Saipan (CVL 48) - Naval Cruise Book

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9. abr., One of the biggest regrets that I have ever experienced was being unable to remain in the SAIPAN to complete the Far East Cruise and bring her back to her home port of Norfolk. However, as I said the day I was relieved of command, I have never had more satisfying or rewarding duty in my twenty-seven years of Nalin Service. During the ten months of my command 'the SAIPAN managed to see a con- siderable portion of the world. I was always very proud to bring the SAIPAN into the many CAPTAIN WK B, MECI-ILING, U. S. NAVY Captain WV. B. MECHLING graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1927 and served for two and one-half years in the battlcships PENNSYLVANIA and OKLAHOMA before reporting to Pensacola for flight training in 1930. On completion of flight training he served in the HOUSTON and JASON on Asiatic Station and then reported to Scouting Squadron ONE on the USS LANGLEY, a converted collier and the Navy's first aircraft carrier. After duty in Patrol Squadron THREE in the Panama Canal Zone, Torpedo Squadron TW'O and the Bureau of Aeronautics he served as Navigator and Executive Officer of the USS BUNKER HILL during World War II. Captain MECHLING has served as Chief of Staff of Carrier Division FOURTEEN and Fleet Air Wings, Atlantic Fleetg and served as Command- ing OEcer, USS PINE ISLAND and U. S. Naval CIC Officers' School, Glenview, Illinois. Captain MECHLING assumed command of SAIPAN in April, 1955, and was relieved by Captain D. G. DONAHO in February, 1954. United States and foreign ports we have visited. I am thoroughly convinced that she and her ine crew have always enhanced the reputation of the U. S. Navy and have been worthy representatives of our country. It was a real privilege to have served as Commanding Oicer of the SAIPAN during a portion of the 1953-54 Far East Cttliliy which has provided me with many pleasant and unforgettable memories. My very best wishes to all hands for continued success and happiness.

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,Y . ,Mr fi-ff wi, A A iii, Q 1 rr N, M ,, 4112 - , g fx , -.ef.. v 8- A 'F 1 W' 5 4' JW? , 'X 2 'X 4' A 55, A'gf':f- 5-if ' 1 , fry' c1'F,i-X' -Eg if QS, T' Vziffff f sq' Q , . W , Q Q M , CAPTAIN W. B. MECHLING, UNITED STATES NAVY Commanding Officer 17 April 1953 to 19 February 1954