Newport News (CA 148) - Naval Cruise Book

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.IIQIININE THE SIXTH FLEET ODAY, at the time of this publication, many ships of the U. S. Navy are engaged in actual combat in eastern waters, shelling far-off shores and creating devastation among enemies of the free world. Their contributions are in support of democratic living countries everywhere. Their honest efforts, the firm endeavors of their crews, have been and will continue to be successful in a job which leaves no alternative, but to be accepted and com- pleted in the traditionally fine manner of naval accom- plishment. The USS Newport News, to this date, although we deem her capable, has never inflicted concentrated de- struction on an enemy. The non-veteran majority of her crew has never been able to say 4'This is the real thingf, But we are not idle, we are not resting. We are vigor- ously and industriously preparing ourselves for the pos- sibilities that may be born in the future. The most significant part of our duties since com- missioning, 29 January, 1949, has been, Flagship, Com- mander Sixth Fleet-the Mediterranean Sea. Having completed two cruises, totaling approximately 9 months of Mediterranean Service, we have decidedly manifested our usefulness and dutifullness to the United States. This has been our vital contribution toward uni- versal unity and lasting peace. Since the end of World War II, the United States has maintained a Fleet in the important and strategic Med- iterranean. On 30 September 1911-6, Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal emitted wisely: uThe United States is continuing to maintain forces in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea for the following specific pur- poses: First, to support Allied occupation forces and the Allied Military Government in the discharge of their responsibilities in the occupied area of Europe. Second, to protect U. S. interests and to continue to support U. S. policies in the area. From Admiral Forrest Sherman, Chief of Naval Opera- tions: uThe Sixth Fleet is a powerful factor in maintain- ing the policies and prestige of the United States in the Mediterranean? The Sixth Fleet sailor who joined the Navy to see the world is seeing it. Each bluejacket is a roving ambassa- dor in his distinctively cut uniform, creating good will and better understanding with the people he meets, there- by, making firm our prime objectives-policy and pro- tection. This then is the Sixth Fleet purpose in the Mediter- ranean, ctangible evidence of the United States' interest in an area whose strategic importance towards the main- ranean, Htangible evidence of the United States' interest those days of Wooden ships and iron men when the sheer boldness and daring of a man named Decatur made history in these waters and set the pattern for what is more easily felt than defined as 'cNavy Tradition. Sixth Fleet duty is vital, necessary, strategic. lts success has always depended upon the combined efforts of the individual, which to the present have been more than rewarding. Our ship, of which we can be justly proud, has ex- celled in all phases of readiness in view of a national emergency. It has become a familiar and welcome sight to many people in many nations, and we, her crew, have gained invaluable knowledge in our travels. And We must not and will not allow ourselves to ease in our present tasks. Whether in Mediterranean Service or elsewhere, we have a duty to perform, a duty far more significant than ever before, and it will be done, so that in the future our performance will merit the praise of a nation that can say emphatically HWell Done.

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VICE ADMIRAL JOIHN J. BALLENTINE United States Navy ICE ADMIRAL JOHN JENNINGS BALLENTINE was as- signed Commander of the Sixth Fleet on November 3, 1949, succeeding Admiral Forrest P. Sherman, now Chief of Naval Operations. He served in the Mediterranean area previously as Commander of Carrier Division ONE. Born in Hillsboro, Ohio, October 4, 1896, Ad- miral Ballentine was graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1917. Since 1920, when he received his designation, he has served in Naval Aviation. At the outbreak of World War II, he was serving as 'Executive Officer of the aircraft carrier USS RANGER. On December 24, 1941, he was or- dered to take command of the carrier USS LONG ISLAND. He took command of the newly con- structed 27,000-ton aircraft carrier USS BUNKER HILL on May 25, 1943. While under his com- mand, the BUNKER HILL participated in Pacific operations at Rabaul, the Gilbert Islands, Nauru, Kavieng and the Marshall Islands providing air cover for amphibious operations striking crushing blows towards annihilating'Japanese fighting power, and inflicting numerous losses on the Japanese Fleet and merchant marine units sunk and dam- aged. In February 1944, Admiral Ballentine reported for duty as Deputy and Chief of Staff and Aide to the Commander, Aircraft, Pacific Fleet, at Pearl Harbor, 'Iv.H. Later, he was assigned to duty as Fleet Liaison Ofiicer for Commander in Chief, Pa- cific, at Headquarters, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, Pacific. He landed at Atsugi Airport on 30 August in the airborne occupation of Japan, escorting General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur to the surrender ceremonies on the bat- tleship MISSOURI on 2 September 1945. In January 1946, Admiral Ballentine reported to the Office of Naval Operations, for duty as Assistant on the Military Staff Committee of the Security Council, United Nations. He made a five months cruise in the Mediter- ranean in the USS MIDWAY during the winter of 1947-48 and made a similar cruise with the Sixth Fleet on board the USS ROOSEVELT in 1948-49. An ardent student of the Mediterranean, after having served in these waters for more than four years, he unhesitatingly describes his duty as the best in the Navyf, His guest book reads like an international 66Who's Wllowg it is inscribed with names of kings and queens, presidents, governors, mayors, cardinals and bishops, dukes and duch- esses. He collects and reads avidly everything pub- lished about the Mediterranean, supplementing his reading knowledge during calls with tours, and con- versations with officials. Q li 'E I 3 ill J 1 an-1 -

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