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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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

 

June 20, 1917.

 

From:                 Chief of Naval Operations.

To:                      Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Operating

                             in European Waters.

Subject:               Assignment of U. S. Naval Forces Operating in

                             European Waters to Atlantic Fleet.

1.   The U. S. Naval Forces operating in European Waters are hereby assigned to duty with the Atlantic Fleet.

2.   The Force Commander will continue to communicate direct with the Department as heretofore.

3.   Keep the Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet,1 informed of the employment of the forces under your command and submit to the Commander-in-Chief such reports as may be necessary and required by him, to enable him to supervise the readiness of material and personnel, to perform their proper functions in the event of fleet operations.

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517. At the top right-hand corner is an identification number: “Op-11.” At the bottom of the page is a notation: “Copy to Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet.”

Footnote 1: Adm. Henry T. Mayo.