Spruance (DD 963) - Naval Cruise Book

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vm-1 .Y , ,, . 'Y JZMAJ .tin - fl 'Q Q 1 M., '3. 'r-Z' Y, w, ,ry 'T 4' -ff.a,.1 Nazi, P Q .meg id Sl'lIP'S HISTORY FPO AA 34095-1201 Homeport: Mayport, FL Commissioned on 12 August 1975 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, USS SPRUANCE QDD-9633 is the first of a class of 31 destroyers developed for the primary mission of Undersea Warfare, Displacing 9020 tons, SPRUANCE class destroyers are the largest destroyers in the history of the U. S. Nawy These sophisticated warships are designed to be readily adaptable to new weapon systems and electronics, ensuring these ships will remain in service well into the twenty-first century. A superior weapon suite makes SPRUANCE one of the most capable ships in the LYS. Naxy arsenal. Armed with a 61 cell Vertical Launch System QVLSB, SPRUANICE can launch Tomahawk cruise missiles against shore targets and Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rockets QVLAD against hostile submarines. SPRUANCE also carries eight Harpoon anti-ship cruise missiles, two five inch guns for surface, air, and shore fire support, a NATO Sea Sparrow missile launcher to engage enemy aircraft and anti-ship missiles, and a 20mm Close In Weapon System for short range air defense. These weapon systems give SPRLI-LNCE a lethal ability to engage enemy forces in a highly complex and challenging warfare environment. SPRLTANCE is equipped with some of the most modern upgrades in her class The Xenical Launch System upgrade was received in the late 19805, replacing an older ASROC launcher. The active and passive Anti-submarine sensors are among the most capable in the world. Engineering plant steam auxiliary systems have been completely replaced with electric eqiiiviilents SPRVANCE is fitted with Reverse Osmosis Distilling Plants, sigriificantly increasing the production of fresh water. Numerous other upgrades have kept SPRLANCE at the cutting edge of technology. Although a quarter century old, SPRUANCE will ultimately be the last of her class to be decommissioned. Expected to serve as a front-line combatant until ZO12, she cames her age with distinction. She was awarded the Battle E for the 1998 award cycle by Commander, Destroyer Squadron 24, the only SPRUANCE class destroyer to be so recognized in the Atlantic Theater of Operations. SPRII.-DICE has earned the coveted Battle UE four of the past five years, a clear testament to the skill and resolve of this superior crew. 'Q mf Xt .

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QV 1 f ADMIRAI. RAYMOND AMES SPRUANCE Admiral Raymond Ames Spruance is one of the greatest heroes in United States Naval history. Horn july 3, 1886 in Baltimore, Maryland. Spntance attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating with the class of 1907. Spruance served in surface combatants throughout the First World War and inter-war years, earning a reputation as an expert tactician and skilled leader, During the Second World War, Admiral Spniance repeatedly demonstrated his tactical and strategic prowess in the Pacific theater. Altliough trained and disciplined in hattleships, Spruance quickly grasped the superior offensive capabilities of aircraft carrier strike forces and adapted his tactics to the new revolution in naval warfare. Spruance commanded Task Force 16 during the Battle of Midway in june 1942 and achieved a decisive victory over a numerically sulx-riot' vlztpanese force. US. naval air forces destroyed four japanese airerah carriers, effectively ending the advance of the japanese across the Pacific. Spntance subsequently commanded the US. Fifth Fleet, performing hrilliztntly during amphibious operations in the Gilbert, Marshall, and Marianas island groups and the capture of lwo .lima and Okinawa. His appreciation of japanese naval t.tt'ttcs enabled him to engineer the great victory at the Battle of the Philippine Sea, known conunonly as the Great Marianas Turkey Sho-ot. US naval :tit forces destroyed over SOO japanese aircraft in a single day, while s-tictfessfttlly supporting the :unphibious forces invading the Marianas islands. Due to Spruttncels quiet dentegtnor .tnd tremendous tactical ability in naval warfare. he was altectionately known as the Quiet Warrior? ln 1951, Admiral Spruance was called out of retirement by President Tnnnan to become Atnencztn ambassador to the Philippines. He served as ambassador until 1955 when he returned to his home in Monterey, CA. Admiral Spruance died in 1969.

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