Admiral A. S. Halstead, who had succeeded Admiral Wilson at Brest, supervised the naval duty of returning the soldiers, continuing on duty until embarkation had been completed. Other officers in all parts of Europe remained in connection with the shipping and the other tasks which the Navy was called upon to perform.
The last gigantic task had to do with the greatest American contribution to the war—the sweeping up of the mines planted in the North Sea as the effective barrier against the egress of submarines. This was a hazardous undertaking, involving the loss of men and ships, but fewer lives were lost than any had dared to hope. By November, 1919, the 89 ships assigned to that drab and dangerous duty, with their officers and men, were in home waters.
Thus the task of the Navy in the World War came to an end. The officers and men serving overseas had forged friendships with their comrades of the mist which will always gladden their lives. As they raised the "homeward bound" pennant, they were cheered by the consciousness of a great task well ended and by the thanks of grateful peoples for all they had done.
Coming in sight of the Statue of Liberty, its steady rays lighting their course, they found awaiting them the welcome reserved only for those who love liberty more than life.