Black (DD 666) - Naval Cruise Book

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.N THE CAPTAIN Commander Charles E. Stastny is a graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy Class of 1943. Upon completion of trade school studies, he reported to the USS MASSACHUSETTS CBB 591 which took part in the Casablanca campaign in the Atlantic and the Tarawa, Makin Islands, and Bouganville campaigns in the Pacific. He returned to the United States to attend Sub- marine School and graduated in 1944. He finished out the War aboard the USS BESUGO CSS 3211 with five war patrols to his credit. Since the war, he has commanded the USS DIABLO fSS 4791 and the USS BAZOBBACK KSS 3941. Duty ashore has included tours at the U. S. Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, California and in the Naval Science Department at Harvard University. His tour of duty prior to this command was the Staff of Commander Carrier Division Nineteen as Anti- Submarine Officer. He has' been awarded the Bronze Star with the Combat V and the Purple Heart.

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U. S. S. BLACK CDD-6661 CXO FLEFT POST OFFICE suv Fmwcrsco. cA1.1FoaN1A 1 June 1961 From: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. BLACK CDD 6662 To: The Crew and Friends of the U.S.S. BLACK CDD 6662 Subj: WESTPAC Cruise, 1961 It has been my privilege to command the BLACK during a long and arduous cruise in Western Pacific waters. The Black became a member of the first team when the ship ,joined the 7th Fleet during January of 1961. Why did we make this cruise? Why was it necessary to spend many months in foreign waters away from our friends and families? Why was the ship kept fully trained and combat ready? lhese questions and many more can b very simply. The United States and her allies are engaged ' communist countries who are determined to change a conflict of arms but rather a struggle call this struggle a Cold War our adversaries feel t communists w co e answered in a struggle with our way of life. Ibis is not for the minds of men. At present we . It could easily develop into a hot war if hat we are weak physically, mentally and morally. The ould engage us in a shooting war tomorrow if they felt that they Uld Win. We must be ever alert and willing to fight for the four freedoms we inherited from our forefathers. It is every freedom loving man 's right and privilege to sacrifice worldly pleas?-uses in order to protect our precious inheritance. Communist leaders have only one goal and that is to inflict their way of life on all peoples of the world. In order to prevent world domination by 00mml1niSm we must maintain a strong military force ever ready to meet force with force in any corner of the world. lbe foregoing explains why we made this cruise. It was hard work but this book is a constant reminder that we had our moments of pleasure. It will keep fresh in our minds and hearts the many friends we have made amongst our ship- mates and in the foreign lands we have visited. We will be reminded of the hungry families we have helped by our generous contributions of the noodle machine to the refugees of Hong Kong. 4 I am proud to have served with the fine officers and crew of the BLACK. You overcame great obstacles with hard work, devotion to duty and many hours of self sacrifice. To the wives, sweethearts and friends of the Black, we thank you for your oyal support and patience during the long months of our cruise. ' To the officers and crew I thank you for your loyalty and hard work. A earty Well Done to all of you. To our country and our wonderful navy - It was our pleasure to serve. Respectfully, in AV!-,L -w ff In ,fy ,5 g p . f L cl E. STASTNY CDR 5 , USN f' Commanding