New Britain herald., 1928-01-10
NEW BRITAIN DAILY HERALD TUESDAY, JANUARY lo 1923

Representative McClintic promptly brought out the fact that Key Vest, where the Navy has more than . hundred acres of ground. 50 CT more stsrehouses. slips repair shops. and q radio receiving and sending sta- tion, was used as submarine base during the World War. and ts now available for such use. The weather conditions are ideal there. and the sea ts not congested with traffic.
 Msast Train .n Cold Watcrs
 Admiral Magruder said. That place is practically ready. N re- member, for use as submarine base" The admiral did not definite ly state that he favored the remov- al of the submarine base from New London to Key West. but he admit ted, in response to questions from Representative McClintic. that con- ditions are suitable there for sub marine training.
 He added. however, that men should also be trained in colder climates. to accustom themselves to submarine service in the North At lantic. Representative McClintic pointed out that the location of the base in tropical waters would not ; prevent maneuvers in colder wa ters. Dry Tortugas, he said, would provide a good place for tests, and training on a non -congested sea- lane. near Key West. Whereas they have to use fuel five or six months a year at New London, they would not have to use it at all at Key West. and 1t would be easier to res cue men in case of accident.
 Key West has many desirable advantages for a submarine base" Admiral Magruder Paid. There is TO doubt about that"
 Approximately the same amounts have been expended in developing Key West and New London. A little more has been spent at Key West. which is used very little now. on ac- count of the Marine Hospital there. Since 1918, the Government has spent $4,1Sl.216.S5 in buildings and improvements at New London. ana around $S,000,000 in maintenance and development. It costs 3l,984,- 519.11 to build Key West and $10,- 447.s51.4l has been spent on main- tenance. It was in use earlier than the submarine base at New London.
 Favors IrovincctOwn Area
 Admiral Magruder declared that he knew of no better place to make such trials aS the S-4 was engaged in at the time of the fatal disaster than the course off Provincetown.
 'In view of the fact" asked Representative McClintic, "that there is practically no protection against weather conditions for per sons who have to come out on top of submarine in northern climates. would 1t not be better to have sub- marine activities. all of them. in .a warmer climate?"
 Not necessarily" answered Ad- miral Magruder. "Men should be inured to operating in northern lati- tudes. It is better for training pur- poses to be in climate where the vessel may be operated at all tines, but it is not essential"
 He added that some of the sub marine activities could be effectively carried on at Navy Yards, and that 1t is not necessary to train men in heavily congested traffic lanes, such as the coast of New England, or Long Island Sound.
 Further hearings on the proposals to move the submarine base from New London to a warmer climate will probably be held. Chairman Butler has promised that consider ation will be given to the bills intro duced for that purpose.
 T shall be delighted" he said. ito follow your suggestion, MT. Me Clintic, later in this hearing by sounding out the committees opin- ion as to whc1her or not we shoulc remove that submarine base to Charleston or Key West, where the water Is warmer and where we have expended considerable money d. ready" But the committees opinion will doubtless be that of the Navy De- partment, and .he Navy Department is not expected to recommend the removal of the submarine base from New London just now.