16Aboard the USS Indiana
Brooklyn Navy Yard
March 1903
As Lieutenant William Sims walked across the officers’ brow onto the large battleship, he paused at the summit, faced the ship’s stern, and rendered a smart salute to the national ensign. Walking to the Officer of the Deck, dressed in his service dress blues with a telescope under his left arm, Sims approached and in a firm voice said, “Request permission to come aboard,” as he saluted. The Officer of the Deck returned his salute, replying, “Permission granted. Can I assist you, sir?” he inquired.
“Yes, young man, you most certainly can. I have an appointment with the CO, Captain Robinson.”
“I’ll have an escort take you to his cabin, sir,” the OOD offered and summoned an escort. The ship’s secretary, an earnest young man who tende
