Navy Department Communique No. 49

MARCH 2, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué: Admiral Ernest J. King, U. S. Navy, Commander in Chief, United States Fleet, made the following statement today:

“I have noted the widespread interest in the press about what the United States Fleets are doing.  Did this interest not exist I should be deeply concerned.

“As to the activities of our fleets, the public can count with certainty upon being furnished all information which does not give aid and comfort to the enemy.  The traditional title of the Navy as “The Silent Service” is, however, based on experience and necessity.  It will have to be maintained.

“On the other hand I can say, that while no miracles are to be expected, an all-out effort is being made in the unspectacular but vitally essential task of establishing our sea and air communications.

“Appropriate measures are being taken to strengthen the key points of these communications, with a view to developing an offensive, which slowly but surely, will gain scope and power as we gain strength, through the production of aircraft, ships and guns.

“Currently, therefore, the United States Fleets are carrying on with the basic idea to ‘Do more than your best with what you’ve got.’ This means to take and make every opportunity to harass and damage the enemy, while building soundly for his ultimate defeat.”

E.J. King