asiatic squadron

The Asiatic Squadron, also known as the Asiatic Station, was the fleet of United States Navy warships and supporting elements stationed in the Pacific Ocean in the 19th century. The United States maintained naval presence in East Asia since 1835 to protect American interests against the turmoil of the Chinese rebellions. On April 27, 1898, this squadron, composed of the flagship Olympia, Baltimore, Raleigh, Petrel, Concord, Boston, and McCullock, sailed from Mirs Bay, China, to the Philippines to participate in the Spanish-American War. The squadron succeeded to destroy the Spanish fleet guarding the Philippines, and effectively took control of the Bay of Manila. The Asiatic Squadron also participated in the North China Relief Expedition in 1900. An international legation including US Marines and navy sailors slowly fought their way to take control of Tientsin away from the Boxer Rebellion in order to relief Peking, at the time home to many foreigners, from a 2-month siege. The squadron subsequently became the Asiatic Fleet in 1902.

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