Lexington (CV 16) - Naval Cruise Book

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The first Skipper of the Lexington was Captain fnow Rear Admirall Felix B. Stump. A graduate of the Naval Academy Class of 1917 with a strong background in carrier war and carrier techniques, he took over the helm of the new Lexington with a vigorous hand and in short order had won for her the reputation of being a hot carrier. Under Captain Stump the Lexington participated in the first attack on Wake Island, attacks in the Gilberts, the landings on Tarawa, and the first long- range strike deep into lap waters against Palau A capable administrator and a skilful seaman, he won the affection and deep respect of all hands. Within two minutes after the Lex was torpedoed on the night of 4 December 1943 the Skipper was on the bull-horn fpublic address systeml. Men, this is the Captain. We have taken a torpedo hit in our stern and the rudder seems badly damaged. Stand firm and cool. Each man must do his job calmly and efficiently. Don't worry! That's my job. l got you in here and l'll get you out. The story of how Captain Stump steered the Lex out of the Marshalls and back to Pearl Harbor by using only the m-ain engines is now a Lexington legend. The Skipper was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral on 10 April 1944 and was given command of a division of Escort Carriers. The Lex has always reserved a special place in her affection for the man who started her out right. l-le was recently awarded the Navy Cross for commanding his Ieeps so well that they crippled and turned back a major enemy Task Group.

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Captain fnow Rear Admirall Ernest W. Litch re- lieved Rear Admiral Stump as skipper of the Lexing- ton on 10 April 1944. The Lex was Flagship for Task Force 58 under Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher and Captain Litch assumed the responsibility with an easy, practiced hand. A slight, dark man with swift, darting eyes, he soon proved that he had the fire, ability and per- sonality to take up where Admiral Stump had left off and keep the Lex right at the top of the list of operating carriers. Cn the night of 15 Iune 1944 while supporting the occupation of Saipan the Lex underwent a heavy dusk torpedo attack. Captain Litch with exceptional skill dodged two torpedoes and flicked the stern of the Lex out of the way of a flaming attacker which had just been set afire by Lexington guns. A master seaman and a cool operator in emer- gencies, he brought the Lex through the most trying days of the war with flying colors. I-le kept faith with the Lexington tradition by receiving a promo- tion to the rank of Rear Admiral on 30 Ianuary 1945. Rear Admiral Litch received command of a division of Escort Carriers and took part in a number of engagements in the 7th Fleet with his CVE's. A fighting skipper, a graduate of the Naval Acad- emy Class of 1920, he made a notable contribution to the winning of the Pacific war. , Q- qj' . Q NBL i