Skip to main content
Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels to Vice Admiral William S. Sims, Commander, United States Naval Forces Operating in European Waters

Chronological Copy.                     File No. <31-7-29>

Cablegram Received <September 19, 1918,>     Y-12

Origin Opnav Washington (Secnav)        Ser. No. 1841

S-1  Sept 21

B

Simsadus

     1841 Department has recently taken over Goodyear balloon and dirigible field at Akron Ohio. This field will be manned by Naval personnel and used exclusively for lighter-than-air experiments, development and test purposes. Very necessary that Commanding Officer be one of long experience in this branch of service and thoroughly familiar with latest developments and practices abroad. Lt. Commander Maxfield1 believed to be best qualified for this duty. It is requested that if available he be returned to United States. His arrival here will release dirigible pilot of regular service for duty abroad. 12019 1841

Benson.       

Time sent 12:45 AM Sept 20, 1918

Time recd 8:35 AM Sept 21, 1918

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B. Handwritten date confirmed by time/date stamp.

Footnote 1: Lt. Cmdr. Louis H. Maxfield.

Tags
Related Content