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U.S. Department of the Navy General Announcements
Topic Started: Feb 3 2010, 08:37 PM (503 Views)
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An Empire for Liberty

March 8, 1838

The Department of the Navy has announced it is constructing an experimental steamship as part of its new modernization policy. The USS Union will be equipped with a revolutionary new paddle wheel designed to be invulnerable to enemy fire. Unlike most other steamers, whose broadside or rear-mounted wheels are easy targets for enemy guns, the Union's Hunter Wheels will be mounted underwater.

The ship will be laid down at the Gosport Navy Yard in June and is expected to be launched sometime in late 1839.
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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October 15, 1839

The Union has been launched from the Norfolk yard and is scheduled to undergo extensive testing in 1840. Special points of interest to the department include any potential speed or maneuverability to be gained from selected modifications to the steam engine, the comparative practical advantages and disadvantages of making larger, oceangoing vessels similar to the Union, and issues related to the underwater paddle system.

In a related story, Mr. John Ericsson, a ship designer of some repute in England and his homeland of Sweden, has accepted a position within the U.S. Navy design bureau. He is scheduled to arrive in New York next month. His screw propeller systems will be of great interest to the Union crew, as they along with the submarine cofferdam setup are currently the best candidates to replace normal, vulnerable paddle wheels.
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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May 24, 1840

The initial testing phase of the Union has been completed with somewhat disappointing results from the cofferdam paddle drive. It has been found that much energy is wasted forcing the water through the covered interior of the hull, where it cannot contribute meaningfully to the ship's propulsion.

Modifications to the Hunter Wheel design are underway and a new round of tests is scheduled for later in the year, but some experts have expressed skepticism about the system's future. In the meantime the Union will continue to perform in other scheduled trials off the east coast.
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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October 11, 1840

The sailing frigates USS Guerriere (44) and USS Java (44) are scheduled to be decommissioned and broken up in 1841, due to their age and the Department's policy on steam modernization of light craft. Before their scheduled scrapping the vessels will be placed on the open market for sale to any foreign nation desiring to augment its naval force, or to any private merchant who wishes to convert them into freighters. Nations interested in purchasing the ships may contact the U.S. Department of State for further information.
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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February 3, 1841

A number of sloops and gunboats have been dispatched to the south Caribbean Sea from the West Indies Squadron to conduct patrols along the isthmus of Panama. The deployment occurred by request of the Republic of Panama, and is part of an effort to prevent further hostilities between that nation and New Granada.
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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December 31, 1841

The USS Java and USS Guerriere were transferred to Egypt following a purchase offer of $2,000,000.

A final report on the testing of the Union has been issued with disappointing results for the waterwheel drive. The Department has decided to abandon all further testing of the device in favor of screw propellers. John Ericsson has been selected to construct several new prototypes, which will be monitored to improve engine efficiency in future steamships.

The 12 inch naval gun manufactured at Mersey Iron Works in England for the planned USS Princeton has been delivered to Washington. Further study will be made of the weapon to consider the practicality of more common use of high caliber guns.
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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October 1, 1842

In accordance with the Act of Congress dated August 31st of this year, the Board of Naval Commissioners has been abolished and replaced with a new bureau system, which will permit greater technical specialization and oversight. The bureaus were established on the recommendation of Secretary Upshur as part of the ongoing modernization program.

The new organization will consist of a Bureau of Naval Yards and Docks; the Bureau of Construction, Equipment, and Repairs; the Bureau of Provisions and Clothing; the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography; and the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.

Additionally, Congress has reorganized the Depot of Charts and Instruments into a national, federal astronomical observatory, to be renamed the United States Naval Observatory. An appropriation of nearly $350,000 has been granted to the institute to expand its operations and facilities considerably. Lt. James Melville Gilliss will oversee the project through its estimated 1844 completion.
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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March 1, 1843

Considerable interest has been expressed in the creation of a national naval academy as of late, and Secretary Upshur has championed the idea as a means of furthering professionalism and competence. Current proposals have garnered a negative response from the few members of Congress who favor the old decentralized scheme; their criticism largely mirrors that frequently leveled at West Point. Overall, however, the idea has attracted a strong base of support and the Department of the Navy will review its feasibility throughout the coming year.
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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September 1, 1843

A large number of ships have been laid down in U.S. docks as part of a general expansion of the Navy. The Department has also been focusing on expanding cannon manufacturers and the recruitment of new officers and sailors.

Research into a new type of naval gun has been accelerated in light of the development of modern, high caliber shells in Great Britain, France and elsewhere.

