Mount Vernon (LSD 39) - Naval Cruise Book

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CDR JOHN W. CONRAD COMMANDING OFFICER J WrVlrf» St.. Commander John W. Conrad was born in Buffalo. New York on May 30, 1947 . He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Commander Conrad ' s first afloat assignment was aboard USS MANITOWAC (LST 1180) where he served as Combat Information Center Electronic Material Officer. Assistant First Lieutenant and Operations Officer. Subsequent sea tours have included dutv as Engineering Officer aboard USS JOSEPH STRAUSS (DDG 16). Material Officer for COMDESRON TWO FIVE. Executive Officer of USS RACINE (LST 1191) and Material Officer for COMCRUDESGRU ONE. Commander Conrad ' s first shore assignment was at U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California where he earned a Masters Degree in Physical Oceanography. A subsequent tour was as Tactical Development Officer for Commander Area ASW Forces. Sixth Fleet. Commander Conrad is a Surface Warfare Officer and holds sub- special-ties in Naval Engineering. Anti-Submarine Warfare and Operational Oceanography. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal. Navy Commendation Medal (Second Award) and various campaign awards. Commander Conrad is married to the former Kris Kirkland, a successful business woman in Long Beach. California. They have two daughters. Lynette and Nicole. TOP: Good afternoon. Gents. CENTER: Talking to MM1 iSWi Becker at the command inspection. RIGHT: CDR Conrad letting the crew know what to expect from him and what he expects from them.

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CHANGE OF COMMAND -a-. A Kur ;ill you have done foi me, and the ship, and the Navy, I simply say: Thanks. With this heartfelt sentiment, Captain Brian K Bo relinquished his command of the USS Mount Vernon (LSD 39) to ' ommander .lohn • ' onrad on Decemher Hi, l!tH7, The Change .,1 Command was held on the flight dei k of the Mininl Vernon while afloat in the Persian Cull. Rear Admiral Harold .J. Berensen, Commander Middle Kast Force, was present as Immediate Superior in Command and Guest Speaker. RADM Berensen, CPT Boyce and CDR Conrad gave their remarks to Mount Vernon ' s assemhled crew and guests from the minesweepers and other ships in the Gulf. RADM Berensen spoke on the role of US forces in the Gulf, some of the Mount Vernon ' s accomplishments and her invaluable assistance to MIDRASTFOR. Our forces ' role in the Gulf is to protect U.S. ships, freedom of the seas, and to maintain presence, he noted. That presence plays a large part in containing the war (between Iran and Iraq). He commented with great favor on Mount Vernon ' s performance in MIDRASTFOR. During your stay here in the Persian Gulf, the Mount . Vernon has established an enviable record as a safe, clean, efficient and happy ship. In support of -T J MIDRASTFOR ' s MSO and 7 ' JWm minesweeping operations, your df performance has been absolutely A outstanding. Innovative, creative, ■ you ' ve been developing new tactics and ways of doing business as you go along. Captain Boyce ' s leadership, attention to detail and tactical abilities have set the standard. Skipper, well done. ' aptain Bo ce ' s remarks were primarily addressed to the crew of the Mount Vernon. It ' s been a great two years on the Mount Vernon, he said. I took command in drydock. At that point I could only comment on the potential of the Mount Vernon. We can all say with pride we ' ve lived up to that potential. To mention just a few of Mount Vernon ' s accomplishments under CAPT Boyce ' s command: in 1986, the Mount Vernon took on the first Landing Craft-Air Cusion ship alteration; in November of 1986 transited the Panama Canal, going to Florida to pick up LCACs on one week ' s notice and returned with them to California; completed Refresher Training in May of 1987 and Amphibious Refresher Training in July of 1987 with no score lower than Excellent and Outstanding scores for Dei fa Department; and deployed in August of 1987 to the Persian Gulf with just three week ' s notice. I only have to tell you what needs to be done, and you do it, he said with pride. For all that you have done for me, and the ship, and the Navy, I simply say: Thanks I am very honored because Mount Vernon is a great ship with an outstanding crew, CDR Conrad said, after assuming command. Watching the crew function as a superb team tin- past week has affirmed every comment I ' ve heard concerning this ship. I ' m impressed. I want to thank Captain Boyce tor turning over to me such a fine ship. CDR Conrad also made a promise to the crew. ,i a beginning for his command I promise to give von mj very best. Give me your beet in return TOP: Assembly on the flight deck for the Change of Command. CENTER RADM Berensen observes as ISIC while the command passes to CDR Conrad AHOVK Captain ' s on the bridge.

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LCDR CECIL A. TROSCLAIR EXECUTIVE OFFICER Departed Oct. 23, 1987 ABOVE RIGHT: LCDR Trosclair welcomes Davy lones and his crew aboard as the Mount Vernon entered the realm of King Neptune. RIGHT: XOon patrol.