Small American Great White Fleet commemorative round pressed ruby and clear glass butter dish.

The visit was part of a diplomatic mission that demonstrated the maritime power of the United Sates of America in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The fleet was in Albany from 11 - 17 September as a logistic necessity with the ships being short of coal. The fleet's arrival was welcomed by a 21 gun salute from the Royal Princess Fortress Battery and the compliment was returned by USS Connecticut. The Mayors of Albany and Perth (Mr Cuthbert Mackenzie and Mr T. G. Molloy), along with the Western Australian Governor, Sir Frederick Bedford, Rear Admiral W.H. Emery from the USS Minnesota, and a large crowd witnessed the official march past of the US marines, also referred to as 'blue jackets', through the streets of the town on 15 September 1908.
Arriving in Albany at 7a.m. on 11 September 1908, the fleet was met by the Premier of WA, Sir James Newton Moore, in a government launch, the Penguin. The guns of the Princess Royal Fortress Battery and those of the USS Connecticut fired complimentary 21 gun salutes. The Albany Advertiser of Wednesday 16 September reported the previous day’s march past of the 1500 American “blue jackets” before the WA Governor (Sir Frederick George Denham Bedford), Rear Admiral W.H. Emery (USS Minnesota), various dignitaries including the Mayor of Albany (Mr Cuthbert Mackenzie) and the Mayor of Perth (Mr T.G. Molloy).