Monrovia (APA 31) - Naval Cruise Book

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GIIII A F. W. LAING, CAPTAIN, USN Commander Transport Amphibious Squadron SIX k

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FOREWORD Eorly one morning late in April 1957 MONROVIA slowly pulled away from her berth in her home port of Norfolk, Virginia to commence a six months tour of duty in the Mediterranean Sea. Warships of the United States Navy have cruised in the Mediterranean Sea since the early nineteenth century. Beginning with the war with Tripoli in 1802, and almost continuously since 1886, American sea power has operated in this area of more than one million square miles which the ancients call the center of the earth. The Mediterranean was of strategic importance in world affairs cen- turies before America was discovered. In the countries bordering this area, civilization was born. Phoenicians, Romans, and other powerful peoples fought to control it. Throughout history it has been the vital sea link between Europe, Africa and the countries of the Near and Middle East. The Mediterranean has been called the loveliest of all seas, favored by situation, shape and climate above all others, and likewise before all others discovered and sailed. This is the Helen among oceans,- like her it was desired by all that saw it, and captured by the boldest. Then it was half forsaken, obscured by the fame of new and distant oceans; rediscovered, as it were, after three hundred years,- and today, before our eyes, it is fought over anew. In the unsettled years immediately following World War II, ships of the States Mediterranean Squadron helped to establish peace among the countries of the Balkans and the Middle East. This is the gible evidence of the United States ' interest in an area whose strategic importance towards the main- tenance of peace is recognized.

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C. B. JENNINGS CAPTAIN, U. S. NAVY Prior to assuming command of MONROVIA in April of 1957, Captain JENNINGS served in many ships of the fleet, and had an outstanding war record. His entire war service was served in Destroyers. Some of the principal campaigns and actions in which he participated include Saipan, Tinian and Guam, Western Carolinas, Leyte Gulf including the Battle of Suriago Straits, Mindora, Lingayen Gulf and Okinawa. His decorations include the Navy Cross, three Bronze Stars and the Commendation Ribbon. Among the Campaign Medals are the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre with 9 Battle Stars, Philippine Liberation with 2 Battle Stars, China Service and African-European Theatre. Captain JENNINGS reported to MONROVIA from his duties as Chief of Staff, Commander Escort Squadron 14