U. S. S. Belknap (DLG-26) Boston Naval Shipyard Boston, Massachusetts 7 November 1964 Naval Commissioning The moment the commission pennant is broken at the masthead, the USS BELKNAP (DLG-26) becomes a naval ship of war, ready to serve her country in all respects. The commission pennant is a distinctive mark of a ship of the navy in commission, and is flown from the masthead, except when a personal flag displaces the commission pennant. The commission pennant dates back to the 17th century war be- tween Holland and England. The Dutch admiral, Admiral Tromp, hoisted a broom at his masthead, indicating his intention to sweep the British from the sea. This gesture was answered by the British admiral who hoisted a horsewhip, indicating the British intention to chastise the Dutch. The British carried out their boast and ever since, the nar- row, coach whip pennant (symbolizing the original horsewhip) has been the distinctive mark of a ship of war, and has been adopted by all nations. The modern, U. S. Navy commission pennant is blue at the hoist, with a union of seven white stars, and a red and white stripe at the fly, in two horizontal stripes. In lieu of a commission pennant, flag ships fly commodores' or admirals' personal flags. UNITED STATES SHIP BELKNAP (DESTROYER LEADER GUIDED MISSILE SHIP-26) Built by Bath Iron Works Corporation Bath, Maine Keel Laid — 3 February 1962 Launched — 20 July 1963 Commissioned — 7 November 1964 SPONSOR Mrs. Leonard B. Cressivell President of the United States Lyndon B. Johnson Robert S. McNamara Secretary of Defense "Let me promise here that the bedrock of a naval service is organization; its soul, honor; its necessity, subordination; its demand, courage; its inspi- ration, love of country; its reward, honor. RADM G. E. BELKNAP, U,SN AT NAVAL WAR COLLEGE 30 JULY 1897 George Eugene Belknap was born on January 22,1832 at Newport, New Hampshire, and was appointed Midshipman on 7 October 1847. During 1856 -1857 he served with the East India Squadron, taking a prominent part in engagements with the Barrier Forts, Canton, China, in November 1856. In the Civil War, he commanded a division of boats from USS ST. LOUIS which reinforced Fort Picken Florida, in April, 1861. He participated also in the operations in Charleston Harbor and command- ed the iron clad CANONICUS in attacks on Fort Fisher, N. C., on 24- 25 December 1864 and 13 -15 January 1865 which occasioned its sur- render. He joined in the firing against the Charleston defenses prior to their collapse. In 1867-1868 Belknap commanded USS HARTFORD on the Asiatic Station and led the expedition against Formosa. During 1873 - 1874 he performed important survey work in the Pacific, and from 1875 until the time of his retirement on 22 January 1894, performed eminently in diverse positions at sea and ashore. He died at Key West, Florida, on 7 April 1903. Reg-maid Rowan Belknap was born in Maiden, Mass, on June 26, 1871, the son of Rear Admiral and Mrs. George Eugene Belknap. He graduated from the Academy in 1891. From 1891 to 1907 he served on the USS CHICAGO, USS BALTIMORE, USS MONOCACY, USS YORKTOWN, USS NEWPORT, USS INDIANA, USS BADGER, USS RANGER, USS MAINE, and USS KEARSARGE. From 1907 to 1910 he served in the American Embassies in Berlin. Rome, and Vienna. In 1910 he reported aboard the USS NORTH DAKOTA as Executive Officer. On 12 December 1914, Rear Admiral Belknap assumed command of the USS SAN FRANCISCO, and on 3 July 1915 was designated Commander, Mining and Mine Sweeping Division, Atlantic Fleet. In 1915 he assumed command of Mine Squad- ron ONE. After serving on the Naval War College staff from May to July of 1920, he assumed command of the USS DELAWARE and in 1923 he had command of the USS COLORADO. Rear Admiral Belknap was transferred to the retired list of the Navy on 30 June 1926, but continued on active duty until September, 1926, when he reported as Commander, Naval Training Station, Nor- folk, Virginia. On 30 June 1927 he was retired from all active duty. Rear Admiral Belknap died 30 March 1959, and was interred in the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. "The naming of this fine new Destroyer Frigate, BELKNAP is a fitting, com- memoration to two officers who served the Navy well . The crew of this BELKNAP will have ample opportunity to take their inspiration from these two great naval officers . BELKNAP is truly the finest and most modern manifestation of the warship designer's and shipbuilder's art . ." RADM R. H. SPECK, USN COMCRUDE SLANT 20 JULY 1963 MRS. LEONARD B. CRESSWELL SPONSOR BELKNAP (DLG-26) Mrs. Leonard B. Cresswell, the for- mer Emilia Field Belknap, daughter of the late Rear Admiral Reginald Rowan Belknap, USN, and granddaughter of the late Rear Admiral George Eugene Bel- knap, USN, is the sponsor