Namesake:

Vice Admiral Francis X. McInerney

Francis X. McInerney was born on 28 March 1899 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was commissioned from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1929. As a junior officer, his tours of duty included the ships, USS NEW MEXICO, USS BURNS, USS WILLIAMSON, and USS DOBBIN.

In 1935, he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws from George Washington University Law School. Subsequent tours included USS CONCORD, and instructor at the Post-Graduate School, Annapolis, Maryland.

VADM McInerney assumed command of USS SMITH in May 1940, and was commanding that destroyer when the United States entered World War II. Later he was assigned to the ANZAC Squadron in the South Pacific and, as senior officer in destroyers, participated in the early strikes in the Solomons and the Battle of the Coral Sea.

In March 1943, he assumed command of Destroyer Squadron 21. He led his ships in the Solomons in the First and Second Battles of Kula Gulf. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat "V," the Navy Cross, Presidential Unit Citation, the Silver Star, and the Legion of Merit with Combat "V".

In August 1943, VADM McInerney was assigned as Senior Representative of Commander Destroyers in the South Pacific, and in March 1944, was named Chief of Staff for Commander Operational Training Command, Pacific Fleet. He assumed command of the battleship USS WASHINGTON in June 1945. In October 1946, VADM McInerney reported as Commanding Officer of the Naval Receiving Station, Treasure Island, California. He assumed command of Cruiser Division Three in March 1949. In January 1950, he became Commander Amphibious Training Command, Pacific Fleet. Subsequently, he commanded Amphibious Group Three, Pacific Fleet, and Service Squadron Three.

VADM McInerney's operations in the Korean War as Commander Joint Amphibious Task Forces Seven, Seventy-Six and Ninety-Two earned him the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal.

In May 1953, he became Senior Member, Board of Naval Inspection and Survey, West Coast Section. In October 1954, he was assigned as President of the Permanent General Court Martial, Eleventh Naval District. He retired 30 June 1955.

VADM Francis X. McInerney died on 24 June 1956 in San Francisco, California.

Historical Notes:

Ship's Crest:

Description of Coat of Arms: The Coat of Arms for MCINERNEY symbolizes Vice Admiral Francis Xavier McInerney's successful naval career.

The Shield: The shield's dark blue and gold colors, traditionally associated with the United States Navy, represent the sea and excellence, respectively. The dark blue cross refers to the award of the Navy Cross, and in conjunction with the Taeguk, alludes to the medal of the Military Order of the Taeguk given by the Republic of Korea for Admiral McInerney's services to that Republic during the Korean War.

The Crest: The crest's coral and fountain (an heraldic symbol for water) refer to the Battle of the Coral Sea. Admiral McInerney was in command of the Destroyers ANZAC Force, which took an active role in the battle during World War II. The two swords are adapted from the Surface Warfare Insignia and refer to both the fighting nature of a fast frigate guided missile destroyer and to Admiral McInerney's distinguished naval service. The two stars, representing the awards of the Silver Star and the Bronze Star Medals, further symbolize the continued excellence, and the achievements, of Admiral McInerney throughout his career.

Motto: "FAST, FEARLESS, GALLANT"

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