Evening star., 1939-07-23


manded by 1t. Comdr N. W. Abra-
hams, U. S N
Comdr. S. N. Moore, commanding
Division q, on which the local
reservistS took their training, had
the results of the various drills and
exercises summed up each after
noon and just before sunset each
day flashed the signal We'll done"
the navys laconic superlative. to
the ship having the best reports.
1t was said that the destroyer Golf,
already having the 'E' of efficiency
on her funnel for eXcellency in en-
gineering and on her forward and
aft batteries for target practice,
took the greater part of the signals
during the cruise.
While the actual scores are secret,
1t was said that the Sd Division,
aboard the Goff, made the best
scores and, as in other drills and
exercises, led in this also.
Although the first week of the
cruise period was given over almost
exclusively to the participation in
target practice against target
towed by a tug from the Norfolk
Navy Yard, the men say that the
second week of tactical maneuvers,
something new and advanced for
the Naval Reserves, furnished the
most interesting period. They had
tactical maneuvers day and night
and were introduced into all of the
secrets of the operation of these
scouts in searching out and giving
combat to an enemy. They were
given instruction in the methods
of how a division of destroyers on
such a mission is handled under the
circumstances. Another progressive
step was the service aboard a di-
vision of destroyers which had just
been detached from the fleet for
this purpose Heretofore, generally,
they have been assigned to ships
which had been put in commission
for the summer just for the purpose
of taking the men on their annual
cruise.
During each day and night of
the second week Comdr. Moore
would detach either one or two
destroyers from his division and
send it off on mission and secret
rendezvous. Then the other two
destroyers, or three, as the case was
on a particular day, would start
out on a search, and upon locat-
ing the enemy" would clear ship
for action and give battle, with
all of the realism possible under
the circumstances, and just short
of sending shells out of the big
guns on the vessels.
In connection with the approach
ing inspection, consideration is be-
ing given in some departmental cir
cles to abandonment of the annual
inspection feature, because of the
progress of the Reserve and the
advanced work which it is now be-
ing given aboard the cruising ships
of the fleet. 1t is contended by
Reserve officers, and is said to have
found some support among regu-
lars. that the inspection does not
give a real test of what may be
expected from the Reservists while
on actual duty aboard ships in time
of emergency. The cruise observa-
tions by regular officers is said to
give the best picture of the progress
of the Reservists.
At best, it was said, the only thing
that the annual inspections show
Is that the men have sufficient
equipment, that they can drill well
at infantry and can man and carry
out ship routine in their armory.
However, 1t was added, that aboard
ship they work in the very atmos-
phere which would find them in
the event they are called to the
colors upon the occurrence of war
or other national emergency.
1t was asserted that the test of
equipment and even of personal ap-
pearance and hygiene could be bet
ter observed over a tWo-week period
at sea than could be possible under
any circumstances by two-hour
inspection on drill night, which
is about the limit of time which an
inspection board has to perform its
functions. During this brief period
1t must evalulate the battle train
ing. the gunnery activities, the in
fantry work and examine the rec
ords of the several divisions in a
town. Of course, considerable eX-
pense is involved in this work, as it
involves practically the full time of
the three high-ranking officers who
compose the board and the expenses
of travel and subsistence while away
from Washington, which is most of
the year.
On the other hand, according to
officers, it would give the Reserve di-
visions and battalions the whole time
between cruises to carry on their
training. Now at the end of each
cruise they must begin to train for
the annual inspection, which in
wolves the preparation of lot of
detail which consumes much time
which could be used to better advan-
tage in the greater task of preparing
for sea service and not armory i'll
spections.
The Examining Board will soon
conduct tests of enlisted men who
have been recommended for promo
ton Many, both for proficiency in
their work in the armory and dur
ing the annual cruise. have been
recommended for promotion, but
they must take series of tests to
ascertain whether they have the
book knowledge as well as the prac-
tical knowledge of the special duties
of their various rates. Increases in
ratings of the men provided also for
them increased pay and allowances,
both at drills and on the annual
cruises when they are on active
duty.
Shepherds of Bethlehem.
Loyalty Lodge will have installa-
tion of officers tomorrow night at