The Asiatic Squadron, also known as the Asiatic Station, was the fleet of United States Navywarships 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.
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 Spanish admiral decided that returning the squadron to the anchorage at Manila, which was surrounded by many batteries and fortifications, would be unwise, since this would invite the destruction of the city itself by the guns of the enemy's squadron.
Realizing that running out of ammunition could spell the end of his squadron, and not being able to determine the extent of the damage to the Spanish vessels amidst the smoke of battle, Dewey decided to withdraw to redistribute ammunition and assess the entire situation.
Chief Engineer Randall of the HUGH McCULLOCH had passed away from a heart attack as the squadron entered Manila Bay, but may be considered a casualty of the battle also, since his conditon may have been the result of the tension of the moment and the heat of the engine rooms.
The AsiaticSquadron, 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.
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 subsequently became the Asiatic Fleet in 1902.
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