gement as above described for full and ready
cooperation with the French district activities.

[Sidenote: Port officers.]

(_b_) The principal ports have assigned to them a port officer whose
function in regard to all United States ships is to expedite their "turn
around," and in addition, where vessels carrying United States naval
armed guards are concerned, to inspect the armed guards and adjust such
matters as are beyond the capacity or authority of the armed guard
commander.

(_a_) _United States Naval Aviation in France_ includes all that the
title implies, except the northern bombing group mentioned above, and
aviation matters are immediately in the hands of Captain T.T. Craven,
aid for aviation on Vice Admiral Wilson's staff.

[Sidenote: Stations for seaplanes, dirigibles and balloons.]

(_b_) There are eight sea-plane stations, three dirigible stations, and
three kite-balloon stations, all of which are operated by district
commanders in cooperation with the French naval air services in the
several corresponding prefectures maritimes. There is also an assembly,
repair, and supply base at Pauillac for the general service of all air
stations in France and a sea-plane gunnery and bombing training school
at Moutchie, both of these activities being directly under the
headquarters in Brest.

(_c_) Of the eight seaplane stations, five have been in operation for
periods varying from 12 to 3 months, and the remaining 3 are now about
ready to begin.

(_d_) Of the three dirigible stations, only that at Paimboeuf has been
in operation for any length of time, and is to be used also for training
and experimental work. The station at Guipavas will shortly be in
operation. The station at Gujan has been delayed to let material go to
other stations which it was deemed advisable to complete first.

[Sidenote: Experimental balloon work at Brest.]

(_e_) Of the three kite-balloon stations, only that at Brest is ready
for operation. Test and experimental work have been carried on here
since August, 1918, in connection with destroyers and yachts. The
station at La Trinite is nearing completion and that at La Pallice is
progressing rapidly. The utility of the station at La Trinite seems to
be somewhat in doubt, as the original purposes for its establishment
have undergone some change due to alterations in the methods of handling
convoys, coastal as well as on and off shore.

[Sidenote: Repair and supply station at Pauillac.]