THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, January 27, 1996 TAG: 9601240015
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
The recent editorial praising the late Adm. Arleigh Burke perpetuates a misconception about his nickname, ``31-Knot Burke.'' You stated he reported making 31 knots when his ships were rated as capable of 30 knots sustained speed. Burke's destroyers, however, were actually capable of 34 knots, but due to boiler problems aboard one ship in 1943, his squadron was temporarily forced to proceed to the battle area at a slower 31 knots.
When Burke reported his reduced speed, his superiors, in joking sarcasm, addressed a radio reply to the slowed-down ``31-Knot Burke.'' Because of his subsequent combat victories and his dogged pursuit of the enemy at high speeds, the term ``31-Knot Burke'' has been frequently but erroneously interpreted as a reflection of his ability to make his ships go faster than they were capable. Regardless of the facts, it's still a great name to be remembered by.
Who cares about correcting such things? I do, and I would like to think that so do thousands of other retired military men and women who live in Hampton Roads and buy your paper.
THOMAS TERLIZZI
Commander, U.S. Navy (ret.)
Virginia Beach, Jan. 9, 1996 by CNB