Existing comment:
In December 1907, Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, sent a portion of the Atlantic Fleet on a world tour to test naval readiness, establish global presence, generate international goodwill, and garner enthusiasm for the US Navy. Sixteen battleships and 14,000 men embarked on an historic voyage that steamed 43,000 miles and made 20 port calls on six continents. Painted white with gilded scrollwork on their bows, the participating ships became known as the "Great White Fleet."
"A good Navy is not a provocation to war. It is the surest guaranty of peace."
-- President Theodore Roosevelt, December 2, 1902, second annual message to Congress |