12 DEC 41
[font="Courier New"]From- Bureau of Navigation.
To- Hoover, Gilbert C., Captain, USN
Detach on 27 November 1941 from current duty and report not later than 8 December 1941 to CL-50 Helena. Upon arrival on board report to Robert English, Commanding Officer USS Helena (CL-50) for duty as his relief. Report to immediate superior in command, if present, otherwise by message.
Signed,
S. A. Richards, Vice Admiral, USN
Chief of Bureau of Navigation[/font]
As
Helena pulled into the harbor, she made her way over to her accustomed berth at the 1010 pier, and found
Pennsylvania tied up at berth number one, so Captain English directed Stick to pull in behind her to berth number two - the spot she left a week ago. Normally, the Battle Force's flagship would be tied up at number two because less effort was required to get out of it, but today was a special day, and a bittersweet one for the Captain.
"Easy does it Mr. Standrowicz. We're in no hurry." There was an almost soft paternal tone to the captain's voice.
"Aye sir."
She came to a stop right on the money at the pier, port side abeam to the dock. The deck crews then went to work with the mooring crews to get the big ship tied up.
"Looks like you saved your best work for my last day. Nice work, Stick."
Before Stick could get out a sound, the Captain was off the bridge.
The Change of Command ceremony was as most any others, only as this was the first during wartime, some of the pomp was left out. Jim wasn't really paying a lot of attention. He had seen this ceremony a couple of times before, so he was only keeping a listen for any movements he had to make or salutes he had to give. Something odd was that this was being held on the pier, and there was a bit of gold braid in attendance, including CincPac, Admiral Nimitz.
The new CO saluted Captain English, "I relieve you, sir."
"I stand relieved."
The new commander then made a few very brief remarks, expressing pride in the command and wished his predecessor well, and then concluded with "All standing orders, regulations, and instructions remain in effect." Captain Hoover then turned to Admiral Nimitz with a salute to him and stated, "Sir, I have properly relieved Captain English as Commander USS Helena CL-50."
At this point, Captain Hoover stepped aside from the podium and Admiral Nimitz approached.
"It is now my duty, and my pleasure, to call Mr. Robert English to the podium at this time." There was murmuring amongst the guests. "I don't get to do this very often," Nimitz chuckled, as did the audience.
"Attention to Orders," called Commander Richardson.
This caught Jim's ear. Only some of it he could hear clearly, "...you are hereby promoted to Rear Admiral..." the Admiral was attaching new Admiral's shoulder boards to Captain English - or rather Rear Admiral English. So that's why he's leaving the ship.
Captain Hoover was now heard: "Commander Richardson, take charge and dismiss the ship's company."
As the ceremony was dismissed and those not on liberty re-boarded the ship, Jim was in a group of guys tossing the bull around. Speculation fell mainly on the new captain, where he came from and what he was like. After a few minutes, Jim decided to shove off.
"Where ya headed Chief?"
"I've got work to do. No time to spend cackling like an old hen. Besides, I've got second dog watch and I'm not going to be rushed through supper."
[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]The Japanese have taken Guam and Rabaul. Darwin will not be long after. I have not seen an opponent move as swiftly as this one. I am fairly sure of his intentions, and pretty sure how far he'll expand. He has only a certain amount of troops, and he'll be spread pretty thin...[/font]
