Alamo (LSD 33) - Naval Cruise Book

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COMMANDING OFFICER COMMANDER L. E. SCHNITZER UNITED STATES NAVY 21 NOV. 1972 - 10 JULY 1974

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U.S.S. ALAMO (LSD-33) FLEET POST OFFICE SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 96601 During the past twenty months in which it has been my privilege to serve as Commanding Officer of the fine ship ALAMO, a great many events of significance have taken place. Our Inspection by the Board of Inspection and Survey in January 1973, our Readiness Improvement Program from February through August 1973, the convers- ion of ALAMO ' S propulsion fuel system from black oil to Navy Distillate between May and September 1973. ALAMO ' S Amphibious and Interim Refresher Training periods in October 1973, our intense preparations for overseas movement and finally our deployment to the SEVENTH Fleet as a unit of the Amphibious Task Force and Amphibious Ready Group BRAVO. The reward for all this was, of course, our participation in Exercise KANGAROO I and port visit to Sydney. The courage and dedication with which each of you met those challenges was simply magnificent. Not once did we hear cries of protest or defeatism; to the contrary, all hands automatically took a round turn and held fast. From Commander to Seaman and Firemen every sailor pressed forward with renewed determination to get on with the business of readying the ALAMO for its ultimate business, that of defending and protecting our nation. I am immeasurably proud of the way in which you, the crew of ALAMO, reacted. I am confident that whatever new problems the future may bring will be met with the same zeal and professional competence shown in the past. To each of you, I most earnestly commend your attention to three areas of responsibility; your men, your ship, and the duty to our country. The man of our profession who keeps his sights on those important duties cannot fail. I depart with the profoundest respect for the loyal dedication and professionalism displayed by the officers and men of the ALAMO, and with the sincere conviction that when the call comes, you will be ready. I dedicate this cruise book to you; the officers and men of ALAMO. In it are captured all the pleasures and the pain we experienced together during our WESTPAC cruise of 1974. 1 know you will read it and reminisce with me as you remember and relive in years to come what we experienced together. My sincere thanks for your loyalty and dedication. Smooth sailing. .- ' ( ' L. E. SCHNITZER