Fletcher (DD 445) - Naval Cruise Book

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CO MANDINO ROBERT L. MORGAN OFFICER COMMANDER Commander Robert L, Morgan, USN, is a native of Kansas City, Missouri. He first entered the Navy in August 1943, as a Naval Aviation Cadet. He was graduated and commissioned Ensign in July 1945. The Commander's first duty was as a utility pilot at Naval Air Station, Banana River, Florida, where he served until March 1946. He was next assigned to VPB-53 where he served as Personnel Officer. In August 1946, he reported to VP-HL2, where he served for 15 months a s Material Officer. While serving with this squadron, he qualified as a Patrol Plane Commander. Commander Morgan then served as aflight instructor aboard Basic Training Unit Two, NABTC, Pensacola, Florida, until July 1949. The Commander attended a six-month photo reconnaissance course at NATTC, Pensacola, prior to reporting aboard VC-62 as a carrier fighter photo pilot. From September 1952 to September 1954 he was liar? Q 6 attached to the Naval Photographic Center, Washington, D, C. Commander Morgan then atte n de d General Line School, and in August 1955, reported aboard USS New Jersey QBB-625 as Assistant Operations Officer. He re- ported as Executive Officer of USS Sigourney QDD-6435 in February 1957, and in September 1958, began two years under- graduate study at the University of Illinois. While there he received his Bachelor of Arts 'Degree in Political Science. The Commander assumed command of USS Energy QMSO-436i in November 1960, and later served as Commander Mine Division 71. In July 1963, he reported as Navy Plans Officer on the Staff, U, S, Taiwan Defense Command. He assumed command of USS Fletcher QDD-4457 in July 1965. Commander and Mrs. Morgan and their thre e children are presently living in Kailua, Hawaii. gm., .4-.. : :.. :14,1...,...,..e.-..,...4a..r.e...... ,...

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Zifyfib- 4. :-EL' - 53? riff- X3-Q U. S. S. FLETCHER DD-445 FPO Son Francisco 96601 In revlv refer for Tb the Officers and Men of FLETCHER: Now that we have returned to our homes and loved ones, the many experiences we shared during our WEST PAC cruise begin to fade into uemories. This cruise-book will, I hope, bring these memories into sharper focus as, in future years, we look through its pages. During the cruise our duties were constantly varied. In every instance you responded efficiently and effectively to each new challenge. During our gunfire support missions off Viet Nam you willingly endured the unusually long hours to insure that FLETCHER was able to meet each and every one of her many commitments. Although we spent the great majority of our time at sea, we were also able to enjoy many fascinating hours ashore in the Far East. Your exemplary conduct ashore earned for FLETCHER a reputation for fine dis- cipline. Our rare opportunity to sail South, revisiting many of the famous battle-grounds of World War II, and visiting Sydney, Australia, was a perfect finale to a rewarding cruise. The transit enabled all of us to enter the Realm of King Neptune and become Trusty Shellbacks, the saltiest of seafaring men. Although for most of us other cruises lie ahead, in future years we shall all, I hope, review this one with the continuing satisfaction one gains from the knowledge that he has earned a hearty - Well Done. Tig L MORGAN Com ande Comman, g,- W' 'Ill'-A 41? if .' K,-' Y ,' ., ,- U.S.S. F lm:,QiD.gL5j . f,1...1sws..-sf-rf.Luat:rgv.e:5.afi ,, ,g,,25,,:,, V ,Y , ,A fx as -ev1::.:s..,.:,- QL.-.am-'A-.,-,

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WMM EXECUTIVE OFFICER y LCDR. RONALD H. SWINNERTON, USN LCDR Swinnerton was born December 31, 1933 in Richmond, Virginia.A succession of moves followed, with his family settling in Pasadena, California where he grad- uated from John Muir High School. He next attended the University of California at Berkley obtaining a BA degree and Regular Navy commission through the NROTC program on June 14, 1956. Reporting aboard the USS Diachenko QAPD-1235, Mr. Swinnerton assumed the duties of Communications Officer, serving in that capacity until February 1958. Next followed a ten month tour with Beach Jumper Unit ONE as Communication De- partment head and Officer in Charge or a sixty-three foot AVR boat. Gaining val- uable experience in this capacity, he was subsequently assigned to set up the first permanent Beach Jumper detachment in the Western Pacific. This he accomplished ' ' 'l as Officer-in- Charge of WE STPAC Detach- ment at Yokosuka, Japan from November 1958 through June 1959. At this time LCDR Swinnerton was released from active duty and took a position with Monsanto Chemical Company. Two years later he returned to active duty. Two tours as Operations Officer-fol- lowedg first in USS Rushmore QLSD-145 from October 1961 to April 1963, and then in USS Philip QDD-4981 from June 1963 to January 1965. From the latter date to the present he has served as Executive Officer of USS Fletcher QDD-4451. LCDR Swinnerton is married to the former Carol Ann Hack of Piedmont, California. Together with their three children, they now reside in Radford Terrace, Honolulu, Hawaii.