McInerney (FFG 8) - Naval Cruise Book

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Vice Admiral Francis Xavier Mclnerney Francis X. Mclnemey was bom on 28 March 1899 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was commissioned from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1929. As a junior officer, his tours included the ships, USS NEW MEXICO, USS BURNS, USS WILLIAMSON and USS DOBBIN. In 1935 he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws from George Washington University Law School. Subsequent tours included USS CONCORD, and instructor at the Post-Graduate school, Annapolis, Maryland. VADM Mclnerney assumed command of USS SMITH in May 1940, and was commanding that destroyer when the United States entered World War 11. Later he was assigned to the ANZAC Squadron in the South Pacific and as senior officer in destroyers, participated in the early strikes in the Solomons and the Battle of the Coral Sea. In March of 1943, he assumed command of Destroyer Squadron 2 1 . He led his ships in the Solomons in the first and second battles of Kula Gulf. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat V , the Navy Cross, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Silver Star, and the legion | of Merit with Combat V . In August 1943, VADM Mclnerney was assigned as Senior Representative of Commander Destroyers in the South Pacific, and in March 1944 was named Chief of Staff for Commander Operational Training Command, Pacific Fleet. He assumed command of battleship USS WASHINGTON in June 1945. In October 1946, VADM Mclnerney reported as Commanding Officer of the Naval Receiving Station, Treasure Island, California. He assumed command of Cruiser Division Three in March 1949. In January 1950, he became Commander Amphibious Training Command Pacific Fleet. Subsequently, he commanded Amphibious Group Three, Pacific Fleet, and Service Squadron Three. VADM Mclnerney ' s operations in the Korean War as Commander Joint Amphibious Task Forces Seven, Seventy-Six and Ninety-Two earned him the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. In May 1953, he became Senior Member, Board of Naval Inspection and Survey, West Coast Section. In October 1954 he was assigned as President of the permanent General Court Martial, Eleventh Naval District. He retired from Naval service on 30 June 1955. VADM Mclnerney died on 24 June 1956 in San Francisco, California. VADM Mclnerney while serving o Officer in USS WASHINGTON (BB-56) circa 1945

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USS McINERNEY (FFG-8) USS MclNlif M ' (tl(i- X) IS ihc sco)iid liip Iniili iii ihc ()1.1 I R IIA AKI) V i class, and was the first Long Hull version of the eiass. She has been used as the class test platform for various system and updates to the class. General Characteristics: Awarded: February 27, 1976 Keel Laid: .lanuaiy 16. 1978 Launched: November 4, 1978 Commissioned: November 19, 1979 Built by: Bath Iron Works, Bath Maine She is powered by two General Electric LM 2500 Gas Turbines, and has two 350 horsepower electric drive Auxiliary Propulsion Units, and one Controllable Pitch Propeller. McINERNEY is capable of speeds greater than 28 knots. She is 453 feet long has a beam of 47 feet and a draft of 24 feet. MclNERNEY ' s Armament consists of one MK13 Guided Missile Launcher capable of firing both Standard and Harpoon missiles, one MK75 76mni rapid-firing gun, one Close. In Weapons System (CIWS), and two triple-tube MK32 ASW torpedo tubes. McINERNEY can also carry two SH 60B LAMPS 111 Helicopters. The Ship ' s Crest; MclNERNEY ' s crest symbolizes Vice Admiral Francis Xavier Mclnerney ' s successful naval career. The crest ' s navy blue and gold colors, traditionally associated with the United States Navy, represent the sea and excellence, respectively. On the golden shield, the blue colored cross shape refers to the Na y Cross VADM Mclnerney was awarded. The Taeguk in the middle of the cross alludes to the Medal of the Military Order of the Taeguk given by the Republic of Korea for his service to that Republic during the Korean War. The crests coral and fountain (a heraldic symbol for water) refer to the Battle of the Coral Sea. VADM Mclnerney was in command of the Destroyers ANZAC Force, ' which took an active role in the battle. The two swords are adapted from the Surface Warfare Insignia and refer to both the fighting spirit of the Fast Frigate and the distinguished service of the ship ' s namesake, and the two stars, representing the awards of the Silver Star and Bronze Star Medals. Finally, the ship ' s motto emblazci on the Blue and (lold Banner, savs it all: FAST, FFARLHSS. CiALLANT

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COMMANDING OFFICER CDR Richard L. Williams Jr. Commander Rick Williams is a native of Pittsford New York, and was commissioned through the University of Rochester NROTC program in 1984. He served his initial sea tour in USS TRIPPE (FF- 1075) and follow-on division officer tour onboard USS TAURUS (PHM-3). From January 1990 until June 1992, Commander Williams taught Navigation and Leadership at the U.S. Naval Academy. He also attended the University of Maiyland earning a Masters Degree in international Business. After completion of Department Head School in December 1992, Commander Williams served as Combat Systems Officer in USS AUBREY FITCH (FFG-34) for three years and was later assigned as Combat Systems Officer at Destroyer Squadron EIGHT. Commander Williams served as Executive Officer in USS O ' BANNON from February 1997 through July 1998. Following his sea tours. Commander Williams was assigned to the Office of the Secretary ot Defense, where he served as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director of the Missile Defense Agency. He also completed the MIT Seminar XXI Strategic Studies Fellowship Commander Williams ' personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal Defense Meritorious Service Medal, five Navy Commendation Medals, the Joint Achievcmen Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and the Army Achievement Medal Commander Williams is married to the former Sue Burbank of Brighton, New York. The) have three children, Heather, Carrie and Ricky. His family resides in Clifton, Virginia