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National Geographic : 1947 Oct
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The National Geographic Magazine With Three of His Top Advisers, Admiral Byrd Plans an Exploring Flight War against the grim powers of ice, snow, and wild Antarctic weather centered in this map-lined room. Behind the Admiral (left to right) are Capt. G. F. Kosco, expedition aerological officer in charge of scientific projects, and Comdr. C . M. Campbell, commander of the base group. In foreground is Capt. H. R. Homey, Admiral Byrd's chief of staff. So I was glad and proud to see the naval service return on such an impressive scale to the field for which it is so pre-eminently adapted by training, equipment, and history. The project was, moreover, a means of demonstrating strikingly to the American people that their Navy is not alone "war insur ance." It pays its way in services between wars. The code and spirit of the Navy are the finest things I have known in life or liter ature, and I consider them to be a great asset to the Nation in peace as well as in war. With great sincerity and a lifelong conviction I should like to say that I wish the people of this country could know our Navy as I do. This great undertaking, the 1946-1947 U. S. Navy Antarctic Expedition, officially desig nated Operation Highjump, was made pos sible by the vision and enterprise of Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal and Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Chief of Naval Operations. Vice Adm. Forrest P. Sherman, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, assisted by Rear Adm. Roscoe F. Good, showed ex traordinary foresight and initiative in making the general over-all plans and in implementing those plans. To Capt. Richard H. Cruzen, veteran of our 1939-41 Antarctic Expedition, fell the job of doing most of the detailed organizing-a tough assignment indeed. He was put in command of Task Force 68, as the expedi tion's ships were known collectively, upon my recommendation. Just before the departure of the expedition, Cruzen was promoted by the Selection Board to the grade of Rear Admiral. This delighted me, as it was what I had hoped for. Further, it would make Cruzen's job and mine easier. The Navy was considerably handicapped because of the short time that was available (this was unavoidable) for organizing and 430
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