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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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

Chronological Copy.                       File No.

CABLEGRAM SENT 29 June 29 1918 RES

JCM           

To   Opnav Washington.                 Serial No. 332

Prep. by     O-1                  SX  D.R.

                             35 ARD

CONFIDENTIAL

332. USS DALE is having all boilers retubed will probably be out of service for next three months. USS BAINBRIDGE requires two new high pressure cylinders which dockyard conference Gibraltar decides impossible to supply. Dockyard conference also reports regarding USS NASHVILLE that nothing short of new type boiler would justify further work. British authorities Gibraltar recommend USS BAINBRIDGE USS NASHVILLE be not repaired there. Rear Admiral Niblack recommends they proceed United States for repairs. I recommend these two vessels proceed United States immediately.1 USS DECATUR is in fairly good condition. USS BARRY is scheduled to go home about September 1st see my letter No R-2-21803 of 17 June.2 I propose to send USS GREGORY to Gibraltar as well as next few destroyers arriving, primarily with view of improving protection to storeships for French Mediterranean ports.3 Any late information available as to probable arrival of destroyers in European waters will be greatly appreciated. 04229, 332.

Sims     

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

Footnote 1: According to a report RAdm. Albert P. Niblack sent Sims on 25 July, BAINBRIDGE and NASHVILLE left Gibraltar to return to the United States on 15 July. DNA, RG 45, Entry 520.

Footnote 2: Sims’ letter has not been found. BARRY did sail for the United States on 1 September.

Footnote 3: The destroyer U.S.S. GREGORY sailed with a convoy from New York on 25 June. With its sister ship, the new destroyer Dyer, it joined the command at Gibraltar in July. DANFS (Dyer).

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