ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE PROCURED FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE WASHINGTON, D. C. AT $1.00 PER COPY ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. To the PRESIDENT: NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, November 15, 1923. I have the honor to submit herewith the annual report of the Secretary of the Navy, including a general summary of the activities, afloat and ashore, of the Navy during the past year. The operations of the Navy have covered a wide area, probably as extensive as any in its history in time of peace. The formation of the United States Fleet, combining the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, organized in four subdivisions, and the prior formation of the special service squadron, with headquarters in the Panama Canal Zone, have given us a vastly improved organization of our naval forces, and the creation of the fleet training division of the Office of Naval Operations can not fail to add to their efficiency. The maneuvers of the combined fleets in the Panama region were on such a large scale and were conducted with such complete success that a new standard has been set in efficiency. Of equal importance is the improvement that has been made in personnel and the establishment of the training division of the Bureau of Navigation. A high standard has been maintained in recruiting, and constant effort has been made to give to the enlisted men every opportunity for study and improvement, having in mind always first their training for naval duties. Steps have been taken. to put the Naval Reserve on a footing which will attract and hold the best type of reservists, giving them the recognition and training which will not only inspire interest and pride in the service but will provide trained men who will be ready for the call when they are needed. The completion of the ZR-1, christened the Shenandoah, gives us an airship which in size and range of operation is unexcelled by any in existence. The completion in Germany, under international agreement, free of cost to the United States, of another dirigible of the same general size and type, now under construction, will give 1 us two of these huge ships of the air, the latter to be used to demonstrate the commercial, while the Shenandoah is to be used to determine the military value of such a ship. Aviation has made notable strides in America during the year, and in this the Navy has taken a leading part. The winning of the Pulitzer cup in St. Louis and the contests on Long Island, where naval lieutenants made the fastest flights ever made by man, are examples of achievements in this country. The winning by naval flyers of the Schneider cup races in England was the most striking victory of American aviators abroad. Of the 35 records held by the United States, the Navy has made 23. It is a matter of pride to us that so many world's records have been made by naval aviators flying in Navy planes. It has been the privilege of the Navy during the past year to render vital aid to other peoples in great emergencies; rescuing American citizens and saving thousands of lives in the burning of Smyrna; carrying assistance to the distressed Chileans after the earthquake and tidal wave at Huasco; and bearing food, clothing, and medical supplies to the victims of the earthquake which devastated so large a part of Japan. In these emergencies the Navy has been privileged to be the agent of the American people, not only bearing material assistance but the practical helpfulness which expresses the warm sympathy and ready response of America in every time of disaster. When these cali came every agency of the Navy which could be utilized was put into action, and its ships and men responded with a promptness and effectiveness which called forth the warmest praise. Our available supplies were rushed to the scene, and others purchased so as to relieve immediate necessities. Economy has been enforced in every branch of the Naval Establishment and it has been our continual effort to use the funds appropriated so as to secure the fullest results possible for every dollar expended. Forces at navy yards, training stations, and other shore stations have been reduced to the minimum that is required for the maintenance and operation of those activities. Further reductions would be highly injudicious and inconsistent with efficiency and economy. Substantial savings have been made in many lines, not only by reduction of expenses, but by conservation of oil, fuel, and materials. Navy Department administration has been distinctly improved by an amendment to the Naval Regulations, approved by President Harding on July 27, 1923, which coordinates the work of the separate bureaus of the Navy Department under the Chief of Naval Operations. By this amendment to the regulations, the Chief of Naval Operations, under the direction of the Secretary of the Navy, is charged with the coordination of all repairs and alterations to |