Launching USS HERMITAGE (LSD-34)

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HERMITAGE (LSD-34) was launced 12 June 1956 by the Ingalls Shipbuilding Corp., Pascagoula, Miss., sponsored by Mrs. Alfred M. Pride, wife of Vice Admiral Alfred M. Pride; and commissioned 14 December 1956, Captain Leonard A. Parker in command.

While on shakedown in the Caribbean, HERMITAGE was informally inspected by Admiral Arleigh Burke, then Chief of Naval Operations.  After local operations out of Norfolk, she sailed for the Mediterranean in late August to join the Sixth Fleet.  HERMITAGE participated in exercises with NATO units and visited Sicily, Crete, Turkey, Italy, Greece, and Spain before returning to the United States 16 November 1957.  Local operations primarily with fast amphibious helicopter assault equipment and tactics occupied her until November 1959.  With a cargo of Presidential helicopters embarked, HERMITAGE sailed to Karachi 2 December via the Atlantic, Med, Suez Canal, and Red and Arabian Seas to furnish quick and safe transportation for President Dwight D. Eisenhower on his Asian and European tour. 

Mission successfully completed, she returned home via Barcelona 17 January 1960.  Foreign waters called HERMITAGE by the end of the year as she sailed 20 November as flagship for Admiral A. L. Reed, CONSOLANT, for a good will cruise to South America and Africa.  In the midst of the cruise, HERMITAGE was diverted 19 January 1969 to carry grain to the Congo to help the United Nations combat starvation in that revolution torn country. 

Other points which she visited included Recife, Brazil; Monrovia, Liberia; Lome, Togo; Conakry, Guinea; Freetown, Sierra Leone;  Luanda, Angola; Las Plamas, Canary islands; and Bathurst, Gambia.  Relieved as flagship 3 May by SPIEGEL GROVE, HERMITAGE returned to Virginia 16 May and soon resumed her pattern of operations and exercises off the Virginia Capes and in the Caribbean.

When the presence of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba threatened war in October 1962, HERMITAGE sailed to Guantanamo to transport Marines to that threatened base and underline America's determination to maintain her position there.  A second cruise to the Med, May -October 1963, took HERMITAGE to Naples, Athens, Genoa, Cannes, Sardinia, Malta, and Roa as well as other ports she had visited previously.

HERMITAGE CHRONOLOGY 1 MARCH 1969 - 1 MARCH 1970

1.  1 March - The ship prepared to move to Newport News for a three month overhaul, followed by drydocking in Baltimore, Maryland.

2.  12 March - 18 July - HERMITAGE underwent a four-month yard overhaul, receiving preservation and modernization from Horne Brothers Shipyard facilities in Newport News, Virginia and Maryland Shipbuilding and Drydocking Corporation in Baltimore, Maryland. 

3.  18 July - Underway for sea trials and transit to homeport, Little Creek, Virginia.

4.  24 July - Arrived Little Creek, Virginia.

5.  11 August- Departed Little Creek, Virginia for Refresher Training.

6.  16 August - Arrived at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for three weeks Refresher Training.

7.  12 September - Underway for Little Creek, Virginia after completing Refresher Training.

8.  16 September - Arrived at Little Creek, Virginia.

9.  19 September - Change-of-Command Ceremony, in which Captain Wesley L. McDonald, USN relieved Captain Donald R. Jex, USN.  Ceremony was held aboard ship at Little Creek, Virginia.

10.  3 October - Commence ACTU training.

11.  24 October - AOTU training completed.

12.  17 November - Underway for gunnery exercises off the Virginia Capes.  Returned to homeport 26 November 1969. 

13.  5 February - Departed Little Creek for participation in OPERATION SPRINGBOARD and OPERATION/FIREX 70.

14.  1 March - HERMITAGE deployed to the Caribbean participating in OPERATION SPRINGBOARD.

NARRATIVE

Upon completion of "FIREX-69", HERMITAGE made preparations to move to Newport News, Virginia to begin a scheduled yard overhaul period.  The period established was four months in length and involved preservation and modernization in Newport News, Virginia and Baltimore, Maryland.

