louisiana2000

The Louisiana (helmed by Captain Richard Wainwright) was a part of what has commonly become known as the Great White Fleet a United States navy battle fleet that completed a circumnavigation of the earth between the dates of December 16, 1907 and February 22, 1909 under the order of then-President Theodore Roosevelt.In total, sixteen battleships were involved and they were divided into two squadrons (along with various escorts) of which the Louisiana was in the first squadron of the first leg which comprised the following itinerary between the onset date of December 16, 1907 and culminating on May 6, 1908:

Hampton Roads, VirginiaPort of Spain, TrinidadRio de Janeiro, Brazil Punta Arena, ChileCallao, Peru Magdalena Bay. Mexico San Francisco, California

Prior to embarking on her leg of the Great White Tour the Louisiana visited New Orleans, Havana and Norfolk; maneuvered out of Guantanamo Bay; and engaged in battle practice along the New England coast.The goal of the tour was achieved when it was realized that the of the “Great White Fleet” resulted in deterred hostile actions toward the United States by other countries (primarily Japan); raised American prestige as a global naval power; and impressed upon Congress the importance of a strong Navy and a thriving merchant fleet which continued for decades to come.