The Floral Parade postcard used during the American Fleet's visit to Hawaii.  Part of the Frank Lesher Collection.

As the Fleet approached the Islands on July 16^th they made a close pass to the Island of Molokai which was operated as a leper colony.  The fleet at 4 miles was an impressive site for the settlement and their visit was appreciated by the Jesuit brothers.  Three Divisions then preceded directly to the island of Ohau and anchored off Diamond Head.

The Fleet shown at anchor off of

Diamond Head

At left a souvenir card from the fleet visit showing a cancel during their stay.

Cards (including the Ex-Queen) mailed from Ben Bentfeld, USS Rhode Island, to Nellie

The Third Division under Rear Admiral Emory had not participated, and had turned south to make a visit to the Island of Maui.  The visit to Maui was scheduled to take on coal and to visit with Queen Liliuokalani who had made her residence on the Island since being deposed. 

The Ex-Queen, a card mailed from Honolulu

The USS Virginia was part of the Third Division and Frank Lesher was an electrician onboard the ship that was able to go ashore in Maui.

The Royal Throne Room and Casket where the crown of former days is kept.

A detachment of officers led by Admiral Emory met with the queen at her home and listened to her talk of the Islands and what had been taken from her. 

 These two cards were mailed while Frank Lesher was ashore in Lahaina, Maui.  To read Frank's account of this visit select the link above.

Admiral Emory discussed the possibility of the Japanese invading the islands, in a way to say – the American occupation has prevented the Japanese from coming to the Islands.  The Queen had replied, “In that case, you people would have been here too, no?”  In the end, the visit brought no reconciliation and Admiral Emory and his staff left having confirmed the feelings of the former Queen.

As time came to depart the Islands on their next leg, the Fleet was rejoined by the Nebraska having been fumigated and declared fit for service.  They were still short one unit upon departure as Minnesota remained behind to receive the mail due from San Francisco.  It was well understood the important relationship between mail and morale. 

As the ships departed the Admiral added a new element to the ship maneuvering drills during formation steaming.  It involved the lead ships pealing off to the right and left and making a circle back into the formation and the end.  Unfortunately, it almost led to the first ship fatality when the New Jersey rammed the Nebraska's bow causing a slice that needed repair before the fleet could continue on its way.
 

This group of cards is from the M. R. Battey collection.  A nice photo of Diamond Head and the crew receiving pineapples from a barge along side the ship.