Griffin, Charles D., Adm., USN (Ret.)
(1906–1996)
The first volume overs his early career up to his command of the Seventh Fleet. Was designated naval aviator in 1930 and served as scouting pilot in the Chester, then Scouting Squadron Six in the USS Enterprise (CV-6). In 1949 was Commander Carrier Group Nine aboard the USS Essex (CV-9), participating in attacks on Marcus Island, Wake Island, Gilbert islands, and Kwajalein. In 1945 reported to Washington to be a member of Joint War Plans Committee of JCS--planning operations in the Pacific. Later duty included: CO of the escort carrier USS Croatan (CVE-25); Ops officer, Franklin D. Roosevelt; Assistant Chief of Staff, CinC Atlantic Fleet; Plans Officer, Commander Air Force U.S. PacFlt; CO, attack aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34), and Commander Carrier Division Four.
Volume II covers his Seventh Fleet command, his duty as Deputy CNO for Fleet Operations and Readiness, his CinCUSNavEur command, and his CinCSouth (NATO) command. Discussions cover trips to Vietnam, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaya, Philippines, Taiwan, and Okinawa; McNamara and the "Whiz Kids;" defending the Navy's construction budget; Operation Deep Freeze; Cuban crisis; first round-the- world cruise of nuclear-powered task force; early 1960s buildup of Soviet naval forces in the Med; visits to NATO countries. Appendices contain records and notes of visits to Turkey, Iran, Belgium, and Spain.
About Volume I
Based on nine interviews conducted by John T. Mason, Jr., from January 1970 through July 1970. The volume contains 458 pages of interview transcript plus an index. The transcript is copyright 1973 by the U.S. Naval Institute; the interviewee has placed no restrictions on its use.
Volume II
Based on eight interviews conducted by John T. Mason, Jr., from November 1970 through January 1972. The volume contains 335 pages of interview transcript plus an index and numerous appendices. The transcript is copyright 1975 by the U.S. Naval Institute; the interviewee has placed no restrictions on its use.