La Salle (AGF 3) - Naval Cruise Book

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CAPTAIN ALLEN SMITH, III CHIEF OF STAFF COMMANDER MIDDLE EAST FORCE Captain Allen Smith, III. was graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree and was commissioned an ensign on 4 June 1954. His first assignment was on board the destroyer escort USS DAMATO where he served as the antisubmarine warfare officer. Additional shipboard assignments include commanding officer of the minesweeper USS AFFRAY and the guided missile destroyer USS BARNEY, executive officer of the guided missile frigate USS BIDDLE, and operations officer navigator on the destroyer USS R K HUNTINGTON Following graduation from the Naval War College in Newport, R.I , in 1965 he reported to Washington, DC, where he became the strategic plans officer in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Captain Smith returned to Washington in 1972 to assume the post of special assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research and Development) In October 1974. he returned to the Office of CNO where he became the PHfvl ship coordinator Captain Smith is married to the former Donna Rae James and they have three daughters and twin sons The Smiths ' now reside in Springfield, Va Captain Smith has twice received the Navy Commendation fvledal with Combat V

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COMMANDER ROBERT J. AIELLO EXECUTIVE OFFICER Following graduation from San Jose State College in 1957, Commander Robert J Aiello received his commission from Officer Candidate School in Newport. Rhode Island- His first operational tours were served on board the heavy cruiser USS SAINT PAUL and the destroyer escort USS CURRIER, He was assigned as radio officer and operations communications officer respectively Commander Aiello also served on the destroyer USS RUPERTUS as operations officer. He served on the Commander Destroyer Squadron Three Staff as chief of staff and operations officer over a year in the northern area of the Gulf of Tonkin In 1970. Commander Aiello served as the executive officer of the oiler USS MATTAPONI and was later executive officer of the destroyer tender USS SAMUEL GOMPERS Commander Aiello has been awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of a second award, the Navy Achievement Medal; Combat Action Ribbon. Meritorious Unit Commendation (with two bronze stars), and various other campaign and service awards. He IS married to the former Barbara Taylor and they have three sons and a daughter The Aiellos ' now live in Bonita. California,

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STAFF OF COMMANDER MIDDLE EAST FORCE r . ' i f Established 1 January 1949. the Middle East Force is one of the US Navy ' s smallest major commands in terms of ships assigned Normally comprised of a flagship and two frigate destroyers, the force operates in an area of more than eight million square miles of international waters, encompassing numerous islands and bound by 30 countries To cover this vast area. fvlEF ships are deployed independently on a rotating basis to the Persian Gulf, Red Sea and eastern Indian Ocean. Commander Middle East Force further extends his coverage by traveling via flag aircraft to inland capitals and other important cities, meeting with government and military leaders and U.S. diplomatic representatives A primary mission of MEF is to promote goodwill, understanding and mutual respect and acceptance between Americans and the people of countries visited by ships of the force. CDR CLINTON D SCHNEIDER CDR JOHN GOSH-BARKER, MC CDR JOSEPH A BROWN