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Topeka Comment

"As I depart from the TOPEKA for the Fleet Reserve and a new career in civilian life, I leave with mixed emotions, because I can honestly say my twenty years with the Navy have been both interest­ing and challenging. However, long and frequent separations from my family have not allowed for much home life, and I look forward to being full-time head of my household. There is no doubt in my mind, though, that I will miss this life. The Navy has provided a feeling of security and continuing variety which would be difficult to match.

"Providing personal communications for the officers and crew of the TOPEKA via amateur radio during our deployment was a source of great satisfaction to me and gave a rare opportunity for me to become more closely acquainted with a very fine group of people who will long be remembered. I wish you all good luck and smooth sailing."

RMC R. L. Middleton, USN

"In the two years I've been on TOPEKA ..l have learned a lot, not just about my job, but about the importance of every man's job for the successful execution of the various ship's tasks. Of all aspects of life aboard TOPEKA feel that I have benefited most from visiting numerous countries in all areas of the world. From this I have gained a knowledge of the conditions which exist away from home, and can better appreciate being born in a country where individual freedom is a way of life. It's one thing to read about other countries and quite another to be there. The Mediterranean cruise made an impression on me I'll never forget.

"An important fact to be remembered, I feel, is that a ship can be only as good as its crew. Being part of a crew that knows how to do the jobs required of it in a professional manner gives me a feeling of pride. Our crew has proved itself time and --time again. We have one last job to do, and that is to take TOPEKA out of service. This, I'm sure, will be done with all the efficiency we have shown in the past."

"Because of all that I have been required to do on TOPEKA. I believe I will be better equipped to meet whatever challenge awaits me not just at my next duty station, but throughout my life."

STG3 K. C. Capps, USN

"When TOPEKA pulls into Boston not only will she be ending her tour of active duty but so will I. Looking back, I can remember the first day I saw TOPEKA. It was on November 3. 1965. to be exact and she was moored at Pier J in Long Beach, California. Probably few members of the crew can say that they have made three cruises on­board her, much less that they spent their entire first enlistment aboard. Little did I know that first day that I would virtually see the world while serving aboard. 1 went to West Pac with her in 65-66, saw her through the 66-67 overhaul at San Francisco, made the famous homeport change and finally the last two Mediterranean cruises.

"When you've been onboard TOPEKA as long as I have you get sort of a sense of belonging, and pride in where she has been and what she has done. She sort of becomes a second mistress after a while.

"Reflecting back, now as I prepare to leave, there are many good times and close friends that I will miss when I return to civilian life, many ports TOPEKA has visited while I've been aboard, and most of all, the always on the go never-sitting-still schedule she has maintained. I believe that there are few steaming Greyhounds that can boast of a busier schedule than TOPEKA has. seen the last few years. This ship has a great record and I am proud to have served on her."

CYN3 Raymond C. Gray, USN

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