"Well Done"

Sweeping out of Cristobal Harbor, the U. S. Fleet started on a dash for Culebra, one of the Virgin Islands. Having completed its joint war games with the Army, which determined the weakness of the Panama Canal defense, the Navy is now intent on its own maneuvers. The object of the present dash is to carry out such) a maneuver as would be required if our fleet left Panama to meet an enemy approaching across the Atlantic. The aim is to convoy a group of repair ships, mine sweepers, food, fuel, hospital ships and the aeroplane carrier Langley to Culebra in order to establish an advance base. Then, in case of a battle, the fleet would not be obliged to return all the way to Panama for refueling, etc.

Steaming out of Cristobal the fleet took up its formation with clockwork precision. In advance went the Savannah with submarines and tenders to hinder enemy reconnaissance. Next came the destroyer screen to ward off enemy submarines, followed by the Wyoming and three other battleships, constituting the scouting fleet, since we have no cruisers suitable for this purpose. Following these came the battle fleet of nine ships in three columns, followed by Admiral Coontz's flag ship, Seattle. Behind this came the convoy. The protective screen of destroyers fell into position on all sides. Out into the Caribbean at full speed the fleet drove. Admiral Coontz's wireless to every unit was: "Well done."