Remarks made by Mrs. David L. MacDonald at the commissioning of the USS AMERICA - Norfolk, Virginia 23JAN65

     "Governor Harrison, Secretary Rusk, Secretary Nitze, My Admiral, Captain Heyworth, Officers and Men of the USS AMERICA, Ladies and Gentlemen:

     "As a housewife and mother I am not really qualified to talk about the mechanical marvels of this great ship - or about the importance of her roll in the affairs of our wonderful country -- whose name she bears.

     "I do share though with many another Navy wife a very keen understanding of the most important element of sea power -- Navy Men. It is clear that this old saying about iron men and wooden ships was not just a clever turn of phrase. Even this great ship is only a sleeping giant until an equally great crew gives her life. The dedication and devotion of the officers and men who take her to sea will determine the contribution she makes to the interests of the U.S. and to the peace of the world.

     "I hope for this ship - which I am humbly proud to call -- my ship many E's and many battle efficiency pennants. But every team has its stars and this ship will have its outstanding officers and men. Each year on this bronze plaque which shows the 3 previous ships that have borne the name AMERICA -- as well as this ship -- will be engraved the name of the officer and the name of the enlisted man of AMERICA'S crew who have made the greatest individual contribution to morale, operating efficiency, and material readiness.

     "As I had the honor to bring this ship and this sea together for the first time at her launching, I now have this pleasure to wish her and her crew GODSPEED.

 [ Captain Heyworth's Speech ]

[ Admiral MacDonald's Speech ]  [ Mrs. MacDonald's Speech ]

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