Coral Sea (CV 43) - Naval Cruise Book

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e THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON 13 February 1990 Captain Lloyd E. Allen, Jr., USN Commanding Officer Uss CORAL SEA CCV-A37 Fleet Post Office New York 09550-2720 Dear Captain Allen: As you and your crew prepare to decommission CORAL SEA, I congratulate you on your many successes.. Although a sad occasion when we bid farewell to an old friend, all of you can take justifiable pride in your fine ship's accomplish- ments throughout a most distinguished career. CORAL SEA bears a proud name in the history of our great Navy. Our victory in The Battle of the Coral Sea, fought entirely by aircraft launched with the enemy beyond visual or radar range, saved Australia from Japanese invasion during the early stages of World War II. CORAL SEA has proudly carried this tradition through twenty-five deployments around the globe, highlighted by combat operations against North Viet ' 1975 nd most recently, by Nam, the rescue of SS MAYAGUEZ in , a air strikes against Libya in 1986. During in the Mediterranean, she took part in the embassy in Beirut. As our Ageless Warrior the last time, those who served in her can significant contributions that this proud ship has made to our Country. 9 her last deployment evacuation of our shifts colors for reflect on the many Best wishes and good luck in all your future endeavors. Sincerely, arre , Ilql' QThis page! Coral Sea children were treated to a Christmas party complete with Santa and Mrs. Claus. i0pposite Page! Former Coral Sea commanding officers including Admiral Wesley McDonald QRet.D, Admiral Stoors CRet.D and Vice Admiral Dick Dunleavy QOP-055 paid a nostalgic visit to Coral Sea. QOpposite Bottomb Vice Admiral Dunleavy and Captain Allen cut a cake with MS2 LeWallen.

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COMMANDER IN CHIEF U. S. ATLANTIC FLEET 6 February 1990 Dear Captain Allen. I want to extend my personal congratulations to you and your crew as you decommission the 'Ageless Warr1or.' CORAL SEA's contributions to the Navy have been immeasurable. As a key participant in the initial air strikes against North Vietnam followed by four more deployments during that conflict, the rescue of SS Mayaguez, freedom of navigation operations in the Gulf of Sidra, and the retaliatory air raid on Libya, CORAL SEA has become renowned for professionalism, enthusiasm and standards of excellence few other commands ever achieved. The ship's role in the contingency operations and evacuation of the American Embassy in Beirut during your final deployment was also executed with great precision. The officers and crew who have served aboard CORAL SEA can be proud of their ship and their own personal records of accom lishment. As each of you moves on in your naval careers, I P charge you with maintaining the traditions of superb service learned while serving aboard CORAL SEA. With the decommissioning of this fine ship, we lose an important element of our fighting capability, but benefit from the spirit and traditions the 'Ageless Warrior' leaves in her wake. V Sincerely, OWELL F. CARTER, JR Admiral, U.S. Navy CAPTAIN L.E. ALLEN, JR., USN Commanding Officer USS CORAL SEA ICV 433 FPO New York 09550-2720 176 ,,,,, - ,,,,...-,wgwwgVV V, L