Colonial (LSD 18) - Naval Cruise Book

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U.S.S. COLONIAL (LSD-18) FLEET POST OFFICE SAN FRANCISCO. CALIFORNIA 96601 Behold ye, ivho open the cover of this nonento of the cruise that took i iS ' 6 COLONIAL to the Orient to represent America ' s views. To make clear to our friends and to those who would oppose, our unfaltering stand for peace and freedom tyranny ' s woes, Twas in the Gulf of Tonkin that freedoms challenge was made by attacking our ships on the high seas amidst a wild tirade. But COLONIAL was ready, as were all the ships of the fleet and embarking marines, we steamed forced draft, the challenge to meet. ' I ' i I i, one peace le not And thus began an epic great fori it helpe d keep the policy tcj J e. T T If keep our p w to the fore, it reijuir ' d every ma n and our seanens ' nautical loEje pse significanc e was the Orient and our was an easy task to the efforts of l g h It took l hg hours of selfless labor an d ' Yoffg t tches at every station it to t hr ca s ll, perserueranc e, and most- of all dedicd S SSft s mere often rough and material began to WsWe-a Tthe tropical heat and crowed ship did not ease the strain. But in spite of problems that arose, COLONIAL ' s banner continue to fly and spirits were never daunted and morale was always high. Records were made underway with marine battalions embarked, thirty three re glenishments at sea, in weather calm and stark, A hundred and fifty two days at sea, sixty seven in a row, with nine days of upkeep in port, plus a few that were stop and go. Yea, ' twas a cruise of which were proud, but also Keenly aware of our sister ships in PHIBRON THREE, who did their share. Before the chapter closes on this cruise, let us make a vow to maintain the espirt that made it succeed, no matter how, and carry it with us wherever we go, in order that toe can perpetuate that spirit that helps keep mankind free. t1ND-SHIPS-S2l6 24 (REV. 2-64)

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? COMMANDER RAUL B. PEREZ COMMANDING OFFICER Commander Raul B. Perez, USN, assumed command of USS COLONIAL on 11 March 1964. Born in Coronado, California, he graduated from U.S. Naval ROTC Unit, University of Texas, and was commissioned with the Class of ' 45. Commander Perez has served in a variety of Naval billets including MYLES C. FOX (DD-829), CONSERVER (ARS-39), KIOWA (ATF-72), SAIPAN (CVL-39), FRANCIS MARION (APA-249), ALAMO (LSD-33), and commanded LST-898, SURFBIRD(M SF-383), and AMPERE (ADG-U). Apost graduate of Navy Intelligence, he has served tours of duty with Chief of Naval Personnel; Commander Training Command, U. S. Pacific Fleet; and U. S. Naval Attache, Lisbon, Portugal, where he received The Order of Prince Henry the Navigator, the Portuguese Medal of Merit, and the Portuguese Navy Commendation Medal

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il LIEUTENANT COMMANDER JOHN H. VOSSELLER EXECUTIVE OFFICER LCDR John H. Vosseller is 1953 graduate of the Naval Academy. After a tour aboard USS TALLADEGA (APA-2p8), he attended flight training at Pensacola, where he received his jet wings. Later he flew F7U, F8, and F9 aircraft. Following a change of designator to line, he served as Chief Engineer of the USS ISHERWOOD (DD-52p). This was followed by completion of submarine school at New London and then a tour as Operations Officer and Navigator of the USS ASHTABULA (AO-51). Before becoming XO of the COLONIAL in January 1964 he was Briefing Officer of the Fleet Operational Computer Center, Pacific and First Lieutenant of the USS ST. PAUL (CL-73). Coronado is now LCDR Vosseller ' s home, where he lives with his wife. Sue, and their four children, Walter, Catherine, James, and John. J£