Norton Sound (AVM 1) - Naval Cruise Book

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P I I Q I F I I I I I I I I .1 I K 1 II I I! I I I I I 1 I i, I I I I I I I I I I, I II CCMMUNIQU ES From: ONR: MR ROY W JOHNSON DIRECTOR ARPA DEPT OF DEFENSE HAS STATED THAT YOUR RECENT OPERATIONS WERE OUTSTANDINGLY SUCCESSFUL AND OF EX- TRAORDINARY VALUE TO MISSION OF DEPT OF DEFENSE X HE HAS ASKED ME TO MAKE APPROPRIATE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TO PARTICIPATING UNITS X I SHOULD LIKE TO JOIN MR JOHNSON IN COMMENDING THE OFFICERS AND MEN AND OTHERS OF THE NAVY INVOLVED FOR THEIR DILIGENT EFFORTS INITIATIVE AND COOPERA- TION IN PLANNING AND EXECUTING THEIR MOST UNUSUAL SCIENTIFIC EXPERI- MENTS X R BENNETT From: CNO: YOUR TASK FORCE HAS ESTABLISHED AN UNQUESTIONED RIGHT TO A PROMINENT PLACE AMONG THOSE WHO HAVE DEMONSTRATED TO THE FREE WORLD THAT IT MAY BE THANKFUL FOR THE CALIBER OF OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN IN OUR NAVY X TO ALL HANDS IN TASK FORCE EIGHTY-EIGHT A MOST HEARTY WELL DONE X ARLEIGH BURKE From: CINCLANTFLT: THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF IS PROUD OF YOUR ENTIRE FORCE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL ACCOMPLISHMENT OF YOUR MISSION X PLEASE CONVEY ON MY BEHALF TO YOUR OFFICERS AND MEN A WELL DONE FOR THE SUPERB PER- FORMANCE AND THE TEAMWORK WHICH MADE THIS ACTION POSSIBLE X JERAULD WRIGHT FAREWELL TO THE TASK FORCE We have come a long way since we left Port Hueneme, Through the Rip-Roaring Forties and Horse Latitudes dreamy, We rounded the horn to the stormy Atlantic To accomplish a mission without causing world panic. Though our proud ship before never cruised in formation, We were anxious to show we knew how to keep station. Through long hours of toil and with blessings from heaven, We accomplished our mission with old number seven. With pleasant memories we bid our adieus, We enjoyed every minute of our interesting cruise. Our Commander is the best, his Staff also great, We will always remember Task Force 88. But now as we turn our bow towards home With hardly a chance again so far to roam, We send our best wishes to one and to all To the fine LANT ships who are really on the ball. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I 4 i I I I A I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I a I I I I so I I I I We enjoyed our tour, think the Atlantic is fine, But give us the Pacific any old time. Signed : The SNORTIN NORTON

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her miss 1on This is the X-17 rocket: a three-stage, solid-propel- lant missile. It has been used for research since its inception, this, too, was our use. It is impossible to present a complete picture of the missile and related programs. We of the NORTON SOUND can, how- ever, be proud of the highly successful sea-phase tests recently completed in the Atlantic area. They have contributed considerably to our still slight knowledge of the upper atmospheric levels. The X-17 was originally conceived by and, designed for the Air Force by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. The vehicle was engineered and manufactured at the Lockheed Van Nuys plant in California. It was developed as a transport and test-carrier for re-entry nose cones, being a three-stage type. That is, the nose-cone was powered on its re-entry to speeds of for exceedingb 10,000 miles per hour. Its purpose was to get the essential data for study of high- velocity airflow. From early 1955 through the spring of 1957 the Air Force launched several of the X-17's. The Navy watched, and its interest increased. Soon thereafter the Navy contracted to conduct advanced missile experimentation to aid in the development of the POLARIS program. The Office of Naval Research paved the way for continued X-17 test firings. After completion of many firings on land the decision was made to launch the rocket from specific locations afloat. It was felt that results would be at least as satisfactory Cand more easily accomplishedb if the launching equipment were installed aboard ship, in- stead of being transported by ship to some conven- ient island. By firing X-17 at various angles, includ- ing vertical, the Navy was able to achieve great altitudes, considerably advancing the study of the upper atmosphere. All three stages in the Navy tests were set to fire upwards. The NORTON SOUND is credited with many successful firings, both in the Point Mugu and in the Atlantic areas. The results were highly profit- able to the planned purpose of the mission.

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commander task force aa 'X It was said of Lloyd Montague MUSTIN, when he was graduated from Annapolis in 1932, -Lloyd will reach the top at anything he undertakes, for 'It isn't luck, it's skill. ' And so it has been. In the 26 succeeding years he has rocketed up to the rank of Rear Admiral, above others of his class - and earlier graduates. This success has been due to his talents, drive, and the daring application of his knowledge. He attained flag rank on a head and shoulders basis - that is by brains and hard work. Rear Admiral MUSTIN has long been known for his prowess as a tin-can sailor. He was in the first Ordnance Engineering ffire controlj postgraduate course at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Admiral MUSTIN was selected as Commander Task Force 88 by Admiral BURKE, the Chief of .Naval Operations. He was serving as Commander Destroyer Flotilla TWO and had just completed a tour as Chief of Staff to Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Force, Pacific Fleet. Admiral MUSTIN has now returned to his duties as Commander, Destroyer Flotilla TWO.