Blue Ridge (LCC 19) - Naval Cruise Book

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- :.:; iinamia eel 21 ■ - « : ;• ' ■ ■: i 9th M.A.B. MISSION The 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade was again embarked aboard BLUE RIDGE during her third deployment to the western Pacific. Until the end of the cruise, the level of operations was rather low. With the war in Vietnam over, the emphasis on training and readiness was foremost in planning. During BLUE RIDGE ' s period of supporting the 9th MAB, the only major exercise was in Mondoro, R.P.; Bayanihan. Toward the end of the deployment however, Marine as well as Navy readiness was tested in the evacuation of Vietnam. Previously untried techniques were called for as well as new adaptations of old skills. The sterling job of the Marines involved is testimony to the high state of readiness and flexibility maintained during this peace time period. 17

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;■ . .,•?.: . UiHti - Rear Admiral Donald Boone Whitmire entered the Navy in 1 946 following his education at the Univer- sity of Alabama and the US Naval Academy. During his college years he was a standout football player, being named to the College All-American team as a lineman in 1942, 43 and 44. In 1956, he was named to the College Football Hall of Fame, the only Naval Of- ficer presently on active duty so honored. Rear Admiral Whitmire ' s first duties were aboard the destroyers USS LLOYD THOMAS (DD-764), USS FURSE (DD-882) and USS MADDOX (DD-731). He left surface ships for submarine training at New London, Connecticut in 1948, subsequently serving aboard the following subs; USS BLOWER (SS-325), USS BLEN- ny (SS-324), USS GUDGEON (SS-567) and USS RONQUIL (SS-396). Previous ship commands have included USS REDFISH (SS-395), USS SALMON (SS-573) and USS NAVARRO (APA-215). He has also commanded Sub- marine Division ONE HUNDRED TWO and Amphibious Squadron Two. He assumed his present command of Amphibious Group ONE Commander Amphibious Force, U. S. SEVENTH Fleet 21 September 1974. Rear Admiral Whitmire has been awarded the Legion of Merit, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal and the Bronze Star with Combat V . He is married to the former Joan Corcoran of Southport, England and has two sons, Robert Donald, an Ensign on the USS HALSEY (CG-23) and Richard Michael, a resident of Panama City, FA. i9 I I ws empr planr CAPTAIN D. T. LAMB Chief of Staff, CTF-76 16 hfin

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-,. ilifro ' MiMill .» ' , ' ■ ' : ■;, ' . ' ■ ' ■. , ;i : ■ BRIGADIER GENERAL R. E. CAREY Commanding General 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade 18 ' WPTnHHHHHflMKiBIJlllllHBIHlWHHni ' illlffW