Remarks by Admiral David L. MacDonald, USN Chief of Naval Operations at the commissioning of the USS AMERICA - Norfolk, Virginia 23JAN65

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

     I think that, of all the many proud names we have given the ships of our Navy down through the years -- names of great men, great states, great cities and great battles perhaps none can quite equal the name AMERICA.

     This is because, to each of us, the name AMERICA represents the very essence of everything in which we Americans believ. In fact, there are few other single words in history which have contained so much for so many people -- because to people all over the world, the word AMERICA means strength for peace and hpe for the future. Among other things, it is proff, in one word, of the ideal that men can win and hold their freedom.

     In the strength of this ship, and in the courage and ability of the men who make up her crew, I believe that this ideal will be given added emphasis wherever the USS AMERICA appears around the world.

     And I am sure that all of the people of our country would -- if possible -- join me in wishing you fair winds and God Speed.

     And now I am especially pleased and privileged to introduce -- upon this occasion of the commissioning of the newest addition to our nation's seapower -- the man to whom our citizens, both in and out of uniform, look with confidence to maintain -- both quantitatively and qualitatively whatever seapower our country needs -- Ladies and Gentlemen, our highly respected Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Paul H. Nitze."

 [ Captain Heyworth's Speech ]

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

[ Plankowner's Club ]  [ Plankowner's Log ]  [ Captain Heyworth's Speech ]

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

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