Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-10-05
Fourteen of ( ounhy S
Mighfesf W. rsh:ps viii
Guard Against At cckof
MUcderS in N .7r Game.

NORFOLK, VA. October 4.--Headed
by the battleship Wyoming. flagship
of the Atlantic Fleet. fourteen of
Americas greatest warships steamed
from Hampton Roads at | o'clock this
afternoon for the Atlantic Ocean to
meet make-beleve enemy in the
shape of another fleet of warships fly
ing the Stars and Stripes.
The ships had on Il warlike appear
ance when they left the roads. and two
hours later when they steamed slowly
through ihc Virginia capes. they hung
close together apparently making
about twelve knots
Orders had been given to have every
ship ready for sea by noon to-day
. They We're ready by 10 o'clock this
morning. but not a ship moved until
the Wyoming. which only yesterday
returned from Chesapeake Bay. where
she engaged in individual practice ran
up signal to get under way"
INSPIRING PROCESSION
MOVES SLOWLY TOWARDS SEA
1t was exactly l O'Clock when this
signal was displayed and a few
minutes later every one of the four
teen big ships had weighed anchor and
begun to move slowly towards the sea
The Wyoming went to the head of the
line, and the procession. an Inspiring
one. began. After the Wyoming came
the New York, Texas, Florida, Arkan-
sas. Utah, Michigan. Rhode Island,
South Carolina. New Jersey, Virginia,
New Hampshire, Louisiana and Celtic
Warlike preparations had been made
for the departure of the fleet, and the
utmost secrecy was maintained con-
cerning the plans for the maneuvers
along the coast and the hour of the de-
parture. Strangers were not admitted
on board without special permission.
and the members of the crews which
were given shore liberty were not per-
mitted TO discuss anything relative to
the proposed movement Of the fleet
Five thousand men were given shore
liberty Saturday afternoon. with in
structions to report on board their
ships at o'clock this morning 1t is
said that every man sreported,~and that
each ship sailed with a full crew COM
plement
Only Admiral Fletcher was aware Of
the part each ship is to play in tha
! forthcoming war game when the fleet
| left Hampton Roads to-day. 1t was
stated on good authority that the cap
| tains of the various ships composing
the big feet did not know what part
/ their vessels were to take in the mimic
warfare. They sailed under sealed or
ders. which, II was said. would not be-
! come known to the various ships until
! they were we'll out at sea-
After clearing the Virginia capes,
the feet is expected to scatter in all
directions, so as to come upon the
enemy from all sides
WILL DEFEND COAST
AGAINST INVASION
The fleet sailing from here to-day
will be known in the Forthcoming war
game the defenders, and will he
commanded by Admiral Fletcher. a
feet Of warships OF less fighting
strength. which sailed from Newport.
will he known as the invaders.
The defenders will endeavor to pre-
vent the invaders from penetrating
their line. so to effect landing or
entrance TO any American port from
Maine TO Florida.
The mimic warfare is scheduled to
begin at midnight Tuesday. October 5.
and will continue ffteen days.
Both fleets will engage in extensive
maneuvers following the war game.
There will be night and day firing with
all guns and torpedo practice. Twenty
four torpedo boat destroyers will take
part in the maneuVers