Certificate of Enrollment in the Mine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet to Admiral Arleigh Burke
Image of Certificate of Enrollment in the Mine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet to Admiral Arleigh Burke.
| Mine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet
Certificate of enrollment in the Mine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet to all who shall see these presents, Greetings: Know ye, that on this day of 25 February 1956 Admiral Arleigh A. Burke of his own free will did, at the U.S. Naval Minecraft Base, Charleston, in the State of South Carolina, embark in a ship of the Mine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, to wit U.S.S. Valor (MSO-472), and did then and there place himself under the protection and guardianship of the aforesaid Mine Force and in so doing did agree to conform to the rules, customs and traditions of this exalted Band of Brothers. Know ye further, that the said U.S.S.Valor, flying the flag of the high office of the Chief of Naval Operations, did depart from the aforesaid Minecraft Base and did proceed into the broad reaches of the great harbor of Charleston, where the mighty rivers Ashley and Cooper unite to form the Oceanus Atlanticus and where divers perils of the deep await those hardy souls who go down to the sea in ships. And let it be recorded that throughout this voyage the aforesaid Admiral Burke did obey all lawful orders issued to him, did conform to all rules, customs and traditions of the Mine Force, and did so comport himself as to merit the approbation, confidence and respect of those regular members of this Force whose duty it was to observe and assist him, and preserve him from the aforesaid dangers of the deep. Therefore, reposing special trust and confidence in Admiral Burke, who has demonstrated a special interest, in the Mine Force of the Atlantic Fleet, I do hereby appoint him, by and with the consent of the officers and men of the aforesaid Force A Mine Man (Honorary) in the Mine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet effective from this day forward, with full rights of qualification for promotion to the higher ranks of this Force as his future loyal and diligent service may warrant. Be it known throughout the Seven Seas that the aforementioned Mine Man is entitled to all due respect and honor from the United States Navy wherever he may proceed, and I do strictly charge, enjoin and require all members of the Mine Force, Atlantic Fleet, to heed his counsel and advice, knowing that he will well and truely discharge the duties of his office which consist of keeping the best interests of the Mine Force at heart. Done aboard the U.S.S. Valor in the great harbor of Charleston, South Carolina, this 25th day of February, in the year of our Lord, One thousand Nine Hundred and Fifty-Six. [signature of] Neil K. Dietrich Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy Commander Mine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet |
