Lexington (CV 16) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 26 text:

1 t 9' it . 'I - 1 COMMANDER THOMAS ANTHONY AHROON, U. S. NAVY Commander Thomas Ahroon took over the hot seat in an emergency relieving Comdr. Souther- land who had just been seriously burned. He com- manded the repairing of the damage from the Kamikaze hit and the handling of the wounded with skill and coolness and in short order had the Lex back in excellent fighting trim. His firm devotion to duty and outstanding leadership while perform- ing two key tasks-Air Officer and Executive Officer -won for him a permanent assignment as Exec. and the Legion of Merit. Typhoon Ahroon was with the Lexington for 14 months and is remembered as one of her most colorful figures and capable officers. His Crystal Ball and his battle cry Uhabba habba which reduced launching and land- ing times by precious minutes are proud Lexington traditions. Commander Ahroon received a promo- tion to Captain on 24 September 1945 and was relieved by Commander E. O. Wagner to take a post in Washington, D. C.

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COMMANDER LEONARD BRADSHAW SOUTHERLAND, U. S. NAVY Commander Leonard B. Southerland stepped into the number 2 spot on 22 Iuly 1944 after an already long tour of duty aboard the Lex as Commander of Air Group 16 and Air Officer. A loved and re- spected figure, his intimate knowledge of the offi- cers, men, and traditions of the Lex made him a splendid choice. Shiek Southerland is a tall, gangling man who is easily mistaken for Abraham Lincoln. His peculiar talent is being a terrific guy to work for and when the burns he received on November 5 from the Kamikaze hit made it neces- sary for him to leave us for hospitalization it was a great disappointment to all. Commander Souther- land is a graduate of the Naval Academy Class of l926 and the winner of the Legion of Merit for his grand work as Air Group Commander aboard the Lex. .Q'v' l

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If c CCMMANDER EDWIN O. WAGNER, U. S. NAVY Commander Edwin O. Wagner joined the Lexing- ton in Tokyo Bay where he relieved Captain Ahroon as Exec. on 24 September l945. The new boss Walked into the demobilization hysteria and an Admiral's Annual Military Inspection. He handled both with the skill of an old timer. The Lexington received high praise from Admiral Sprague for the excellent condition of the ship, due largely to Comdr. Wagner's excellent organization and super- vision. A well-built man with a clean-cut face and blonde hair, his pleasant manner and keen under- standing of the problems of the Lex have won for him the respect and confidence of officers and men alike. Commander Wagner is a Brooklyn man and a graduate of the Naval Academy Class of 1940. 'fig' 5.