"Liberty Destroyer," the _Ward_ was designated, and the way in which she was put through was like a continuous Liberty Loan rally. "This destroyer is needed to sink Hun submarines; let all hands help sink them," was one of the numerous placards posted around her. Each day's progress was marked on the big canvas banner stretched above the bow. In twenty-four hours she began to assume shape. In two weeks they were putting the finishing touches to the hull, and the banner read: [Illustration: +---------------------------------+ | LIBERTY DESTROYER No. 139 | | | | Keel Laid May 15th 14 DAYS | | Will be Launched OLD | | June 1st TODAY | | | | SHE'S SOME BABY | +---------------------------------+] Three and a half days later, she was sent down the ways. As she slid into the water, officers and workmen cheered as they had never cheered before. This was the quickest time in which a vessel had ever been launched. But the record for completion--the _Ward_ was commissioned in 70 days--was later bettered at the great Victory Plant at Squantum, Mass., where the _Reid_ was finished and made ready for her trials in 45-1/2 working days. Before war began we ordered scores of destroyers, and soon afterwards contracted for all that American yards could build. But we wanted more. The question was how to get them. The Navy Department, after conferring with one of the leading shipbuilders, determined on a bold stroke. All the contractors, those building engines and machinery as well as hulls, were summoned to Washington, and met with the Chief Constructor and Engineer-in-Chief of the Navy in my office. "One hundred and fifty more destroyers must be built," they were told. That proposition was a "stunner." They had already contracted to build every one for which they had facilities. And here was a demand that more than as many again be constructed. Some shipyards would have to be enlarged, some new ones built. The same was the case with engine manufacturers, and producers of forgings; for producing enough engines was quite as difficult as building hulls. Where companies could not finance additions, we agreed that the Government would build them, as well as the new factories or yards. Even at that, it was a staggering proposition. But the contractors were game and patriotic. They promised every coöperation and with the Navy experts began working out the thousand details involved.