Seaman Battey did get ashore to send a postcard or two. February 5th, 1909  "Homeward Bound" tomorrow, Yours with Love, M. R. Battey  to his father Mr. J. E. Battey of Pittsburg.  The photographer did not get ashore but did get in a launch and ride around the harbor to photograph the navies of the world that were inport with the American Fleet.

The British ship (shown twice in the above grouping for effect), is a Drake Class cruiser built around 1900 for the Royal Navy.  There were 4 in the class, Drake, Good Hope, King Alfred, and Leviathan.  Drake was stationed in home waters until 1911 when she became the flagship of the Australian Station.  Good Hope was the Flagship for the 1st Cruiser Squadron of the Atlantic Fleet in 1906 and of the 2nd Cruiser Squadron in 1908.  King Alfred was assigned to the China Station from 1906 to 1910.  Leviathan was assigned to the China Station initially by returned to the Mediterranean Fleet in 1905-06.  She was assigned to the 7th Cruiser Squadron in 1907.  She was put out of service until returning in 1909 with the 4th Cruiser Squadron.  Best guess, this is either Drake or Good Hope.  The second British ship is a battleship of the Goliath class.  There were 6 in commission at the time of this photo.  On station in the Mediterranean, Canopus, Goliath, Ocean, and Glory.  No guess on which one this could be.