Naval History and Heritage Command

In 1914, the Naval Aide for Operations, Rear Admiral Bradley Fiske, wrote that the Navy was not ready for war, but would be unable to avoid it.  In this, he was at odds with Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels, who, along with President Woodrow Wilson, wished to avoid involvement in the European War.

It is Fiske’s advocacy for a strong military aide to help the Secretary direct the Navy that led to the creation of the office of the Chief of Naval Operations.