Thomas J Gary (DER 326) - Naval Cruise Book

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LCDR JQH 1. KINGSTO LCDR John J. KINGSTON USN, enlisted in the U. S. Navy in June of 1944 as an apprentice seaman. Subsequently he qualified in submarines. He was selected for the Navy Integration Program and was graduated from Officers Candidate School in September of 1955. He was assigned to duty aboard the USS Lofberg IDD-7591 from September of 1955 until April 1958. During this period he served as Gunnery Officer and Navigator. From May 1958 until February 1960 he served as Executive Officer of the USS Impervious IMSO-4991. He then served as Commanding Officer of the USS Frigate Bird IMSC-1911. During the period January 1962 to May 1964 he served in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. In May 1964 LCDR KINGSTON was ordered to the then building USS Garcia IDE-10401 for duty and on board when commissioned as, Executive Officer. In August 1966 he was assigned as Commanding Officer of USS Thomas J. Gary IDER-3261.

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, ,, -4 5 ,Mtg-Z . f X Q an Y' . The ship was named in honor of Seaman Second Class Thomas jones GARY, USN, of Texas City, Texas. Seaman GARY enlisted in the U. S. Navy at Houston, Texas on 30 Sept., 1940. The Secretary of the Navy commended Seaman GARY, posthumously for his efficient action, unusual presence of mind, and disregard of personal safety in rescuing injured 'shipmates on the USS C alzfornia during the japanese attack at Pearl Harbor. V The Gary was launched on 21 August, 1943, under the sponsorship of Mrs. Willie Mae GARY, mother of Seaman GARY. The ship was commission- ed on 27 November, 1943. During World War II the Gary escorted convoys from the West Indies to North Africa. When operations were shifted to the Pacific Theater the Gary operated as an escort and screening vessel between Pearl Harbor and the Philippine area. In mid-1956 the ship went to Philadelphia Naval Shipyard for conversion to a radar picket ship. On 2 August 1957, Gary was recommissioned as Destroyer Escort Radar Picket Ship QDER 326j. Mrs. Willie Mae GARY was again present as sponsor. On 30 Dec. 1957, GARY departed Newport, on her first duty assignment on the Atlantic Barrier as aunit ofthe North American Air Defense Command, where she was to serve until july 1959. During this period, Gary completed 12 pickets, each picket lasting approximately 27 days. In recognition of her outstanding performances of duty in Escort Squad- ron Sixteen in operations on the U. S. Atlantic Barrier from 1 jan. to 30 june 1959, Gary was presented the Constant Vigilance award. In April 1963 when the nuclear submarine Thresher disappeared the Gary was named flagship while conducting Thresher Operations. On 13 September 1965, GARY departed Newport, for Operation DEEP FREEZE 1965-66. The Gary completed four pickets at 60 South where she supported the scientific expedition in the Antarctic with weather information, communication relay, and search and rescue capabilities. In May 1966 the ship returned to Newport to prepare for Operation DEEP FREEZE 1966-67. With preparations made the Gary departed on 24 August 1966 to fulfill her commitments with Operation DEEP FREEZE 1966-67. After five pickets at 600 South the Gary returned to Newport on 24 May 1967.

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LTJG J- N- KIRK LTIG DOLBEC Operations Officer Navigator ff fi -' 4 , LT JOSEPH M. TAMONY Executive Officer LT R. P. MARGIE LTIG D. A. EWING LTJG F. K. SMALLWOOD LTJG I. G. CALLAWAY Medical Officer Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer Engineering Officer Damage Control Assistant V 1. f ,te g,l,, Q., LTJG H. N. DELFS LTIG M. MACIEJEWSKI ENS G. P. ZEKAS ENS P. E. FLICK Supply Officer Combat Information Center Communications Officer First Lieutenant