Keppler (DDE 765) - Naval Cruise Book

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I., WILLIAM B. BAGBEY, COMMANDER, U.S. NAVAL RESERVE COMMANDINC OFFICER, USS KEPPLER IDDE 765i KEPPLER is fortunate in having as Commanding, Officer ri man to whom destroyers have been ri home for many years. Commander Bagbey received his commission in 1942 and spent the war years aboard the USS OSMOND INGRAM IDD 255j and the USS KILLEN IDD 593j, the Iatter of which he became Executive Officer. Ifie took part in the Leyte Invasion, the battle of Surigao Straits, the Invasions of Brunei Bay and Borneo, and the Occupation of NorthernJanan.After:I period of inactive duty during which time he distinguished him- self in the training of Reserve units, he was recalled to destroyers, the USS DORTCII IDD 6701 as Executive Officer in 1951. Following this, Commander Bagbey served in Ger- many as Officer-in-Charge of the Navy Section of MAAC- FRG, an organization which helped train West German Navy personnel on American rninesweepers and destroyers. Coni- rnanderihgbeybeerime the Commanding Officer of KEFPLER in 1958. Commander and Mrs. Bzlgbey have three young sons and reside in Newport, R.I. 4 '41-'fx

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U. S. S. KEPPLER CDDE-765i CAR: or FLHT Pon OFFICE Nzw Yonx. Nzw Yonx '24 August 1960 From: Commanding Officer, USS KEPPLER QDDE 7655 To: The crew of the KEPPLER Subj: The Med Cruise of 1960 l. It gives me much pleasure to commend the crew of KEPPLER for their fine performance of duty and their conduct ashore during our deployment with the SIXTH Fleet. Ihope you enjoyed the opportunity of visiting the Mediter- ranean and at the same time have an increased awareness of the need for strong U.S. naval forces in this strategic area. 2. With our return to the United States l will be bidding you farewell. The last two years since taking command in Kingston, Jamaica, on 13 September 1958, have been full of rewarding experiences. We have had a fine group of officers and men aboard but l would especially like to express my appreciation to the Chief Petty Officers. l have never served with a finer group. 3. You can look forward now to PRAM and an almost rebuilt ship which should solve many of the problems that have beset us in the last two years. 4. KEPPLER will always be in my heart and I wish all of you smooth sailing over the years. i ef? 5 . , U.