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How did the U.S. Navy defeat Spain at the Battle of Manila Bay?

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Seal of the U.S. Department of the Navy — United States Navy The seal of the United States Department of the Navy.

At the Battle of Manila Bay on May 1, 1898, the U.S. Navy defeated the Spanish Pacific fleet through superior preparation, training, and naval gunfire.12

Under the command of Commodore George Dewey, the U.S. Asiatic Squadron entered Manila Bay under the cover of darkness on the night of April 30 to avoid coastal batteries. At dawn, Dewey’s fleet—consisting of four protected cruisers and two gunboats—advanced in column formation against the anchored Spanish squadron.13

The American ships made repeated passes along the Spanish line, utilizing their port batteries to deliver accurate, devastating fire while gradually decreasing their distance to the target. By mid-morning, the Spanish flagship and other vessels were ablaze or sinking. After a brief withdrawal to allow his crews to eat, Dewey returned to silence the remaining shore batteries at Cavite and complete the destruction of the Spanish force. The victory was achieved with negligible damage to the American fleet and no loss of life among the U.S. personnel.132