Bairoko (CVE 115) - Naval Cruise Book

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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.

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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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