Captain Howard F. Burdick, Jr. USN (Ret)

Native of Westerly, RI. Graduated/commissioned US Naval Academy (BS) 1956. Also graduate of Naval (Defense) Postgraduate Intelligence School, Naval war College, and University of Southern California (MS). Sea duty in USS Hailey (DD-556), USS Providence (CLG-6), USS Boston (CAG-1); Executive Officer, USS Forrest Royal (DD-872); Commanding Officer, USS DeHaven (DD-727) and USS Harry E. Yarnell (CG-17); Commander Destroyer Squadron Ten, and Chief-of-Staff Battle Force Sixth Fleet. Served ashore as Assistant Naval Attaché, Israel; Staff, CINCPAC; Staff, CNO; Staff, CINCLANTFLT; and as Dean of Academics, Naval War College. Retired USN in 1986. Second career as Director, Marine Safety International, Newport RI. Resides in Middletown, RI, with wife, Jane.

When he was serving as Assistant weapons Officer, USS Boston, she operated off North Vietnam from April to October, 1967; some of the time with USS DeHaven and the remote controlled surveillance drone, “Snoopy.” While “Snoopy” was flown in over the coast by DeHaven, the Boston crew observed video feedback, selected targets, and conducted bombardment with her 8 inch guns.

During his command of DeHaven (July 72-Feb 73), she was transferred from Destroyer Squadron Nine to Destroyer Squadron 27 (Naval Reserve Force). While her regular crew was reduced by some 100 men, in order to make room for drilling reservists, her operating tempo remained very high; including participation in all Fleet and other major exercises, and training cruises to Hawaii and many West Coast ports.

This is the image of the change of command invitation. You can also see the newspaper article here.