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CDR F. W. Reese, USN

OPERATIONS

As this, the last issue of "The Plainsman" goes to press, we have completed our INSRV Inspection, and are well on our way toward meeting the task of preparing TOPEKA for the voyage to BOSTON. As we make these final preparations, the end of the current career of a fine ship draws near. She has served faithfully, well, and has earned her rest. Yet, as with any ship, it is the men who served in her that made TOPEKA what she is. Although many of you "youngsters" may not believe it, you will someday look back to your stay in TOPEKA with pleasant memories of the places you've been, the things you've done and the associations you've made. Additionally the experiences that you have gained will be of considerable value to you as you progress through life. A ship is only as good as her crew - no better and no worse. This ship and its crew have been exceptional. In the face of such unpleasant circumstances as back to back MED cruises, the shift of homeports, decommissioning, deficiencies in manning level, and the uncertainty of orders; your devotion to duty, professionalism, and ability serve as a model - a mark to shoot for, for the rest of the fleet.  You have earned for TOPEKA a reputation of which you can be, as I am, justly proud.

The nerve center of any ship is CIC, and is this sense, TOPEKA ranks at the top. There are many examples of the proficiency of TOPEKA's radar gang; SEEPEX, CAAWEX, Surface Surveillance Coordinator for PHIBLEX 5-69 to mention only a few of the outstanding efforts by all hands. Every day at sea meant long arduous hours of port and starboard watches, and every exercise or special evolution increased the load just that much more, and the reputation of our CIC as an effective team spread elsewhere. Thus the frequency of our assignments to Badger picket station. The leadership and air controlling of RDC MCPHAIL, RD1 MANN, and RD1 LARSON, the outstanding performance as Electronic Warfare operators by RD2 GIAMMONA, and RD3 JANUSZKA and the proficiency of both section leaders RD2 CRUNK and RD2 FUHR are particularly noteworthy.  And I must once again commend RD1 LARSON for the important part he played in the rescuing of a downed pilot from the FORRESTAL. However, this achievement as with the many others must, of course be shared by each man of the CIC team. After all, it is a collective effort and each makes his individual contribution.

For all of their proficiency and determination, radarmen could do little with blank scopes. A special commendation and much thanks must go to the ET's and their monumental and essentially inconspicuous efforts that kept our radars, IFF, ECM equipment, and repeaters on the line. Among these are ETCS HALL, ETR2 ENGELBY, ETR2 SPONGBERG, ETR3 MOCK, ETR3 LITTLE, and ETR3 BALLISH.

If CIC is the nerve center of a ship. Communication must be the ears and voice. Information is of no use unless it is relayed in a timely manner to those who need it, TOPEKA's radiomen, and signalmen have performed these functions brilliantly. AIthough the Communications Department only recently came under my purview. I have been continuously impressed by the leadership and proficiency of such men as RM1 MCPHERSON, SM2 ANGLIN. RM2 CATES, RM2 ALLEN, RM3 GORNEY, and such Seamen as BOONE. WEATHERFORD, and STRELICK. As in CIC, a great deal depends on having dependable equipment. Such men as ETN2 SULLIVAN, ETN2 FERGUSON, ETN2 KERMAN, and ETN2 HIBBARD spent many hours insuring that communications equipment did, in fact operate properly.

Sonar, though out of sight. was not out of mind. ST1 PRlCE and his Sonarmen were on constant vigil to warn of the danger of submarines and on the occasions when opportunity knocked, acquitted themselves admirably as USS BANG, USS ATULE. and "unidentified" will attest. And last, but not least, the Operations Yeomen, YN3 AUTEN, and YN3 BUTLER without whom the paper work mill would have ground to a halt, and even this letter would have gone undone.

Many of the men who contributed so much to our success have already departed TOPEKA, more have orders in hand and will be detached shortly, and some, like myself. will be spending the winter in Boston. It has been my privilege to work with you, and I wish to express my sincere appreciation for your fine support. You have my admiration for your devotion to duty, your professionalism, and best wishes for your continued success in whatever endeavors that you undertake.

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