On 18 July 1969, HERMITAGE got underway from Baltimore, Maryland to commence an abbreviated period of sea trials.  Sea trials were conducted until 24 July, when HERMITAGE returned to her home port of Little Creek, Virginia.

One month after completion of the yard overhaul, HERMITAGE departed for the waters off Cuba to conduct "Refresher Training".  The rigorous training received by the crew of HERMITAGE during this three weeks exposure greatly enhanced the capability of the ship to meet its assigned commitments.  "Refresher Training" was climaxed with the successful completion of the final battle problem.  Immediately thereafter, HERMITAGE was underway for her home port of Little Creek, Virginia, arriving on 16 September 1969.

Three days after arriving in Little Creek, 19 September 1969, a Change-of-Command Ceremony was held at which Captain Wesley L. McDonald, USN, relieved Captain Donald R. Jex, USN, as Commanding Officer of HERMITAGE.

Less than one month after the Change-of-Command Ceremony, HERMITAGE entered into a second phase of readiness training.  From 3 October 1969 through 234 October 1969 ship riders from the Amphibious Operational Training Unit were embarked.  With the assistance of this training unit. HERMITAGE practiced her amphibious assault procedures.

The holiday season was spent in home port.  On 5 February 1970, after two and one-half months in port, HERMITAGE got underway to participate in OPERATION SPRINGBOARD.  The operational time afforded all units participating in SPRINGBOARD was invaluable as it allowed HERMITAGE to successfully conduct almost all exercises essential to ensure maximum readiness.

HERMITAGE CHRONOLOGY 1 MARCH 1970 - 1 MARCH 1971

1.  1 March - HERMITAGE deployed to Caribbean participating in OPERATION SPRINGBOARD.

2.  14 March - HERMITAGE returned from OPERATION SPRINGBOARD and OPERATION FIREX 70.

3.  12 April - Underway for gunnery exercise and SINKEX off the Virginia Capes.  Returned to hope port 16 April 70.

4.  14 May - HERMITAGE left for nine weeks in the Caribbean as part of CARIB 2-70 ready group.

5.  16 July - HERMITAGE returned from Caribbean deployment and remained in stand-by status.

6.  20 July - Underway for one week of amphibious training for embarked Navy midshipmen.

7.  23 August - Underway to take park in exercise Escort Lion II 

8.  3 September - Returned from exercise Escort Lion II.

9.  8 September - Underway for Santa Maria, Azores for Project Afar.

10.  14 September - Change of command ceremony in which Captain Donald F. Ryder, USN, relieved Captain Wesley L. McDonald, USN.  Ceremony was conducted aboard ship while at anchor, Santa Maria, Azores.

11.  24 September - Returned to home port from Project Afar.

12.  16 November - HERMITAGE began underway for six months in the Mediterranean as part of MED 2-70 ready group.

13.  1 March - HERMITAGE deployed to Mediterranean as part of MED 2-70 ready group.

NARRATIVE

1. Upon completion of OPERATION SPRINGBOARD, HERMITAGE went through a brief upkeep period in Little Creek, Va.  After this period, she took part in gunnery exercises off the Virginia Capes, concluding the exercise with a SINKEX.

2.  After two weeks preparation, HERMITAGE sailed for a nine week deployment in the Caribbean.  Acting as part of the CARIB 2-70 ready group HERMITAGE took part in many amphibious operations designed to establish operational readiness.

3.  On 16 July 1970, HERMITAGE returned from the Caribbean deployment and remained in a stand-by status.   While in a stand-by status, she took part in midshipman amphibious operational training.  Also during this stand-by status, HERMITAGE gook part in exercise Escort Lion II in the river area southwest of Charleston, South Carolina.  This exercise was designed to develop skills against an enemy in shallow water and river conditions.

4.  Five days after exercise Escort Lion II, HERMITAGE was once again underway.  HERMITAGE steamed to Santa Maria, the Azores to pick up gear from Project Afar.

