King (DLG 10) - Naval Cruise Book

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HISTORY OF USS KING QDLG-101 KING was authorized by Congress in the 1956 Shipbuilding Program. Her keel was laid on 1 March 1957 at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington. KING was launched on 6 December 1958, comissioned on 17 November 1960, and proudly took her place in the Navy as the first ship named after Fleet Admiral Ernest J. KING. Fleet Admiral KING was born in Lorain, Ohio on November 23, 1878. He attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating with distinction in 1901 to commence a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and the United States Navy. Fleet Admiral KING served in USS SAN FRANCISCO as a Naval Cadet in the Spanish American War. He was awarded the Navy Cross for distinguished service during World War I as Assistant Chief of Staff for the Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Atlantic Fleet. In 1927, Admiral KING completed flight training at Pensacola, Florida and was designated a Naval Aviator. There followed tours of duty in various aircraft squadrons and command of the aircraft carrier LEXINGTON in 1930. He was promoted to the rank of Admiral in 1933 and was designated Commander Aircraft Battle Force in 1938 with the rank of Vice Admiral. He later served as Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet. This job was combined in 1942 with that of the Chief of Naval Operations and the Senate confirmed his appointment to that post for a term of 4 years in March, 1942. On December 15, 1944 Admiral KING was promoted to the highest grade in the Navy - the five star rank of Fleet Admiral. The Guided Missile Frigate is designed to provide Fast Carrier Striking Forces with anti-aircraft and anti-submarine defenses. In order to accomplish this mission, KING is equipped with the latest technological developments in air search radars and sonar to detect the enemy, together with the most advanced anti-aircraft and anti-submarine missiles with which to destroy him. Additionally, KING is one of the first ships to be equipped with the Naval Tactical Data System lNTDSi, a high speed digital computer complex which has revolutionized the concept of anti-air warfare. The KING is 512 feet long and has a beam of 52 feet. Fully loaded, she displaces 5600 tons and with her high pressure steam turbines is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots. She possesses the latest habitability features designed for the comfort of her crew. KING's main armament is her TERRIER missile system. The TERRIER is a surface-to-air, supersonic, solid propellant missile capable of intercepting and destroying any present-day aircraft. The missiles are backed up by four 3 !50 caliber guns and one 5 !54 caliber gun for defense against enemy air and surface units. KING's anti-submarine capability consists of the potent ASROC fAnti-Submarine Rocketl system and two, triple-tube torpedo launchers. These weapons systems, combined with the ship's speed, maneuverability, and underwater detection equipment give KING a formidable anti-submarine war- fare potential. KING has served in five deployments to the Western PacificfSoutheastern Asia area since com- missioning, the latest period having been completed in March 1968. She has earned the National Defense Service Medal, The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Viet Nam Service Medal, and the Republic of Viet Nam Medal during these tours of duty. While serving in these deployments KING was an integral part of the U. S. SEVENTH Fleet. KING is currently commanded by Commander William L. READ, U. S. Navy, who is the Sixth Commanding Officer to take KING down to the sea, having assumed command on 3 December 1966.

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COMMA DI G OFFICER COMMANDER WILLIAM L. READ, USN Commander READ attended the University of Illinois and Columbia University as an Undergraduate be- fore entering the United States Naval Academy in 1945. He was graduated and commissioned on 3 June 1949. His operational experience as a naval officer has been gained in destroyer and amphibious type ships. He has served in the USS BROWNSON QDD-8681, USS MOUNT OLYMPUS QAGC-83, and USS JONAS INGRAM QDD-9381. From 1961 to 1963 he commanded USS VAN VOORHIS QDE-10283. Commander READ is a graduate of the United States Naval War College. His shore assignments have in- cluded work in the Bureau of Naval Personnel involving special studies of the Navy promotion machinery and also as Flag Secretary to the Commander of the Atlantic Fleet Destroyer Force. Prior to reporting to his present command, USS KING, he served as a military assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense in Washington. Commander READ is married to the former Martha Miller of Hinsdale, Illinois. They have three chil- dren and reside in San Diego, California. CA PTAlN'S MESSAGE Our 67-68 cruise in Viet Nam waters was a memorable one for me and a highlight in my naval career. It T th has been an honor to serve as your Captain and to participate with you in King's fine achievements. oge 'd a owerful unit of sea power in support of our country's er we functioned as an effective team to provi e p . . . . d. .d 1 C H- objectives. That fact is most gratifying to me as it must be to you. To each of you for your in 1v1 ua o tribution to this accomplishment, my admiration and respect!