Naval History and Heritage Command

Admiral William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations, Circular to Naval District Commandants

C O P Y                   CIRCULAR LETTER

Navy Department

Office of Naval Operations

March 13, 1918

From:     Chief of Naval Operations

To:       Commandants, 1st Naval District (Armed Guard)

                      3rd Naval District    "   "

                      4th Naval District    "     "

                      5th Naval District1 "     "

          Commandants, Navy Yard, Charleston

                                 Pensacola

                                 Mare Island

                                 Puget Sound2

SUBJECT:  Vessels building for Emergency Fleet Corporation –

              Preparation of, for Armed Guards.

Reference: (a) Opnav. Cir. Let.#28754-1:25/112,Sept.12,1917.3

Enclosure.4

     1.  The enclosed copy of letter from the Emergency Fleet Corporation transmitting copy ofcircular letter to their District Officers regarding the preparation of vessels for Armed Guards while building is forwarded for your information.

     2.  Please be guided by the instructions issued to the Emergency Fleet Corporation District Officers and afford every assistance to these officers in inspecting the vessels and advising the Shipping Board’s representatives in respect to the proper preparation of these vessels while building. It is understood these inspections will be made by the Commandants’ representatives as indicated in reference (a).

     3.  Within a reasonable time before the completion of the vessel and after formal application has been made for Armed Guards, it is understood the Commandants’ Board of Inspection for Armed Guard vessels will make inspection of the vessel in accordance with the present practice.

          A copy of the Board’s report covering any deficiencies will be furnished the Shipping Board’s representative, who as noted will furnish a copy to the Master of the vessel to be retained as one of the ship’s papers.

     4.  Features of Armed Guard installation which have been passed as satisfactory by the Commandant’s Board in one District will not be subject to change in another District, unless it is manifestly apparent that deficiencies have been overlooked, or unless actual experience with a certain installation has demonstrated its unsuitability, or unless a change is necessitated by new conditions not existing at the time the vessel was first inspected.

By Direction:     

W. PITT SCOTT.5