Charles P Cecil (DDR 835) - Naval Cruise Book

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The U. S.S. C?IARLES P. CECIL (DDR-835) was named in honor of Rear Admiral Charles Cecil, who died in a plane crash on 31 July 1944. Admiral Cecil awarded the Navy Cross for his extraordinary heroism in World War II. Built by the Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, CECIL was launched on 22 April 1945, sponsored by Mrs. Charles P. Cecil. CECIL was commissioned in June of the same year, with Commander W. OUTER- SON as her first Commanding Officer. Arriving too late to participate in the war, CECIL participated in the surrender ceremonies at Tokyo Bay. Upon completion of a tour in the far east, CECIL took part in both Atomic Bomb tests held at Bikini Atoll in 1946. After a brief yard period CECIL again returned to duty in the Pacific in 1947. In 1948 CECIL underwent a major change and be- came a Radar Picket Destroyer which increased her air defense capabilities, and at the same time re- mained capable of carrying out all the duties of a conventional destroyer.

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fmrniyui The CaptainyeUed Take in all lines and at 1326 on 4 August 1960 the U. S. S. CHARLES P. CECIL (DDR-835) as underway from Norfolk, Virginia for the Mediterranean. For some it was the first time crossing the pond , for others was the tenth; for all it was exciting. It was a singular thrill to see the stem swing around and the sailors domain retch before us. It is a feeling that only sailors experience a feeling well that we ' re sorry to leave our loved les and our homes, but there ' s something out there and we ' re going to see it, experience it, and let it become a part of As we steamed past Cape Henry, we stretched our necks trying to get a last look at the U. S. and each one tried hide his mixed emotions of sorrow and excitement from the other. Our mission was two-fold. First, we were to be representatives of our country to speak her words, to think her loughts, to show her good faith to all peoples throughout the world. Second, we were to partake in a vigorous operational aining program of exercises with NATO ships. This is what we set out to do, and to do it well. The Quartermaster shouted Thimbleshoals light abeam to port , we hauled down NBBG, secured the Special Sea etail, placed the pictures of our wives and sweethearts close to our bunks and settled down for twenty three long days at ;a until terra firma would once more rear its lovely head. As you thumb through these pages and the memories of the good ports and the bad ones, tlie long hours spent re- leling and replenishing, the Holiday Routines that we seldom saw, Christmas Day at sea, the early morning hours we ere plane guarding, surely you will recall the big and important part that the CECIL played. All of these events proved lat CECIL was always ready, and most of all, kept us SECOND TO NONE .

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Returning to the east coast in 1949, CECIL de- ployed on her first Mediterranean cruise. Since that time she has participated in numerous exercises and cruises on the east coast. In the fall of 1958, CECIL entered Norfolk Naval Ship ' ard for overhaul. During this yard period she was equipped with the Electronics Data System. This s ' Stem was installed to cope with the problem of the newest and fastest of jet aircraft. The next months CECIL participated in numerous exercises evaluating this unique s -stem. On 21 June 1960 Commander George W.Kingston relieved Commander David H.Green as Commanding Officer. Later on 4 August CECIL once again departed for the Mediterranean, participating in numerous fleet exercises. One of the highlights of this cruise was being able to viev.- the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. Finally CECIL returned to Norfolk, Virginia on 2 March 1961 ready to carr - on it ' s fine tradition, as workhouse of the fleet.