September, 1917 - War alterations continue on the fleet. Most of the destroyers are finished, as they are the easiest to modify. The light cruisers are nearly finished, though they are not likely to be fitted with depth charges until a better means of employment are found. The slings used by the British are considered inadequate in the destroyers; the deficiency is only greater in the larger light cruisers. Instead, the longer range of their 6 inch main guns will be used to deter U-boats unfortunate enough to be caught on the surface.
The Leon Class has been fitted with canvas bridges except for the Navidad. She had just come out of rebuild with new engines and boilers, and was fitted with a permantent enclosed bridge. She is expected to be much warmer and drier in heavy weather than her sisters:
The Navidad Class is also ready for the Atlantic, repainted with a temporary sheltered bridge:
Even the old light cruiser Invincible, a venerable veteran of over 20 years, was taken out of reserve and put back into service for the war. Gone is her stately wooden deck house, replaced with wartime canvas and a new coat of paint. Her modifications are mostly superficial, since her replacement is being designed while the war continues:
![[ img ]](https://dl.dropbox.com/u/88793161/Republic%20of%20Texas%20Navy/RTX%20Cruiser%20Invincible%201918.png)