Tazewell (APA 209) - Naval Cruise Book

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EXECUTIVE UEEIEIEWS SlHlEHlEfll Xxx mx My first impression of the Tazewell was not too favorable, as I approached her over the waters of San Francisco Bay on the afternoon of June 6, 1945, reporting for duty as Executive Officer. Her sides were in sad condition, with patches of rust showing everywhere. It must be admitted that my heart sank a bit. On stepping aboard, however, it became apparent that work was being done to put the ship back into respectable condition. The decks were newly painted and interior spaces had a fresh, clean appearance. My hasty opinion was just as hastily revised, and I immediately knew I was going to like her. It did not take long to find out her rusty sides were due to a five months sojourn in the Southwest Pacific area and Okinawa where no opportunity arose to primp the lady up because of the operations schedule. One of the best compliments that can be paid a ship is to say she is a happy ship. My first wardroom meal convinced me the Tazewell was in that category. The whole atmosphere was one of friendliness and good nature. I knew at once I had a swell bunch of officers as shipmates. The Commanding Officer, I was delighted to find, was a former merchant mariner of many years standing, and in addition was an experienced naval officer. One instinctively sensed he knew his way around. I was given every break in the world in adjusting myself to this new tough job to which I had been ordered. It took longer to learn the enlisted personnel, of course, but almost immediately one could feel that here was an outfit with terrihc morale. Everything since I came aboard has confirmed that impression. In conclusion I can only say I'd stack the Tazewell up against any similar craft in the Fleet in any kind of competition and confidently expect her to win hands down. ,,53NXXXXNXxxx .,xxxX MXkxxx -,xx N- XKXN' XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX xx

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41f 1 LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER y EDGHRC. SHEHHIHH yl EXECUTIVE OFFICER, U.s.s. TAZEWELL .,.,.rm W WMQMMMNBA , , ,i . ALIEUT. COMMANDER SHERMAN and the Tazewell had their nrst meeting on the sixth of June, 1945, and if remembered correctly that was the first day in port for the big TT , after many months steaming. f Prior to his present assignment Lieut. Commander Sherman served on the PC 1129, a ship that has seen continuous action throughout the Wat in the Pacific. A short time after his detachment from that vessel Mr. Sherman learned that it was sunk during a landing operation at the south entranoe be Manila Bay. r A , 1 that time he had the privilege to undergo training cruises on the Iclezbo and Oklahoma, and the destroyer Trevor. Later as a Naval 1 His earlier career in the Navy began as a Naval ROTC cadet, and Gfricer he also cruised on the Enterprise, the Pyrox, and the Langley. 1 ' Q yt p 1 In civilian life Mr. Sherman, after his graduation from the ippwashington as a chemical engineer, took a position with a 'Washirrmm paper company, and at the time of his entrance into the Navy QaQnr1pa5ny's technical supervisor. Qllieust. Commander Shermanfs residence is at Seattle, W his wife and two children, David, who is 7 Va, and

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