Mount Katmai (AE 16) - Naval Cruise Book

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EXECUTIVE OFFICER Raymond WiIIk sham born in Newark, New Jersey on [une 5, 1927 After attending Newark College of Engineering, Newark, New Jersey, he entered the U- S Merchant Marine Academy in June 1945. He graduated from the U S Merchant Marine Academy in June 1948 and sailed as Third Assistant Engineer in SS GULFPEAK, operated by Gulf Oil Corporation In May 1950 he commenced work as a machinist with the American Can Corporation in Newark, New Jersey He joined the organized Naval Reserve in Newark, New Jersey, one year later. Upon completing the six weeks course, LTJG Gresham reported to the USS PRESIDENT JACKSON (APA-18) as assistant engineer officer. He was transferred to USS KENNEBEC (AO-36) in April 1953 and served as Cargo Officer Next came a four week CIC school in San Diego followed by a tour of duty in USS REPOSE (AH-16) as Operations Officer from December 1953 to December 1954. He was promoted to Lieutenant in July 1953. In January 1955, LT Gresham was transferred to USS TARAWA (CVS-40) operating out of Quonset Point, Rhode Island. LT Gresham ' s first shore duty was two pleasant years at U S. Naval Ammunition and Net Depot, Seal Beach, California He was the Assistant Ordnance Officer and Planning Officer He reported to USS MONTICELLO (LSD-35) in December 1958 and served initially as First Lieutenant and then as Operations Officer during his tour. LCDR Gresham reported to the USS MOUNT KATMAI (AE-16) in May 1960 as Executive Officer. LCDR Gresham holds the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the Merchant Marine War Zone Atlantic and Pacilic Medals. DEPARTMENT HEADS RAYMOND WILLIAM GRESHAM LIEUTENANT COMMANDER, U. S. NAVY LT J. W. Havicon, Deck LT R. W. Bell, Supply LT N. W. Hansen, Operations (JG) B. F. McLaughlin, Engineering

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CHARLES ANTHONY lARROBINO CAPTAIN, U. S. NAVY COMMANDING OFFICER Charles Anthony larrobmo was born in South liatick, Massachusetts on 24 August 1915, son of Patrick and Anna Mary (Kelly) larrobino. He entered the Naval Service in May, 1937 under the NovCad Program, after graduating from Boston College in 1937 He was designated a Naval Aviator and commissioned Ensign in August 1939 He reported to the USS RANGER that same year, and remained in the billet of Material Officer of VS-42 until May 1942. Before receiving orders to the USS ESSEX, he was promoted to the rank of LTJG and, upon transferring, assumed the duties of Landing Signal Officer and, later. Assistant Air Officer. He was promoted to LCDR, before reporting to the staff of COMFAIR- QUONSET in October 1944 as Officer-in-Charge. Carrier Qualifications and Landing Signal Officer Training Unit In addition, LCDR larrobino served as Aide and Flag Lieutenant for several months prior to assignment to the Gen- eral Line School at Newport, Rhode Island. In 1947, he reported to the Naval Air Station at Jacksonville, Florida for a flight refresher course Upon comple- tion, he was assigned to VA-75 aboard the USS LEYTE as Commanding Officer. LCDR larrobino was relieved a year later, October 1948, and returned to NAS Quonset Point as Inspection Officer. He was promoted to the rank of CDR in 1949 and in July 1950 was ordered to the USS PRINCETON as Air Officer. CDR larrobino reported to the U. S. Naval Academy in lune 1952 as an instructor in the Department of Aviation. Later, he became Department Exec- utive Officer through the period up to September 1954 He completed a course in Jet Transitional Training at NAS Kingsville, Texas before returning to sea as Commander Carrier Air Group Seven aboard the USS HORNET In February 1956 he became Assistant Head, Distribution Detail Branch in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations He received additional orders in that billet the following year to the Bureau of Naval Personnel While in Washington. D C, he was promoted to his present rank and given orders to the National War College Upon graduation from the National War College, he was ordered to the Staff of Commander Carrier Division Seven He served as Operations Officer in that staff until December 1960 On 4 March 1961, CAPT larrobino took command of the USS MOUNT KATMAI (AE-16) In addition to various area and campaign ribbons, CAPT larrobino is en- titled to wear the Legion of Merit with Combat V; the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V and a Gold Star; the Commendation Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Naval Unit Citation TO THE MEN OF THE MOUNT KATMAI As years pass, our 1960 deployment to Westpac will be relived by all of us, in memories of a job well done, liberties well spent, or perhaps of friends made in far off parts. Who among us can forget the people of Kagoshima, liberty in Hong Kong or the old people of Okinawa Koseien. This cruise book, in a small way, portrays a story to be remembered. Two hun- dred-odd men and a ship, which after six short months became a first rate fighting unit. MOUNT KATMAI sailed 28,939 hard miles, through typhoon, heat and personal privations, yet this great unit found time to leave behind countless friends through- out Japan, Okinawa and the Philippines. MOUNT KATMAI, through the efforts of an untiring crew, established a fine rep- utation for service to the fleet. Our job has not been glamorous nor highly publicized, but the challenge has been met by we who wait to serve. Readiness and reliability is our forte and in this field there is no better than MOUNT KATMAI. In years to come, each one of you will be proud to have served on this ship, a member of a top notch team on a memorable cruise. Good luck to all and Smooth Sailing. i .-

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J; IT (JG) B E. McLaughlin Enqineering Officer