MODERN DESTROYERS

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 131, 27 February 1937, Page 16

MODERN DESTROYERS

American Naval Visit

Dominion Special Service.

Auckland, February 26.

Long, lean ships, giving even without way on the impression of deadlines? mid speed, two of the newest vessels of the United States Navy, the destroyers Preston and Smith, slid into the harbour tliis morning lind berthed smartly nt Calliope Wharf. Devonport. Commissioned only a few months ago, the vessels have nor yet undergone their official trials or been assigned to units in the fleet, but are making a preliminary "shakedown” cruise. The itinerary so far has been from San Francisco to Bremerton (Washington). Honolulu and Pago I’ago to Auckland. They will leave next Thursday for Sydney, Suva, Honolulu and San Francisco, to complete the cruise. The Preston is commanded by Commander C. D. Swain and the Smith by Commander H. L. Grosskopf. There was no diplomatic signaficance in the cruise. Commander Swain said. After a vessel was commissioned it was customary to engage in a two months’ cruise to let the crew get accustomed to her and to working together and to test rhe vessel thoroughly. When the vessels return to America they will be overhauled, undergo their trials, and then be assigned to units in tlie fleet. An engineer connected with one of the firms concerned in building the vessels is travelling on the Preston as a guest.

The two destroyers are among 16 which were laid down under the allotment for naval construction originally appropriated under rhe National Industrial Recovery Act.

Rough seas were experienced by the destroyers on the run from Pago Pago, and it was necessary to reduce sjieed at times. Only very minor damage was done. No salute was fired as the vessels rounded North Hoad as this is not necessary with destroyers, and they do not carry salute guns at the naval base.

Calls were made by Lieutenant McMaster, of H.M.S. Philomel, who acted as officer of the guard, and by the officer in charge of the base. Commander Tinley. and the commander of the Wellington. .Commander LoristonClarke. Subsequently the commanders of the visiting destroyers made courtesy calls.

Several officers were entertained tonight at the Overseas League rooms. Three officers will leave for Rotorua to-morrow as guests of the Government and will return on Tuesday. Other entertainment includes a Government luncheon on Wednesday, at which the Minister of Defence, Hon. F. Jones, will be present.