Back from the Caribbean since May 15, 1970, and, according to shipmate Jim Treadway’s Hard Charger! The Story of the USS Biddle (DLG-34), following weekday cruises, Biddle hosted a change of command ceremony on May 22, 50 years ago.
I don’t remember much at all about the event, but I kept a copy of the program. Here’s a gallery of pages from it. You can enlarge the thumbnails by clicking on them.
Shipmate then-LTJG Steve Curran chimed in with his recollections of the day: “I do recall the eventful day we were ‘encouraged’ to attend the Change of Command Ceremony. The uniform of the day was indeed full dress blues!
“I don’t recall ever before getting fully decked out that way, but I do recall checking with the more senior officers as to what made up ‘full dress.’ What I remember is that we had to wear medals — National Defense, Vietnam Campaign and Service — and the Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon, for our Vietnam Duty and 700 helo landings; needed to wear our sword (only time I ever had to use it); white gloves; and of course spit-polished shoes!” (Pre-corfam)
He also had fond memories of CAPT Olsen: “‘Jollie Ollie’ was fair and even tempered! I recall when I first reported aboard Biddle in May 1969, that he called me to his stateroom to “welcome me” aboard. He also gave me the following advice on how to be an officer on board his ship. He exhorted me to be consistent in my interactions with enlisted men aboard. To not try to be friendly with enlisted men one day and then be a ‘hard ass’ the next. Such inconsistent behavior from new junior officers would confuse the men and cause discord. I often reflect on his advice today, and have found it helped me in my interpersonal relations.”
Anyone else remember the 1970 Change of Command?
I still have a copy of that brochure. I too have been subjected to an involuntary office reshuffle after wife’s below decks inspection so probably can’t find it now. Captain Collister signed my complimentary ship’s photo when I left Biddle.