Camden (AOE 2) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 7 text:

Essential fuel Is pumped across to a thirsty customer. A load of fresh fruit is quickly removed from the flight deck and placed in cold storage. No matter what the challenge the men of CAMDEN are part of the CAMDEN team and play an impor- tant role in the defense of our country. Equipped with the Worlds newest system of of the most efficient supply ships in the fleet high-speed at-sea transfer, CAMDEN is one . . . OF WESTPAC ' 80-81

Page 6 text:

MEETING THE CHALLENGE . . . The mission of the CAMDEN {fasX Combat forces of the U.S. Navy anytime, anywhere Support Ship) is logistic support of combat in the world. CAMDEN ' S Challenge to replenish ships in the Battle Group at sea is not easily met. All nnen will have to make personal sacrifices far more demanding than in any other profession. For many men it will mean being separated from their families and loved ones for many months. Others will spend long and tedious hours at work ensuring that his job is done efficiently and safely. Granted, it will not be easy, but the Second to None crew will pull together with a high degree of professionalism and determination unsurpassed by any other replen- ishment ship. jf ' A CH-46D helicopter prepares to transfer a load of fresh supplies to a nearby ship The helicopter detachment extends the support capability which CAMDEN provides to the fleet A phone talker is an essential part of shipboard communications and control.

Page 8 text:

COMMANDING OFFICER CAPTAIN ROBERT C. TAYLOR During the first few days of our Indian Ocean deployment we were refueling and replenishing an aircraft carrier. While alongside she had reason to launch her fighter aircraft to intercept an inbound unidentified aircraft. Seeing this occur just 160 feet away, at eyelevel, with all the accompanying activity and noise associated with a launch, was a very real and awesome display of power. After the aircraft were airborne and as they were fading from sight, a sailor on the bridge remarked to me, after seeing that, it is pretty clear why we were deployed, delivering fuel, food and ammunition to the Battle Groups. It makes it very real when you are right in the middle where you can hear and see everything, and know that without CAMDEN, and other MLSF ships like her, the Battle Groups would not have the freedom of movement or sea legs required to sustain operations for any length of time. So what is the challenge of CAMDEN today? The first thought is to be ready to meet all requirements levied by the Battle Group, and to complete the evolutions safely and In a timely fashion. But this is also our mission, so the challenge must go deeper. For the Navy to meet its challenge in today ' s world, CAMDEN must always be able to meet her challenge - we have, we are and we will. Flexibility, Readiness and Endurance - Our f lotto, and in fact our challenge, and yes we are SECOND TO NONE!