U.S.A. FLEET.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 July 1925, Page 3

U.S.A. FLEET.

FLAGSHIP SEATTLE’S BIRTHDAY. (By Radio from the Battleship Seattle, from the Special Representative of the Australian Press Association.-) (Received this day at S a.m.) On July 80th the Seatle will celebrate her nineteenth birthday, being the oldest vessel in the fleet uith the most interesting career. The bluejackets call her the mother of the Heel, and her personnel under the stimulus of the executive officer, Commander Charles Crosse, have begun to take a new pride in her age, staunchness and romance surrounding her life. Her birthday, which will lie celebrated at Melbourne, marks the day of her preliminary acceptance from the builders. The Seattle lias been freshly painted in honour of the event.

Captain Keinpff points to other vessels of the licet fit the .Seattle’s daughters. She was launched as the “ Old 'Washington,” but her name was later changed ami after distinctive service she was recommissioned, but was (recommissioned hi 1022, as a fleet flagship. She is one of the most spin and span vessels of the fleet despite her many years.

WELLINGTON AHR A Vfl KM ENTS AVLLLNGTON. July IS.

Two of tlio American bnl tleships " ill 1,0 berthed fit till' now wliarf whore the Jlootl lay and some of the smaller vessels will be tied up to the adjoining breastwork.

The sports for the men will he eonfined to baseball, basket hall and boxin<s in the form of tournaments, ship against ship. The Town Hall will be used lor da lieins every night. One of the big sheds on the waterfront will be fitted up for the reception of a thousand men per night who have shore leave.

Another building near the wharves will be fitted up ns a club and lounge room.