America (CV 66) - Naval Cruise Book

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When I was selected to command one of our nation ' s 13 aircraft carriers, I was especially pleased to find I would command one which bore the proud name AMERICA. Since our nation was established as a refuge for those who sought religious freedom and freedom from oppression, it has been the stalwart leader in supporting noble ideals throughout the world. The 1981 AMERICA cruise continued the U.S. Navy ' s tradition of protecting those ideals by reaching out the arms of freedom through military preparedness and naval presence to the oppressed peoples in troubled parts of our world. Through the waters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean we sailed to the Suez Canal where AMERICA gained the distinction of being the first super carrier to navigate those restricted waters. Then came the transit of the historic Red Sea to the Indian Ocean via the Gate of Tears (Babel Mandeb). Our odyssey led us to operational line periods at sea that were long, the port calls few and far between and the tempo of our daily en- deavors hectic for a peacetime cruise. You, the crew of AMERICA performed admirably. In exercise after ex- ercise with our own and foreign navies, you honed your combat proficiency and increased AMERICA ' S overall combat readiness. Every challenge, including boredom at times, was met with vigor and determination as you rallied to satisfy each new requirement. Our port calls were marked with outstanding behavior which further enhanced AMERICA ' S goodwill abroad. You have reason to be proud of your performance during the 1981 AMERICA Cruise. Please be assured I am proud of you and AMERICA. To those at home, your husbands, fathers, sons and friends represented you well. Share their pride and professionalism as you read the book they lived. COMMANDING OFFICER CAPT. JAMES F. DORSET, JR., USN JAMES F. DORSEY, JR Captain U.S. Navy Commanding Officer 27

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CHANGE OF COMMAND ■ On 1 1 February, 1981. Captain Rene W. Leeds, USN, was relieved by Captain James F. Dorsey, Jr., USN, as Com- manding Officer, United States Ship AMERICA. The ceremony was conducted onboard AMERICA at Pier 12, Norfolk Naval Station. The change of command ceremony, a time honored product of the rich heritage of Naval tradition, was highlighted by remarks from VADM G. Kinnear, COM- NAVAIRLANT. and the reading of official orders by Captain Dorsey and Captain Leeds. With the words, I relieve you, sir and the response, I stand relieved , total responsibility, authority and accountability changed hands. yj I) air Mlild •AMI refuge [reedoi in s«p iraditic arms i naval p of our Thro k sail llilOIK Tears operan calls fi deavoi UlEf erase com I), Bombs limes, were r enham reason

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