THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON

29 February 1660

My dear Captain Pinney:

I wish to extend my sincere best wishes to you and the officers and men of the USS TOPEKA (CLG 8) on her commissioning.

USS TOPEKA (CLG 8) is another step forward in the development of combatant ships and is the cumulative result of the combined efforts of many segments of the United States Navy. Upon her and all the ships of the Fleet lie the hopes and aspirations of the Navy. With her over-all strength featured By her superior air defense capabilities, her very existence is a further strong deterrent to aggression.

It has been said that a Navy is only as good as its ships. While this is true, a ship can be only as good as its crew. This has a more specific meaning because Before a Navy can be effective, each ship must train for the highest possible combat readiness. To achieve this is the goal before you. I am confident that under the leadership and personal example of you and your officers the highest standard of moral behavior and devotion to defy will be achieved, and that TOPEKA will meet the challenge of her tasks in defense of our country in such manner as to reflect the highest credit upon the U. S. Navy.

Sincerely yours,

William B. Franke

Captain Frank L. Pinney, USN
Prospective Commanding Officer
USS TOPEKA CLG 8
c/o U. S. Naval Shipyard