USS Cabildo (LSD-16)
Commissioning Ceremony
On March 15, 1945, the commissioning ceremony was held at the Norfolk Navy
Yard in Portsmouth, VA. Captain G. Bannerman, USN, representing the
Commandant 5th Naval District, read the orders placing the ship in
commission. Command of the ship was accepted by Commander Ernest B.
Holdorff, USNR, of Alvin, Texas. The Norwegian-born skipper had started
in sailing ships, spent many years in the Merchant Marine and was qualified
to take ships in and out of almost any port in the world.
"On behalf of myself, my officers, and my crew, I am proud to accept
command of this fine ship," Holdorff said in assuming command. "It is
with deep feeling I thank Admiral Cox and his staff, the Newport News
Shipping and Drydock Company, our fair sponsor and all the men and women
who contributed to its construction."
"We are now approaching the day when we shall join the fleet to fight
against the enemy. We hope to play an integral part in driving him deep
into the caves he habitats so well - and from the sea."
"I, as commanding officer, have a good crew and a seaworthy ship. I
assure you we will perform our task as well as you have done yours."
Captain G. Bannerman, USN
Reading the orders placing the USS Cabildo in commission
Cmdr. Ernest B. Holdorff, USNR
Accepting command of the USS Cabildo
Looking aft into the well deck showing crew of the
USS Cabildo assembled for commissioning ceremonies
Officer personnel at time of Commissioning
Top Row (l to r) Lt(jg) Patton, Lt(jg) Maury White,
Ensign Levin,
Lt(jg) Macrone, Lt(jg) Berry (MC), Lt(jg) Dewart.
Middle Row (l to r)
Lt. Blanchard (SC), Lt. Baker, Lt.
Kerwin, Lt. Davis, Comdr. Holdorff, Lt. Rodehau, Lt. Glynn,
Lt. Dick.
Bottom Row (l to r) Elec. Legge, Ensign Osolnik,
Ensign John White, Bos’n Colbertson, Carp. Ayers,
Pay Clerk Jennings, Mach. Masterbray.
USS Cabildo (LSD-16) Association Website - Last Revision April 1, 2006
This page is maintained by Warren Gammeter <Webmaster@usscabildo.org>.