Skip to main content
Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

Cablegram Received       Sept. 8, 1917

[September 5, 1917]

Origin Opnav Washington       Serial No. Opnav 360

Via N C D R 15                Date No. 122505

Copies to C. of S.; J.V.B.; Wm. M; E.C.T.1  File No.

From Secretary of the Navy.

To Commander Naval Forces European Waters

Opnav 360. 01030 Establishment of two dirigible stations authorized as outlined period Department desires detailed plan before ordering building material for dirigible shed period May be some delay in its delivery period Believed now other material and equipment including that for seaplane station can be supplied as requested period Your 378 and 3942 administration and expansion of training in America make it impracticable to order at present all officers requested by name period Department will order best personnel for service abroad as rapidly as consistent with all needs period Ten additional reserve officers now order period Will send E. O. McDonnel, C. T. Hull, F. R. McCrary, L. H. Maxfield, F. P. Culbert,3 and seven reserve dirigible officers latter part of this month 122505

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Document is marked: “Action Copy.”

Footnote 1: Sims' Chief of Staff, Capt. Nathan C. Twining; Cmdr. John V. Babcock, Sims' aide and de facto Intelligence Officer; Capt. William D. MacDougall, United States Naval Attaché at London; and Paymaster Eugene C. Tobey.

Footnote 2: While the two cables named herein have not been found, see: Kenneth Whiting to Josephus Daniels, 20 July 1917, for more on Naval Aviation plans.

Related Content