8 January 1970

Dear ARLINGTON Family,

     It is a very sad occasion to report to you the impending decommissioning of such a fine ship, and to bid a final farewell to the families who have supported the ARLINGTON crew.  Since the September FAMILY GRAM many changes have taken place. I relieved Captain MURPHREE on 5 December after 9 months as Executive Officer. This enabled Captain MURPHREE to proceed to his new duty on the Staff of Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet.

     Before I review the happenings this fall, let me explain something that was so obvious to all of us here that it was not explained before, The big "E" and "Battle Efficiency" on the cover of the last FAMILY GRAM depicted the award which ARLINGTON received from the Commander Service Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet for being the top ship in our competitive group during the period 1 July 68 to 1 July 69. Your "Roadrunner" will have an "E" on his dress uniform when he gets home and may wear it with pride until he reports to his next command. 

     In the people changes it has been all good-byes. Our crew has been constantly
reduced as many old-timers left on their tour dates and, at present, we have less than 40% of our original manpower. Those who have stayed to the finish have worked long, hard hours to accomplish their tasks.

     Since 15 September 1969 ARLINGTON has been with many other "Project 703"
ships assigned to the Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility in San Diego. Our tasks were clearly set for us. We had to inactivate Arlington's 878 spaces (including over 200 voids, tanks, and other hard to reach spaces). A schedule of bi-weekly inspections was promulgated and certain goals were established. The lack of experience in inactivation work got us off to a relatively slow start. Our first inspection gave us the bare minimums required. From this point on the "Roadrunner" crew went "Full Speed Ahead" and  jumped slightly ahead of schedule. We continued this "ahead-of-schedule" pace up through the Thanksgiving Holiday which enabled a few members of the crew to join their families for the holidays and others a much needed break.

     Refreshed from this brief rest we set out to complete the remaining work. Everyone was aware that a great deal of work remained and much would have to be accomplished
prior to Christmas. Once again your sons and husbands came through with flying colors.
Sufficient work was completed to grant Christmas leave to those men who were separated from their families last year, and a long four day weekend was granted to the
remainder of the crew. Their hard work and dedication had afforded them another well-
earned break

     At present only minor amounts of work remain and preparations are being made for
the decommissioning ceremony on 14 January. Two of Arlington's former chaplains will participate in the ceremony and our farewell to this fine ship. Many of your loved ones
who have completed their active duty will be released from the Navy two days before the ceremony, the remainder will be authorized leave before reporting to their new stations. For all of us it is a sad occasion to inactivate ARLINGTON, but we need only look back on the happy memories to be assured that it has been a great experience. The pride of Apollo support and Presidential visits will remain with us long after inactivation is forgotten and bruises have healed.

     ARLINGTON crew members have responded in their traditional "Roadrunner" fashion. The inactivation will be completed one day earlier than originally planned. This may not seem much but many of the inactivating ships are behind schedule by weeks and
even months. Coming home one day early and knowing that the Job had been done well
is a very small reward for outstanding performance. You may be assured that I am very proud and you can be too of this fine performance.

     Thanks to each and every ARLINGTON family for your continued support and best
wishes for happiness in the New Year.

                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                    C. C. EDWARDS
                                                                    Commander, U. S. Navy
                                                                    Commanding Officer