Canberra (CAG 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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COMMANDER F. E. PEARSON, III, USN EXECUTIVE GFFICER 10

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Captain Richard R. LAW was born April 28, 1920 in Savanna, Illinois. He became a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity at the University of Chi- cago Which he attended prior to entering the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated and was commissioned Ensign june 19, 1942 with the Class of 1943. Captain LAW's first tour of duty was with USS RHINE QDD-404j where he served in the Weapons Department. Subsequent tours were on board USS HAZELWOOD CDD-531D as Gun- nery Officer and USS GEORGE K. MACKENZIE QDD-8361 as Gunnery Officer and Executive Officer. From january 1948 until April 1950 Cap- tain LAW served in the Executive Department at the U.S. Naval Academy, after which he reported to the Staff of Commander Cruiser Division FIVE as Aide and Flag Secretary. In October 1951 he assumed command of USS SPANGLER QDE- 696j, upon completion of which he reported to the Staff of Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet. In 1956, after completing studies at the Armed Forces Staff College, Captain LAW was assigned to the Office of the Chief of ASW Tactics and Naval Operations. In December 1958 Captain LAW again returned to sea as Commanding Offi- cer of USS RICHARD S. EDWARDS QDD-950j. Early in 1961 he was assigned duties as an Aide to the Secretary of the Navy and a year later as- sumed duties as Executive Secretary in the Ofiice of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. While serving in this capacity he was advanced to the rank of Captain in July 1962. In February 1964, he reported as Commander Destroyer Division TWO HUNDRED THIRTEEN. Captain LAW joined CANBERRA in May 1965 relieving Captain Peter S, SMITH as Chief of Staff for Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Flotilla SEVEN. Flag Officers CAPTAIN R. R. LAW, UsN A CHIEF or STAFF I Front Row: LT. Lowe, LCDR. carosia, CDR. Lowen, LT. Cahill, LT. Bessire. Back Row: LT. MAY 25, 1965 - Higbe, LCDR. Cammall, LT, Walker. I

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Commander Pearson was born in Madison, Maine in February 1924. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy in July 1942. Upon graduation he reported to Commander Mine Forces, Pacific. During the period from September 1945 through May 1946 he served in YMS-376, AM-379 and AM-389. In May 1946 he was ordered as Executive Officer of the YMS-415 and in August as Commanding Officer of YMS- 419. In February 1947 he reported to Pearl Harbor as Com- manding Officer of the USS PC-1170. In March 1948 Ensign Pearson was ordered to report to the USS MASSEY QDD-778, at Norfolk, Virginia, and subsequently served as Gunnery Officer, Assistant Engineer- ing Officer and Electronics and Damage Control Officer. Upon the outbreak of the Korean War, the MASSEY joined the Pacific Fleet for combat operations in Korean waters, serving as flagship for minesweeping operations at Wonsan, Hungnam and Songjin. During this period LTJG Pearson was assigned temporary duty as officer-in-charge of a small boat mine sweeping unit. The unit was awarded the Navy Unit Citation for its work at Wonsan. During this tour he was also awarded the Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant for meritori- ous service as Gunnery Officer of the MASSEY. In july 1951 LTJG Pearson reported to the U.S. Naval Academy as an instructor. Following this tour Lieutenant Pearson reported to the USS TOLEDO QCA-133, in july 1953 where he served as Fire Control Officer. In May 1955 he was ordered to report as Aide and Flag Secretary to Commander Destroyer Flo- tilla SIX. In March 1957 he was assigned as Executive Offi- cer, USS MYLES C. FOX CDDR-829D and shortly there- after promoted to Lieutenant Commander. In September 1958 LCDR Pearson was ordered as Com- manding Officer, USS DANIEL A. JOY CDE-585j. On December 1959 he was ordered to report to the Bureau of Naval Personnel for duty as assistant Lieutenant Com- mander Assignment Officer. In July 1961 he was promoted to Commander and at- tended Naval War College. Prior to becoming Executive Officer of the USS CAN- BERRA QCAG-23 on 6 April 1964, Commander Pearson was Commanding Officer of the USS JOHN S. MC CAIN QDL-SJ home-ported at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.