Dixon (AS 37) - Naval Cruise Book

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CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS Dear Captain Boyd, Your new ship represents a significant step forward in the development of new submarine tenders. Her ability to keep the fleet ' s submarines at the peak of readiness is vitally important at a time when the silent service has become one of the most formidable arms of our Sea Control and Strategic Deterrent forces. It is fitting that your new ship honor the memory of Lieutenant George Dixon of the Confederate Army. As com- manding officer of the submarine CSS H. L, HUNLEY, he be- came a true submarine pioneer when he sank USS HOUSATONIC. I know that DIXON will live up to his intrepid spirit. Your selection as Commanding Officer of DIXON is a tribute to your past performjmce and attests to your ability to meet the challenge of Command, the most cherished experi- ence of a Naval career. You know the truth of Admiral Arleigh Burke ' s remark that any ship is good because of the people in her; without them, she is an inert mass of steel. Our need for highly motivated, experienced personnel has neve been greater. I urge you to be keenly aware of the welfare of your men. There is no substitute for a crew who is well informed and whose talents are recognized. I encourage you to delegate responsibility down to the lowest level and in so doing develop a real sense of being part of, what I know will be, one of the Navy ' s finest fighting units. B ZUMWAtT al, U. S. Captain David S. Boyd, USN PCD, DIXON (AS-37) Norfolk Naval Shipyard Portsmouth, Virginia 23709 limits Slmte, Tacifif l i 7 August 1971 Dear Captain Boyd, On the occasion of the commissioning of USS DIXON (AS 37) at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, I extend my warmest welcome to you and your officers and men to the U. S. Pacific Fleet. DIXON will be a valuable addition to the Fleet as she performs the repairs so vital to our modern submarines. DIXON ' s advanced repair capabilities represent a real step forward in keeping the Fleet ' s submarines and their sophis- ticated systems in top condition. I am confident that you and your officers and men will carry on in the fine traditions of the submarine service, and that your dedication and performance will provide a strong arm of ready support. Best wishes to you and your Adml Captain D. S. Boyd, USN Commanding Officer USS DIXON (AS 37) Norfolk Naval Shipyard Portsmouth, Virginia 23709 DIXON joins the Fleet. (flomntanbcc Ji uhnuirin orcc Ub JItetM AtUmttt 3[Urt Corfolk, Virginia 23511 7 August 1971 Dear Captain Boyd : I congratulate you, your officers and men on this important day for the Navy, as your magnificent ship USS DIXON (AS37) Joins the fleet. She represents the best that modern technology can provide to acccanplish her key role in supporting the Navy ' s expanding fleet of nuclear submarines. Her officers and men are among the finest, most capable, skilled, and dedicated in both fleets. Her capabilities will greatly enhance the material readiness of the Sulanarine Force. As the first Pacific Fleet Submarine Tender designed and built to support nuclear attack submarines, the DIXON has the opportunity to set the standards for those to follow. The practices and procedures she develops, her attitudes and standards of performance, will influence material readiness in the Submarine Force for years to come. These are heavy responsibiliti I am confident that DIXON will discharge them well. E. P. WILKINSON Vice Admiral, U. S. Navy l«» Dear Captain Boyd, sioning of DIXON! Surely eer as you assume command Congratulati( this is a proud i of our most nnodern submarine tender. Your experience as Commanding Officer of USS PERMIT {SSN 594) and USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (SSBN 600) gives you keen insight into the special requirements of our complex nuclear submarines. I am confident that you will utilize your submarine knowledge to exert that suf erior nianagement and inspirational leadership which are so necessary to the successful functioning of your command. The naming of DIXON after a pioneer submarine engineer is proper and fitting. As an early experimenter in submarine war fare. Lieutenant George E. Dixon spent two years during the W Between the States assisting in the construction of submarine torpedo boats. On the night of 17 February 1864, Lieutenant in the Confederate Submarine Torpedo Boat H. L. HUNLEY destroyed the USS HOUSATONIC off Charleston. This act it the first sinking of a warship under combat conditions by a Dixo rks I am aware of the many long hours of self-sacrifice involvei in pre-comxnissioning DIXON, since she is especially equipped to support and replenish highly sophisticated nuclear-powered submarines. I commend the officers and men of DDCON for the fine effort in preparing this proud new ship for duty. Welcome to the Fleet. P. L. LACY Jr a r Admiral, U.S. Navy

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Congratulatory letters and reception on board fi THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON 6 August 1971 Captain David S. Boyd, USN PCO, DIXON (AS-37) Norfolk Naval Shipyard Portsmouth, Virginia 23709 Dear Captain Boyd, ing degree the United States depends on its sea power to guaremtee its freedom. As commanding officer of one of the finest ships of our new Navy, it will be your privilege to share in the vital task of maintaining the battle-readiness of the fleet. And in successfully ful- filling her mission, your ship, DIXON, will contribute most importemtly to the preparedness of our submarine forces. In designing new ships such as DIXON we have endeavored to continue to improve living conditions for the fine men who sail them. I know that you share this interest. Although improvements have been made over earlier designs, there is always a need for new ideas in this important area. I hope that you and your crew will continue to develop innovations in habitability improvement and forward your recommendations for consideration. I would like to receive an advance copy of any such submissions. Our men con- stitute our most vital asset. As we seek their finest perform- 2mce their individual md collective welfare deserves our most active interest. A navy is only as good as its ships, and a ship is only as good as her crew. To you then, and to your officers eind petty officers, is given the demanding task of welding ship and into a working, fighting tesun. m =.- - - j. ,- . .™, ,.,i■ this test. ertain that you will meet ely yours , John H. Chafee K ' Jh

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MM| The Crew- Professionalism w it ii pride Repair Department Back row, left to right: E. M. Tanner, J. R. Hull, M. M. Clark, R. E. Bishop, R. G. Seneff, R. G. Stimmel, F. E. Fulrodt, G. E. Wolner, M. S. Sahlin, R. E. Paxton, R. S. Thompson, L. L. Freeman. Middle row: J. O. Gardner, R. E. Thomas, K. R. Brooks, J. L. Ramsey, G. R. Myers, L. E. Savage, B. S. Nick- less, R. L. Benson. Front row: C. D. Cavin, K. R. Pritchard, D. F. Deboard, H. O. Welch, M. J. Cardinale, R. L. Coomer, M. P. Gonzales, E. Knotts. R-1 Division The Hull Repair Division repairs and makes alterations to hull and piping systems, provides hydrostatic and air testing, and provides canvas, carpentry and foundry work. Back row, left to right: R. A. Schwartz, J. C. Hammontree, J. E. Linch, J. Blanor, F. W. Mautz, J. D. Knudson, G. Hernandez, W. J. Bounds, G. R. Wat- kins, A. K. Seawell, K. L. Clark, J. R. Erickson. Middle row: P. R. Spillman, I. Ned, G. D. Heins, A. E. Allum, M. S. Schwarz, M. E. Peterson, J. J. Bowen, J. R. Lang. Front row: M. R. Chaplin, M. E. Eraser, J. D. Sampley, J. S. Carpenter, R. C. Szostkowski, G. S. Hogan, T. D. Clark, R. W. Young, J. S. Feldman.