Lenawee (APA 195) - Naval Cruise Book

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CAPTAIN BAGBY was graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1938. In 1941, after a period of duty in combatant surface ships, he entered the Submarine Sei-vice. During World War II he sei-ved continuously in submarines, having command of the USS BANG (SS-385) as the War ended. Subsequently he commanded the San Diego based submarine CHARR (SS-328) and later Sub- marine Division 22 at New London. Connecticut. He also served in the Bureau of Naval Personnel, on the staff of COMSUBLANT, on die staff of the Naval Postgraduate School at Monterey and attended the Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Island. His last duty was as Chief of Staff, Navy Section, Joint U. S. Military Mission for Aid to Turkey. He has been awarded two Silver Star medals, two Bronze Star medals, and two Navy Commendation Ribbons. CAPTAIN BAGBY assumed command of the LENAWEE on 20 Januaiy 1961. He was relieved by Captain Thienes and departed for command duty aboard USS HELENA (CA-75) on 5 April 1962. COMMANDER WESSINGER attended Newberry College, South Carolina. Entering the Naval Sei-vice in September of 1935 his first seven years were served in an enlisted status. Ships included USS TRENTON, USS UTAH, and USS MEDUSA. He was at Pearl Harbor at the time of the Japanese attack on Decem- ber 7, 1941. Commissioned as ensign in June of 1942 he served aboard USS LST 390 as 1st Lieutenant, Executive Officer and Commanding Officer. He participated in the invasions of Russels, Rhendova, Wood Lark, Sas- sevello, Velle le Velle, Bougainville. Treasury Island, and the Saipan Islands. COMMANDER WESSINGER served as Command- ing Officer of the U. S. Navy and Marine Corps Re- serve Training Center, Durham, North Carolina, from 19.S6 to 1958. He served as Administration Officer and Chief of Staff at Texas Group, Atlantic Reserve Fleet prior to his present tour of duty. His awards in- clude Commendation Ribbon, Good Conduct, Presi- dential Unit Citation, American Defense Service Award. Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Navy Occu- pation Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. COMMANDER WESSINGER became the LENA- WEE Executive Officer on 25 August 1961.

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CHARACTERISTICS 1. Length — 155 feet 2. Width — 63 feet 3. Armament — 5 mounts of 10mm 19 Landing; Craft Vehicle. Personnel 2 Landing Craft Mechanized 1 Captain ' s Gig (LCPL) 1 Light Salvage Boat (LCPR) 1 Landing Control Boat (LCPL) 4. Maximum Speed — 18 knots 5. Horse Power — 8,500 6. Displacement — 9,000 tons 7. Troop Carrying Capacity 100 Officers 1400 Enlisted 8. Crew — 30 Officers. 340 Enlisted 9. Cargo Capacity — 105.000 cu. ft. MISSION AND ORGANIZATION THE LENAWEE ' S MISSION IS TO LOAD. TRANSPORT AND LAND TROOPS AND CARGO WHENEVER AND WHEREVER AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT OPERATIONS ARE REQUIRED ADMINISTRATIVELY under the Captain and the Executive Officer The Ship is divided into seven departments: ADMINISTRATION AND MASTER AT ARMS. OPERATIONS.DECK. ENGINEERING, NAVIGATION, SUPPLY, AND MEDICAL. Tmi , » •

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CAPTAIN THIENES attended the College of St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1941 he completed flight training at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, where he subsequently sei-ved as Flight Instmctor for the following two years. Sei ving as Operations Officer in Fighting Squadron Three until Januaiy of 1945 he distinguished himself and the Naval Service by the miraculous landing of his crippled fighter, while sev- erely wounded and almost completely blinded, on board the carrier YORKTOWN. This stoiy is told in detail in the August 1945 Readers Digest article A Couple of Lollypops. Captain Thienes has been awarded the Silver Star, Air Medal. Purple Heai1 and numerous campaign medals. In 1952 CAPTAIN THIENES sei-ved as Flag Sec- retaiy to Staff, Carrier Division 15. During the years 1953-4 he served as Executive Officer aboard the USS JOHN R. CRAIG and from 1956 to 1958 as Commanding Officer of the USS HENRY W. TUCKER (DDR 875). As Operation and Plans Training Officer for Staff of Amphibious Group I, CAPTAIN THIENES par- ticipated in the organization and implementation of Operation TULUNGAN. Tlie Captain assumed command of the LENAWEE on 5 April 1962.