Henry Wilson (DDG 7) - Naval Cruise Book

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FROM THE COMMANDING OFFICER USS HENRY B. WILSON ■s operations with the United States SEVENTH Fleet in the Western Pacific demonstrated anew the flexibility, mobility and capability of the guided missile destroyer. WILSON steamed into the proud pages of Naval history during this deployment. Operations EAGLE PULL and FREQUENT WIND saw the successful evacuation of thousands of United States citizens from the jaws of im- minent disaster in Cambodia and Vietnam and the rescue of tens of thousands of refugees from the sea. For these actions and countless others, thousands of people are alive today thanks to your superb teamwork. Our proudest moments together will forever be associated with our successful recovery of the SS MAYAGUEZ and her crew from Cambodian Navy hi- jackers. Shining through this fierce combat action was the performance of our armed gig, whose intrepid heroes risked their lives against a formidable foe to ensure the safe evacuation of our Marines from Kas Tang Island. Every patriot in our nation thrilled when WILSON an- nounced to the world that the entire crew of the MAYAGUEZ was safely aboard the WILSON. The Cambodians and other would-be pirates were given a painful lesson for having dared to seize an American Flag vessel on the high seas. When not working hard and fighting hard we played hard in Manila, Hong Kong, Olongapo, Kaohsiung, Yokosuka, Adak, Esquimalt and Vancouver. In joint operations with the navies of Philippines, Great Britain, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of China you made major contributions to strengthening the free worlds capability to deter and defend against other governments who would change our way of life by force, as we saw tragically demonstrated in Cambodia and Vietnam. A ship, particularly a destroyer, reflects the capabilities of the crew which mans her. The magnificent achievements of WILSON during this deployment cruise are your achievements. You were bold, daring, resourceful and always ready for anything no matter how tough the actions. I say to all WILSON men, WELL DONE.

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COMMANDER J USN Commanding 0££icer M. RODGERS, Commander J. M. RODGERS. USN, was born in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from Bowdoin College, Maine in 1960 receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree with major con- centration in the field of English Literature. He received his commission in the United States Navy on March 3rd 1961 after graduating from the Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. In addition to HENRY B. WILSON. Commander RODGERS has served as Commanding Officer of USS BAUER (DE-1025) and USSREXBURG (PCER-855). Additional sea tours have been as Weapons Officer in USS HARWOOD (DD-861). Engineering Officer in USS SEMMES {DDG-18) and Assistant Fleet Intelligence Officer of Commander United States SIXTH Fleet. Shore duty has consisted of professional education at the Naval Destroyer School, Newport, R.I., the Defense Intelligence School, Washington, D.C., and a year of study at the USAF Air Command and Staff College in Montgomery, Alabama. He holds a sub- specialty designation in Defense Intelligence.

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CAPTAIN A. M. OSBORNE, USN Commander, Destroyer Squadron SEVENTEEN Captain OSBORNE first served in destroyers as an En- sign in 1953 when he was assigned as Anti-Submarine Warfare and Torpedo Officer in USS AMMEN (DD- 527). During his next tour of sea duty he served as Main Propulsion Assistant in USS BOXER (LPH-4). Subsequent sea tours included Operations Officer in USS DALE (DLG-19). Executive Officer in USS BERKELEY (DDG-15). Commanding Officer of USS BRADLEY (DE-1041) and Surface Operations Officer for Commander Carrier Division THREE. Captain OSBORNE was a plankowner in DALE. Captain OSBORNE has served in a variety of shore assignments including Instructor of Midshipment at the U. S. Naval Academy. Systems Analyst during the programming of the computer system for the National Emergency Command Post Afloat at the Naval Elec- tronics Laboratory. San Diego, and as Head, Surface Junior Officer Assignment Section in the Bureau of Naval Personnel. Staff assignments include duty as Flag Lieutenant to Commander Amphibious Force, Pacific and Special Augmentation Officer to Commander Destroyer Squadron FIFTEEN Staff for the resumption of the Tonkin Gulf patrol in 1964.