Picking (DD 685) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 9 text:

Captain J. Maginnis took over the reins of Destroyer Squadron TWENTY- FOUR iust a few days before we left for the Far East. ln an impressive cere- mony aboard the PICKING, his flag- ship, he relieved Captain C. W. Moses who had been ordered to Germany as Chief of Staff for Commander Naval Forces in Germany. Captain Maginnis capably directed the final training of DesDiv 241 during the trip to Japan and while on station with Task Force 77. While the PICKING was undergoing repairs in Sasebo, he transferred his flag to the IRVVIN, where he directed operations in Won- san Harbor as the Mayor of Wonsan. During a heavy Bombardment of the Korean shore, Captain Maginnis was badly wounded necessitating immedi- ate hospitalization as the first step on the long road to recovery. 'A llll-E 'Q 19 sf Q 'iss Captain H. Farrow stepped aboard his Flagship-to-be after our return from Task Force 95 operations. Immediately assuming his duties as CDS 24-no ceremonies were held due to Cap- tain Maginnis' hospitalization - he launched a vigorous program to ready the division for the trip home. Good- will and good appearance were stressed in every port. Each port of call was the scene of last minute preparations to receive the numerous guests aboard at receptions, lunch- eons, or iust as visitors. Evidently his planning was a success since numer- ous messages were received from diplomatic personnel after leaving port congratulating the division on the favorable impressions made.

Page 8 text:

gf--.Jf,,.f, ,.'x.. g..HL.,1-,,-11. . f A -., ,V , V . QW, , -- -4, A- A-1 r ,- -1---f . ,- .:...A...--- - ---Y-- .ff ,vNc,..L'1 -,,.cQ.-.:,L::f.-,,.- ,A ' - . - ., . ,.., - - -- - f. gg Men.. r-'J -11--'-'W -'JW 'L' - ,Q-W ., ,,,, .......-...... ...Ms - Md- : k- -- --- Commander George R. Warren .lr. as- sumed command of the PICKING in October 1952, just prior to departing for cold weather exercises off Labrador. After a training phase in the Caribbean, orders were received to make prepara- tions for a Far Eastern tour. Commander Warren led the ship through the days of training that followed and trans- formed us into an effective fighting unit, ready for any duty that might be as- signed us. ' 'T '1 y-wrrrr--11:-11- v - H ' -N' 'FP -TR?r+1fs' 5:f:gzgf:,-: Q Commander M. P. Smith arrived aboard by highline while the ship was operat- ing in waters off the east coast of Korea while with Task Force 95. After relieving Commander Warren, he led the ship through the final days of the Korean conflict, and guided the ship to a suc- cessful recovery of the lone survivor of a downed RB-50 in northern waters. nw:-.

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Lt. J. E. Hickey, Opera- tions Officer, assumed duties as such iust prior to departure from the States for our Far Eastern cruise. Another recalled reserve, his previous as- signment had been CIC Officer. He was released to inactive duty shortly af- ter arrival back in the States. Ll. H. F. Wiley reported aboard as Executive Offi- cer from the USS MELVIN. Receiving his commission from enlisted ranks, most of his sea-going duty has been on cruisers. It is due largely to his untiring efforts that the PICKING maintained a peak of ef- fectiveness during For Eas- tern duty. Lf. D. S. Weed, Chief En9ineer, was released from active duty in Suse- 50, JUDUD upon comple- tion of Task Force 77 op- erations. This finished an eighteen month tour of duty after being recalled from civilian life. His first dUiY on the PICKING was D0mU9e Control Assistant, N509 over as Engineering Officer after nine months experience.