The Atlanta Journal 1912

[Guinness]

Navy Reorganizes, Announces Ship Sales

New Secretary of the Navy Pushes Through Changes, Promises More

Richmond (UP) -- New Secretary of the Navy made waves at the Admiralty Building today, when he announced the first widespread fleet organization in more the five years. Speaking before the Admiralty, members of the Naval Staff, select line officers, and several members of Congress, Secretary Alfred Thayer Mahan said "the Navy is ill prepared, ill structured, and ill positioned to face the challenges of today's world. This is why I have approved the Admiralty's strategic plan for the future."

The first step in this plan, Mr. Mahan said, is to more properly align today's fleet with modern tactics and strategy. To this end, the order of battle was revised for the first time in 5 years. Highlighs of this revision include:

The three former commands (Atlanta, Pacific, Gulf) are reorganized into two fleets, Atlantic and Pacific.

Torpedo Ram Squadrons allocated flagships from among Frigates and 3rd Class cruisers. Mr. Mahan said this was in effort to improve operational efficiency and fleet integration.

Submarine Flotillas allocated 3rd Class Cruisers as flagships also to improve operational efficiency and fleet integration

In a related move, the new fleet auxiliary ships, which include the new Depot Ship Ingals, as well as three new minelayers, were attached to Fleet HQs.

A source within the Admiralty, who refused to be named as he is not authorized to comment, said "many officers are none too happy with these changes. Several Rear Admirals are left essentially without commands, and will likely be forced to retire. Also, several ships home ports are moving, causing officers to have to uproot and move their families, in some cases to new ports which are considered less desirable."

Mr. Mahan also announced that a full review of the ships within the fleet is underway, and that several, possibly including the four oldest battleships in the fleet, may well be sold in the next year. This announcement also triggered controversy. Said Senator Bacon, Democrat from Georgia, "I think it folly to even consider selling off any of our strongest ships at a time when it seems clear that war is on the horizon in the eastern Mediterranean."

When asked for comment at a press conference later in the afternoon, President Roosevelt responded, "I have nothing but the greatest confidence in Secretary Mahan, which is why I appointed him Secretary earlier this year. I have reviewed his proposed policies, and have approved them as necessary. As to the sale of any existing ships, such sales will or will not be approved on a case by case basis as the need arises."

[The Rock Doctor]

Gran Colombia will be watching this (and reading your OoB post) with great interest.