Davidson (DE 1045) - Naval Cruise Book

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FROM THE COMMANDING OFFICER As we finish this first Western Pacific cruise in DAVIDSON, we mark a major milestone in our ship ' s history; her passing from new and untried to status as a fully capable member of the fleet. Only a little over four years ago she was nothing more than some steel plates in a builder ' s yard and some ideas set down on paper. Now she stands proven - a ship of the fleet. Building a ship requires more than just welding plate to beam or assembling her machinery in proper order. Building a ship in the fullest sense, means finding men who will sail her well and make her what they want her to be. DAVIDSON has had fine men. I will always consider it my greatest privilige to have served with the men of the DAVIDSON as we strove to bring her to her place in the nation ' s service. Through the devotion and dilligence of many men, she has become a ship we can all be proud of.

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DEDICATION The DAVIDSONS first cruise book is dedicated to the memory of Ensign Schwarting, USN, our first Electronics Material Officer. A NEW BREED OF SHIPS AND A NEW BREED OF MEN

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COMMANDER H. 1. STANFIELD, U. S. NAVY Commander Henry L. Stanfield, U. S. Navy, Command- ing Officer, USS DAVIDSON (DE-1045) was born in St. Petersburg, Florida on 28 May 1926. He attended Duke University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics and was commissioned in Febr- uary 1946 through the NROTC program. Following a five month tour of duty in USS RANGER (CV-4) as Repair Division Officer, Commander Stanfield reported to USS WRIGHT (CVL-49) in September 1946 and served as Signal Officer until August 1947. After attending the U. S. Naval Mine Warfare School from August 1947 until December 1947 Command- er Stanfield reported for duty as Executive Officer, USS MOCKINGBIRD (AMS-27) during which tour he participated in postwar minesweeping operations in the waters off the Japanese mainland. Commander Stanfield ' s next assignment was as ASW and Gunnery Officer, USS CARPENTER (DDE- 825) from September 1948 until September 1951. He reported next to the NROTC Unit Purdue University and served as Naval Science Instructor until June 1953. Completing his shore duty at the Purdue University NROTC Unit, Commander Stanfield then serve successively as Executive Officer and as Commanding Officer, USS ILLUSIVE (MSO-448). In June 1955, he reported to the General Line School, Monterey, California and remained as a student until December 1955. In January 1956 he reported on board USS DORTCH (DD-670) and carried out duties as Training Officer until July 1957. Commander Stanfield then returned to Monterey, California and from August 1957 until June 1959 was a student in the U. S. Naval Postgraduate School. Upon completion of a two year course of studies in Operations Analysis, he was awarded a Master of Science Degree. From July 1959 until February 1961, Commander Stanfield was the Executive Officer, USS LLOYD THOMAS (DDE-764). He then reported on board USS COURTNEY (DE-1021) for duty as Commanding Officer and served in that capacity from February 1961 until July 1962. From August 1962, Commander Stanfield was a member of the Staff of the Naval Science Department at the U. S. Naval Academy and remained in that position until March 1965 at which time he reported for duty as Prospective Commanding Officer, USS DAVIDSON (DE-1045). For his military service, Commander Stanfield is authorized to wear the American Campaign Medal, the World War E Victory Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. Commander Stanfield is married to the former Geraldine C. Shank of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They have two children, Jeffrey Eric and Jennifer Sue.