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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Rear Admiral Hugh Rodman, Commander, Battleship Division Nine, to Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels

[Extract]

BATTLESHIP DIVISION NINE

UNITED STATES ATALNTIC FLEET

U. S. S. NEW YORK, Flagship.

6 April 1918.      

From:     Commander BATTLESHIP DIVISION NINE.

To  :     Secretary of the Navy (OPERATIONS).

Subject:  General Report – Week ending 6 April 1918.

     1.   MOVEMENTS OF VESSELS.

          Saturday, March 30th and Thursday, April 4th, this division was exercised underway at sub-calibre practice and concentration of fire. It is the policy to get the division underway for exercise as often as possible but this is not accomplished as frequently as desired, owing to the demand of other divisions for the limited available maneuvering area.

     2.   QUARTERLY EFFICIENCY INSPECTION.

          Inspection of the NEW YORK on March 30th completed the efficiency inspection of all ships for the quarter. The steady progress made by all ships is most gratifying. The ships of the division, individually and collectively, have been the recipient of some very high compliments on their appearance, cleanliness and precision in maneuvering, and the good spirit and efficiency of the personnel.

     3.   DOCKAGE OF DELAWARE.

          The DELAWARE sailed for Newcastle, Tuesday, April 2nd, for dockage, fitting of paravanes, and such repairs and overhaul as can be made in her ten days docking period. She is due to rejoin April 17th. . . .

     5.   QUARANTINE – CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.

          The NEW YORK and TEXAS are in quarantine; the former for mumps and diphtheria; the latter for diphtheria alone.

     6.   VIEW FROM CONNING TOWERS.

          It is most gratifying to note the great improvement which has been made in the view from the conning tower by the slight enlargement of the forward slit. The interior length and height were not altered, but only enough metal removed to give the same height throughout, as at the after end of the slit, and a sixty degree angle of view on both bows. The work was done in the NEW YORK by boring with special bits and burning out the intervening metal with the oxygen acetylene flame. Tests show that the remaining metal in the wake of the removed, has lost none of its hardness. Work will later be started on the beam slits to enlarge them the same way with a forty-five degree angle of view, forward and abaft the beam. Permission is requested to alter all conning towers in this division the same way, as there is absolutely no question whatever but that it is a necessary and valuable improvement.

     7.   WINCHES FOR KITE BALLOONS.

          These have arrived and will be immediately installed on the NEW YORK and TEXAS. We hope to carry our kite balloon on the flagship in future, when at sea. . .

Hugh Rodman   

Source Note: TCy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 520, Box 381. Addressed below close: “To: OPNAV.(2) /Copies:CinC Atl.Fleet [Adm. Henry T. Mayo]/Force Comdr. [William S. Sims]/Chief Naval/Intelligence. [Capt. Roger Welles, Jr.]/Adm.[Charles J. ]Badger./File.” Document is on: BATTLESHIP DIVISION NINE/UNITED STATES ATALNTIC FLEET/U. S. S. NEW YORK, FLAGSHIP;” stationary. Document reference: “File 4/L.”