Asiatic Squadron

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The Asiatic Squadron 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. Originally called the Asiatic Station of the United States Navy, this was the overall command of the Navy in the Far East during the 1880s. Vessels on this station were primarily involved in matters relating to US commerce with China and Japan.

On April 27, 1898, this squadron, composed of the flagship Olympia, Baltimore, Raleigh, Petrel, Concord, Boston, and McCulloch, sailed from Mirs Bay, China, to the Philippines to participate in the Spanish-American War. The squadron proceeded to destroy the Spanish fleet guarding the Philippines, and effectively took control of Manila Bay. (For more information on this battle, see the Battle of Manila Bay (1898).)

The Asiatic Squadron also participated in the 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 relieve Peking, at the time home to many foreigners, from a 2-month siege.

The squadron subsequently became the Asiatic Fleet in 1902.