HIGH HOPES OR A PIPE DREAM

That this ship will achieve its mission in the fleet we are certain. In the weeks to come the USS TOPEKA will be the scene of constant drills and practice designed to build an effective fighting team. In the months that follow the pressure will continue upon us to maintain the highest possible standard of efficiency in manning. America is at war, although shots are not being fired. We are training in fighting technique, because victory cannot be won against our potential enemies except by being prepared before that first shot is fired in anger. The forces of evil and tyranny arrayed against our nation even now, do not permit of any laxity in our preparations for battle.

The question then is not whether we will be prepared in time, for we shall be prepared. The unknown factor is rather how quickly and painlessly can we attain that standard of effectiveness which will give us the satisfaction and confidence that we are ready. Therein lies the solution to the future high morale of this ship's company, namely tile knowledge and conviction that we can win and that we are better fighters than our opponents. If on the other hand, we slothfully and stumblingly struggle toward that goal of readiness, then this ship will not enjoy good morale. Our lack of spirit will create frustrations and unhappiness, and this cruise will seem unbearably long.

As all old sailors well know, there are also many fringe benefits that accrue to the men of a ship, who constitute a highly efficient crew. Good liberty ports and just good liberty is the reward for the crew that regularly turns out an honest day's work. Beyond that are the hopes of pleasant relaxations and recreation activities we can indulge in, when the job is well done. The size of sightseeing parties in foreign ports will reflect the amount of work accomplished before the first line is secured on the dock. In home port the reunion with family and friends is hastened and prolonged when spaces are clean and equipment is in good operating order.

High hopes can be realized if every member of our organization bears a hand willingly, but if some are afraid of sweat and aching muscles and drag their feet, then many of the hopes will be only pipe-dreams. The TOPEKA will be put into fighting trim because enough dedicated officers and men will struggle to make it a reality. Those who do not participate in this struggle will be sabotaging the liberty and pleasures of their shipmates. The issue is not whether we get the ship ready to fight, which we shall do, but rather shall it be a pleasant task or one plagued with frustrations.

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