Merrill (DD 976) - Naval Cruise Book

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TABLE OF CONTENTS TITLE PAGE ADMIRAL MERRILL SHIP ' S LOG POEM TRACK CHART CTF 75 STAFF OFFICER ' S CALL CHIEFS AIR DET. COMBAT SYSTEMS OPERATIONS ENGINEERING SUPPORT SUPPLY PORTS O ' CALL FRIENDS FROM THE SEA SURVIELLANCE OPERATIONS UNREPS FLIGHT QUARTERS CREW CANDID SPORTS ZORK TIGER CRUISE AND HOME CREDITS PAGE I PAGE 4 PAGE 5 PAGE 6 PAGES 8 § 9 PAGE 10 PAGE II PAGE 2 PAGE 21 PAGE 29 PAGE 33 PAGE 37 PAGE 41 PAGE 43 PAGE 48 PAGE 12 PAGE 74 PAGE 78 PAGE 80 PAGE 82 PAGE SS PAGE 90 PAGE 92 PAGE 96

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USS MERRILL (DD-976) WESTPAC ' 80 I APR.-I5 OCT.

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VICE ADMIRAL AARON S. MERRILL (1890-1961) MERRILL (DD-976) is named in honor of the late Vice Admiral Aaron Stanton Merrill, an outstanding Cruiser Destroyer and Task Force Commander during World War II. A native of Mississippi, Admiral Tip Merrill achieved extraordinary success during the United States ' first offensive operations against the enemy in the South Pacific. Most notable of his naval successes was the epic Battle of Empress Augusta Bay, a brilliantly executed night action in which Merrill ' s small boys and cruisers defeated a more powerful enemy naval group sent to drive the newly entrenched American land and sea forces from the Solomon Island area. His bold leadership, daring tactics and indomitable fighting spirit during this battle and other naval actions contributed greatly to the success in the recapture of the Solomon Islands and won him the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit with two Gold Stars. I