The Armed Strength of the United States in the Pacific

Abstract

THE non-intervention policy that has been pursued by the United States in its external relations has been translated, in military terms, into an establishment that would be strictly defensive were it not for the size and, to a lesser extent, the composition of its naval forces. The defensive task in the Pacific consists in protecting the country, its territories and commerce against invasion, raids and interference. To this end an imposing navy with ii0,000 officers and men and I7,000 marines, representing an investment exceeding $3,000 million, is based upon the West Coast, with Hawaii as a pivoting point, its wings stretching from Alaska to Panama, and outposts at Guam and Manila, points which have been provided with coastal fortifications and aerial and military protection. This navy consists of I5 battleships, 3 of which have been reduced to training-ship status, I7 heavy cruisers to which an i8th is to be added, I3 light cruisers, to be increased to I7, and 5 aircraft carriers, one more to be completed shortly. There are some i20 destroyers and another 8o in reserve belonging to the i9i8-i919 period. The submarines number 50, excluding 30 not in commission; 5 more will be delivered during I938. The fleet is divided into a Battle Force and a Scouting Force. The twelve 30-33,ooo-ton battleships in the first group (7 were modernized in I930-35) will be augmented by the North Carolina, whose keel was laid at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on Navy Day, I937, and the Washington. These will be 35,000ton vessels, at present planned to carry 9 i6-inch guns in three turrets. They will steam at approximately 28 knots, and embody the fullest protection against all modes of attack by virtue of heavy armor, anti-torpedo bulkheads and internal arrangements. The West Virginia, flying the flag of the Commander of the Battle Force battleships, the Colorado and the Maryland mount 8 i6-inch guns each. The Pennsylvania, flagship of the fleet, the California, carrying the Commander of the Battle Force, the Ari >