Stevenson (DD 645) - Naval Cruise Book

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

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I A 3 X xx ' I , x .. I 'T' ,,,..,, , Q f I f,,f -f 'ff -V - U. S. S. STEVENSON FITTING OUT IN BROOKLYN NAVY YARD , , I t