5.  On 14 September while anchored off Santa Maria, the Azores, captain Donald F. Ryder, USN, relieved Captain Wesley L. McDonald, USN, as commanding officer of HERMITAGE.

6.  Immediately after the change of command ceremony, HERMITAGE sailed for home with her Project Afar gear.  She arrived in Little Creek, Va. on 24 September after a three day stop in Bermuda.

7.  On 16 November 1970, HERMITAGE got underway for a six month deployment in the Mediterranean, operating as a member of Amphibious Squadron Two.

CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY OF COMMAND HISTORY

1.  November 1970-May 1971 - HERMITAGE deployed to Mediterranean as part of MED 2-70, the amphibious group assigned to SIXTH Fleet for operations.

2.  11 February - 2 March - Anchored off Navplion, Greece conducting amphibious landings and support operations.

3.  5 - 18 March - Anchored off Carboneras, Spain conducting amphibious operations.

5.  1 - 9 April - Anchored off Golfe Juan, France for leave and liberty.

6.  15 - 24 April - Moored at Livorno, Italy for liberty and snail decontamination.

7.  7 May - Arrival Little Creek, Virginia.

8.  7 May - 7 June - 50 per cent leave, upkeep period.

9.  7 June - 6 July - Predeployment TAV and upkeep.

10.  6 July - 6 August - HERMITAGE deployed to Caribbean area as part of Caribbean Ready Group (CARIB 1-71).

11.  11 - 15 July - Operations vicinity Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

13.  17 July - Arrival Panama Canal Zone.  Embarked units conduct jungle operations.

14.  23 -28 July - Inport Panama Canal Zone for liberty.

15.  31 July - 1 August - Inport Ocho Rios, Jamaica for liberty.

16.  6 August - Arrival Little creek, Virginia.  

17.  6 August 9 9 September - Leave and upkeep homeport.

18.  7 September - Change of Command Ceremony.  Captain D. F. RYDER relieved by Commander H. T. WALSH, Jr.

19  9 September - Underway for Caribbean area as unit of Caribbean Ready Group (CARIB 1-71).

20.  10-16 September - Conduct various amphibious operations Moorehead City, N.C. and underway.

21.  17 September - Commence Escort Tiger Exercise vicinity of Vieques Island, P.R.

22.  23 September - 1 October - Inport San Juan, P.R. for upkeep and liberty.

23.  4 - 6 Ocrtober - Inport Willemstad, Curacao for liberty.

24.  6 October - Underway for Vieques Island with Dutch Marines embarked and in company with Dutch destroyers.

25.  15 - 18 October - Inport San Juan, P.R. for liberty.

26.  18 October - Underway for Willemstad, Curacao to disembark Dutch Marine personnel, and air gunshoot.

27.  28 October - Arrival Little Creek, Virginia.

28.  28 October - 28 December - Caribbean Ready Group inport Little Creek for upkeep and liberty.

29.  28  December - Relieved from Caribbean Ready Group Status

30.  28 December - 7 February - Inport Little Creek.  TAV and upkeep period.

31.  7 -11 February - Reserve indoctrination cruise to Onslow Beach, N.C. for amphibious operations.

32.  11 February - 11 March - Inport Little Creek.  TAV and upkeep period.

33.  28 February - 2 March - INSURV Inspection

NARRATIVE - SPECIAL TOPICS

1.  During MED 2-70 HERMITAGE took part in a large number of amphibious operations designed to maintain a high degree of operational readiness. Numerous individual and unit citations were received by HERMITAGE and her personnel as a result of excellence in operations in the Mediterranean.

2,  After eight weeks in port in Norfolk, Virginia, HERMITAGE sailed for a four week period as part of the Caribbean Ready Group.  During the period 11-15 July, operations conducted off Guantanamo Bay, Cuba included an underway launch of amphibious vehicles, gunshoots, two landings, and operations BLOCKEX and FAMEX.  Duringthe Panama Canal Zone period, jungle training was conducted for the training of embarked and ship's personnel. While inport in Barranquilla, Colombia, hospitalities were exchanged between U.S. and Colombian Navy Officers in the form of parties and ship tours.

