Annapolis (AGMR 1) - Naval Cruise Book

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IN DEDICA TION JOHN JOSEPH R O WAN CAPTAIN, UNITED STA TES NA VY lg

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DEDI CA TI UN In seeking ha worthy individual to whom to dedicate this cruise book, there was no need to go any further than our Commanding Officer, Captain J. J. Rowan. No other person is so. deserving of this honor. Possessed or infinite patience and firm- ness ofpurpose, he combines these qualities witha subtle sense of humor that enables him to master any situation. This, along with his thorough knowledge of both the complexities of modern communications and the age-old dangers of the sea, manifest themselves to such a degree in Captain Rowan that is instantly admired and respected by all. He guided us through the tedious days prior to commissioning, then led us through the hazards of sea trials. He set the example during shake-downing training and used his extensive knowledge of supply and provisioning in preparing us for the European Cruise. His calm, quiet attitude served as a source of strength to officers and men alike throughout the hectic days of the cruise, both while battling the problems of large- scale communications and when churning our way through an angry or crowded sea. Altogether, no single person has contributed as much toward making ANNA- POLIS the success she is as has Captain Rowan. Therefore, it is with great pleasure that this short history of our first months at sea be dedicated to he who has inspired us so much. To Captain Rowan goes the time-honored accolade of the Naval Service: WELL DONE .

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USS ANNAPOLIS KAGMR-lj, Auxiliary General Major Relay, Number One,' a ship designed to bring Naval Communications to any Naval unit ashore or afloat, anywhere in the world, with speed and accuracy,' to provide a voice for command when and where it is needed. With specially designed antenna systems constructed on her flight deck, the latest in complex communications equipment in her newly-constructed communications spaces, capacious fuel tanks and what is most important, her smoothly functioning and well trained crew of 700, ANNAPOLIS is capable of operating for protracted periods of time in remote corners of the world's oceans,' augmenting existing shore communi- cation facilities, temporarily extending essential Naval communication services in areas of special operations, or providing communications in areas where they might have been lost or where they may never have existed. Her tasks: to provide fleet broadcasts, inter-area relay circuits and relay circuits for ship to ship and ship to shore communications. She is a floating communications station, able to stay beyond the reach of hostile powers, not depending upon the whims of reluctant allies, carrying vital communications wherever a ship can go and capable of reaching any land area with her powerful transmitters. As her motto states, she is truly VOX MARIS , the Voice of the Sea and as the Voice from the Sea' the Voice of Naval Command, the Sound of United States Seapower. U55 AXNNAXF L-,HS