The White Falcon - 13.10.1978, Side 1

Volume34,Number41 Kef la vik, Iceland October 13, 1978
Happy 203rd Birthday U.S.
Navy!
This 203rd anniversary of the
Navy's founding offers each of us
an excellent opportunity to step
back from our daily duties for a
moment to assess ourselves.
We have come a long way from the
difficulties that were the legacy
of Vietnam. Today we are a strong,
ready force for the United States
that can respond promptly and ef-
fectively if called upon. We are
a proud Navy and we are keenly a-
ware if the challenge we face. We
are volunteers for whom service to
country is more than a hollow
phrase.
The Navy today is firmly on
course and has strong momentum. For
the first time in several years
we see the prospect of a larger
Navy as new, highly capable ships
begin to enter the fleet in num-
bers. The days ahead will not
always offer smooth sailing, but
our fellow countrymen have provided
the resources for the kind of Navy
the United States must have to
remain pre-eminent on the seas. It
is our task to ensure we are never
found wanting.
To all our Navy people, uniform-
ed and civilian, happy birthday.
At this important milestone I ask
that you join with me in recogniz-
ing our many strengths, and that as
professionals, we together renew
our resolve to keep the United
States Navy second to none. Our
collective security demands no less.
(Signed) Thomas B. Hayward, Ad-
miral, U.S., Navy.
from: Adm Train
"Since the Continental Congress
first authorized the outfitting of
ships on October 13, 1775, the en-
during strength and motivating
force of the Naval Service has been
the professional commitment to duty
by the capable, diligent and hard
working Navy men and women, military
and civilian, whose pride in our
country and the Navy is reflected
in themselves. That professional
commitment has been challenged by
important changes in our Navy;
the modernization and reduction in
our fleet, severe fiscal con-
straints, and the continuing
dramatic expansion of the Soviet
fleet.
You Navy professionals in the
Atlantic Fleet have been more
than equal to the challenge:
whether you've deployed overseas,
participated in a major exercise,
overhauled a fleet unit or sup-
ported the fleet from behind a
desk. Your efforts this past
ye?r h?ve contributed signifi-
cantly to America's ability to
use the seas freely to encourage
our friends and discourage po-
tential enemies.
continued on page 4
Cdr. Smith
takes NavSta
XO position