VICE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS TO
SPEAK AT TOPEKA COMMISSIONING

The principal speaker at the commissioning of the USS TOPEKA (CLG 8) on the afternoon of 26 March 1960 in the New York Naval Shipyard is Admiral James S. Russell, Vice-Chief of Naval Operations. This distinguished Naval Officer honors through his official visit a ship that has already established a fine wartime record in its mission of defending tile Constitution of the United States against our enemies. The officers and men of the new TOPEKA (CLG 8), will be carrying on a great tradition of fighters in the cause of freedom when the first watch is set this afternoon. In the weeks ahead long hours of hard work face every sailor from Captain to Seaman Apprentice. The reward of that work during sea trials, on shake-down cruise, in exercises at sea, and in upkeep and maintenance while alongside tile dock, will be the satisfaction of knowing that the USS TOPEKA is once again in the first line of America's claim to victory--both in war and in peace.

It is anticipated that the TOPEKA will join the Seventh Fleet and sail the sea lanes between Taiwan and the, Chinese, mainland, before another, year passes. By this. autumn the, ship will 'have joined the Pacific Fleet, and made its home-port in Long Beach, California.

Carrying six 6 inch and six guns forward of the superstructure and launchers for the Terrier guided missile aft, TOPEKA will serve as air defense for fleet units in combat. Her conventional armament forward will make possible strong Naval gunfire support for amphibious operations.

Before ADM James S. Russell was appointed Vice Chief of Naval Operations on 21 July 1958, he served as Deputy Commander of Chief of the Atlantic Fleet with tile rank of Vice Admiral.

Admiral Russell entered the Naval Academy in 1922. Upon graduation he served aboard the USS WEST VIRGINIA. After flight training in Pensacola he, was designated a Naval Aviator in 1929 and has served in flight status since that time both at sea and ashore. He holds the Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering which he earned at the California institute of Technology

After a distinguished record during World War II both in command and staff assignments in which he earned the Legion of Merit and a Gold Star in lieu second award, he commanded two major carriers. Upon promotion to Rear Admiral he commanded two carrier divisions. In 1955 he assumed the duties of Chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics.

Admiral Russell now holds in addition to the decorations noted above, a second Gold Star in lieu of a third Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flights against the enemy and under extremely hazardous weather conditions.

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