Bairoko (CVE 115) - Naval Cruise Book

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...AND THE SHIP IS LAUNCHED Bairoko, rang out over the cheers of the crowd-a new ship, our ship, was born. After the Ways of the ancient Romans who looked for an omen of good fortune before launching a War-vessel, many of the crowd Who Watched our ship slide from the Ways and churn loelligerently into the salty Waters of the Sound on her maiden voyage, raised their eyes to the heavens over- head. As a propitious answer, the usually cloudy sky of Ianuary began clearing and the rays of the sun spotlighted the Bairoko's first hesitant start, then eager rush to taste the Waters of Commence- ment Bay. LAUNCHING PARTY-Back row fleit to righti Mrs. G. L. Richard, Mr. Cebert Baillarqeon Mrs. L. K. Rice, Capt. I. F. Greenslade, U.S.N. Mrs. A. M. Hopkins, Lt. A. M. Hopkins, U.S.N.R., Mrs. I. F. Greenslade, Mrs. Cebert Baillargeon Capt. L. K. Rice, U.S.N. Front row: Rear Admiral I. I. Ballentine, U.S.N., Mrs. Ballentine the sponsor, Mrs. E. P. Sauer, Capt. E. P Sauer, U.S.N. ON HER WAY'

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T ' LAYING OF THE KEELN T THE amazing story of shipbuilding at Todd Pacific Shipyards, Tacoma, dates back to World War l. The story opens with the filling in of the old tideflats on the upper reaches ' of Commencement Bayduring the year l9l7. Twelve months later ships were sliding down its launch- ing ways. Thus a shipbuilding industry was born. During the year of 1926 came a period. of inactivity which closed the yards. The 'outbreak .of war in Europe marked theirrebirth. Today, 22,000 men and women are joined together at Todd Pacific'to build fighting vessels for the United States Navy. Their efforts have prompted stirring words of praise, but no more fitting commendation maybe given thanthe Army-Navy E flag, with three stars, which, flies on high from the Yard .flagstaff with Old Glory. We of the U.S.S. Bairoko, who have come to know these splendid people, are fully confident they willfkeep' it there until the war has been won. ' 2 On Iuly,25, l944, approximately one year ago, a keel for a new aircraft carrier was laid down at the waters edge of the Todd Pacific Tacoma yard. Known only to the shipyard personnel as Hull No. 65, THE KEEL IS LAID I E -3-llllil the vessel rapidly took shape. Over a mil- lion manfhours of work were performed to make her sturdy and strong. Under the proud eyes of those who' designed her and the hands of the professional men and women of this yard who built her, satis- factory progress was made. Finally came the day when construction 'was com- pleted, and the huge hulk was raised from the bilge cribs. and supporting tim- bers and transferred to the sliding ways. A launching platform was built and all was in readiness for the launching of the newest war vessel. ' So it was on lanuary 25, l945, a huge crowd gathered to watch the launching of' the new vessel. High on the gaily- festooned platform the-sponsor, Mrs. I. I. Ballentine, wife of Rear Admiral Ballentine who is now on duty with the Pacific Fleet, waited for the signal. The moment came, the trigger was released, the christening bottle crashed, the ship's name, U.S.S. . SHE TAKES SHAPE u. ya

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F 2050101 204'-02 , 1 Ill To the Officers and men of this ship, whom I have the honor to command: The Bairoko is so named to honor, and to some fitting degree to perpetuate in memory, the valor and successful achievements of brave men, living and dead, who fought in that remote spot. lnsignificant for unknown centuries, sud- denly, by the brilliance of their deeds, Bairoko attained the dignity and stature of immortality. With those men it is our privilege to share a common destiny and a common spirit. We go forward to continue the fight against the same enemy and, like them, we shall fight well and, with Cfod's help, we shall win. I A i ' The lap has had reason to remember the name Bairoko from earlier days of this struggle. We hope to meet him soon and add to his remembrances. When that day comes letus so conduct ourselves that those men of Bairoko Harbor will say Well Done , and be proud to march, shoulder-to-shoulder, into history with us. T ' I O I III I Almighty Father, may Thy guiding hand be upon us and upon this ship. By the hands of men of freedom this ship has been built. By the courage and skill of men of a free nation .this ship will travel over the seas. We pray, O God, that Thy helping hand may be with the crew of this ship in safety and in conflict. Thy Divine Providence will determine whether men on this ship must sacrifice, or whether they will ride through storms and battle safely. Strengthen these men as they endeavor to fulfill the mission setbefore them by the people of the United States. Ever be their guide and strength in body and in spirit as each goes to his respective task aboard this ship. May this moment of prayer before Thy mighty presence renew in each the knowledge of God which has been a haven and an inspiration for men in ships in centuries past, even as it was for our Lord Iesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. K f 40'3'045C7C-05C05l0N05C-05C05C7C03C95l0N?C0 ?C07C-0'7'0'N05Q 201'-052-6 r ' ma em A A specially blessed Medal of St. Christopher, Patron Saint of all Travelersjhas been presented to the ship by the Reverend Donald M. Temple of Chicago, Ill., J a brother of the first commanding officer, and will be mounted on -the bridge.