Essex (CVS 9) - Naval Cruise Book

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CAPTAIN SMITH Captain Smith was the first Chief of Staff that we of ESSEX knew. And those of us who knew him well re- alized that he was the man responsible for the relaxed, easy-going attitude the staff took toward us . . . Many years of destroyer and MINELANT duty made Capt. Smith an invaluable person to have in Flag Plot during an anti-submarine warfare exercise . . . Often seen en- ioying his familiar cigar, he was calm and understand- ing at all times . . . Though most of us didn't know it he was probably one of the biggest Hi-Fi bugs on the ship. Music was indeed his favorite pastime during his free hours, and late in the evening he could be found in his cabin listening to Beethoven or Brubeck . . . We know that Capt. Smith is now doing the same fine iob as Chief of Staff, Commander Mine Force, Atlantic as he did aboard ESSEX as Chief of Staff to CARDIV 18. CHIEF OF STAFF CARRIER DIVISION EIGHTEEN CAPTAIN PRICE Captain Price brought many years of destroyer experience with him to CARDIV 18. Since his graduation from the Naval Academy in 1941, he has served aboard tin cans in both fleets, and has been Exec of the SHUBRICK IDD-9361 and Skipper of the BEALE QDD- 41 71. Prior to ioining this Flag, he was Commander, De- stroyer Division 362 . . . His knowledge of the role of the destroyer in anti-submarine warfare has been of invaluable help, and it is to him that much of the credit is due for Anti-Submarine Group Three's effectiveness . . . ln Flag Plot, he has always had a complete under- standing of the tactical situation, and he has constantly kept the Flagship informed . .I . BSCOIUSG of l'IIS OIIIGNIIOI1 to detail and organizational ability, he has cultivated the cooperative attitude that exists between COMCAR- DIV 18 and ESSEX. ' 23

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f I Q . ,yy Iii V Z, . . . .zsyijz 5' -. 4' ' ' ,Wu .- 4 -1,4 .., V ' , , 4 N. P , . - --M . ,, . N. ,y X ., , QV, ADMIRAL MCELROY lt was Admiral McElroy who brought Carrier Di- vision 18 to ESSEX, and it is to his credit that operations between the ship and the new Flag have been so smooth . . . Former Skipper of the super-carrier INDE- PENDENCE, the Admiral was no stranger to the complex operations of a Flagship. As Commander, Anti-Sub- marine Group 3, he also had tactical command of the destroyers of the Fleet's finest hunter-killer groups . . . A keen and imaginative mind fthree weather briefings a day and a staff briefing every afternoonj kept the Admiral on top of every situation that arose. But Ad- miral McElroy wasn't all work and no play! He was known to enjoy his evening cinema, and even an oc- casional afternoon matinee . . . ln his new post as Com- mander Naval Base, Key West, we know that Admiral McElroy is enioying every success. COMMANDER CARRIER DIVISION EIGHTEEN ADMIRAL ASHWORTH Admiral Ashworth brought many years of out- standing Naval service to CARDIV l8. Before assuming command of CARDIV 18, he held posts as Commanding Officer, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, Commandant of Midshipmen, U. S. Naval Academy, and Director, Atomic Energy Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations . . . In the six months that he has been aboard, we have all learned to know and respect the Admiral. This respect was developed by confidence in his professional and technical abilities and his firm and positive leadership, which stressed the importance of each individual and produced a can-do spirit . . . He has commanded Anti-Submarine Group 3 half way around the world, and has led our Flagship in ioint operations with the British, French, Pakistanis, Canadi- ans, and Iranians. We are confident that the Navies of these countries, like ourselves, have the utmost respect for the ASW readiness of his Flag and for his profes- sional abilities. 22

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COMNIANDING OFFICER CAPTAIN RICHARD L. FOWLER, JR. Failures by those working under Captain Fowler were few. All of us knew what he expected, and that was our best, if not perfection . . . Always on the go, Capt. Fowler was often heard saying Why aren't we turning? or Let's get those planes off the deck. . . . His quick wit always kept the bridge watch relaxed in moments of near panic on the part of others . . . His keen nautical eye never ceased to impress those around him . . . Such now well known nicknames as Magellan and Chief Idler were the result of his always active mind . . . His genuine smile and friendly attitude toward us all kept ESSEX a happy ship during the many months she spent away from home . . . In his new iob of Chief of Staff and Senior Aide to the Chief of Naval Opera- tions, we know that Capt. Fowler will have every suc- CAPTAIN SETH S. SEARCY, JR. In the few months that he has been aboard, Cap- tain Searcy has made himself known to all hands. When- ever the gruff, fatherly voice comes over the General Announcing System everything else is put aside to hear him. Why such interest in what he has to say? Simply because we know that he is interested in each and every one of us . . . A first rate shiphandler, Capt. Searcy has given many pointers learned through years of experi- ence to his OOD's . . . His patience and wisdom in deal- ing with others have 'made us know that he is the man to turn to when we need a friend . . . Anxious to know the crew, the Captain -might be found talking to a Fire- man he had sent up to the bridge to see how the ship runs or wandering around the Foc'sle early Sunday morning . . . A Captain's iob is supposed to be lonely. cess. -...fx it This, we hope, is not true. Capt. Searcy, sir, we want you to know that you have 2500 trusting and respectful friends aboard ESSEX. We are indeed glad to have you aboard! EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMANDER MORAN With ESSEX for over a year, Commander Moran is well known by all hands. Soft spoken and easy going, he deals with all our problems, big and small. His cautious approach to every situation always results in 'the proper and iust decision. Many .times he has solved ouriproblems before they reach the surface, and attract our attention. We see the X.O. all over the ship-on the Mess Decks, on refueling stations, inspecting the living compartments . . . and he always has time for a few words with each of us. CDR Moran never has to tell a subordinate to get the job done. The work, gets done simply because those under him enjoy working for him. He isi the man who said of ESSEX . . . I don't know why, but everything always-gets' done on this ship. It is be- cause of people like Commander Moran that things' get done on ESSEX. Soon to serve in the rank of Captain, he is wished continued success by all hands.