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MEN OF THE MONTH


SFM2 W. Ireland, Jr., USN

Backed with training and experience in installing and repairing metal structures by welding and cutting, Ship Fitter Metals Second Class Woodrow Ireland, Jr., works behind a desk on TOPEKA.  Here, he serves as "R" Division's Planned Maintenance System and Maintenance Data Collection supervisor, which demands skill in paper work.

Entering the Navy in December 1965, Ireland first served on the USS CLAUDE JONES (DE-1033) where he learned his rating through on­the-job training. There, he became familiar with all phases of Damage Control and its vital importance in insuring survival at sea for both ship and crew.

Reporting on board TOPEKA in July 1967, Ireland worked his way up to Second Class by April 1968, and then in December he was awarded. Man-of-the-Month for his efficiency and professional attitude. When he leaves TOPEKA, Ireland will be going to the tender USS SHENANDOAH (AD-26) homeported at Norfolk, Va.

From Winston - Salem, N.C., Ireland is a 1965 graduate of Atkins Senior High School and is married to the former Miss Paullette Annie Ford. Upon completion of his tour of duty, he plans to work as an insurance investigator and part-time welder while attending vocational school.

GMG3 D. J. Baum, USN

In 1966, David J. Baum worked at Davy Coffee Company, Des Moines, Iowa; where he roasted, grinded and packaged coffee. The company was small, but adequate for the local cafes and restaurants. Graduating from Dowing High School at Des Moines in 1966, David now works with six-inch ammunition and does maintenance in 'TOPEKA's gun turret one. With other men of 4th Division, he assists, in maintaining the guns capability and constant readiness. David gets along well with his shipmates, knows his job and devotes, considerable time to learning more about his rate. His constant striving to do his tasks to the best of his ability has rewarded him as Seaman-of-the­Month.

TOPEKA has been David's first duty assignment. He originally worked in Deck Force's 1st Division where labor is a constant revolution of long hours. David then went into 4th Division last year and through his on-the-job training he was able to take and pass the Navy-wide exam for advancement last August. He was advanced January 16, to Gunner's Mate Third Class. In May, David will transfer to the USS BOSTON (CA-69), where he will face a much greater task of handling five-inch or eight-inch guns aboard the heavy cruiser. David plans to continue his studies of government and history through night school in 1970 when he has completed his active duty.

SN J.R .Lyster,. USN

The missile Battery Office aboard TOPEKA is located pretty far from Tacoma, 'Washington' s Sears Roebuck & Company where Joseph R. Lyster worked as a booking and shipping clerk before entering the Navy. At that time Joe working his way through the University of Washington where he was majoring in political science.

In the Missile Battery Office Joe is a Yeoman. He assists YN3 Manuel Morales in. maintaining a proficiency in office procedures. They both face the giant task of preparing the paper work for deactivation of the ship's Missile System and its accessories.

Through his efforts to attain professionalism in his rating Joe was recently awarded Seaman-of-the­Month for December 1968.  His job entails many long hours of reports and office management of the men and machinery in the ship's 5th Division.

In May he will be transferred to the guided missile destroyer escort USS R. L. PAGE (DEG-5) home­ported at Newport, R.I. Joe will later return to college and eventually teach high school history.  In addition he would like to coach football.

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