3. HERMITAGE received the following Department Excellence awards during fiscal year 1972:  the Amphibious Assault Award, and the Operations Award.

4.  On 7 September 1971 Admiral ZUMWALT's policy of assigning younger, more junior officers to command of selected Navy ships was implemented when CDR H. T. WALSH, Jr. relieved CAPT D. F. RYDER as Commanding Officer.

5.  On 9 September, HERMITAGE sailed on a seven week cruise again as a unit of Caribbean Ready Group.  Operation Escort Tiger, during which numerous landing and quarantine exercises were accomplished, was a highlight of this cruise.

6.  Tours were offered whenever available during 1971, and were received, in general, with enthusiasm by the crew.

PORT                          TOUR

Naples, Italy                        Rome, Pompeii, Florence

Golfe Juan, France                                                                                       Garmisch, Paris, Riviera

Livorno, Italy                                                                                               Florence, Pisa, Venice

Panama                                                                                                        Panama City and Canal

7.  Number and unit designation of troops carried during reporting period.

MED 2-70           Number Personnel

Marines               89

ACU-2                 28

ACB-2                  8

BMU-2                15

UDT-21               15

CARIB READY GROUP

Marine 2nd Batt. C.H.           82

ACB-2                                               7

ACU-2                                            30

UDT-21 (CARIB 1-71)          23

UDT-22 (CARIB 2-72)          24

BMU-2                                           23

Dutch Personnel Carried 6 OCT - 20 OCT 1971

Royal Netherlands Marines          33

Royal Netherlands UDT                     6

NARRATIVE - EXTENDED UNDERWAY PERIODS

CARIB 1-72  1 June - 13 July

Liberty Ports -

12-13 June     St. Croix

14 June  Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico

17-19 June   St. Johns, Antigua

27-30 June   Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

3-4 July   Guantanamo bay, Cuba

7-9 July  Port Everglades, Florida

CARIB 2-72          12 September -27 October 

Liberty Ports -

20-23 September   Limon, Costa Rica

24-26 September   Cartagena, Colombia

1-2 October  Aruba, Netherlands Antilles

11-16 October  San Juan, Puerto Rico

18-19  October  Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

23-24  October   Nassau, British Bahamas

MAJOR OPERATIONS

ESCORT TIGER - 10-11 June

DORIA SALUTE IV - 3-8 October - A Joint U.S. - Netherlands Operation

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HERMITAGE CHRONOLOGY

1 JANUARY 1972 - 31` DECEMBER 1972

3 January Effective 1 January, HERMITAGE is transferred from PIBRON TWO to PHIBRON SIX

7 February Underway for Onslow Beach for troop landing exercises

10 February Commenced "OPERATION SNOWY BEACH":  A salvage operation in Maine

24 February  Returned to home port

20 March Underway for Moorehead City and Guantanamo bay to rotate Marine Tank Equipment

5 April  Returned to home port

10-12 April Underway for local ops

14 April Underway for one-day dependent's cruise

18-21 April Underway for local ops

1 June Underway for CARIB CRUISE 1-72

13 July Returned to home port

29 July Underway for "OPERATION HIGH BOOTS"

3 August  Returned to home port

16 August Underway for "RESLEX 1-72"

18 August Returned to home port

30 August Vice Admiral ADAMSON, USN makes an inspection visit

12 September  Underway for CARIB CRUISE 2-72

27 October Returned to Home port

20 November Vice Admiral BELL, USN makes an informal visit to HERMITAGE

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The following information is from the Decommissioning  Program

Cover:

DECOMMISSIONING 

CEREMONY

Ship's Crest

USS HERMITAGE 

LSD-34

02 OCTOBER 1989

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PAGE TWO

SHIP'S HISTORY

USS HERMITAGE was constructed by the Ingall's Shipbuilding Corporation, Pascagoula, Mississippi.  Her keel was layed April 11, 1955 and the ship was launched June 12, 1956.  She was commissioned as USS HERMITAGE (LSD-34) on December 14, 1956, the second ship to be named after the estate of President Andrew Jackson. 

