Dewey commanded the American force best prepared for war despite having no permanent American base in the region. He brought forty years of naval service, including operations aboard Mississippi during the capture of New Orleans and the siege of Port Hudson. His later assignments included survey and lighthouse work as well as service aboard Constitution. Sent to the Asiatic Squadron with orders to prepare for a likely war with Spain, he had trained the force hard for more than a year.
Chapter · 44:22-49:49
Dewey builds a cruiser squadron for war
Dewey's long service and sustained training prepared the Asiatic Squadron for war despite the absence of a permanent American base.