Barney (DDG 6) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 10 text:

The Cap'n and Commander Siras D. Browning received his introduction to destroyers while a Storekeeper Seaman. It was after serving on board the USS OZBOURN QDD-8465 that he entered the Uni- versity of Texas where he received his commission upon graduation. BARNEY is the third ship to have him in command. The USS HAMMERBERG CDE-10155 and the USS MITSCHER QDDG-355 have also had this distinction. He and his wife Majorie and their two daughters, Helen and Mary, live in Virginia Beach where gardening, woodworking and, whenever there is enough time, oil painting helps him to relax from the pressures of the day.

Page 9 text:

This ship was one of the first designed from keel up as a guided missile destroyer. The New York Ship- building Corporation, in Camden, New Jersey, laid the keel on 18 December 1959, and less than one year later, 10 December 1960, she was christened by her sponsor, Mrs. Harry D. Wortman. On 11 August 1962, the commissioning pennant was broken in appropriate ceremonies at Philadelphia. BARNEY is a fast, highly maneuverable destroyer. Her automatic combustion control power plant is one of the newest to be installed in destroyers, enabling her to carry out any task assigned her with great speed and mobility. Her anti-air warfare and anti- submarine capabilities are infinitely greater than those of previous classes of destroyers. The TARTAR guided missile weapons system, ASROC, torpedoes, and a 5-inch 54 caliber dual-purpose gun battery, coupled with the most modern communications and electronics, enable her to detect, track and deliver rapid salvos of missiles and projectiles against enemy targets whether on land, sea, under the sea or in the air. BARNEY's entry into service marked a major stride forward in the program of providing the United States Navy with advanced types of warships to enable it to meet the challenge of today and those that will follow in the future.

Page 11 text:

Lieutenant Commander James D. Firnbach also served as an enlisted man prior to re- ceiving his commission at Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. Prior to his tour aboard BARNEY, his duty assignments show a liberal sprinkling of sea duty, including command of the USS SWERVE QMSO-4951. Soon after BARNEY's return from the Mediterranean, he was transferred to the Armed Forces Staff College. As busy as his days are, it is astonishing that he is able to find the time to enjoy himself working in his yard in Virginia Beach, where he and his wife Dottie live with their daugh- ter Theresa Ann. He also finds pleasure in watching football games or just relaxing in front of a crackling fire in the fireplace. 9 Exec