Brooklyn (CL 40) - Naval Cruise Book

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Commander .F.C. DENEBRINK enjoying a party in New Zealand. This during his tour as Executive Officer in BROOKLYN. Francis Compton DENEBRINK was born in Chicago, Illinois, 22 June 1896, the son of Frank DENEBRINK and Mrs. CMyrtle Comptonl DENEBRINK of Sheridan, Wyoming. On 10 October 1933 he married Miss Fanny Cook of Long Beach, California. The DENEBRINKS have a daughter, Joyce Ann, born 28 July 1936 at Long Beach. Mrs. DENEBRINK died 28 October 1977 in San Francisco where the Admiral continues to live. Admiral DENEBRINK attended public school in Sheridan, Wyoming, and Long Beach, Calif. He was graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1917. He completed the Naval War College junior course in 1932. Commissioned Ensign upon graduation from the Naval Academy 29 March 1917, he advanced through the grades to the rank of Rear Admiral in April 1944 and to Vice Admiral December 1952. He served in Destroyer types for eleven years beginning with WARRINGTON, based at Queenstown, Ireland, and Breast, France, during World War I and ending with Command of MCCORMICK in the Asiatic Fleet 1928-1931. He reported to WARRINGTON April 6th, the day the United States entered World War I and sailed to Queenstown in May of that year. He returned to New York from the European war zone on Armistice Day. WARRINGTON escorted the first Troop convoy to France in June 1917 and rescued 444 survivors from the torpedoed transport USS President Lincoln, and 75 survivors from a torpedoed French cruiser. From the end of World War I until taking Command of MCCORMICK he alternated duty ashore with a period of Aide to the Super1ntendent.of the Naval Academy 1922-1923 and 1926-1928 was Officer in Charge of the Press Section, Navy Department, and N-Wal Aide to the White House. Following h1s Command of MCCORMICK he was Naval Aide to the Governor General of the Philippines during a State visit to many countries of Southeast Asia in the USS PITTSBURGH. Following this cruise he served as Navigator in PITTSBURGH from Manila to Norfolk via the Suez. He then attended the US Naval War College. Following graduation from the Naval War College he was Personal Aide, Flag Secretary, Force or Fleet Nav1gat01' fO1' four years to the Staffs of Commander Scouting FOICG, Commander Battle Force, and Commander in Chief U.S. Fleet. Following a shore duty tour 1936-1939 as Head of the Department of Navigation of the Naval Academy, he WHS assigned Executive Officer in the light Qflllsef BROOKLYN for two years. Then served' briefly In the Office of Strategic Services and as Senior Aide to the Chief of Naval Operations. Then to.realize a Dream Come True he was ordered back agaln this time as Commanding Officer, USS BROOKLYN 1942-1943. He very ably Commanded her through the rescue of 1500 survivors from the transport USS WAKEFIELD fformerly US Lines, Manhattanj. On the morning 8 November 1942 with his ability and shiphandling he brought her through the invasion of North Africa off the Port of Casablanca safely, in the face of a very fierce, well trained and determined enemy surface force. In 1943-1944 he served as the First Chief of Staff to Commander Fleet Operational Training Command, Atlantic Fleet. With his promotion to Rear Admiral in April 1944, became Commander, Fleet Operational Training Command, Pacific Fleet. Before the war's end, he commanded Cruiser Division FIVE in the Aleutians. Served briefly as Commander Naval Forces engaged in the Occupation of Northern Japan. He subsequently command- eg42e1ix6ii:? Squadron TEN CTHREE5 in the Western Pacific Admiral DENEBRINK commanded the Naval Task Group at Eniwetock for the Atomic tests in Operation Sandstone 1947-1948. For a year thereafter was Navy Director, Military Council, Munitions Board in the Pentagon. December 1949 to December 1952 he Commanded, Service Force, Pacific Fleet. During the Korean War 1950-1952 he was responsible for the logestic support of all U.S. Naval Forces in that conflict. 20 December 1952 with his promotion to Vice Admiral, he assumed the duties of Commander, Military Sea Transport Service. During this assignment in 1955 he was designated to Command a Task Force of 126 U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Merchant vessels and Army support troops to enter Arctic Ocean waters from both the Atlantic and the Pacific and deliver initial equipment and supplies at the numerous stations along the top of the North American continent for the Distant Early Warning fDewlineJ. Despite an abnormally severe ice season the project was successfully completed. Only the timely intervention of the forces of nature permitted 44 vessels to escape from the polar ice pack. All but 4 suffering ice damage. On 1 July 1956, he was transferred to the Retired List of the U.S. NAVY, with a total of 43 years 3 months active duty. ADDITIONAL HONORS AND AWARDS: Past president of the Army and Navy Club, Washington, D.C.g Awarded the Distinguished Service Medal of the American Legion, Honorary Life Member of the National Defense Transpor- tation Association and the Propeller Club of the United States.

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' ' aah Us Captain I-Iumbert W. ZIROLI, USN. Commanding Officer 2!14!43 until 10f11f43. Awarded the Legion of Merit for handling the BROOKLYN at Sicily. U.S.S. BROOKLYN 8 July 1943 T0 ALL HANDQ: It is with sincere pride that I announce that the BROOKLYN is taking an active and valuable part in what may bc considered the greatest and most significant major effort of the war thus far. We are charged with the grave responsibility of assisting in the assault and capture of enemy territory - Sicily. This means that we shall do our utmost to support and defend our forces against any form of enemy resistance. It neans that we shall, with grim determination, destroy all hostile surface, air, submarine and shore units that find themselves within the range of thc BROOKLYN's guns. It will require vigilance, alertness ond a constant state of readiness to meet any situation at all times. There is a tremendously difficult task before us because we shall be net by e determined and desperate enemy who will for the first time during this war, defend stubbornly it's shores against invasion by fighting for their very lives. We can overcome such resistance only by our own superior courage, fighting spirit and strong heart. We are further directed to press homo this assault with relentless vigor regardless of loss, difficulty or personal sacrifice. I :un certain that every officer and man on this fine ship will devote all his skill and energy towards maintaining the loyal and unsclfish teamwork that hz: characterized that fine fighting tradition established by the Baooicrnm. My complete confidence in you is such that I anticipate, without any reservation, that we shall do our duty with dotcrminutiot and courage, so that no shall measure up to what Our Country, Our Navy, Our Ship and Our Homes expect of us in this great under- taking. ' f. - in - 'di-v40'Q'x-., H. w , Captain, U.S. Navy, Commanding. U.S.S', HOOKIFIN July lk, l9l+3. The Captain wishes to oxpress his great appreciation and . deep admiration- for the conduct and performance of the Officers andthe crew of the DROOKIJLTI in action against the enemy and during trying emergencies. This rugged, mart ana- righting snip. has proven itself equal to any task or any ,hardship byfthe- courageous conduct, devotion to duty'and -unselfish saorificeuand-perseverance of every' Olflcer Rl1d'mB.n. Your coolness, calmness' and unflinching spirit has been wnat I expected of you. . . H I am happypto announce that our -.ships is. in all respects . ready for war service. A feat that I -feel cannot be equalled by any other ship. Nil' Praise for you is above all worasfoi- expressions and .FW - faith in your continued loyalty and 'courage-is stronger than GV01 A Wellfeflrned WEI.L DONE, BROOKLYN. Let us carry' on. I F Q. .Z-IR L' - Captain, UCS. Ienvyr Commanding.