Operation Sea Orbit

THE SECRETARY OF STATE

WASHINGTON

October 13, 1964

Memorandum for The Honorable Robert S. McNamara, Secretary of Defense

Subject: Operation SEA ORBIT

I am most gratified that Operation SEA ORBIT was such a success, particularly from a political and psychological standpoint. I am especially pleased that the underway visit in East Africa and the port call in Karachi went so well. This will materially further our objective of institutionalizing a periodic U.S. Naval presence in the Indian Ocean...
Dean Rusk, Secretary of State

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Operation Sea Orbit--an ocean orbit of planet Earth that lasted for one year. This 30,565 nautical mile cruise, without refueling or resupply, was a milestone in Naval history. It was a mission which posed both technical and political challenges, and the men of the Task Force rose to each. Sea Orbit was a self-sustained cruise stopping neither for stores nor fuel. Several ports-of-call were made, two of which are stated above. The principals in Carrier Division Two were:

USS ENTERPRISE (CVA(N) 65)

USS LONG BEACH (CG(N) 9)

USS BAINBRIDGE (DLG(N) 25)

Attack Carrier Air Wing SIX

Fleet Tactical Support Squadron FORTY (VRC-$)

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