United States Asiatic Fleet

The Asiatic Fleet was part of the US Navy, during the World War II era, and was tasked with protecting the Philippines. In mid-1941, the headquarters for this unit was in Manila, at the Marsman Building. The commander of the fleet was Admiral Thomas C. Hart and the fleet was based at Cavite Naval Base.

This was not part of the US Pacific Fleet, which was based on the western coast of the United States and, in 1940, moved to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

War with Japan

Admiral Hart had permission to withdraw to the Indian Ocean, in the event of war, at his discretion.

The Asiatic Fleet, proper, consisted of 1 heavy cruiser, 1 light cruiser, 13 World War I era destroyers, and 17 submarines. The fleet, and the assigned 16th Naval District, also possessed 7 gunboats, 1 yacht, 6 minesweepers, 2 tankers, an ocean-going tugboat, 1 rescue vessel, and various other ships, including motor torpedo boats.

Also stationed at Cavite Naval Base was the Offshore Patrol.

In the Far East, in December of 1941, the British had 4 battleships, 1 aircraft carrier, 4 heavy cruisers, 13 light cruisers, and several destroyers.

The Dutch had 3 light cruisers, 7 destroyers, and 15 submarines.