Edson (DD 946) - Naval Cruise Book

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CDR J. J. VERMILYA USN Commanding Gfficer if ' t , F roinwth,ejffC.om1fffand,i,gg Off ic er : At the time I assumed command I told you thatxto be a true professional at sea is the ,most ,demanding career to which a man can aspire, and that if each and every man were to make' dedication and hard work his everyday way of life we would enhance not only EDSON's record but his own personal dignity and self-respect as well. I recall those words not to quote myself, but to let you know that in the three months since then you have indeed lived up to the reputation of professionals. You have responded freely and with dedication to situations requiring long hours and hard work, and you have enabled EDSON to respond smartly to her committments. I know without a doubt that EDSON's already bright record has been enhanced by your effort and I know equally well that each one of you has EARNED the right to feel a greater ,self-respect as a result of those efforts. ' For those of you who will be a part of EDSON next cruise, I say WELCOME, and to those of you who will be leaving us for other duty or for civilian life I wish God Speed. f Sincerely , I w P I

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1 CDR K G HAYNES USN CDR K G HAYNES, USN served as the f1fth L,omrnand1ng Offlcer of EDSON Durlng h1s twenty months 1n command CDR Haynes led EDSON through the or1g1na1 Tonkln Gulf confhet 1n August 1964 and dur1ng the 65 66 West Pac Cru1se var1ous VIETNAM SUPPORT OPERATIONS, durlng Wh1Ch EDSON f1rst f1red her guns 1n anger CDR Haynes was re11eVed 10 February 1966 to take command of the USS PREBLE QDLG 155

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LCDR H. L. WEBSTER y USN Executive Cfficer From the Executive Officer A WESTPAC Cruise at first glance is the end of a significant page in the:sh1p's' history However, looking a bit deeper at the many different EDSON successes during the cruise the common denominator in each case has been the outstanding spirit and attitude of the crew During the forthcoming yard overhaul, there will be numerous personnel transfers with new personnel coming on board But a can do spirit has been instilled on the ship during this cruise which I am sure will continue to grow Therefore, our arrival in Long Beach will not be the end but a continuation of this outstanding period in EDSON 's history My appreciation and sincere gratitude to each of you for your efforts can never be adequately expressed, yet your record stands for itself I refer in particular to your exemplary conduct record in the many foreign ports visited with which no other ship in the fleet can compare Your co operation generated in blood donations and charity funds 1S something you can always be proud of Your fortitude and enthusiasm exhibited during combat operations proved you each to be true American fighting sailors When the going ge s tough the tough get going