George Clymer (APA 27) - Naval Cruise Book

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AMPHIBIOUS FORCE SEVENTH FLEET Recognizinp; the need for a peniiaiientlx deployed Ampliihious Command in the Western Pacific, the Chief of Naval Operations in the fall of l ' J61 designated Commander Amphibious Group One as Commander Amphibious Force, U. S. SEV- ENTH FLEET. The staff is now home ported at Subic Bav. Luzon. Republic of the Philippines. This force serves as a visible and significant reminder that the I nited States stands ready to honor its commitments to SEATO and with all allies in the Far East. The force, with its normal composition including a versatile assembly of ships, continues to fulfill its mission for movement of troops as required, and maintains its readiness to conduct amphibious operations in any area throughout the Western Pacific. A portion of the ships are kept combat loaded at all times, with troops and equipment ready for immediate action whenever or wherever needed. In addition, the experience and readiness of the force is continuously enhanced by training exercises with our allies. All units are prejiared and available on call to carry out the traditions of Readv First. The Third Marine Division is the ground nniscle of the Fleet Marine Force, Seventh Fleet. Located for the most part on Okinawa, tiie Third Marine Division is the ground assault force that would be utilized by Commander. Seventh Fleet, in any trouble spot in the Far East. One Battalion Landing Team from the Division is embarked in ships of the Amphibious Readv Force at all times. This often includes an LPH ( amphibious assault ship) with a Marine helicopter squadron, adding a vertical assault capability to this ready force. The primary mission of the First Marine Aircraft Wing, witii Headquarters at Iwakuni, Japan, is to provide close air support and transport capabilities for the Third Marine Division, and to provide a variety of air operations, as required, in support of the Seventh Fleet.

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REAR ADMIRAL F. J. BLOUIN. USN COMMANDER AMPHIBIOUS FORCE. U. S. SEVENTH FLEET Francis J. Blouin was born in Northbridge. Massachusetts, on July 23. 1910. He attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute prior to his appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy in 1929. He was graduated and commissioned as an Ensign on June 1. 1933. and subsequently advanced to the rank of Rear Admiral on July 1. 1960. His career at sea has been highly versatile including tours of duty on the battleship, NEW MEXICO, the destroyers. OVERTON. MONAGHAN. and COLE, and the heavy cruiser. TUSCALOOSA, in the Atlantic. He served in the Office of Communications, Chief of Naval Operations, during the early period of World War II. then returned to sea in 1944 as Commanding Officer of the destroyers. STERETT and INGERSOLL. followed bv a tour as executive officer of the cruiser. USS MANCHESTER. After a vear of post graduate training at the Naval ar College in 1948. he served as . ide to Fleet Admiral W. D. Leahy, then Chief of Staff to the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States. In 1949-50 he was Director of the Legislative Division. Bureau of Naval Personnel, then successively. Commander Escort Destroyer Division 12 at sea during the Korean hostilities, on the staff of the Commander in Chief. U. S. Pacific Fleet, and in 1954 on the Joint Staff. Joint Chiefs of Staff. Washington. D. C. He commanded the amphibious force flagship MOUNT McKINLEY from October 1957 until Decem- ber 1958. during which time he participated in Sixth Fleet Operations during the Lebanon crisis, then became Commander Amphibious Squadron Four and also served as Commander Amphibious Force Sixth Fleet. Following promotion to flag rank. Admiral Blouin has served as an assistant to the Director of Strategic Plans. CNO. as Deputy Secretary to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and as Secretary. Joint Chiefs of Staff, until August 1. 1961. when he assumed duties as Commander Amphibious Group One and Commander Amphibious Force, U. S. Seventh Fleet.

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F I R S T D I V I S I o N First Row: Sandau. G. R., Fesler, J. L., Carpenter, L. W,, Smith. B. H. Second Row: Hacker C. (n), Valdez, J. R.. Dunger. J. H., Flowers, J. R., Goodwill, J. F., McNeely, C. D. Third Row: Bolev, J. E.. Sliatzer. J. D., Mack, J. E., McNeeley, R. D. First Roic: ENS E. W. Larisrh, Tompkins, G. I.. Brockman, J. B. Second Row: Birt. J. A,. Tucker, R. L., Carman. J. E., McCaslin, D. S.. Lomax. W. C. I not pictured ( First Division does its share Of picking boats into the air; Putting them in skids or sea . . . A lovely life on the Gorgeous G ! ! Our booms of 10 — and 30 tons Are a constant source of good clean fun. Dropping the anchor is enjoyable too, As is working with equipment that ' s new. Firing the guns during general quarters; Washing down with salt or fresh water ; Painting and chipping in all of our spaces: Trying to stay in the First John ' s good graces; Smiling back at friendly Marines; Then having to clean out their dirty latrines: These things make the life of a bos ' un mate Something that ' s really fantastically great!