William V Pratt (DLG 13) - Naval Cruise Book

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U. S. S. WILLIAM V. PRATT IDLG-I3l Pro New Yonx ovsou STAT 9 ,, I Q. L n l.. , DLG13 fGBS:jlb 7 I 5720 ,sxxxxxxxx Q ' 4' O, Q NW '1 9 v fe f glllllll' , Q2 1 ful, N V rm Kxxxsf' Dear Families and Friends: This book depicts the proudest chapter in the young life of USS WILLIAM V. PRATT QDLG-13J. During her first four years WILLIAM V. PRATT undertook special projects of great importance to the U.S. Navy and participated in several major fleet operations. Then, notification was received that the ship would deploy to the Western Pacific to operate in support of our efforts in Vietnam. Preparations began in earnest on 1 March 1967 when we commenced the alter- ation that would enable us to land and operate helicopters. Although we completed all the inspections and operational exercises required of all ships, our primary purpose after March was to prepare for this cruise. We realized that many men spend their entire careers training for combat operations and that we would have the opportunity to face this ultimate challenge. With our helicopter capability we were destined to spend our entire deployment on Search and Rescue. We participated in 27 Search and Rescue incidentsg directly controlled the units that saved five downed aviatorsg and guided many aircraft in distress to safety. Despite these successes, our hearts are heavy with grief for the two ship- mates lost at sea while we were proceeding to the scene of a rescue. This book is dedicated to those two fine men who gave their lives in the service of their country. The center of activity was the Combat information Center but it was a real team effort that produced the results of which we are so proud. Each man on the ship contributed to the accomplishment of our mission. It has been a privilege and pleasure to be Commanding Officer of such a fine group of officers and men. It has been a thrilling experience observing the way they learned their jobs to perfection and put forth their best efforts at all times. As you read this book and see your relatives and friends at work and relaxing, remember that each man was a professional in the true sense of the word and an important member of the team. Each has my respect and admiration. They made this cruise successful by preparing thoroughly and performing flawlessly. Sinc er ely , za. ,. G. B. SHICK, Jr.

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DESTROYER DIVISION 82 STAFF Commodore CPT D. N. HENRIOUES Operations Officer LT W. M. LYONS Chaplain LT P. J. ERB Doctor LT J. P. McGONlGLE Material Officer LTJG D. L. GROVES Yeoman YN2 J. F. VALLOR, Jr. dw K 4 M.,r,-' L. ,..w Y- -..,. ' K ff .1 ' LT P. J. ERB LTJG D L. Gnovss

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THE SHIP'S COMPANY r-' Q I