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Long Beach Naval Shipyard
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Long Beach Naval Shipyard
Following the ceremony, guests are invited to a reception at the south end of Building 303.
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
IN REPLY REFER TO:
18 September 1997
In 1940 a small group of people descended upon Long Beach and became the nucleus of a crew challenged with the monumental task of creating the largest dry dock on the west coast of the United States. On 25 February 1943, United States Naval Dry Docks was established and quickly became a treasured national asset, providing repair and alterations to the Fleet during a time of national emergency. At its peak, the workforce grew to over 16,000 civilian and military personnel.
Through the years, the mission of the Navy at Long Beach adapted to meet the nation's needs. The people of Long Beach--their skills and talents, their spirit and patriotism--created a solid foundation from which the Navy could build its strength. Their commitment never wavered. Dedicated to accomplishing all tasks efficiently and with pride, the Shipyard established an amazing record of success.
Today, we gather for the last time to pay homage to the Shipyard family, past and present. As Shipyard Commander, I want to personally thank each and every Shipyarder for your dedication and hard work. Your pride in operations and professionalism during disestablishment will forever be a part of history. To the many thousands who have passed through these gates in years past, I want to express the gratitude of those whose heritage was secured by your sacrifices. And to our extended family, the Long Beach community, a special thanks. Your support of Long Beach Naval Shipyard gave us strength and lifted our spirits during times of crisis.
It has been my pride and pleasure to have been part of this outstanding Shipyard family. I will always remember my tour as Commander, Long Beach Naval Shipyard, as the highlight of my career.
Thank you and God Bless!
Fair Winds and Following Seas!
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Captain John A. Pickering, United States Navy
Captain John A. Pickering attended the University of Montana, with a major in forest engineering, and Western Illinois University from which he graduated in 1967. Joining the Navy upon completion of his university work, he attended U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island from which he was commissioned in May of 1968.
A licensed Marine Engineer, Captain Pickering has served as Chief Engineer of USS SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY (LST-1122) and USS BLANDY (DD-943), as Main Propulsion Assistant of USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) and as Chief Engineer of USS RANGER (CV-61) and USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64). Captain Pickering has served ashore as Dry-docking Officer and Assistant Repair Superintendent of U. S. Naval Ship Repair Facility Subic Bay, R.P.; as Maintenance Budget and Fiscal Officer for Commander Naval Surface Force U.S. Pacific Fleet; as Resident Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, Portland Oregon; as Production Officer of the U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility Yokosuka, Japan; as Repair Officer of Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and as Repair Officer and Operations Officer of Norfolk Naval Shipyard. He most recently served as Deputy to the Director of Naval Shipyard Management, Naval Sea Systems Command. He assumed command of the Long Beach Naval Shipyard on 28 July 1994.
His awards include the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing device, the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards) and the Legion of Merit (three awards).
Married to the former Teri Stanley of Longview, Washington, Captain Pickering and his Wife have Four Children, Erik, Shelby, Sara and Joseph. Page 5
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