Leftwich (DD 984) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 10 text:

t Commanding Officer Commander James L. Burke Commander James Lawrence Burke was graduated from the City University of New York in June 1964 and received his commission from the Officer Candidate School in October of that year. Previous assignments in the destroyer force include: Executive Officer, USS BRADLEY (FF-1041); Engineer Officer, USS RAMSEY (DEC-2); Communications and CIC Officer, USS CARCIA (DE-1040); and Operations and Supply Officer, USS DARBY (DE-218). Additionally, he was Commanding Officer, USS ANTELOPE (PC-86) from 1971-1973 and served in the Republic of Vietnam as Officer in Charge of a Swift Boat from 1967-1968. Other assignments include tours ashore as Director of Training, Fleet Combat Training Center Pacific and Aide and Flag Secretary to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Japan. Commander Burke attended the U.S. Naval Destroyer School and is a graduate of the Command and Staff Course at the Naval War College. His military decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V , the Navy Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Commander Burke is married to the former Jane Margaret Brodahl of West Covina, California. They and their three sons, Jim Jr., John, and Michael, reside in Fletcher Hills. 6

Page 9 text:

The The colors blue and red are symbolic of loyalty and courage, attributes of Lt. Col. Leftwich who was killed in action in Vietnam. The areas of blue refer to the lowlands or delta areas of Vietnam and the yellow sections rising toward center allude to the highlands. The chevron-like shape, simulating a mountain, stands as a symbol of Lt. Col. Leftwich's courageous effort during an emergency extraction by helicopter from enemy infested territory during which he met his death. The vertical band refers to the numerical designation of the First Marine Division, the organization with which he served. The gold stars allude to the awards of the Legion of Merit, and the silver star in base to the posthumous award of the Silver Star Medal. The gold cross patty represents the award of the Navy Cross. The trident and dolphins are symbolic of vigilance and maritime dominance. Design Characteristics Built by .......................................... Ingalls Shipbuilding Division of Litton Industries Pascagoula, Mississippi Keel Laid ........................................... 12 November 1976 Christened ............................................ 27 May 1978 Commissioned ......................................... 25 August 1979 Sponsor .................................. Mrs. Jane (Leftwich) Michael Length ............................................... 563 Feet 4 Inches Beam ......................................................... 55 Feet Draft ........................................................ 29 Feet Displacement ............................................... 7800 Tons Complement ............................................. Officers — 19 Enlisted — 245 Speed ....................................................... 30+ Knots Armament ............................. Two 5 inch 54 Cal. Cun Mounts MK 112 ASROC Launcher Two MK 32 Torpedo Tubes NATO Seasparrow Harpoon Aircraft .......................... One SH-3 or Two SH-2 Helicopters Propulsion ....................... Four General Electric LM 2500 Marine Cas Turbine Engines (Total - 80,000 Shaft Horsepower) Ship's Crest Ship

Page 11 text:

a Commander Lewis Keith Athon was graduated from the University of Idaho in June 1969 and received his commission via the Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps at the same time. Previous sea assignments include: Engineer Officer, USS RICHMOND K. TURNER (CC-20); Auxiliaries Officer, USS CORAL SEA (CV 43); Material Officer, COMDESRON Thirty-one staff; and Main Propulsion Assistant, USS WADDELL (DDG-24). Other assignments include the Naval Postgraduate School where he received a Master of Science degree in Physics in the Weapons Systems Engineering Curriculum, and 3M Officer on COMCRUDESPAC Staff. His military decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V” and the Combat Action Ribbon. Commander Athon is married to the former Janice Lynn Hilgesen of Castro Valley, California. They and their son, Michael, live in Chula Vista. Executive Officer Commander Lewis K. Athon 7