Cook (FF 1083) - Naval Cruise Book

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Cook ' s Story LCDR Wilmer Paul Cook 1 Oct 1932 -22 Dec 1967 Beginning The USS COOK (FF-1083) is the second ship of the fleet to be named COOK and the first one to be nanned in honor of Lieutenant Commander Wilmer Paul Cook. U.S. NAVY. Wilmer Paul Cook, born in Anapolis, Ivlaryland. 1 October 1932, attended high school in Annapolis, and the Naval Academy in 1952. Following his commissioning in June 1956, he entered flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in October 1957 On two deployments to the Tonkin Gulf on the carriers COI STELLATION (CV-64) and CORAL SEA (CV-43) he flew over 300 missions, risking his life countless times, Upon the loss of the Squadron Commanding Officer and Executive Officer, he took command of Attack Squadron 155 and continued to lead his men on successful strikes against North Vietnamese targets. On 22 December 1967, LCDR Cook perished when his plane, the City of Annapolis, was hit by enemy fire while leading an air strike on supply routes between Vinh and Ha Tinh. His values and his reasons for service were expressed in in a conversation, I ' ll always go where my country sends me and will always do whatever it asks. Perhaps what I am doing may keep my two sons from going to war. Prior to his death, he received numerous medals for his heroism in the line of duty in connection with air attacks on active North Vietnamese missile sites and patrol craft. His decorations for valor include three Distinguished Flying Crosses, four Navy Commendation Medals, and five Air Medals f o; Meritorious Achievement. t COOK was built by Avondale Shipyards at WESTGO, Louisiana, USA, and was launched on 23 January 1971 After commissioning on 18 December 1971, COOK embarked on a 16,000 mile shake down cruise around South America and through the Straits of Magellan to her home in the Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. COOK is presenty assigned as a unit of Destroyer Squadron THIRTEEN, COOK has steamed thousands and thousands of miles in support of the United States ' missions of world peace and harmony among all peoples. She has operated in the North and South Pacific and Indian Ocean, and has visited ports in many countries.

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WESTPAC S5 : ' ft USS COOK FF-1083 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE COOK ' S STORY 2 DEDICATION 3 COMMANDING OFFICERS 4 EXECUTIVE OFFICER 6 WARD ROOM 8 CHIEFS MESS 12 ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 16 AIR DEPARTMENT 28 FIRST DAY OF CRUISE 32 SUBIC BAY FIRST VISIT 34 CROSSING THE LINE 36 CHANGE OF COMMAND 40 MOMBASA KENYA 42 KARACHI PAKISTAN 46 SPECIAL EVENTS 50 SUBIC BAY SECOND VISIT 52 PEARL HARBOR HAWAII 54 SPECIAL EVENTS 56 SHIPS TRACK 60 HOMECOMING 62 WEAPONS DEPARTMENT 64 OPERATION DEPARTMENT 72 SUPPLY DEPARTMENT 80 NAVIGATION EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT 84 CRUISE BOOK TEAM 88 MEMORIES 89

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Cruising for Peace 24 July 1935 21 December 1985 -VPSIf. ' Mk y ;. Dear Lord, guide and protect ttiis ' Man of War, ' a ' Ship of Peace ' Be with us, join in the fellowship of the COOK ' S crew as we begin our journey. Five months of hard sailing and adventure demanding our complete dedication and sacrifice in carrying out the COOK ' S mission: a symbol of America ' s determination to keep the oceans free and keep the peace in distant lands. This cruise book is a photographic record of the once in a life time experience of WESTPAC 85. of hard work, challenge, friendships and the distant ports of call. In the days to come, the memories will remain fresh within these pages. In Memory Of . . . Steve Wakefield Dedication Shipmate, friend. In life you ' ve enriched our days. Whenever we think of you, we will remember the )oy and laughter you ' ve added to our lives on board COOK. Fair winds, and smooth sailing.