The Chronicle-star combined with the Moss Point advertiser., 1944-12-15
Griggs
CONTINUED from Page u

ned operations are dependant
upon the speed with which we
obtain assault troop and cargo
ships. These ships are the Nays
most urgent need"
These vessels" Admiral Ben.
nett disclosed, differ distinctly
from ordinary types of troop ano
cargo ships in design, equipment
and junction and must be con-
sidered as an entirely separate
class. They operate as an inte-
grail part of the task forces en-
gagged in long distance Pacific
operations and are literally
fighting ships on attack mis-
sions.
Attack transports may be said
to function somewhat as a float
ing advance base AS part OF
the task force, these ships carry a
combat team, a complete unit OF
fighting men, U. S. Marines and
U. S. Army, equipped for battle
Assault vessels lay off shore dur
ing initial bombardments of en-
emy-held territory, but after a
landing has been effected move in
close for disembarking of men
and supplies. They are heavily
armed and are capable of sup
porting their own landings when
called upon to do so.
1T is with the feeling of deep
est pleasure and satisfaction that
/ now direct you, Captain Wood,
to assume command of the USS
Griggs. Our tour of duty together
in the past has been most pleasant
and satisfactory. / am confident
that the numerous missions you
will be ordered to execute will be
accomplished with efficiency,
speed and thoroughness for which
Navy men are justly famed.
Congratulations upon this fine
ship and her splendid complement
of officers and men. Men and ship
will work together as a team as
you seek out and destroy the enc
mics of our country. It is not the
good fortune of all Of us to sail
with you, but we will be with
you in spirit and Americans ev-
erywhere will follow your career
with heartfelt prayers. We are
proud of you, Captain. We are
proud of your ship, your officers
and your men. We are confident
that this All-American team can
not fail.
Griggs OF Most Important Type
I'VE envy you this opportunity
And as you go to join the great
est fleet in the worlds history
we wish you Godspeed, good luck
and smooth sailing"
Ships of the 'Griggs' type are
the answer to one of the CHIEF
war problems of the United
States: providing rapid, safe and
comfortable transportation Of
troops. In the past troopships
have almost always been passen-
ger liners or freighters converted
to the new job.
Heavily gunned they are capa-
BILE of standing off opposition from
either the air, sea or land. Since
they may put in at small and in
frequently used ports of call to
land their troops, they are de-
signed with quite shallow draft.
although their stability under any
sea conditions has been thorough
ly established. They have many
decks, special accommodations for
officers and non-commissioned of
ficers and sleep troops in comfort
able tiers of roomy berths.
They have adequatae hospital
facilities, complete with the
most modern medical and dental
apparatus. Galleys are designed
to enable cooks to serve troops
splendid meals. Air blown venti-
lating and heating systems insure
the troops comfort in any climate.
The power plant is the last word
in efficiency and there are aux
iliary systems for lighting and
radio in the event trouble should
befall the main generating plants.
Swift unloading of troops is ac-
complished by means of a mod
ern version of Jacobs ladder A
number of them with wood runes
seized by chains that will moi
let go even under extreme heat,
are rolled into holsters two feet
in diameter, and hung inside the
weather deck rail. When it is
time to debark, the rolls are
pushed over the side, and their
10-foot width clatters some forty
feet to within easy reach of small
boats or landing craft.
Decks of the transport carry
plenty of floats made of balsa
wood and fire repellant canvas as
safeguard against loss of life il
the ship is sunk. The floats are
distributed in such a way as to
float clear when reached by the
water level. They are five feet
by nine, with a foot thick rim
and each can sustain 25 men,
There are enough of these floats
for all hands on board.