"Only a seaman realizes to what great extent an entire ship reflects the personality and ability of one individual, her Commanding Officer. To a landsman this is not understandable and sometimes it is even difficult for us to comprehend, but it is so! A ship at sea is a different world in herself and in consideration of the protracted and distant operations of the fleet units the Navy must place great power, responsibility, and trust in the hands of those leaders chosen for command.

In each ship there is one man who, in the hour of emergency or peril at sea can turn to no other man. He is the Commanding Officer. He is the ship!!

It is a duty which most richly deserves the highest, time-honored title of the seafaring words... CAPTAIN."