Davidson (DE 1045) - Naval Cruise Book

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The boatswain-mate said, take in line six . The day I recall was May twenty-sixth; The Davy Maru ivill see Pearl Harbor no more, Until she finishes COMSEVENTHFLEET ' S chores. Underway , the pipe sang out. And with that, we heard a shout: Our loved ones on the pier saying their last goodbyes. Most of them left with tears in their eyes. Embarked, is DES DIV ONE ONE TWO, Acting as SE VENTEEN POINT FI VE POINT TWO: He ' s leaving us in Subic until late fall, Deserting the Davidson for the Saint Paul? The Oriskany and Frank Knox complete our three ship group, Setting a course to Subic, so says the book; Then onward to Yankee Station and NGFS, To prove to Charlie that we ' re the best. So now you know the story of how the cruise began. In the following pages, you ' ll see how it ran; And if you ' re satisfied at everything you see, A successful cruise was made, by the men on this DE! Joe Hippie

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Commanding Officer CDR Richard C. Smith, USN COMMANDING OFFICER, USS DAVIDSON (DE 1045) Commander Richard Carl Smith was born on 27 January 1928 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 194.5 and served ahoard the USS AMBERJACK (SS-522) until lie was transferred to the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School at Bainhridge, Maryland in .September 1947. Upon completing the Prep School at Bainbridge in May 1948, CDR Smith received a fleet appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1948. Upon graduation from the Naval Academy in June 1952, he was commissioned an Ensign and ordered to the USS HICKOX (DD-673) where he subsequently served as Engineering Officer and Operations Officer. In June 1954 he was ordered to the USS BALTIMORE (CA-88) where he performed the duties of CIC Officer until February 1956 when he was ordered to the staff of COMMANDER DESTROYER FLOTILLA THREE as Aide and Flag Lieutenant. In July 1957 CDR Smith attended the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School at Monterey, California, and upon graduating in June 1959, he was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications Engineering. In July 1959 CDR Smith reported to the USS MILLS (DER-383) as Executive Officer. Upon being relieved as the Executive Officer of the MILLS in June 1961, he reported to the Office of the Assistant Chief of Naval Operations for Communications where he served as the Head of Navy Radio Frequency Spectrum Management Branch (OP-944G). In August 1963, CDR Smith reported to the Command and Staff course at the l!.S. Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island from which he graduated in June 1964. While attending the Naval War College, he was awarded a Master of Arts Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. Upon graduating from the Naval War College, CDR Smith served as the Commanding Officer of the USS Thomas J. GARY (DER-326) until August 1966. In September 1966, he reported to the Chief of Naval Personnel for duty as the Head of the Communications Placement Branch (PERS-31217) until February 1969. In May 1969 CDR Smith relieved CDR R. M. WHITAKER as Commanding Officer, USS DAVIDSON (DE 1045). CDR Smith is married to the former Miss Lois Ruth Shafer of Allentown, Pennsylvania. They have three sons, Brant, Phillip, and Kerry Smith.