Dear Families and Friends of SUPER SOMERSMEN.

I would like to take this opportunity in my first letter to you as Commanding Officer of SOMERS to thank you for the warm "Welcome Aboard" received by my family and myself upon assuming command of the finest guided missile destroyer in the Pacific Fleet. Since taking command, I have been impres- sed by the attitude and spirit on board and I greatly appreciate the support of everyone on the ship as well as off in making the transition from an extended overhaul period to fleet operations a smooth one.

As many of you know, the month of October was a busy one for SOMERS. She started off by successfully completing testing of main engines on 10 October, the final hurdle prior to sea trials. Following these tests, a number of "Fast Cruises" --so named because the ship remains fast to the pier -- were conducted in which underway evolutions were simulated. These preparations set the stage for SOMERS first underway period which occured on 22 October. This first sea trial was devoted principally to testing main propulsion equipment and familiarization of all hands with underway duties. As I recall, the sea was a bit choppy that first time out and there were mixed emotions among newer members of the crew about life on a rolling destroyer. The second sea trial, 28-30 October, saw more engineering tests but this time a detailed checkout of installed electronics systems was added to the agenda. The third sea trial, 6 through 8 November, found SOMERS conducting a full power run, completing electronics checks and test firing her new gun. With the completion of the third sea trial the ship was ready to leave Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and rejoin the Pacific Fleet.

Now somewhat used to going to sea, the period 16-18 November found SOMERS underway, this time for Weapons System Accuracy Tests. Thanks to a lot of hard work, all tests were completed successfully and we returned to port tired but happy With the satisfaction that comes with success. At this point SOMERS was allowed a brief but well appreciated rest for the Thanksgiving holiday. As is custom, the talented food service personnel served a "SUPER" Thanksgiving dinner in the Crew's Dining Facility for the crew, their dependents and guests.

The beginning of the Yule month again-found SOMERS underway; by now most people had their sea legs and local operations were old hat. The ship conducted a gun shoot, refueling exercises, engineering casualty control and shiphandling drills, small arms training and anti-submarine warfare exercises. These evolutions are all part of a detailed plan to transform the crew from a group of individuals into a smoothly functioning team. These drills, which take considerable time and effort, are necessary to develop the discipline required to react quickly in any situation. Despite the effort involved, I feel everyone enjoy- ed the change of pace; boot and old salt alike were finally doing some of those things that the recruiting posters promise. This not only helps morale but makes a commanding officer's job much easier, especially with the fine crew I have in SOMERS.