Saratoga (CV 60) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 9 text:

Letter From The Captain s COMMANDING OFFICER UNITED STATES SHIP SARATOGA ICV-607 SARATOGA's 1977 deployment is now history and this book will serve as a visible record of your achievements. You, the SARATOGA crew, consistently demonstrated a strong sense of duty, sacrifice and dedication that made this cruise a hallmark in carrier aviation. Two of the departments on the ship and four of the squadrons within our air wing were awarded the coveted Battle Efficiency UEHS by COMNAVAIRLANT. The Air Department, the Weapons Department, VF-31, VA-105, HS-7 and VAW-123 are proudly sporting their awards. Furthermore, SARATOGA and Air Wing THREE have flown and operated without an aircraft accident longer than any other carrierfair wing team in the history of Naval Aviation. The sacrifices you and your families made in the service of your country were indeed worthwhile. It is important that you are aware that your personal contributions were key elements in the safe and efficient completion of our mission. Throughout the months of separation from our families and friends, some have asked HWhy are we hereu and nWhy is it necessary.n The answer can be found when one looks at the over-all view of the Navy and its role in national and international strategy. The United States is dependent on foreign trade and commerce to sustain her industrial needs. Be it peacetime or wartime, about 99 per cent of international trade moves on the sea. With balanced sea power we are able to maintain a flexible national policy and protect our lifelines to other countries. The Mediterranean has been a crucible for the mixing of men's political and economic affairs since the dawn of history and it is no less so today. lt is no secret that the Mediterranean has been the target of a significant buildup of international naval forces in the last decade. We must maintain capability sufficient to deter any act of aggression in this area. The SARATOGA, on this deployment, helped make that strategy real and visible. Your records for safety, efficiency and operational readiness will not soon be surpassed. I would like to take this opportunity to salute you for your superb performance. The SARATOGA Team of 1977 provided a remarkable display of talent, perseverance and self-less devotion to duty. Good luck to you all, and may fair winds and following seas accompany each of you on your future paths. crifnl...-11 C. B. HUNTER Captain, U.S. Navy Commanding Officer

Page 8 text:

f 'Q Captain C. B. Hunter. Commanding Officer

Page 10 text:

A M iw 'WP ' I. 'H' 'av M , M m!f ':, -q ' 1,-T fy--,,,,,,W , , 7 ,yi