With the new found power in the Pacific extended to America from the outcome of the Spanish American War, the Russo-Japanese War, and the absence of the British fleet, the cruise now started it’s important mission of diplomacy.  Each port vist of this portion of the cruise was meant to establish, reinforce, or modify the relationship now in place with the United States.  Hawaii, the fleet’s first stop, was delivered a vision of the future where Oahu would become the homeport of the Pacific Fleet based on the location of the islands and the excellent potential of Pearl Harbor.  New Zealand and Australia would receive the American Fleet as a new found benefactor to help protect them from Japanese invasion.  For Japan, the Fleet’s visit represented a seal of agreement for the two nations to be allowed to go their own ways.  Unfortunately for China, and luck for the Philippines, this involved the plans of expansion into both nations.  For the sailors of the fleet is was an exciting portion of the cruise when they were met by thousands of cheering people ready to show them a good time and welcome into their communities.