Navy Department Communique No. 38
FEBRUARY 7, 1942
The Navy Department today issued the following communiqué, outlining the naval situation as of noon (e. s. t.) February 7, 1942:
Far East.
The following new naval commands have been established to take effect immediately:
- Forces which formerly constituted the Asiatic Fleet are now known as the U. S. Naval Forces, Southwest Pacific. Vice Admiral William A. Glassford, Jr., U. S. Navy, commands these forces.
- Admiral Thomas C. Hart is Commander of the combined Naval forces in the ABDA (American-British-Dutch-Australian) Area.
- Combined Naval Forces of the Australian-New Zealand Area have been established with Vice Admiral Herbert F. Leary, U. S. Navy, in command. His title is Commander Anzac Forces.
Atlantic Area.
Axis submarines continue to operate over a wide area in the Atlantic Ocean, including the coastal waters of the United States. Their attacks on Allied merchant shipping are being combated vigorously with increasing success by our forces.