Norwich bulletin., 1917-03-08
MEN NEEDED FOR
 DEFENSE OR COAST
New London Beginning of Third Naval
 District.

According to statement issued by Rear Admiral Nathaniel R. Usher, stationed at the Brooklyn Navy yard. New Lendon is the Beginning of the tends from New London to Barneg?? :? N. J.. including inland waters and the shores of Long Island and New Jersey.
 Besinning tbis week recruiting pzrties will be sent to all towns in this district to aid In the enreIiment of the 10, 603 men who will be needed to man the naval arg 'iiary feet when it is called into service. Admiral Usher, who is in charge of the district. has issued preparatory orders which fol- low;
 "The naval defenses, which are ad- dftioHa1 to and supplement the activi- ties of the regular navy. consist of harbor defense vessels, monitors, armed merchant vessels for off shore scouting, large power boats for patrol work along the coast; smaller power boats for inland waters. and for use at the mouth of the harbors. and tugs Tor mine laying and mine sweeping.
 The vessels of the coast guard will form part of these forces and the lighthouse tenders will also be en- pioyed in connection with the laying of nlineG and handling of nets. The communications are taken care of by the radio stations. under the control Of the government. all of which will be under the control of the navy de- partment, and the coast guard and the hfe-sa1'-g stations will be under the comma rdart for the district ard will be available for keeping a lookout alone the coast.
 "As ell of the above vessels except the coast Ruard and lighthouse vessels wills be cfF7cered and manned hv the Tinted Stafee Naval Reserve force. all most none of the naval officers or men of the regular navy will be availahle as the battleship fleet and reeuiar navy will require their services. The naval militia or state naval forces will reinforce the crews Of the ships of the re~r'ar navy: therefore few of them ~rill he available for the naval district defarses
 vesseIs and tugs and patrol boats will. therefore. he manned bvs the United States Naval Reserve force which wss authorized hv an act of congress last, Augllst- This flores is being enrolled md consists of officers and crews of merchant vessels: and of owners. off, cers and crews of power boats. yachts. ing vessels and work boats. Many conpetent officers and men have a1- ready enrolled: but to man the num- Der of vessels planned. it will require many others. especially engineers. uuartermasters fireTneu and sailors for small vessels, power boats. yachts. tugs. etc.
 'sSteps have been taken to reach thees men through the various mari- time organizations, clubs and societies, etc, and it is particularly desired at this time to have local agents in the various harbors and towns along the coast line. who are to collect the names of men who are willing to en- roll and communicate with the com niandant of the district Enrollments can be made now at the Brooklyn navy yard and within a week at the New York office where all applicants will receive full information. Plans are being made for a travelling enroll ing officer to visit the different towns and harbors along the coast line, spending one day per week at each place for the purpose of enrolling those who have signif1ed their willing ness"