Stevenson (DD 645) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 14 text:

F Qcwmmm' 'Q OFFICIAL U. S. NAVY PHOTO REAR ADM, E. J. MAROUART. U55 N. ADDRESSING OFFICERS AND MEN DURING COMMISSIONING. -'Y 3 1 new 'Www' ,,,,. Y- --f, .A Lf' ,..v 41'-n -.n -vs OFFICIAL U. S. NAVY PHOTO gal' 6 if' I

Page 13 text:

, t if Qwwfxi - .4 sw ar were It all began in the Federal Shipyards of Kearny, New lersey, where thou- sands of ship-builders Correlated their workmanship on steel, from our great steel mills to put together Q ship which was to join the fighting forces of the Navy. To the Navy it was a ship, to the civilians a boat, but to us who came aboard on the 15th of December 1942, it was our home . Ou that day Lt. Comdr. T. C. Green, U.S.N., accepted the command of the Stevenson which then became a commissioned ship of the U. S. Navy. Everyone of us who did something or other, in our own field of training, for the completion of the Stevenson felt a thrill of 'deep pride. We knew that this ship had tovserve a purpose for Freedom-that's why we were there too, so though the gripes and groans were many, there was gladness in our hearts when the day came to take her out to sea. F or a great number of the crew the' Steve was their first ship and she threw them when at sea because a new ship is like a wild horse, except to the bronc- buster who can handle a wild bronc because of his experience. In short many of the men were slightly seasick. . So on we sailed to Casco Bay for a shake-down cruise. After several weeks of hard work and strenuous training in every drill conceivable, we turned the Steve's nose back for a check-up to see how well she had mastered the sea. That short voyage back to New York was ahappy one because we were ready to accept whatever duty was given us, but that happiness was sliced in half when in the dark of night a Collier cut through the bow of the Stevenson just forward of Gun l. The damage was great but the loss of a life in that ac- cident was a greater sorrow to us who knew l. L. Granger, Cox, as a friend and shipmate. This catastrophe only delayed our joining the fight for freedom with thousands of other Navy ships. Our thanks go to the workmen of Bethlehem Steel Co. who put in many' hours of hard work fitting out a new bow for the Stevenson. During that period the crew greatly enjoyed the privileges of un- authorized liberty through the open bow. About the middle of March we received our call to active duty status. The nature of that duty was unknown to the members of the crew, so the stories were really tall. The prophecies of many were soon to unfold into a reality. The duty given us was that of convoying merchant ships to Casablanca, North Africa. ' We'll hesitate a moment to recall the many interesting incidents and mem- ories of that distant place Casablanca . 5

Page 15 text:

.tv ng .n - '99 I V, ff. i ft 5 9 GGMMMMGMMQ SPEECH OF REAR ADMIRAL E. I. MARQUART. U. S. N.. NAVY YARD NEW YORK ON DECEMBER 15 1945 Captain T. C. GREEN, Officers and men of the U.S.S. STEVENSON lt is a privilege and a pleasure for me to take part in this occasion which is so important to you, to our Navy and to the nation for which we fight. And I am proud that my flag flies at your masthead. As you today gird for active service with the fleet, we enter our second year of war. We face it stripped of all delusions, and without one bit of fear or doubt as to its outcome. We know of the murderous, relentless cruelty, and the ruthlessness of our enemies' fanatic courage, yes, and of the skill with which they fight. But we are fully determined to fight it through to our victory. This fine vessel for you to take into battle typifies the aroused spirit of the American people. Built in an astonishingly short time, the STEVENSON is un- excelled by any ship of her type afloat. ln her you have the sturdiest of hulls, the most powerful of engines, a smashing armament. Your ship is a mighty ship to fight. She is in every respect worthy of our great American tradition that the best is none too good. So, too, is she worthy of the best crew in our Navy to fight her. I know you realize this and will give your best to make good. Now, in the shortest possible time, you officers and men must prepare for the STEVENSON to take station on the battle line with our fighting ships. l know that you are eager to get there. So, make every moment count. You must learn and use every particle of knowledge and skill you can acquire. And you of greater experience must bend every effort to assist your shipmates who are newer to the service. That is true teamwork, and the only road to victory. You must make yourselves master of your various jobs, you must form your- selves into a team, an offensive attacking team, each geared to the other in everything you do. Your team must become complete master of your ship, always ready and able to make her pound the enemy with all the devastating punch built into her. This is war-and victory will not come to those who wait. q You have to go out and get it, and the going is tough, and you have to win it. And there is no second best in war-you must be the better than the best. Out of the past comes a great example of high devotion and sterling cour- age to inspire you in this effort, that heroism displayed by Pay lnspector Iohn H. Stevenson, U. S. Navy, after whom your vessel is named. Out of the present, comes the report of Admiral Nimitz, our commander-in- chief in the Pacific, who says, The unselfish courage and devotion being dis- playedby all officers and men who have been fortunate enough to come to grips with the enemy, is a brilliant new chapter in the glorious traditions of Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. n To you all, then, welcome to the Fleet. Best o'luck and God bless you. 7