August 22, 1967
Page 23540
NAVAL ORDNANCE MONTH
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, President Tyler signed into law a bill establishing the original Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography on August 31, 1832. To commemorate this occasion of 125 years ago, the Secretary of the Navy, on July 19, designated the month of August 1967 Naval Ordnance Month.
As established, the Bureau of Ordnance consisted of one captain, who was chief of the Bureau; one clerk, and three draftsmen. They were located here in the Washington Navy Yard. Today, this very active worldwide command, which is under Rear Adm. Arthur Gralla, U.S. Navy, utilizes the efforts and resources of roughly 40,000 people.
Prior to 1842 Navy ship commanders obtained their own ordnance with funds provided them for the outfitting of their ships. However, with the establishment of the Navy Bureau of Ordnance, that Bureau has been responsible for the development of naval guns, torpedoes, and missiles, which have been devastating in war and provide otherwise the power to protect the sea lanes so vital to our national and economic well-being.
I take this opportunity to offer my congratulations to Admiral Gralla and the very effective group he heads in Naval Ordnance Systems Command on the occasion of this anniversary, and ask unanimous consent that the proclamation of the Secretary be printed in the RECORD.
There being no objection, the proclamation was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:
SECNAVNOTE 5080 OP-OOB9 Ser 3029 July 19, 1967. SECNAV Notice 5080
From: Secretary of the Navy
To: All Ships and Stations
Subject: 125th Anniversary, United States Naval Ordnance
1. Purpose. – To designate the month of August 1967 as a commemorative period for celebrating the 125th Anniversary of United States Naval Ordnance, and to outline the scope of the celebration.
2. Background.– The United States Navy is preparing to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of United States Naval ordnance. On 31 August 1842, President Tyler signed into Law the bill establishing the original Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography. It is appropriate that the historical panorama of naval ordnance development receives maximum public awareness during the 125th anniversary month.
3. Action.– The month of August 1967 is designated as the 125th Anniversary month of United States Naval Ordnance. All ships and stations will observe the anniversary at appropriate occasions throughout the month. Recognition of the exploits and achievements of naval ordnance during the past 125 years will be noted in public speeches, statements, open house ceremonies and other public events whenever feasible.
4. Cancellation.– This Notice is cancelled 1 September 1967.
ROBERT H. B. BALDWIN,
Acting Secretary of the Navy.
Distribution.– SPCC Parts 1 and 2.