William V Pratt (DLG 13) - Naval Cruise Book

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The activation of Destroyer Squadron EIGHTEEN, United States Navy, marked a sig- nificant second milestone in the continuing modernization of the sea-going establishment. It followed by exactly six months the initial activation of its second division, Destroyer Division ONE EIGHT TWO, on New Year's Day. Destroyer Division ONE EIGHT TWO was the first division-size destroyer unit in the United States Atlantic Fleet composed entirely of guided missile ships, and Destroyer Squadron EIGHTEEN is the first full squadron-size all guided missile destroyer unit command in the Atlantic Fleet. Captain John E. Pond, USN, activated the squadron and served as its first commodore. Concurrently he assumed duties as unit commander of the squadron's first division, De- stroyer Division ONE EIGHT ONE, composed of the guided missile frigateU.S.S. WILLIAM V. PRATT and the guided missile destroyer U.S.S. LAWRENCE. Captain I.C. Kidd, Jr., USN, will continue to serve as Commander Destroyer Division ONE EIGHT TWO with its three ships, the guided missile frigate U.S.S. DAHLGREN and the guided missile de- stroyers U.S.S. SAMPSON and U.S.S. .IOHN KING. The guided missile frigates DAHLGREN and WILLIAM V. PRATT are part of the ten ship, 5600 ton COONTZ class and were designed from the keel up to fire guided missiles. Designed speed, endurance and seakeeping qualities give this class of ship the versatility to operate with fast carrier task forces, amphibious forces and anti-submarine forces. Their advanced Terrier all weather, surface-to-air missiles are capable of intercepting enemy aircraft at far longer ranges and much higher altitudes than proiectiles fired by conventional anti-aircraft guns. They mount the latest sonar equipment to locate and hunt down our undersea enemy. The Squadron is now commanded by Captain Charles M. Cassel, Jr.

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