August 22, 2013

Finest Hour 110, Spring 2001

Page 17

LIVING HISTORY

Thank you for the opportunity to experience living history. My husband and I were deeply moved by the “Action That Day.” The continuation of all that Sir Winston represented and fought for is much needed for future generations. You must feel pride in seeing your vision of The Churchill Center touching lives and preserving history.
– TERESA SCOTT WOODSIDE, ALEXANDRIA, VA. USA

NEVER SO IMPRESSED

From the arrival of platform guests, the march on the Colors, the National Anthem, the invocation and addresses, the speakers were clear, concise and short from that point on I have never been so impressed. Cdr. Franken’s placing the ship in commission and assuming command were the most moving experiences I can remember. Charged with emotion and full to overflowing we watched as the young men and women ran to the ship to set the first watch. As the crew disappeared up the gangway the funnels issued steam, bells and whistles sounded, and the ship came alive. There were tears in the eyes of many tough old men.
-RICHARD RAFFAUF, PHILADELPHIA, PENNA. USA

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FAIR WEATHER, GOOD HUNTING

As a past crew member of HMS Churchill (SSN04), may I extend to the Captain, officers and crew of USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG81) all the best for her commissioning. My Churchill took good care of me for many years and it brought a tear to my eye when I watched her go. It is only recently that I began to close down on my old friends and I was pleased to see the great name carried forward. I wish the crew fair weather and good hunting.
– M. A. WEBSTER ([email protected])

THE BIG GUN

I am proud that while employed at the Naval Ordnance Station in Louisville, Kentucky, I was one of the “founding engineers” of the Advanced Gun Weapon System. So it was with no small measure of satisfaction that I read in Finest Hour that the fruit of our labor, the advanced naval gun, would be the deck armament on DDG81. I like to think the great man would be pleased.
– BART NUSS, FISHERV1LLE, KY. USA

WINSTON IS BACK!

We witnessed with immense pride and admiration a momentous and emotional occasion, more so for the exuberant crowd present. Whether this warship is a replacement or an addition to the U.S. Navy I cannot tell; but the ancient axiom “If you want peace, prepare for war” has been taken unreservedly into account. A warning now goes forth to all those infidels far and wide, who flourish with evil intent and hostile designs. Beware: the mighty Churchill has joined the fleet. Winston is Back!
– ARMIDO I. VALORI, NORWICH, UK

COMMAND RESTS EASILY

To Commanding Officer DDG81:
On behalf of the Canadians present, Solveig and I would like to thank you for your wonderful hospitality and  for inviting us to be a part of a “life experience.” Even you, who do what you do every day, must have felt pride and emotion with the historic significance of bringing this ship to life. Being the first Barber male not to have fought or served with the forces in generations, I was particularly mindful of how fortunate we are to have the freedom others won. We were in awe of the sheer size of the physical plant, the superstructure, the building and pieces of the ship, ably brought to our attention by your ratings. The crew is exemplary, and the responsibility of command seems to rest easily on your shoulders. Your personal graciousness, calm and competent demeanor, and patience with hundreds of friends, family and dignitaries shone through as a stellar example of the wisdom of those who have given you command. May you and all who sail this gallant warship always find peace in the Seven Seas.
– RANDY BARBER, PRESIDENT, ICS CANADA

TO THE HONOR OF THE FLEET

It is a sad day when the last page is read in a good novel. Let me assure you, though, the sense of loss in finishing an enjoyable yarn like Pilpel’s To the Honor of the Fleet is worth it. Thank you for sharing it with me. If you don’t mind, I will pass it around the wardroom.

The operational side of this business is well underway. We are now in Mayport, Florida, preparing for shock trials. I have yet to dig from beneath the laurels of commissioning. The most visible reminder is a stack of unanswered letters on the desk waiting for some attention. Maybe during our transit to the UK I will get caught up.

What a pleasure it was to have The Churchill Center involved in the commissioning. Your group added an aura of learned sophistication that is sometimes lacking from the harried naval folk. Please pass along a thank you from all of us in DDG81.
– CDR. MICHAEL T. FRANKEN USN COMMANDING OFFICER

We sent Cdr. Franken To the Honor of the Fleet, a World War I novel featuring Churchill, Fisher, and FDR, by Churchill Center member Bob Pilpel, author of Churchill in America 1895-1961.