Schenectady (LST 1185) - Naval Cruise Book

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DEPARTMENTOFTHENAVY HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS I WASHINGTON D C 20380 ' v 4Jj11kHP'uLo ScHENECTAUY,z FHIBVAC 1 QVJWM .VdJ,,,,,USN cm1PH'5PA' fisf AGFX1-mat . u s o 1 8 Com ander David E. Sigsworth, USN Prospective Commanding Officer USS SCHENECTADY QLST 11855 Box 119 Naval Station San Diego, California 92136 Dear Commander Sigsworth: Thank you for advising me of the commissioning of the USS SCHENECTADY in Long Beach on June 13, 1970, As we move into the l97O's, the range of strategic options offered by the Amphibious Task Force will assume increased importance as a vital means to provide national security. This force has no more valuable asset than the work horse of the amphibious navy - the lST. The unique capabilities of this ship provides in large measure the flexibility in landing plans essential to a deployed ready group. I am delighted that the SCHENECTADY is joining the fleet. Congratulations and my sincere best wishes to all hands. Sincerely, L i -.- A-A-A-O'-ax L L F. CHA? , IR- Genercxl U. S. Marino Corp! Commcmdcmt of the Morinc Corp! COMMANDER AMPHIBIOUS FORCE U.5. PACIFIC FLEET SAN DIEGO. CALIFORNIA 92155 TO THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF USS SCH NECTADY The addition of SCH NECTADY to the Pacific Fleet Amphibious Force underscores our continuing effort as a nation to m dernize and enhance the capability of the Fleet to meet the ever-changing operational needs of the Navy in support of national policy. The Pacific Fleet Amphibious Force has lost a significant nu ber of ships in the past several months as a result of overall economy measures recently effected by the Defense Department. These ships, many of which have been retired from active service, have served our cou try gloriously for over twenty years, most through three wars. During those years, they made magnificent contributions to the striking power of our Navy-Marine Corps Team. However, advances in technology and development of new and improved concepts of amphibious warfare require that these fine ships be replaced with modern fleet u its. The time of a ship's commissioning is a most important one in the life of a ship. The success with which the new crew is welded together as a u it will set the pattern and tone of the SCHENECTADY for many years. As the results of your teamwork and ability are put to the test, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that the long, hard precommisslon ing hours were worth the extra effort. I bid you a hearty welcome to the Fleet. we are very happy to have the ship's company of SCHEHECTADY as members of the PHIBPAC Family. 'WUHAIIWE ABOARD. Sincerely, EZ V. SMITH ice Admiral, U. S. Navv

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4 THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON 12 June 1970 Commander David E. Sigsworth, USN PCO, SCHEHECTADY KLST-11851 Long Beach Naval Shipyard Long Beach, California 90802 Dear Captain: Congratulations on your new command, and best wishes tc you and to your crew on the commissioning of SCHENECTADY CLST-ll85J. From the trying days of World War II to the equally demanding present, our amphibious forces have played an essential role in naval operations. By helping to forge victory in war and to preserve a precarious peace, our landing ships and their hardy sailors have been ready when needed. In assault landings or mercy missions, top perform- ance has been asked of them and they have never failed to deliver. It is your responsibility to bring your new ship to that condition of readiness that will enable her to carry proudly her share in the defense of our country's security. In designing new ships such as SCHENECTADY we have endeavored to continue to improve living conditions for the fist men who sail them. I know that you share this interest altncuqh improvements have been made over earlier designs, there is always a need for new ideas in this important area. 1 hcpt that you and your crew will continue to develop inno- vations in habitability improvement and forward your recom- nindations for consideration. I would like to receive an advance copy of any such submissions. Our men constitute ru. host vital asset. As we seek their finest performance, ,i,x individual and collective welfare deserves our most I .Tl llxinltiil. 1 LHUM that you will meet the challenges that lie ahead h :rum .avy iashion. To every member of SCHENECTADY's gang l wish uvtry success in this vital work. Sincerely yours, fmhxgy H. Cha fee CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS 12 June 1970 Dear Captain, My best wishes go to you and to your crew on the commissioning of SCHENECTADY KLST-11853. lt is your privilege to command one of the finest ships of our new amphibious fleet. SCHENECTADY com- bines the asset of greater speed with the LST's traditional ability to land tanks, guns, and heavy vehicles. Through the years, since the LST first proved its worth during World War II, ships such as SCHBNECTADY have formed part of the backbone of our Navy-Marine Corps team. with her important modern capabilities, your new ship will add a significant dimension to our Navy's ability to protect our nation and our people. 'we in this country, in this generation,' President John Kennedy once said, Hare--by destiny rather than choice --the watchman on the walls of world freedom.' You will carry on in this same far-sighted spirit as you assume the important responsibility of welding your ship and the men who sail in her into a working, fighting team. On behalf of the Navy, I welcome SCHENECTADY to the fleet. May you meet the best of good fortune in the voyage ahead. Sinc , i f T. H. MOO R Admiral, U. S. Navy Commander David E. Sigsworth, USN PCO, SCHENECTADY KLST-11851 Long Beach Naval Shipyard Long Beach, California 90802

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