Gefion at Manila after the Spanish defeat

Gefion arrived soon after the American destruction of the Spanish squadron at Manila Bay to investigate the rapidly changing political situation. German ambitions extended from acquiring possessions to the improbable idea of placing a German prince on a Philippine throne. Naval presence was expected to translate quickly into imperial opportunity even though the United States had fought for and occupied the islands. When Prince Heinrich took command, the squadron still lacked the dry docks, workshops, barracks, hospitals, and stores needed to make possession of Qingdao or influence in the Philippines sustainable.