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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Office of the Chief of Naval Operations to Vice Admiral Henry T. Mayo, Commander, Atlantic Fleet and Capt. Edwin A. Anderson, Commander, American Patrol Detachment

FLEET FLAGSHIP

TRANSLATION OF CODE DESPATCH

Prefix

Origin

No.

Operator

Check

Filign Date

Radio

Navy

OPNAV.

1

Sndg.

Recg.

213

Govt 19-6-18

 

 

WI

VIA  BdCast              DOLES G

GOVT CinC

          Chief of Naval Operations first Commander American patrol Detachment Organize immediately mobile hunting group composed of 12 submarine chasers and U.S.S. SALEM under direct command U.S.S. SALEM period This force is mobile and though based upon Key West will be subject to movement orders of Commander American Patrol Detachment pursuant to his general orders in charge anti-submarine work in Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea period Organization of this force will however not be disturbed except by orders of department period In Addition present force under your command there is added U.S.S. CINCINNATI U.S.S. RALEIGN[Raleigh] U.S.S. YORKTOWN U.S.S. ANNISTON and possible later U.S.S VICKSBURG period Principal lanes of traffic are from Mexican Gulf to United States Gulf ports comma to United States North Atlantic Ports and to European ports comma from United States Gulf ports to United States North Atlantic ports comma and from the canal zone. Second In addition offensive operations against enemy for which purpose our submarines and hunting group is assigned It is general plan to afford such protection to merchant shipping within limits of Gulf of Mexico and Carribbean Sea as time and conditions may demand period. Third The force under Commander American Patrol Detachment will endeavor within limits of international law to protect any shipping terminal outside waters of United States and to safeguard any merchant shipping from time it passed out those ports or out district Commandants hands until it passes into them again or is dispersed in accordance with the general routing plans Commanderoldet CinC 16018

2:40 P.M. <Opnav>       

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B.