#bow decor

It was between 1909 and 1910, when the Great White Fleet returned from its World Cruise.

The Navy learned a lot about having ocean going versus coastal defense vessels. It's important to remember, before 1880, the US Navy did not rank in the top 10. The US government had neglected the Navy and its ships had been allowed to deteriorate after the civil war. Between 1880 and 1910, the US Navy was playing a lot of catch up with other Navies, especially with the British Royal Navy.

As to why, I believe it was mainly aesthetic reasons and keeping up with trends. The white and buff with the figure heads were old fashioned.

The Royal Navy had switched to the new scheme around the time as HMS Dreadnought was commissioned and it kinda became synonymous with her. Like other countries, the US wanted to be seen as a major power and so switched to the medium grey scheme at the same time as the Great White Fleet was modernized in 1909-10.

But I will say, something was lost when they removed the gold leaf figure head/bow decor.

Thanks for the ask.

LOC: Illus. in AP101.P7 1909, Illus. in AP101.P7 1905

Colorized by Irootoko Jr: link, link, link

NHHC: 19-N-4-8-21