The Officers and Men bring the Oakland home with a deep feeling of pride and gratitude. All of us who have been a part of her have respect and admiration for her that approaches love. We know that the Oakland IS a fighting ship; fully equipped to do her job. The men who have fought aboard her have done an excellent job, and have served our country well. We are indeed proud of and grateful to them.

We express our sincere appreciation to the people of Oakland for their continuing interest in the ship. From the very beginning of the life of the ship the citizens of the city have shown us every courtesy. The gifts which the various organizations gave have been used and appreciated by every one aboard. The welcome which was given us by the people of Oakland upon our recent return was another demonstration of the loyalty of the city to the ship. For the faith and confidence which the entire city has shown in us, we are most grateful.

As the Nation joins together to celebrate NAVY DAY 1945, we are proud to be in the city for which the ship was named. We come home to a peaceful world aware of the problems that confront us, but with honest hopes that no nation will ever again be forced to make the sacrifices of war.

CAPTAIN A. P. CALVERT   Commanding Officer    U.S.S. OAKLAND (CL-95)