Roark (FF 1053) - Naval Cruise Book

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Executive r fore. . . One of the real keys in all major activities' aboard ship is the executive officer. lt 'is the X0f1? who is responsible for planning and carrying outi everything the ship is involved in. It is the XO whoj looks ahead to see what is coming up and verifies the schedule of planned action to ensure all: preparations are completed on time. A In the months prior to ROARK's deployment, XO LCDR J. F. Sussilleaux kept close track of everything being done to prepare the ship for the five month cruise ahead. lt seemed nothing escaped his attention. Plans of Action were prepared and monitored for problem areas. If special action was needed, it was taken. The result, when the January 17 departure date arrived, ROARK was well prepared to begin the cruise and well stocked to operate in an area devoid of the customary U.S. Navy supply sources. XO Sussilleaux never got to see the results of his labors. When ROARK reached Pearl Harbor he completed the relieving process and LCDFl L. L. King assumed duties as executive officer. The Old XO departed the ship as a commander bound for new responsibilities in Washington, D.C. He left behind a ship well prepared to meet the challenges ahead and a spirit best exemplified by the ROARK theme song he championed which would be heard throughout the Southern Pacific, Rocky's theme - Feeling Stronger Now. p 4 L ,

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and aft LCDR L. L. King reported aboard shortly before ROARK's departure from San Diego. As the cruise began, XO King brought his own unique set of experiences and talents to bear on the tasks at hand. His years of experience as the Chief Engineer aboard the USS HORNE and as one of the inspectors on the Propulsion Examining Board proved invaluable throughout the cruise. With the plant constantly lit off, the man in the light blue PEB coveralls with the purple pen could be seen roaming everywhere. Pumps were checked, valves examined, and personnel questioned. The end result, the best became even better. ROARK steamed halfway around the world and back without incident and without any significant casualties. As the months passed, LCDR King attacked the seemingly endless mass of deployment responsibilities. In carrying out the tasks which make all executive officers so popular, he was able to keep spirits high by utilizing his own special sense of humor and vocabulary. The only question remaining at the end of the cruise regarding the X0 was, What is a wingnut'?