Massachusetts Maritime Academy - Muster Yearbook (Buzzards Bay, MA)

Page 7 text:

To our Superintendent: Captain Claude O. Bassett was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in 1903 from which he was graduated with the Class of 1907. After serving on the USS CHICAGO, ST. LOUIS and CHARLESTOWN he resigned from the Navy. Re-entering the service in 1 9 I 7, he served as aide to Admiral Coontz, Commandant of the I 3th Naval District at Bremerton, Washington. Later he was ordered to the USS IDAHO as Watch and Division Officer, and then to the USS COLUMBIA as Senior Engineering Officer. On being released from active duty he joined the Babcock and Wilcox Company, but continued to be active in the Naval Reserve, serving the greater part of the time as Commanding Officer of the Second Division, First Naval District. He returned to active duty in October, 1941 , being assigned to the First Naval District Headquarters, with additional duty at the Massachu- setts Maritime Academy, and ordered to that duty by the Chief of Naval Personnel. It is to this man who has given the Academy leadership, and the example of a true officer and gentleman; that We, the Class of June, 1 945 respectfully dedicate this book. 3

Page 9 text:

Members of the Class of June 1945. It is with sincere regret and pride that the Superintendent and his staff wish you well and farewell. Regret, at having to lose your splendid enthusiasm, cooperation and accomplishment. Pride, for having had a hand in assisting you toward your goal of becoming officers and men. Your life here at the Academy as Midshipmen imposed many restric- tions on your liberties and demands on your efforts. These were designed to prepare you for the sacrifices and the efforts you will be called upon to make in your capacity as officers in the Merchant Marine and the Navy. The splendid record of the graduates who have preceded you may well be taken as a forecast of the success which will one day be yours. Your training here has been basic and fundamental. The careers which you will build upon it depend in a large measure upon those qualities which have ever been characteristic of the best leadership in America, namely: high moral character, personal integrity, perseverance, initiative, courage, loyalty, and the will to succeed. Your actions, your thoughts, and your efforts can be a tremendous influence in helping to mould the kind of world for which we are fighting. Keep your sense of humor and balance. Be tolerant, be fair. We are confident that you have what it takes. And now — farewell, good fortune, and God speed; both for the duration and the more difficult time there is to follow. C. O. BASSETT, Captain, USNR Superintendent 5