Lexington (CV 16) - Naval Cruise Book

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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.

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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 ROLAND STIELER, U. S. NAVY Commander Roland St' l ie er, U.S.N., relieved Cap- tain Wagner in February of 1946 while the U.S.S. Lexington was at anchor off the coast of California. The task before him was not an easy one. The aircraft carrier h d a undergone a complete meta- morphosis in regard to personnel and Navy exist- ence. His was the job of converting a fighting War ship, staffed with men who had seen the Navy only in time of emergency, into a peacetime operating vessel. l-lis fairness and understanding attitude WOT1 for him a high prestige with the men and officers. Rugged in stature and pleasing in personality, he acquired respect and admiration with everyone aboard. The major problem confronting him WGS overcome in short order. Reconversion was tough, but under his expert guidance, all hands cooperated and the Lexington continued to operate with the vigor and stamina that won her wide acclaim during the period of war. fl' Q! l riff T lb, Q F,-ff ' VA ll V A 7 4 3-' nf ,H wh nf' f if 2 f .ti I V it , l it iff: I I .1 it 1 i tin ll 5 L, 'JJ ' it fi fm. 1 , 3 it my PM ' VJ 1 L lbff' ft Cf v5 V gr N , Ci H 0 it Q , l .wg if 61 ir ' in t 74 I 1 lg- ! tl Q, git UU ,pl l 9 n ,