Manchester (CL 83) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 38 text:

COMMANDER TASK FORCE 72 The Manchester steamed into Keelung harbor on October 29th to take the Saint Paul ' s place, and Captain Parks relieved Rear Admiral Binford as CTF 72 — and as the Seventh Fleet representative in Formosa. Soon we took command of four patrolling destroyers: the Hollister, Knox, McKean, and Ozbourn, and the fleet oiler Ashtabula. For awhile it seemed that our job would not be particularly difficult, and the men of the Manchester were des- tined to make the best of it . . . Captain Parks with the mayor of Keelung.

Page 37 text:

On the 27th of June, 1950, President Truman had made the decision: The attack upon Korea makes it plain that Communism has passed beyond the use of subversion to conquer independent nations and will now use invasion and war ... In these circumstances the occu- pation of Formosa by communist forces would be a direct threat to the security of the Pacific area and to the U. S. forces performing their lawful and necessary functions in that area. Accordingly, I have ordered- the Seventh Fleet to prevent any attack on Formosa. As a corollary of this action I am calling upon the Chinese government on For- mosa to cease all air and sea operations against the mainland. The Seventh Fleet will see that this is done . . .

Page 39 text:

' The first night in Keelung was warm and clear — ideal for our planned shenanigans on the fantail celebrating the Manchester s fourth birthday.