Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-01-04
d. c.. Naval Reserve

Plans are being formulated for the
establishment in the armory of the 1st
Battalion, United States Naval Reserve
Of the District of Columbia, of a sec
ton of the Volunteer Communication
Reserve, a branch of the Reserve which
is composed of men primarily interest
ed in radio and mostly amateur radio
operators. This force has made great
strides throughout the country, and de-
tailed plans have been made by the
Navy Department for building up a
force OF men for use in running the
| naval communications in time Of emer-
gency.
Regular code broadcasts are held
throughout the country in the various
naval districts for the purpose of train
ing the men thoroughly in the methods
of handling naval traffic.
1t was announced that Clark A.
Briggs has been appointed lieutenant
in the Communications Reserve, and
he is to be placed in charge of the COM
munications work at the local armory.
In preparation for the training activi-
on the second floor of the armory, where
the large amount Of equipment may be
stored and in which the operators may
work during the drill periods. Al
though this branch of the Reserve is
not required to put in a weekly drill,
the same as the Fleet Reserve men,
nevertheless it was indicated that 1t
was probable that certain Of the men
would be urged to attend the regular
drills for the purpose of training Fleet
ReSeryiStS detailed for radio duty.
The Navy Department for some time
has been urging greater cooperation
between the fest and communications
branches, to the end that the Radio
Service may be improved, some fault
having been found during past inspec-
tons with the small amount of train
ing which the feet radio men had. 1t
is believed that with the establishment
of the radio headquarters in the local
arnlory much benefit will be obtained
by both branches Of the Reserve. The
value CT a force well trained in COM
munications work is said to be very
important in time of a national emer-
gency.
Following the construction Of the
shack and the active assumption of the
work by the newly commissioned officer,
it Is probable that radio comnlunica-
tons, including the training of naval
operators, will be an important part Of
the weekly school system which has
been inaugurated by the local Fleet Re
serve officers.
In connection with the training ac-
tivities Of the local Reserve it was an
nounced that large amount of equip
ment which has been taken of destroy
ers now in reserve at the Philadelphia
Navy Yard by crew of shipkeepers,
sent from here for the purpose, has ar
rived, and force of men is engaged in
preparing it for installation. 1t includes
apparatus usually found on the bridges
Of destroyers, and will be valuable in
training the men, as under the plans
now formulated the local contingent
will be assigned to destroyer duty. A
large amount CT material for other
training work, including pumps and
machinery for the instruction OF the
engine and fire room forces, also has
been received and will be installed I'M
der the direction of Lieut.. Comdr. Wal
ter G. I,ockhart, chief engineer OF the
local battalion.
It was also announced that the new
gun to be used for training purposes
will be received and installed next
weak. II is of the 3-inch type, and
will be erected in the armory. Much OF
tie equipment now being installed was
uee5ed because of the removal from the
city Of the training ship Upshur. How
ever, another ship, assigned to the 5th
Naval District and a unit in the newly
formed Reserve Training Squadron, is
expected to spend part of its time here,
so that the men will be able to put in
the finishing touches of their training
aboard her. The remainder Of the YES
selss time will be spent with the Naval
Reserve organizations in the Hampton
Roads District No information has