The first USS HERMITAGE (AD-54), was the former Italian Passenger Liner SS Conte Biancamano, and served as a troop transport during WWII.  After the war she was decommissioned and returned to Italy in 1947.

After reporting for duty in the Atlantic Amphibious Force in January 1957, the intervening years have been filled with numerous deployments and amphibious operations, one which provided helicopter transportation for PRESIDENT EISENHOWER during his visit to Asia in 1959.

In 1964, HERMITAGE participated in Exercise Steel Spike off the Spanish Coast.  This was the largest peace-time Navy-Marine exercise ever to take place on foreign shore and involved more than 60 ships and 25,000 men.  Further amphibious operations took her to the Dominican Republic in 1965 and Vietnam in 1967.  Following a shipyard overhaul in 1973, she participated in two more cruises as part of the Caribbean Amphibious Ready Group.

In July 1975, HERMITAGE sailed to the Mediterranean for numerous amphibious exercises and weeks of intensive training.  A few weeks after returning from the cruise, HERMITAGE participated in the emergency earthquake relief mission to Guatemala by transporting clothing and a large quantity of road building equipment.  

In April 1976, she was part of Exercise Solid Shield, an annual multi-service East Coast training operation.  In late August, she departed for Northern Europe to participate in combined NATO air, land and sea force exercises.

In April 1977, HERMITAGE deployed to the Mediterranean and participated in Exercise Dawn Patrol and Display Determination, returning to homeport in October 1977.  She again deployed to the Mediterranean in 1979, after a lengthy overhaul and Refresher Training, returning to Little Creek in February 1980.  August saw HERMITAGE underway in the North Atlantic to participate in the large NATO exercise Teamwork '80.

HERMITAGE deployed to the Mediterranean in January 1981.  Three months into the cruise, Mideast tensions necessitated anchoring off the coast of Lebanon.  She returned to homeport in July 1981.

In late January 1982, HERMITAGE set sail for Panama and supported combined U.S. Army and U.S. Navy exercises in defense of the Panama Canal.  After Blue Water Workups in April, the ship again set sail for the Mediterranean.  Five of six months were spent in support of peace efforts to resolved Middle East tensions.  On June 24, HERMITAGE transported 181 U.S. and U.S. sponsored citizens from the Lebanese port of Juniyah to safety in Lanarca, Cyprus.  

On August 25, HERMITAGE assisted the evacuation of the newly formed Multi-National Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon.  HERMITAGE remained anchored off Beirut until late October in support of the peace keeping force.

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Page 3

USS HERMITAGE was relieved on station in November 1982 and proceeded to Morocco for a joint training exercise with the Moroccan Navy.  HERMITAGE returned to homeport November 25, 1982.

In January 1983, HERMITAGE began regular overhaul at Horne Brothers Shipyard in Newport News, Virginia.

In July 1984, HERMITAGE deployed to the Mediterranean participating in Display Determination '84 and in November 1985, she deployed to the Mediterranean, taking part in Sardinia '86 and returning to homeport in June 1986.

In August 1986, she began a short overhaul period at Sparrows Point Shipyard in Baltimore, Maryland.

In October 1986,  HERMITAGE received the Battle Efficiency "E" and Top Gator awards for outstanding performance and also received the prestigious Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy as the "most improved ship or unit in the Atlantic Fleet."  These awards were based on HERMITAGE's performance during an 18-month battle efficiency competitive cycle (1 April 1985 to 30 September 1986).

In January 1987, HERMITAGE was underway to participate in Blue/Green Water Workups off the coast of Puerto Rico in support of Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 3-87.  

By June of 1987, USS HERMITAGE had achieved the highest Operations Tempo in the Atlantic Fleet based on days underway.  From June to December 1987, HERMITAGE set new standards by successfully completing two Readiness Reviews; Boiler and Diesel Inspections; major training periods in  Amphibious Warfare, Operations and Engineering, and three major inspections including INSURV, Supply Management and Command.

