Naval History and Heritage Command

Rear Admiral Josiah S. McKean, Assistant for Material, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, to Rear Admiral Alexander S. Halstead, Commander, United States Naval Forces in France

Chronological Copy.                             File No. <A-1-J>

CABLEGRAM RECEIVED 25 April 1919.

Origin Opnav Washington                              Mission 411

CCT JDJ NPN

Amnavpar Paris

       CORRECTED COPY

     In advance of full report, general board reports in substance as follows quote Substitute air craft carriers should be provided at earliest possible date in advance of Congressional authority for a properly designated carrier; substitute carrier should be capable of constantly maintaining air craft with fleet; of carrying out experimental work without interfering with fleet; of conducting actual tests necessary for the development of the future standard aircraft carrier. By providing such a vessel, type of aircraft most useful to fleet will be obtained in shortest possible time. After careful consideration recommends ship of USS Jupiter class as most suitable and that conversion be expedited so that all vessels of fleet may participate in excellent aviation work begun on the USS Texas unquote

I recommend approval in spite of urgent need of colliers and BUREAU HAS BEEN DIRECTED TO prepare plans immediately for conversion USS Jupiter so that when approved conversion may be expedited as much as possible Signed McKean. 16024

Opnav.            

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