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Available Now
Audubon
Edward C Benfold
USS BENFOLD
The Future
The Magic Of Winnie The Pooh
Affirmations
Accolades
From the mouth of Babes
About The Authors
Ceremonial First Copy
order blank
US Korea 2000 Foundation
Book Review
News Release
Coincidence
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| USS BENFOLD (DDG-65) |
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| Onward With Valor |
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| Tribute To Benfold I am the United States Ship BENFOLD Because of my namesake, I carry a burden of a load. Edward Benfold was born a common man - - - Unknown to him he would be a hero in his native land. Today in Audubon, New Jersey, where he was raised, They talk of him with respect, honor and praise. He joined the Navy after High School, 1949 was the year: He was known as a Hospital Corpsman who showed no fear. He served with the First Marine Division during the Korean War: He needed no reason for what he was fighting for. He fought for freedom and a grateful nation. For two Marines under attack, he was their salvation. 2 grenades were thrown into the crater where they lie: With the grenades, he leaped toward the enemy so they would not die. He received the Medal of Honor for sacrificing his life: Back at home he left behind a child and a young wife. Because of his heroics and his fame, I sail the seas, protecting the free, bearing his name. I stand for freedom, I live by a code: ONWARD WITH VALOR, I'M THE USS BENFOLD. With these stirring words by Petty Officer 1st Class Danny K. Edgar, we begin our journey into the history of the USS BENFOLD (DDG-65), a naval destroyer in the Pacific Fleet equipped with the Aegis Weapons System and carrying the name of Audubon hero and Medal of Honor recipient Edward C. Benfold. Construction of the ship began on Columbus Day, October 12, 1992, in Pascagoula, Mississippi. We proudly present an historical summary of major milestones and key events leading up to the ship's commissioning on March 30, 1996 . . . The first key event in the history of the USS BENFOLD (DDG-65) took place in Pascagoula, Mississippi, at one of the Ingalls' outfitting berths, on November 12, 1994. On this date, the new DDG-65 was christened in a traditional naval ceremony. Members of the Benfold family who took part in the ceremony were: Mrs. Dorothy Waida, the ship's Sponsor and Widow of Edward C. Benfold; Mr. Edward J. Benfold, Edward's son; Miss Nicole and Miss Alexandra Benfold, daughters of Edward J. and Maids of Honor. Following the Christening ceremony, much work still needed to be completed before the ship was ready to make her way from Pascagoula to her home port in San Diego, California. It was more than a year before the outfitting was finished, trials were conducted and custody of the ship was transferred to the crew (on December 4, 1995). During the trials, the USS BENFOLD performed magnificently and was a source of pride to all of the employees and craftsmen at Ingalls Shipbuilding. Ingalls featured the USS BENFOLD in its September 21, 1995 newsletter. The proud new member of the Navy's Pacific Fleet showed herself prepared for active duty and, on February 28, 1996, sailed from Pascagoula. Prior to her departure, the officers and crew received several congratulatory letters from high ranking officials - - - including the President of the United States. The ship arrived at her home port in San Diego on Saturday, March 16, 1996, two weeks prior to the Commissioning Ceremony at the Broadway Pier. The Commissioning Ceremony was attended by more than 4600 members of the U,S. Navy, families of the crew members and special guests. What a fine "Welcome Aboard" to a new ship in the Pacific Fleet. Following the ceremony, guests were taken on a tour of the vessel and had an opportunity to meet members of the crew. When a ship leaves for a six-month deployment - - - as we did on August 19, 1997 on the maiden voyage of the BENFOLD - - - all 300 plus crew members' lives (as well as the lives of their families) will change. The spouse or family member can no longer depend upon their mate to help in decision making, or emergencies. Their only communications are by letters, e-mail or phone calls when in port. This is the reason that the family at home plays such an important part. As the crew members prepare for departure, they try to make sure things will run smoothly while they are away. They also make time to explain to their children where and why they are going, and when they will be back. On the day of departure, emotions are high. Some allow them to be seen, others try to hide them; butterflies are doing somersaults in their stomachs, tears build up inside. Then come those last minute hugs and kisses . . . and the ship sails. As the ship travels farther and farther through the bay and they secure the sea and anchor detail, everybody takes a deep breath and composes him or herself. They remember the teary faces on the pier, and they realize that in six months they will turn to tears of joy as the ship returns. The ship is currently on her second six-month deployment. She will return in December of 1999. On March 30, 2000, BENFOLD celebrates her 4th birthday; by then this book will be completed, and the authors, The four Seniors from the class of 1994, who designed and built the Memorial and the publisher will be onboard to join in the celebration. |
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| Wenatchee | WA | 98807-2163 |
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