McGinty (DE 365) - Naval Cruise Book

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JACK E. BERGLUND, CDR,USNR Executive Officer It was my pleasure to have been assigned to the McGinty in August, 1961, shortly before our activation. Upon recall, it was quite apparent to all hands that we had inherited a big job. The splendid manner in which this crew tackled all problems from reconstruction of the ship and underway training through fleet operations, frequently doing all simultaneously, has been greatly appre- ciated. My evaluation of this crew, as has been previously stated, is: It has been my privilege to be a member of the crew of the U.S.S. McGinty. In departing, my best wishes are extended to the ship, its crew, and to each of you on your individual endeavors. Sincerely, Jack E. Berglund, Executive Officer

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COMMANDING OFFICER USS McGINTY (DE-36S) 1 August 1962 Hoping we ' ll see each other again - - - it has been a real personal satisfaction to me to have served with such an outstanding , loyal group of officers and men as we have on the Mc Ginty. judging by the letters and messages received from the president, Fleet, Task Group , and Squadron Commanders , we must have performed well in all respects. Besides the hard work, there were memories of fun, comradeship and adventure that a sailor always finds and enjoys and that we will forever treasure. This cruise was unique in that you are among the few who received the call to duty; that in the opinion of those who should know, pre- vented a shooting war and thus prevented the call up of many other citzen-sailors , soldiers and airmen. In the words of Churchill to be a Reservist is to be a citzen twice and your devotion to duty and patrotism should be gratifying to you. Best of luck and sincerest wishes to you, who are receiving and deserve the thanks of a grateful nation. Respectfully hf AAKHUS

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BLACK MONDAY ? October 1961 + u T] s . - was lL After several y ears of weekend drills and 2-week training cruises the effectiveness of the selected reserve program was being put to the test. Tensions in Berlin had risen to a new high; Communist aggressions has been stepped up with renewed vigor in Africa, Laos, Viet-Nam and, to a lesser degree, in numerous other areas that a short while before were familiar only to readers of National Geo- graphic. The President decided that the time had come to react with a show of force instead of a show of words. And the Mighty Magoo, together with 39 other reserve training ships, was activated. For many of the men this was to be an entirely new experience. For others —veterans of the Korean Conflict and World War II— it was old hat. Some had been released from active duty only scant months earlier, which others had been out for as long as 12 years. But for everyone it meant the hardship of leaving iobs, families and friends. On the pier at Swan Island a generous crowd had gathered for the recommis- sioning ceremonies. The history of the McGinty was read, farewell speeches by the Mayor of the city of Portland and representatives of the state and the Navy League «?u? J i made ' and fmall - v Rear Admiral William A. Stuart, Commander Fleet Air, Whidby Island, officially proclaimed the ship back in the Navy, and the commis- sioning pennant was hoisted to the top of the mast. The following day, with a huge belch of black soot that coated several hundred tearful spectators with a quarter-inch of residue, the McGinty started its last trip up the Columbia for many months. The Civilian Navy was off to war. Here, in pictures, in an account of the travels of the McGinty— the ports of call, shipboard scenes, and the men who made the 31,000-mile cruise an unforgettable experience. History will decide whether or not the recall was necessary, but in future years, when you wipe the dust from this cruise book and glance through it, you can do so with the knowledge that you were part of the team that performed in outstanding fashion all the way.