The coolness of our commanding officer, Captain H. F. Bryan, and the splendid coördination of the entire crew were so perfect, that only three distinct orders were issued in this moment of peril as follows: 1. Hold your course. 2. Open fire on submarine, port quarter. 3. Sound General Alarm.
Every shot fired was greeted by cheers and shouts of encouragement from the enthusiastic soldiers on the decks, who crowded to favorable positions to witness the accurate firing of our gun-crews. The Army nurses left their luncheon to take a peek at the "fun," and their calmness and enthusiasm in the face of a deadly menace were an inspiration to the sailors manning the big guns.
Sailing the afternoon of June 1st, accompanied by the destroyers _Nicholson_ and _Wadsworth_, at 7:16 o'clock a periscope wake was sighted on the starboard quarter. "Full speed ahead!" was rung, and the _Leviathan_ sprang forward, a cloud of black smoke pouring from her funnels. Her guns began firing, and from the signal bridge floated the green-and-white submarine warning flag. The destroyers turned quickly and charged down the wake, laying a barrage of depth-bombs which shook the _Leviathan_, by that time nearly two miles away. The _Nicholson's_ blinker lights flashed:
We saw periscope of submarine and laid barrage of depth-charges around the spot. Will report to Force Commander.
The _Wadsworth_ then inspected the locality, but soon signaled, "We see no submarine now." A few minutes later both destroyers steamed up to the big vessel and resumed escort.
Twilight had come, and it was an impressive scene when the chaplain (always called the sky pilot), as was his daily custom, went to the navigation bridge and offered the sunset prayer at sea--a prayer for the safety of captain, officers and crew; for soldiers, passengers and all on board.
Making the most of her speed, the _Leviathan_ traveled alone, except for man-of-war escort, until August. Then she was accompanied by the _Great Northern_ and _Northern Pacific_, and these fast ships made several voyages together. After arrival from her eighth trip, Sept. 19th, Captain William W. Phelps became the _Leviathan's_ commanding officer, succeeding Captain Bryan. In April, 1919, he was succeeded by Captain E. H. Durell.