Pocono (AGC 16) - Naval Cruise Book

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Capt. Charles H. Smith who was born in Albany Georgia, was graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1932. The first five years of Captain Smith's career were served aboard the Battleships Arizona and Idaho. Until 1952, Capt. Smith's duty assignments during the majority of this time, were spent in the Destroyer Navy, with noteworthy distinction. Perhaps his most distinguished performance was as commander of Escort Destroyer Division 21, which participated in the Korean Campaign of the early l95O's. Exceptions were tours of duty for the postgraduate s-tudy at the Naval Academy, Mid- Shipman Company Officer at the Academy, Flag Lieutenant to the Superintendent of the Academy, and also a year of study at the Naval War College followed by two years with CIA, in Washington, D. C. ' Since 1952, Capt. Smith has served as director, Psychological Warfare Programs Division, in the Office, of CNO. V Following that he served as Officer-in-Charge, Captain's Placement Desk in the Bureau of Personnel. Captain Smith is entitled to wear the Legion of Merit, with combat V , as well as the Bronze Star with combat V , andaGold Star in lieu of a second Bronze Star Medal among his many awards. Captain Smith has been ordered to report for duty as Commanding Officer of the USS Canberra QCAG-21 later this Spring. I

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CDR., Earl R. Brewster QCHCQ USN In re cognition of ajob We1l Done it is only fitting that we reserve a special portion of our Cruise Book to honor Chaplain Brews te rg a man who has devoted his time and energy so uns elf- ishly to the task of bringing us closer to the realization of our heavenly destiny. His most arduous years of service were spent as a Prisoner of War, from January, 1942 to February, 1945 in the Hands of the Japanese, shortly after they overran the Philippines in the early days of World War II. All of us who have known him, during his short stay aboard the POCONO, take this op- portunity to express our heartfelt appreciation for services rendered, and to wish him the best of continuing success and prosperity. 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 CDR. WILLIAM R. GIBSON, USNi EXECUTIVE OFFICER The former Purdue Electrical Engineer spent 11 years in Sub- marines after being commissioned through V-7 in 1941. He was a-I warded the SilverStar for his part in the sinking of five enemy ships , in action offBorneo. As Skipper y of the Sea Poacher in 1951, his ship received acclaim for its dramatic rescue of a Navy Bllnipi off Key West, Florida. Command-1 er Gibson served with OpDevForu prior to his assignment aboard the POCONO.