Lt. Comdr. Hawes reported: "The courage, spirit, and efficiency of the "Pigeon" crew is believed unsurpassed by past, present, or any future crews of any vessel of any nation." While the Navy Yard was still in flames, her crew was attempting to secure heavier armament for their ship. She armed herself with a gun from fire-damaged "Bittern" and another from "Sealion". Sheets of boiler plate were fashioned into gun and splinter shields for six machine guns which circled the bridge. "The "Pigeon" is well armed," wrote Hawes, "and is believed to be the best equipped vessel of her type and tonnage in existence."