Arthur W Radford (DD 968) - Naval Cruise Book

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COMMANDING OFFICER

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Admiral Arthur W. Radford ' s career lasted for a total of 45 years. From pioneer aviator to Chair- man, Joint Chiefs of Staff, he believed in a strong Navy as integral to the defense of the nation. Born to John and Agnes Radford on February 27, 1896 in Chicago, Illinois, he was the first of four children. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Grinnel, Iowa where Arthur William graduated high school in 1912. When he was passed over for an appointment to West Point, he entered the U.S. Naval Academy and was commis- sioned Ensign in 1916. When World War I broke out in 191 7, Raddy ' as his classmates called him stood duty on the battleship USS SOUTH CARO- LINA. After the War in 1920, Radford saw a childhood fantasy come true when he completed his aviation training in Pensacola, Florida and was stationed on board the carrier USS SARATOGA. Here he worked his way up to commanding his own fighter squadron, and during the 1930 ' s was assigned to the Bureau of Aeronautics and commanded the Naval Air Station In Seattle, Washington. In 1941, just prior to the attack on Pearl Har- bor, Radford was chosen to centralize and expand the Navy ' s Flight Training Program. As head of the Aviation Training Division in Washington, D.C., he would materialize a long time dream into reality by inaugurating and encouraging a program in which America ' s young pilots could not only learn to fly but would become ' ' Commandos of the Air . He was commissioned a Rear Admiral and com- manded a carrier division in the western Pacific during World War II. His skill in naval tactics, as well as air, was proven by successfully maneuver- ing the Task Force from the Flag Bridge of his carrier USS ENTERPRISE during what was termed as The greatest night torpedo plane attack ever launched against an American Task Force In the Pacific . Not one ship was damaged or lost and he was decorated with the Distinguished Service Medal for his command of this Task Force. Radford served as Commander, Second Task Force, Atlantic Fleet until after the war, but also successively served as Deputy Chief of Naval Op- erations. As a Vice Admiral, he served In the Navy ' s number two spot, as Vice Chief of Naval Operations, before being appointed Admiral In 1949. In the Post World War II air euphoria. It was he, the consumate flier, who became the most outspoken critic of the proposals to scrap the fleet in favor of strategic land-based bombers. In the so called Revolt of Admirals , Radford and three others refused to remain silent in the face of per- sonal and professional criticism, nor did they back down to President Truman. It was rumored that because of this, Radford received his next duty as Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet, a post he maintained throughout the Korean conflict. At age 54, he had been a red- hot airman, a resourceful administrator, a crack staff man, and a fight carrier Admiral. Above all, he had been a tireless crusader for naval air power. He received his second Distinguished Service Medal while in this command. In 1953 by appointment of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Admiral Radford became the first na- val officer to hold the position as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff He was also appointed to a second term In 1955, but retired in 1957 just prior to it ' s completion. In I960, acting as an advisor to Vice President Nixon on military matters, Radford spoke out on foreign issues being installed by Senator John F. Kennedy. He also helped conduct government studies on military aid and the future of the mer- chant marine. When Arthur W. Radford died on August 14, 1974 at the age of 77, he was burled with full military honors at the Arlington National Ceme- tery. He had taken part in three wars, flown, sailed, and commanded the Navy. He appeared twice on the cover of TIME and on the cover of U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT. He was a re- spected political naval officer, and a legacy to those who knew and loved him. ' UNITAS 05

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Commander William G. Pruett, US, Navy Commander Pruett was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on 21 February 1946. He entered the United States Navy in 1967 and was commissioned an Ensign through the Reserve Officer Candidate Program in December 1968. His education includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Management from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Science Degree in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. After commissioning. Commander Pruett was assigned to USS DEHAVEN (DD727) where he served as the Main Propulsion Assistant and the Chief Engineer. He then attended the Naval Postgraduate School receiving the Master of Science Degree in March 1975. Following Department Head School in Newport, Rhode Island, he was assigned as Weapons Officer on board USS BADGER (FF 1071) and then The CO ' s favorite sport served as the Surface Systems Analyst on the Staff of Commander, Third Fleet in Ha waii. Commander Pruett subsequently was assigned in August 1981 as the Executive Officer on board USS PHARRIS (FF 1091). In December 1982, he began a two year tour as Flag Secretary for Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Commander Pruett assumed command of USS ARTHUR W. RADFORD (DD 968) on 19 October 1985. Commander Pruett has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals, three Navy Achievement Medals, and various service awards. Commander Pruett is married to the former Diana Marie Sandretzky of Minneapolis, Minnesota. They have two sons, Matt and Andy. CO 07