Isle Royale (AD 29) - Naval Cruise Book

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EXECUTIVE OFFICER Despite changed schedules, weather which made working conditions difficult, and a new environment for many the can-do spirit in ISLE ROYALE has shown that we have ' The Best Tender in the Navy . To the officers and men who serve on her, my thanks for making this period as your Executive Officer such a pleasant and memorable one. ■ oixM Xl-.

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On the conclusion of ISLE ROYALE ' s first de- ployment to the Far East, which began in August, 196J and ended in March, 1966, it is considered ap- propriate to reflect on her accomplishments and performance during this period. Originally scheduled for a short deployment to Hawaii, on arrival there we learned that urgent needs for our services by the SEVENTH Fleet neccessitated immediate departure for the Western Pacific. Though somewhat inconvenienced bv this sudden change, we put personal desires aside and set out upon our newly assigned mission with vigor and determination. From the Philippines to Taiwan to Japan, ships of the SEVENTH Fleet soon found that they could depend on receiving positive high quality tender support whenever ISLE ROYALE was about. Throughout these long arduous months, with many hours of overtime be- ing the routine rather than the exception, ISLE ROYALE men consistently performed their duties in a magnificent ungrudging manner. A strong sense of accomplishment prevailed in ISLE ROYALE at all times to the end that all tasks undertaken were successfully completed. The ships we serviced were uniformly praiseworthy of ISLE ROYALE ' s efforts in their behalf. Collectively, ISLE ROYALE men established what is believed to be the finest tender reputation ever enjoyed bv this tvpe ship in the U. S. Navy. To all of you, I extend mv warmest appreciation and heartfelt admiration for vour outstanding devo- tion to Dutv, Navv and Countrv. Well Done, Smooth Sailina and Good Luck. H. L. Kubel

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The USS ISLE ROYALE (AD- 29) was built by the Tacoma Division of Todd Pacific Ship- yards, Inc. at Tacoma, Wash- ington. The keel was laid 16 December 1944 and the ship was launched 19 September 1945. Following sea trials, and with only 69 hours total steam- ing time the ISLE ROYALE was placed in reserve status and moth-balled. The ISLE ROYALE is named for the Isle Royale National Park located in Lake Superior only a few miles from the Ca- nadian border. Headquarters for the Park are in Houghton, Michigan. On 9 June 1962, the ISLE ROYALE was recommissioned at the Long Beach Naval Ship- yard with RADM Frank Virden, USN, Commander, Cruiser-De- stroyer Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet as principal speaker. There followed a period of overhaul, modernization and training af- ter which on 7 December 1962, the ISLE ROYALE reported ready to tend ships. The mission of the ISLE ROYALE is to furnish repair and logistic support to vessels of the U. S. Navy. As is implied in her designation, AD, her primary function is to serve as a tender for destroyers but she stands ready to repair and furnish services for various types of vessels on emergency request. The ISLE ROYALE has the following specific tasks : 1. To provide the necessary shops and material for the test and overhaul of equipment and the accomplishment of repairs and thus to improve the material readiness of destroyer-type ships not requiring the facilities of a shipyard- 2. To provide services to ships alongside undergoing repairs. 3. To stock and issue tender spares and replenish ammunition for destroyer-type ships. 4. To accomplish alterations, ordalts and field changes within the capabilities of the forces afloat. g. To provide limited self-defense against enemy air and light surface attack. 6. To provide limited supply facilities to forces afloat. 1-. - --iS- -- -.? ••• •■■■ ' i.- --- ' --t ji ijllii ' ' :. ■M 7 - r -!■■:■: .;,, j ' -,.