Merrill (DD 976) - Naval Cruise Book

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m Officer ' s Call

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COMMANDER TASK FORCE 75 USS MERRILL served as the flagship for the Surface Combatant Task Group (Task Group 75.2) under the command of RADM Carter III, Commander Task Force 75. The Task Group consisted of the USS KINKAID. USS JOSEPH STRAUSS, USS MEYERKORD and later joined by the USNS PASSUMPSIC. The Task Group was formed for a special operation and was together from 14 August to 24 September 1980. I Front L-R: OSC Taylor, LCDR Cochran, RMCM Azar, EWCS Willoughby, LCDR Carter, LCDR Hall, LCDR Ruch, STGC Johnson. 2nd Row: LCDR Beeson, CDR Silver, CDR O ' Connor, RADM Carter III, CAPT Hardy. CDR Gaskeii. CDR Helm. BACK: YNI Colwell, OSI McKee, MSI Gacias, IS2 Carrell. CT02 Libby, RM2 Brook, AGI Oxford, RM2 Ford, RM2 Scholz, OS2 Robleske, CT03 Bennel, 0S2 Puilin, MS2 Magalong.

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MERRILL DEPARTING CMDR. G.N. GEE (II MAR 1978 - 7 JUN 1980) A native of Cleveland Ohio, Commander Gee was born in March 1939. He attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (English) degree in 1961. He was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve from Officer Candidate School in 1962. His first assignment involved duty as Repair Officer and CIC Officer aboard the USS MONTICELLO (LSD-35). From October 1963 to February 1964 he served as Navigator on the USS FURSE (DD-882). Upon graduation in July 1964 from the Naval Destroyer School, Commander Gee augmented to USN and reported to the USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (DD-823) where he was assigned duty as Engineer Officer. In December 1966 he assumed command of the USS LIMPKIN (MSC-195) and upon completion in October 1968 he reported to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations for duty in the Systems Analysis Division (OP-96) until February 1970. Thereafter. Commander Gee attended the Naval Postgraduate School where he earned a Master of Science (Physics) degree. He then served as Executive Officer. USS BROOKE (DEG-I) from February 1973 to July 1974 and subsequently attended the Naval Energy Division (OP-985) of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations in July 1975. Commander Gee was then ordered as Prospective Commanding Officer of the USS MERRILL in precommissioning in San Diego. On II March 1978 Commander Gee took command of the Navy ' s new ship USS MERRILL (DD-976). During Merrill ' s first Westpac Commander Gee was relieved to go to Washington D.C. to the Officer of the Chief of Naval Operations (OP-354H). Commander Gee wears the Navy Commendation Medal and various campaign and service medals. He is married to the former Julianne Bescos of Long Beach. California and is the father of four children.