San Diego
The Great White Fleet departed Magdalena Bay for a cruise from San Diego to San Francisco, the Fleet was received with welcoming crowds and paraded through the heart of cities. With Admiral Evans having left the Fleet in Magdalena for Palo Robles spa, Admiral Thomas was in command and recognized that Californians might treat the sailors "too good." It seemed that there would be no shortage of girls and alcohol in California. Thomas requested that local authorities limit the offer of "free drinks" to sailors during liberty, but the Fleet was met by a boat filled with the town's most beautiful girls when it arrived in San Diego.
At three minutes before 11 a.m. the fleet was sighted from Coronado, San Diego and 13 minutes ahead of schedule.
I love these two in action shots of the Fleet approaching San Deigo
At 12:47 the Fleet anchored off the Hotel del Coronado finishing what was a monumental task and message to the world of nations. Sixteen battleships of the American fleet had steamed more than 14,600 miles arriving in better condition than when they departed, battle ready.
The arrival of the Fleet was seen as the biggest event in San Diego's history.
A picture showing the Fleet's arrival to the harbour in a column formation.
Over 20,000 people lined the shores to witness the arrival. Never before had San Diego been the scene of such a gathering of cheer and enthusiasm. Early in the morning crowds had started heading for Coronado, the street cars and ferries were jammed. Thousands ignored the street cars and choose to walk. The Fleet approached in a squadron formation. When they had gotten to within clear sight of the spectators, the lead ship the USS Connecticut could be seen turning slightly before dropping her anchor. The other ships followed in turn.
The Fleet arriving in San Diego on April 10th
The next day was to be one of the biggest days in San Diego history with the parade of the Fleet through the city. The Fleet came ashore and formed up at the base of "D" Street and stepped-off at 2:30 p.m. It was organized to include components of the Army, Naval Reserve, and Grand Army of the Republic and Confederate Veterans.
Map of the march
The Fleet prepared and landed 5,000 Sailors and Marines for what was the largest naval parade in American history up until that point. It surpassed the New York City parade for Admiral Dewey upon his victorious return home.
With machine like precision the Fleet landed 4,000 sailors in 40 minutes from 1:33 p.m. to 2:13 p.m. an impressive feat indeed. The Marines and Band members were transferred ashore using the supply ship Culoga. The transfer of men had been planned carefully with the modification of the facilities at Spreckels Brothers Commercial Wharf by adding lighters to the sides of the piers. With this configuration, the Fleet used some 50 cutters towed by the steam launches from each ship. In this manner, one launch could tow multiple cutters at once filled with 50 to 100 bluejackets each.
"The highlight of this visit came on 15 April when the naval brigade paraded. Sailors in sixty-four companies with trousers reefed down in canvas leggings and marines in sixteen companies marched for three miles through festive streets from the waterfront to City Park to receive the State of California's official welcome."
From Teddy Roosevelt Great White Fleet
San Diego literally did not have enough space in hotels to support all of the people visiting the city to see the Fleet.
The next instalment will be the USS Georgia
Regards
Sean
