Naval History and Heritage Command

Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, to Staff of Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

Chronological Copy.                           File No. <4-3-13>

Cablegram Received <September 9, 1918.>

Origin Opnav Washington                       Ser. No. 1226

     M-1 Sept 11

B                       S E C R E T

Simsadus.

     1226. Last sentence your 4062 not clear.1 Records here to date show that there are now abroad 604 Naval Aviators 269 Officers for miscellaneous aviation duties and 14259 enlisted men approximately 55per cent of whom are qualified for aviation mechanics. Allowed complement of all Naval Air Stations abroad including repair base Italian station and Northern Bombing Group is 1154 pilots 538 officers for miscellaneous duties and 18959 enlisted men. If additional personnel is immediately necessary above the rate at which now being supplies, Request you cable that fact giving number and rate most desired2 12209 1226

Benson                       

9:30 AM 11 Sept 1918