Gary Moskowitz
Local residents can show their support of commissioning a new ship
named for the city of Glendale simply by writing a letter.
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Glendale) spoke to City Council members
Tuesday about his proposal to Secretary of the Navy Gordon England to
commission another ship with Glendale's name, but said his proposal
needs the support of the Glendale community to succeed.
"We want to know the city is behind this effort. The more we can
show that this city is involved and active, the better," Schiff said.
"We need the help of the residents of this city. This is the first
step."
A U.S. Naval frigate named Glendale was christened in 1943 and saw
active duty in World War II and the Korean War. The frigate won five
battle stars for World War II service and earned four battle stars
for Korean War service.
The ship was decommissioned in 1951 and is now in possession of
the Thai Royal Navy, Schiff said. Today it is called the H.T.M.S.
Tachin and is kept in a dockyard near Bangkok.
The U.S. flag that flew over the ship hangs inside City Hall.
"We think it's time for the stars and stripes to fly over a new
U.S.S. Glendale," Schiff said.
Councilman Frank Quintero encouraged Glendale residents to get
involved.
"I'm particularly excited about this ship and I'm sure we will do
everything we can to promote the cause," he said. "If we all team
together as a community, we can pull it off. I'm sure we can."
