Lexington (CV 16) - Naval Cruise Book

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Q13 . ...... X ' 'lllll 5 CAPTAIN BRADFORD E. GROW, U. S. NAVY

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Captain Thomas H. Robbins, Ir., relieved Rear Admiral Litch on 30 Ianuary 1945 as Commanding Officer of the blue Ghost. A large, imposing figure with a vigorous, agile demeanor, he was introduced to the crew of the Lex by Rear Admiral Litch as the best Captain in the Navy. Captain Robbins is the perfect blending of the scholar and the fight- ing man, the orator and the understanding human being. l-le assumed easily the role of Captain of the Lexington and bred into his officers and men his own feeling of pride in her accomplishments. When Captain Tom addressed the crew it was considered an event. 1-1is voice, pitch and delivery resembled closely that of the late President Roose- velt and his own enthusiasm about a forthcoming strike never failed to communicate itself to the crew. Captain Robbins will be remembered with grati- tude by numerous Prisoners of War of the Iapanese for his quick response to their physical needs and for theinspirational message which he sent to them by message drop. Lex planes dropped 32,981 pounds of supplies to their suffering comrades. In his mes- sage Captain Robbins applauded the courage of these men who had suffered the fanaticism and tyranny of the Nips. 1-le received many letters of thanks from them. They said that the Lex had made the hour of victory a Christmas, New Year's and Thanksgiving all rolled into one. While under the command of Captain Robbins the Lexington became the first Essex class carrier to enter Tokyo Bay. Captain Robbins is a graduate of the Naval Academy Class of 1920 and was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral on 15 November 1945. 1-le left the Lexington in Tokyo Bay to take a post in Washington, D. C., in the office of the Secretary of the Navy.

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Captain Bradford E. Grow assumed command of the Lexington on l8 November 1945 while the 'lBlue Ghost was at anchor in Tokyo Bay sweating out the occupation. A mild, soft-spoken man, he took the helm of the Lex during the trying days ot demobilization and made a 4.0 start by guaran- teeing each man every consideration in getting him home without delay. This statement of policy won for him the full confidence and respect ot the crew immediately. He has lived up to his promise. Captain Grow previously commanded the U. S. S. KASAAN BAY and served as Chief of Staff to Com- mander Fleet Air Norfolk before coming to the Lex as skipper. With this broad background in carrier technique he stepped into his new role with grace and skill. Captain Grow has shown, in the short time he has been aboard, that he will carry on and add new laurels to the Lexington tradition. The new boss is a graduate of the Naval Academy class ot l922.