When the United States joined World War I in 1917, the U.S. Navy lacked the man power or equipment to successfully monitor enemy communication. Men with a background in radio communication were encouraged to join the Navy or Naval Reserves to share their expertise with the United States Navy.

This poster, printed by the U.S. Navy Recruiting Office, advertised specifically for a New York office located at 280 Broadway. As referenced, Naval recruiting offices were located throughout the country.

Maine played a unique communications role during WWI. Because of Maine's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the coast of Europe, it was considered a very strategic position for using wireless technology (also known as wireless telegraphy, or radio telegraphy). The geographic landscape of Maine also lent to optimum wireless environment.

Amateur wireless enthusiasts in Maine, such as Alessandro Fabbri, lent their services to the Navy during The Great War.