| The United States Navy, January 1, 1907 |
| While going through the government documents section of a university library, I came across House Document 728 from the 59th Congress, 2nd Session. This document consisted of a printing of the Navy Department's "Register of the Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the Navy of the United States Navy and of the Marine Corps to January 1, 1907." In addition to listing the officers, both active and retired, in the service as of that date, this document also listed the organization of the Navy, both afloat and ashore. This was an important time for the Navy. The building program championed by President Theodore Roosevelt following the Spanish-American War had yet to fully bear fruit. Thus, the Navy in 1907 was still growing, still challenging Germany for second place among the world's naval powers. The organization of the Navy at this time also reflects the political realities of the day. Most of the ships and the bulk of the shore establishment are centered in the Atlantic Ocean, facing the perceived threats of Britain and Germany. Relatively few ships, and even fewer shore facilities, can be found in the Pacific to meet any Japanese threat. Less than a year after the publication of the document in question, President Roosevelt would dispatch the battleships of the Atlantic Fleet on the famous around-the-world cruise of the Great White Fleet. By the time the ships returned in 1909 the new dreadnought battleships were ready to make their appearance in the fleet and allow for an even greater increase in American sea power. Thus, the information presented on the following pages helps show how the Navy stood at this key moment in its development as a modern fighting force. FORCES AFLOAT ATLANTIC FLEET ASIATIC FLEET/PACIFIC SQUADRON/PHILIPPINE SQUADRON TORPEDO VESSELS SPECIAL SERVICE/IN RESERVE LIST OF FLAG OFFICERS, JANUARY 1, 1907 SHORE ESTABLISHMENT NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, DC NAVY BASES AND STATIONS, PAGE 2, PAGE 3 BOARDS, SPECIAL DUTY, MISCELLANEOUS ASSIGNMENTS GREAT WHITE FLEET |
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| US Navy Photo from the Naval Historical Center On-Line Library. As far as I know, this photo is in the public domain. |
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| Ensign Chester Nimitz circa 1907. Photo from the Naval Historical Center On-Line Library. As far as I know, this photo is in the public domain. |