CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

7 July 1972

Dear Captain,

My best wishes go to you and your ship's company on the commissioning of BREWTON (DE-1086).

BREWTON represents a significant step forward in the development of new ships to deter the threat of modern submarines. She perpetuates the memory of Lieutenant John C. Brewton, USNR, leader of a Navy "Seal" team in South Vietnam. Distinguishing himself in action against the enemy, he led his men in a successful firefight although himself seriously wounded. Even after the action had been completed, he refused assistance until after all of his wounded had been cared for. His selfless concern for his men and for the success of his mission cost him his own life. His spirit of competence and dedication is now yours to carry on. I know that you will make your ship worthy of the man whose name she honors.

Your selection as Commanding Officer of BREWTON is a tribute to your past performance and attests to your ability to meet the challenge of Command, the most cherished experience of a Naval career. You know the truth of Admiral Arleigh Burke's remark that any ship is "good because of the people in her; without them, she is an inert mass of steel." Our need for highly motivated, experienced personnel has never been greater. I urge you to be keenly aware of the welfare of your men. There is no substitute for a crew who is well informed and whose talents are recognized. I encourage you to delegate responsibility down to the lowest level and in so doing, develop a real sense of being part of, what I know will be, one of our Navy's finest fighting units.

On behalf of the Navy, I welcome BREWTON to the fleet.

Sincerely,

E. R. ZUMWALT, JR.
Admiral, U.S. Navy

Lieutenant Commander John W. Kinnier, USN
PCO, BREWTON (DE-1086)
Long Beach Naval Shipyard
Long Beach, California 90802