Proficiency in the construction of steam engines and screw ships has received special attention, with selected companies and shipyards being granted lucrative contracts by the Federal government for further innovation.
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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January 16, 1845

Secretary Upshur's proposal for a national naval academy has recently gained more traction among Navy leadership, although the specifics of his plan are still somewhat unclear.

Testing of the Princeton has continued throughout the past year with a strong emphasis on new naval tactics enabled by steam power. Construction of a new type of floating battery has also been approved by the Department for the purpose of examining its potential as a high-speed harbor defense ship.

The Navy has contracted Mr. Samuel Colt to produce a new type of explosive device and is similarly interested in funding his research on waterproof telegraph cables.
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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April 1, 1845

A squadron of U.S. Navy ships has been deployed from Norfolk to Galveston Bay in Texas, in light of repeated Mexican threats. Commodore Robert Stockton of the USS Princeton has been placed in command of the detachment and personally delivered the U.S. offer of annexation to the Texan government.
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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October 10, 1845

After much lobbying over the past two years by Secretaries Bancroft and Upshur, the U.S. Naval School has officially been created. It opened today in Annapolis on the site of Fort Severn, an old U.S. Army post, with an initial class of fifty midshipmen.

The school will train officers and sailors for the ever-growing U.S. Navy, requiring from them the highest standards of excellence and commitment to duty. Curricula will be based around a seven-year program with four spent at the school and three at sea, combining instruction in the latest tactical and theoretical developments with practical sailing experience.
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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May 18, 1846

The Home Squadron under Commodore David Conner has implemented a full blockade of Mexico from the Yucatán to the Rio Grande. Elements of the Pacific Squadron operating off California and Panama have been directed to do the same to Mexico's western ports.

A number of merchant steamers have been contracted by the U.S. Navy for service in the Gulf.

The Department has approved the expansion of the Washington Naval Yard's cannon foundries as well as other vital USN facilities.
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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December 5, 1846

The crew of the USS Truxtun has been decorated for their actions in the blockade of Mexico. Truxtun returned from her duty with the Africa Squadron earlier this year to prosecute the war in the Gulf, but ran aground on the Tuxpan Reef during a strong gale on August 15. Rather than strike their colors and surrender the ship, Truxtun's crew continued to enforce the blockade, firing at anything that attempted to pass. The ship eventually had to be abandoned but not before its men had captured two Mexican merchantmen.
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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December 21, 1846

The U.S. Navy's first screw ship of the line, the USS Maine, has been laid down at the Norfolk Navy Yard. Construction plans were finalized earlier this year after the war with Mexico began.

Several small brigs and schooners have been stricken from the naval register following unfortunate accidents in the Pacific and West Indies, including the Shark and Boston.

Research on various technical projects has been greatly accelerated this year due to increased funding and war priorities.

The harbor defense battery begun in 1841 has entered its final construction phase, with tests tentatively scheduled for 1847.
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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January 21, 1848

After several unforeseen delays, the harbor battery built by the Stevenses has finally been launched and will undergo the usual post-launch fitting out later this year. Initial speed and maneuverability tests will take place in 1848 and 1849.

Construction on the steamer Maine is progressing on schedule, with an expected completion date in late 1849.
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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March 20, 1848

Now that the war with Mexico has ended, the Navy will be making a study of San Francisco harbor to determine the optimal placement of a drydock, which will service American ships operating in the Pacific. The Golden Gate is renowned in the United States for its ideal geography, and the establishment of new dockyards there would greatly augment the Oriental trade and strengthen U.S. naval presence along the western coast of North America.
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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March 1, 1849

The initial surveys of San Francisco harbor and its surrounding area have been completed. Mare Island emerged as the most promising contender, and Navy officials intend to request funding from Congress later this year to begin constructing a permanent drydock facility. Commander David Farragut has been placed in charge of the project's oversight.

In light of rising tensions between Brazil and Great Britain, the U.S. Navy's Brazilian Squadron has been put on high alert with instructions to maintain strict neutrality in the event of open conflict. Local operations, including those against slavers, will continue for the foreseeable future.
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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May 8, 1849

The Stevens Battery has finished its first round of testing with generally satisfactory results. Speed trials off the coast of Norfolk indicated it has fair potential as a fast harbor defense ship, but more examinations are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn. Particularly interesting to U.S. naval officials is its armored hull and arrangement of guns.

Despite some skepticism from onlookers, the Stevens brothers have continued to express confidence in their design, particularly the all-iron construction. Some optimistic supporters in the Department are even speculating that one day entire fleets may be made from this "iron-clad" model.
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"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory."
- Zachary Taylor
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