggregate Discharges If " If 67 Gain 163 Retired Officers returned to active duty as of 15 May: Line Officers 305 Staff Officers 100 Warrant Officers 30 Total 435 Naval Reservists ordered to active duty for enforcement of neutrality patrol as of 14 May: Number Number Number Officers Allowed Obligated Ordered Aviation Instructors 150 150 106 District Patrol Planes 42 0 0 Naval Intelligence 100 65 65 Miscellaneous 278 278 229 Ens. and Lieuts. (j.g.) with Fleet 200 200 112 Merchant Marine and Lieut. D-V(G) 100 100 90 Total Officers 870 793 602 Men District Patrol Planes 340 340 340 Communications 120 113 .113. Miscellaneous 900 882 882 Total Men 1360 1335 1335 2. U.S.S. STERETT (DD407), MUSTIN (DD413), and HANMANN 2. Inspector Naval Materiel, Pittsburgh District, reports (DD412) reported to CinCUS for duty on 14 May. that an attempt to hold a pro-German meeting on 11 May Bids - Submarine Machinery, will be opened today on nach- at Loyal Order of Moose Hall, Pittsburgh, was stopped inery for 6 submarines of the 1941 program and replace- when Moose authorities ascertained for what purpose their ment of machinery in submarines HAUTILUS, NARRHAL, and quarters were being rented. 200 persons were refused on- ARGONAUT. trance. German Consul, New York was to address the meet- American Consular Agent at Aruba, DWI reports the crew ing. The stage was set with a form of altar inscribed of the German Steanship ANTILLA was removed from the with mottoes in German "Einer fru Alle, Alle fru Einer", ship on 10 May and shortly thereafter it caught fire, also inscriptions attributed to Adolph Hitler. Pitts- burned, and senk. 34 crew members and 49 additional Ger- burgh Post Gasette of 13 May ran article with pictures mans were interned. Also reported, & French cruiser of the decorations. Moose Leader received threats af- landed approximately 100 French marines at Orangestad. ter refusing permission to rent hall. This action is believed a result of request for protec- U.S.S. BUCK (DD420), contingent upon satisfactory report tion from Arend Petroleum. of commissioning Board Commandant Third Naval District Naval Attache, Paris, reports Allies falling back to line has been authorized to place BUCK in full commission at of Anvers, Louvain, Namur, Dinant, Sedan, Longuy. German Navy Yard, Philadelphia, on 15 May. aircraft exerting tremendous effort, bombing Numer, Givet, Bureau of Yards and Docks, announces the following con- Philipeville. The French Navy reports the Japanese Fleet tract awards: in concentrating preparations for a descent on the Dutch Industrial buildings at the Naval Air Station, Jack- East Indies. sonville, Florida, awarded to Doyle and Russell of U.S.S. SAILFISH, (submarine, ex-S(UALUS), was commis- Richnond, Virginia, for $302,320. Time of completion, sioned today at Navy Yard, Portsmouth. 300 days.