Chronology 



11 



instrument men. Increased work loads led to the addition of two more men in 

 1932.22 



Originally, there were 18 range stations on the Maryland shore and 19 on the 

 Virginia shore. Some of these stations were not utilized in ranging guns but 

 were necessary to tie in the survey. Because of difficulties experienced in 

 landing range parties in winter, additional stations were added on the Mary- 

 land side.-^ 



As a result of adverse weather conditions in 1933, five Virginia stations were 

 added in 1936. Since then, all range activities have been conducted from the 

 Virginia stations. Until after World War 11, four lighthouses were used for 

 range stations: Cobb Point Bar, Blackistone Island, Ragged Point, and Piney 

 Point.24 



Yardcraft range vessels manned by enlisted naval personnel assisted in range 

 activities from October 16, 1918, when the first range boat, MURRAY, a 

 Maryland Conservation Commission boat procured by the Proving Ground, 

 landed the first range party. The complement of range vessels in 1 922 consisted 

 of two subchasers, a 40-foot motor sailer, a gig, and a large launch. Additional 

 range vessels were not obtained until World War II. ^^ 



The nucleus of Dahlgren's future research and development (R&D) facilities 

 lay in the Experimental Department. Since the establishment of the Proving 

 Ground, an Experimental Officer had been among its group of officers and was 

 in charge of the Plate Battery, experimental testing, and velocity readings. ^^ 



Lighthouse on Blackistone Island on the Maryland side oj the Potomac, 1940. 



