1900 - 1913

The Great White Fleet:

The Great White Fleet arrived in Sydney Australia August 20, 1908, staying until August 28. It then traveled to Melbourne, arriving August 29 and leaving September 5. And finally traveling to Albany, Western Australia, arriving September 11, and departing September 18.

The "Great White Fleet" was sent around the world by President Theodore Roosevelt from 16 December 1907 to 22 February 1909 and consisted of sixteen new battleships of the Atlantic Fleet. The battleships were painted white except for gilded scrollwork on their bows. It was only later that they became known as the "Great White Fleet"

For further information, visit the US Department of Navy, Historical Center homepage at: http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq42-1.htm