While it is known that some of these ships have been transferred to Manila and the Atlantic and ship movements are a closely guarded naval secret, the majority of these 146 combat ships remain in Hawaiian waters, The Atlantic Fleet is made up of approximately 125 ships while the Asiatic Fleet is composed largely of destroyers and submarines, plus three cruisers.. The Asiatic Fleet recently was strengthened by the addition of submarines and patrol, bombers from the Pacific Fleet.
"The path has not been easy," Admiral Richardson said in relinquishing his command. "There is much to be done"
The retiring Commander: said the officers and Fleet "can take pride in performances accomplished under trying conditions."
Admiral Kimmel responded, state ing, "I need hardly say, in light of what we all know, the days ahead of us will be busy ones. We will continue to direct our efforts in such a way that we'shall be fully prepared to accomplish any task whith may be assigned to us."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.