Francis Marion (LPA 249) - Naval Cruise Book

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C 1RGE «= When in Doubt... Charge! Charge What? '

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CAPTAIN JOHN J. BECKER, USN Captain John J. Becker, U.S. Navy, former Com- mander Amphibi ous Squadron TWE LVE , gi aduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1935. He sub- sequently served on the following ships: USS PEN- SACOLA(CA-24), USS PRINCETON (CVL-23), USS RANDOLPH (CV-15), USS VALLEY FORGE (CV- 45), and Captain Becker attended the Postgraduate School at the Naval Academy as a student in the first general line course. His next assignment as a student was at the Armed Forces Staff College. Captain Becker commanded the following ships: USS SHEA (DM-30), USS FURSE (DDR-822), USS CAPRICORNUS (AKA-57). Captain Becker spent two years on the staff of Commandant, lOth Naval District at San Juan, Puerto Rico. In May 1956 he was promoted to Captain and ordered to a post- graduate course at George Washington University where he was awarded a Master ' s Degree in Bus- iness Administration. Captain Becker was relieved as Amphibious Squadron TWELVE on August 13 by Captain Sheldon H. Kinney. CAPTAIN SHELDON H. KINNEY, USN Captain Sheldon H. Kinnev entered the Navy as a recruit in 1935. He served as a Seaman on USS OMAHA (CL-4), and was ' a Signalman on board the USS NEW YORK. Captain Knney entered the Naval Academy in 1937 and was commissioned as Ensign on February 7, 1941 and subsequently ad- vanced to the rank of Captain to date from August 1, 1958. Captain Kinney served on the following ships and duty stations: USS STURTEVANT (DD-240); Sub- marine Chaser Training Center, Miami, Florida; USS EDALL (DE-129), serving first as X. O. and Navagitor andlater as Commanding Officer; Commanding Officer, USS BRONSTEIN; Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer and Planning Officer on the Staff of Commander Destroyers, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Office of the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, Navy Department, Washington, D.C.; Gunnery and CIC Officer on the Staff of Commander Cruiser Division FOUR; Aide to the Commandant of the 6th Naval District; USS COLUMBUS (CA-74); Commanding Officer, USS TAYLOR (DDE - 468); Bureau of Naval Personnel, Navy Department; Anti-Submarine and Naval Gunfire Support Instructor, U.S. Naval Academy; Commanding Officer, USSMITSCHER (DL-2); Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D. C. ; Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics, Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, Commanding Officer, USS MISSISSINEWA (AD-144), and Captain Kinney assumed command of Amphibious Squadron TWELVE on August 13. Captain Kinney has been awarded the Navy Cross, Legion of Merit with Combat V , Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Bronze Star Medal with V , the Com- mendation Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, Korean Presidential Unit Cita tion Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal with Bronze A , European- African - Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four engagement stars, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory, Navy Occupation Service Medal, Eu- rope Clasp, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with one star, and the United Nations Service Medal.

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DECK DEPARTMENT The Deck Department is responsible for almost anything and everything on the ship that is topside. It is the men of the deck force who have to be up that extra hour or so early each day to help keep FRANCIS MARION looking smart and functioning smart. The Deck Department is responsible for refueling and highlinc transfers; operating, stowing and loading of all boats, gunnery and firearms; and last, but by no means least, general maintainence of all topside spaces, which of course means using the good old chipping hammer and paint brush. The Deck Department if divided into five divisions and all topside spaces are their realm. First Di- vision is in charge of the entire forward portion of the ship wMch covers four hatches, seven boats, and the starboard quarterdeck. Second Division takes care of the after portion of the ship, the port quarterdeck, the helo deck, where over 1,000 helo landings have been made, and the incinerator. Third Division laiows more about the sides of the ship then they care too; it is the Painting Third who maintain the sides of the ship and is responsible for the sail and paint lockers. The Wyatt Earps of the sliip make up Fourth Division and are in charge of all gun mounts and firearms. The Fire Controlmen of this division operate, maintain and repair the fire control radars, and fire control systems. Fifth Division ranks supreme among the elite of the deck force, the Salty Fifth being responsible for the complete maintenance and operation of all boats while both in the water and out. From the Foc ' sle to the fantail, hard work from the Gentlemen of deck have helped to make FRAN- CIS MARION the outstanding ship she is. It you don ' t believe it, just ask any man on the deck force.