Long Beach (CGN 9) - Naval Cruise Book

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CAPT. K. C. WALLACE Captain Kenneth C. Wallace was born on 30 July 1920 in New London, Connecticut. After graduating from Coronado High School in Coronado, California. Captain Wallace entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1939. He graduated and was commissioned an Ensign in June 1942 and subsequently advanced to the rank of Rear Admiral in July 1968. His first sea duty was on board the USS PERRY QDMS-171. In September 1944, he became Gunnery Officer and later Executive Officer aboard USS WADLEIGH CDD-6897 where he remained for the remainder of World War II. until May 1946. During the war, Captain Wallace participated in nine major campaigns. After serving aboard the USS BUCK QDD-7615 until December 1946 and aboard the USS BORDE- LEON QDDR-8817 until June 1947, he assumed suc- cessive duties as Flag Lieutenant to Commander Cruiser Division Three and to Commander, Pacific Training, until July 1949. In July of 1950 Captain Wallace attended the U.S., Naval Postgraduate School at Annapolis, Maryland, before attending M.I.T. He graduated with a Master of Science Degree from M.I.T. in Electrical Engi- neering tFire Controll in July 1952. He then reported to the USS MACON CCA-1323 as Gunnery Officer and in August of 1953, assumed command of the USS GEORGE KDE-6973 for the duration of the Ko- rean War. Captain Wallace's next assignments were with the U.S. Naval Ordnance Test Station, China Lake. California, followed by the U.S. Army Com- mand and General Staff College for a period of one year. In October 1958 he served aboard the USS OB- SERVATION ISLAND QEAG-1549 as Weapons Of- ficer and in June 1960, assumed command of the USS MANLEY LDD-9407. In July 1964, Captain Wallace returned to the USS OBSERVATION ISLAND as Command Of- ficer and was relieved in January 1965 to commence a one year course of instruction in Nuclear Power at Vallejo, California. This six month course was followed by six months at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit at Idaho Falls, Idaho. Captain Wallace assumed command of the LONG BEACH on 23 August 1966 at Long Beach, Califore nia. He was in command when the LONG BEACH made her first deployment in November 1966 and remained until her first line period during her, sec- ond deployment. He was relieved on 15 June 1968 in Subic Bay, Philippine Islands and reported to the Strategic Plans and Policy Division of the Chief of Naval Operations. Captain Wallace has been awarded the following medals and decorations: American Defense, Ameri- can Theater, Asiatic-Pacific: World War II Cam- paign, World War II Victory, China Service, Navy Occupation, National Defense, Philippine Libera- tors, United Nations, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit. COMMANDING OFFICER

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CAPT. W. A. SPENCER On June 15, 1968, Captain William A. Spencer relieved Captain Kenneth C. Wallace of command of the LONG BEACH, becoming the fourth skipper of the 721-foot cruiser. Returning for the second time, Captain Spencer was the commissioning Engineer and remained with the LONG BEACH until July 1963. Born in St. Charles, Minnesota on 21 June 1924 of the late Mr. and Mrs. John E. Spencer, he entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1943. He graduated and was commissioned an Ensign on 5 June 1946. He was subsequently advanced to the rank of Captain on 1 July 1967. Captain Spencer's first duty station was on board the USS O'BRIEN QDD-7255. This was followed by service with the USS R. K. HUNTINGTON CDD-7815, .the USS INGRAHAM HDD-6945, and as Operations Officer on the staff of Commander Escort Squadron Eight. In September of 1952 Captain Spencer attended the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, for two years and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. In October of 1955 he 'became Electrical Officer for the commissioning crew of the USS FORRESTAL CCVA-595 and remained aboard until June 1957. The following month he reported to the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Idaho Falls, Idaho, as a student. He was then assigned as Chief Engineer for initial critical operations of surface prototype nuclear re- actor plant in January 1958. COMMANDING OFFICER Captain Spencer's next assignments were with the USS LONG BEACH CCG tNJ9D and the USS BAIN- BRIDGE CDLGCN 5253. This three year tour included duty with the Sixth Fleet, as a unit of Nuclear Task Force One in the round-the-world cruise, and with the Seventh Fleet. He assumed command of the USS BUCHANAN CDDG-145 in October of 1966 while on station with the Seventh Fleet. In December 1967 the reported to the Strategic Plans and Policy Division of the Chief of Naval Operations. Captain Spencer assumed command of the LONG BEACH on 15 June 1968. Change of command was held in Subic Bay, Philippine Islands, during the ship's deployment to the Western Pacific. During his naval career Captain Spencer has earned the following awards: American Theater, World War II Victory, China Service, Navy Occu- pation, National Defense and the Vietnam Service medal.