Little Rock (CLG 4) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 38 text:

CHRISTMAS IN PHILADELPHIA In sharp contrast to the balmy Caribbean, our arrival in Philadelphia was cold and wet. Tanned faces were strangely out of place peeking out of peacoats with turned up collars. It was a memorable winter. It snowed— and snowed— and snowed. (And that guy over in the Naval Base steam plant kept fall- ing asleep) Frequently heard over the OOD ' s telephone was Sir, I ' m stranded. What do I do ? Shovel! would be the usual and best answer given. The duty section had Christmas on board. They still claim that Santa came down the Number Two stack, rather than to the quar- terdeck where two CDO ' s, a band, twelve sideboys, two photographer ' s, and the PIO armed with welcome aboard booklets were waiting (just as the Gunnery Dept. notice directed.) Well, she ' s a little young to join the Waves, And next we will sing Handel ' s Messiah.

Page 40 text:

CHANGE OF COMMAND 26 January 1931 Captain Frederic A. Chenault, USN, relieved Captain Jewett 0. Phillips, Jr., USN, as Commanding Officer of the LITTLE ROCK, in ceremonies beneath her TALOS missiles. Captain Phillips had shepherded LITTLE ROCK through the final yard periods, led her through her first missile firings at Guantanamo, laying a firm foun- dation for LITTLE ROCK to grow upon. Nevertheless, LITTLE ROCK was still a young ship soon facing a difficult deployment with the Sixth Fleet. Captain Chenault built upon this foundation, making her into the most battle-ready cruiser in the Atlantic Fleet. A Star Spangled ceremony I relieve you, Sir. (Shiver)