The US Army Transport Sherman is docked at the coaling station at Gibraltar, Spain from February 15-17, 1899. The USAT Sherman departed New York City two weeks earlier carrying the men of the 3d Infantry Regiment for duty in the Philippine Islands. As the coal is being replenished, news reaches them that hostilities have broken out in Manila. and they are instructed to proceed without delay. They get under way the next day, headed to their next coaling stop in Port Said, Egypt.