In January 1988, HERMITAGE participated in Blue/Green Water Workups, in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, as part of Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 1-88.  During the Workups HERMITAGE was named "Top Operator."  Completing all pre-deployment preparations and a Type Commander's 3M Inspection, HERMITAGE departed for the Mediterranean deployment on 29 February with elements of the Naval Beach Group and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked.  

While operating in the Mediterranean, HERMITAGE participated in five amphibious exercises off the coasts of Spain, Italy, Tunisia and Sardinia.  During these amphibious exercises, HERMITAGE performed duties as Advanced Force Command Ship, as well as, launching land craft for the main assault waves.  During NATO Exercise DRAGON HAMMER 88, HERMITAGE was once again named "Top Operator".  Port calls were made in Spain, Italy, France, Tunisia, Sicily and Israel.  HERMITAGE completed maintenance periods in Marseilles, France;  Augusta, Sicily, and Haifa, Israel.  HERMITAGE returned to homeport on 29 August.

During the Fall of 1988, HERMITAGE conducted joint operations with U.S. Army

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PAGE 4

units in Exercises DRAGON Team 1-89 and 3-89.  HERMITAGE also performed duties as a logistics and command base for Army Air Cushion Vehicles.

On 9-13 January HERMITAGE completed a short-notice INSURV Inspection, impressing the inspectors with a successful full power demonstration and the excellent cleanliness of the ship.  

On 26-30 June 1989, HERMITAGE completed her final Command Inspection.  The Senior Inspector best described the high standards maintained by her officers and crew by reporting:  "USS HERMITAGE was prepared, ready, and presented an outstanding command involved program throughout the inspection.  The pride and professionalism displayed by USS HERMITAGE and her crew are most noteworthy.   The exemplary manner, attitude and day-to-day way of conducting business in USS HERMITAGE resulted in the best command inspection in recent years."  As of 02 October 1989, HERMITAGE and her many crews will have proudly served our nation for 32 years, 9 months, and 18 days.

THE FUTURE OF HERMITAGE

Upon Congressional approval, EX-HERMITAGE will be leased to Brazil for further service.  Recently, HERMITAGE has completed a two month period of repairs and training.

Over 200 Brazilian officers and enlisted personnel have already crossed HERMITAGE's quarterdeck to be trained as the future crew.  Once transferred the ship's name will be changed to NDD CEARA (pronounced 'Sierra').  'NDD' is the Brazilian acronym for Naval Disembarkation Dock.  CEARA is one of 26 states in Brazil.  Next year NDD CEARA will be joined by EX-ALAMO (LSD-32) from our Pacific Fleet.  The Brazilian Navy is the largest amongst our South American neighbors.  The addition of the two LSDs will significantly enhance their Amphibious Warfare capability.

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PAGE FIVE

PAST

COMMANDING OFFICERS

Captain L.A. PARKER, USN.......................................................January 1957-November 1957

Captain J.M. ALEXANDER, USN...............................................November 1957-November 1958

Captain V.J. SOBALLE, USN......................................................November 1958-November 1959

Captain R.K. KAUFMAN, USN...................................................November 1959-August 1960

Captain G.H. ROOD, USN..........................................................August 1960-August 1961

Captain W.P. TYLER, USN.........................................................August 1961-September 1962

Captain J.P. WIER, USN..............................................................September 1962-September 1963

Captain H.H. WARREN, USN......................................................September 1963-May 1964

Captain J.C. DONALDSON, USN.................................................May 1964-October 1965

Captain J.E. McCAULEY, USN.....................................................October 1965-April 1967

Captain H.S. MATHEWS, Jr., USN...............................................April 1967-May 1968

Captain D.R. JEX, USN.................................................................May 1969-September 1969

Captain W.L. McDONALD, USN...................................................September 1969-September 1970

Captain D.F. RYDER, USN............................................................September 1970-September 1971

Captain H.T. WALSH, USN...........................................................September 1971-April 1973

Commander J.D. LAURENCE, USN...............................................April 1973-January 1975