for the USS BELKNAP (DLG-26). Mrs. Cresswell was born in Stock- bridge, Mass., grew up in Newport, R. I., and is a 1926 graduate of Vassar College. In 1927 at Norfolk, Va., she married the then Marine Second Lieutenant Leonard B. Cresswell. The Cresswells have three daughters. Major General Cresswell retired in 1956. The Cress- wells reside at 3 Bristol Drive, Annapolis, Maryland. The first BELKNAP (DD-251), named in honor of Rear Admiral George Eugene Belknap, USN, was launched 14 January 1919. Fol- lowing her shakedown cruise BELKNAP served in the Eastern Medi- terranean with the 28th Division, U. S. Atlantic Fleet, until placed in reserve at Charleston Navy Yard in 1920. She was decommissioned 28 June 1922 at Philadelphia Navy Yard, remaining there until 1940. During 1940 BELKNAP was converted into a seaplane tender (reclassified AVD-8) and recommissioned 22 November 1940. Her first assignment was with Patrol Wing 5 at Hamilton, Bermuda. From August 1942 to January 1944, she served with BOGUE, CROATAN and VOTR hunter-killer groups in the Atlantic. Reclassified (DD-251) 14 November 1943, BELKNAP received the Presidential Unit Citation for her service with Task Group 21.12 BOGUE Group. Following convoy duty along the East and Gulf coasts, February - June 1944, BELKNAP underwent conversion into a high speed transport (reclas- sified APD-34). Her conversion completed, BELKNAP arrived in the Pacific during September, 1944. During 18 - 22 October she served as a screen ship during the Leyte invasion and during January, 1945 as a shore bom- bardment and beach reconnaissance vessel at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, landings. After being damaged by a Japanese suicide plane, the BELKNAP was returned to Philadelphia Navy Yard via the West Coast. Decommissioned in 1945, the BELKNAP was sold and scrap- ped in 1946. 27 October 1964 My dear Captain Law: It is with great pleasure that I extend my best wishes to you, your officers and men of USS BELKNAP (DLG-26) on this memorable occasion of her commissioning. USS BELKNAP (DLG-26) is another step forward in the development of combatant ships and is the cumulative result of the combined efforts of many segments of the United States Navy. Upon her and all the ships of the Fleet lie the hopes and aspirations of our Navy. With her over-all strength featured by her superior Anti-Air Warfare capa- bilities plus her improved Anti-Submarine capability, her very existence will be a further strong deterrent to aggression, It has been said that a Navy is only as good as its ships. While this is true, a ship can be only as good as its crew. This has a more specific meaning because before a Navy can be effective, each ship must train for the high- est possible combat readiness. To achieve this is the goal before you. I am confident that under the leadership and personal example of you and your officers the USS BELKNAP (DLG-26) will meet the challenge of her tasks in defense of our country in such manner as to reflect the highest credit upon the U. S. Navy. Sincerely yours, Captain John T. Law, USN Prospective Commanding Officer USS BELKNAP (DLG-26) c/o Supervisor of Shipbuilding, USN Bath, Maine CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS 27 October 1964 Dear Captain Law, On the occasion of the commissioning of your ship, USS BELKNAP (DLG-26), I offer you my congratulations on your new command and wish you, your officers and crew a successful and rewarding cruise. The performance of USS BELKNAP will perpetuate, without question, the distinguished records of Admiral George T. BELKNAP, USN and his son Admiral Reginald R. BELKNAP, USN. Admiral George BELKNAP distinguished himself during the Civil War and in 1867-1868 as Com- manding Officer, USS HARTFORD when he led the expedi- tion against Formosa. Admiral Reginald BELKNAP earned the Distinguished Service Medal for his outstanding planning and execution of mining operations during World War I. The challenge before you to generate the teamwork and fighting efficiency necessary to enable BELKNAP to take her rightful place in the Fleet is in itself a privilege. A very large measure of satisfac- tion will accrue to you and each individual who has the honor to serve in your ship. T truly envy you in your new assignment. I extend to you and each officer and man of your ship's company my wishes for a fair breeze and God's help in the many tasks you will encounter. Captain John T. Law, USN Prospective Commanding Officer USS BELKNAP (DLG-26) Resident Supervisor of Shipbuilding, USN Bath Iron Works Corporation Bath, Maine. Charles T. Booth, II Rear Admiral, United States Navy Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Development) Charles Thomas Booth, II, was born in Penacock, New Hampshire, on January 12, 1910.