Great White Fleet sets sail

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the Great White Fleet setting sail from Norfolk for a 14 month tour around the world by order of President Theodore Roosevelt. The trip had a dual purpose of projecting American power (especially to the growing power of the Japanese following the Russo-Japanese War and amid growing tensions between the two countries) and advancing
the knowledge and training of the sailors crewing the fleet.

In true American style, a number of humanitarian acts were accomplished during the deployment including aiding in recovery operations in Sicily following a major Earthquake.

The mission to project American power around the globe was a success as Japan had children lining the pier with American flags to greet the fleet at Yokohama in a show of the nation's desire for peace with America.

Route taken by the Great White Fleet. They sailed around South America because the Panama Canal wasn't completely built yet.


The Great White Fleet off the Coast of San Diego