Commander R.E. DEEGAN, USN...................................................January 1975-January 1977

Commander J.P. THOMAS, USN....................................................January 1979-January 1979

Commander V. DEKSHENIEKS, USN..............................................January 1979-March 1981

Captain D.A. STOUFER, USN.........................................................March 1981-February 1983

Commander R. S. BECKETT, USN...................................................February 1983-July 1985

Commander J.K. CONDON, USN......................................................July 1985-September 1987

Commander C.H. WILSON, USN......................................................September 1987-October 1989

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PAGE SIX

SHIP'S CREST

USS HERMITAGE (LSD-34)

Picture of Crest

THE SHIELD                         -  The symbol of the defender.

THE PEGASUS                     -  Signifies helicopter capabilities.

THE ALLIGATOR                -  The symbol of the ship's amphibious mission.

THE BATTLE AX                  - Symbolizes strength, force and might.

THE ANCHOR                       -  Symbol of all naval forces.

SHIP'S NICK NAME:

"STRIKE GATOR"

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PAGE SEVEN

Picture of Pennant

Commission Pennant

During the Middle Ages the mark of knights and other nobles was a "coachwhip pennant" called a pennon.  The size of these pennons as well as their diverse splendor usually signified the relative rank and importance of the noble it heralded.  During the infancy of modern naval seapower these nobles rarely embarked upon seagoing vessels, but when they did, they flew their pennants from the most visible place on the ship, usually the foremast or main mast.

Perhaps the first time the commission was used independent of feudal heraldry dates back to the 17th century during a conflict between the Dutch and English.  Admiral Tremp of the Dutch fleet hoisted a broom at his masthead to indicate his intention to "sweep the English navy from the sea."  The gesture was soon answered by the English Admiral who hoised a horsewhip, to indicate his intentions to chastise th Dutch.  The British carried out their boast and ever since a narrow coachwhip pennant (to symbolize the original horsewhip), has been the distinctive mark of a vessel of war and has been adopted by all nations.

The commission pennant, as ti is called today, is blue at the hoist, with a union of seven stars;  it is red and white at the fly, in two horizontal strings.  (The number of stars is arbitrary).  The pennant is flown at the main by vessels not carrying flag officers.  In lieu of the commission pennant, a vessel with a high ranking offidcer or official embarked aboard flies his own personal flag or command pennant.  Today's ceremony and its participants are enacting an age old tradition handed down from century to century.  When the commission pennant is finally lowered from the main and handed over to the commanding officer, the ship is officially retired.

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PAGE EIGHT

HERMITAGE UNIT AWARDS

Combat Action Ribbon:

Vietnam:  06 Jul 1967

Meritorious Unit Commendation:

Vietnam:  26 May-29 Nov 1967

Arleigh Burke:  01 Apr 1985-01 July 1987

Battle Efficiency "E":

1959, 1962, 1946. 1965, 1966, 1986

Navy Expeditionary Medal:

Cuban Operations:  05-18 Jun 1961/25-28 Jun 1962

Multi-National Peacekeeping Force, Lebanon Operations:  20 Aug-11 Sept 1982/ 24 Sept-02 Nov 1982

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal:

Goodwill Tour:  22 Jan-02 Feb 1961/20 Feb-02 Mar 1961

Cuban Operations:  07-23 Dec 1962

Dominican Republic Operations:  26 Jun-03 Jul 2965/25-26 July 1965

Vietnam Service Medal -and- Republican of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation

(Gallantry Cross Medal Color with Palm):

03-14 Jun 1967                       30 Jul-17 Aug 1967

30 Aug-10 Sep 1967            09 Oct - 10 Nov 1967

Humanitarian Service Medal:

Guatemala Earthquake Operations:  28 Feb -01 Mar 1976

Juniyah, Lebanon Evacuation:  23-25 Jun 1982

Sea Service Ribbon:

21 deployments

Other Awards:

Ney Award:  1962

"Top Gator":  01 Apr 1985-30 Sep 1986

Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy:  01 Apr 1985-30 Sep 1986