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Topeka Comment

"I view the impending inactivation of TOPEKA with a certain degree of nostalgia. Most certainly there will be occasions to reminisce over the travels, good times, the tribulations, and associations enjoyed aboard. However, a distinct benefit of Navy-life for me is the opportunity to move on, travel to new places, and seek new challenges. Now, that inactivation of TOPEKA is "Fait accompli" I look forward with anxious anticipation to what the future holds. My feelings can best be paraphrased by - 'The King is dead; Long live the King.'"

CDR F. W. REESE, III, USN

"Two years and a couple of months aboard TOPEKA have provided me with the most rewarding experience of my life. As a Warrant Officer I have had the opportunity to make decisions and mistakes. I have enjoyed the pleasure of being told "well done" when, things went right, and have been actually aware of what responsibility was all about when everything seemed to fall apart.

"I have been asked many times if the added responsibility of warrant compared to chief was 'worth it.' The pay is certainly no compensation but I have found that when you are in charge and responsible the rewards come not from others but from within, and I find this 'worth it.'

"I have been assigned as fine a group of men as the Navy has and they are certainly responsible for the success of the division. Their efforts and concern for the ship have made my job of division officer a most pleasant tour of duty."

WO-2 D. D. Wilson, USN

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