USS Harry E. Yarnell – what a great ship and what a tremendous crew! In reality, a ship is nothing but a hunk 
of steel, aluminum, copper and plastic until you put a crew aboard and only then does she become a real living 
breathing warship. 

For those of us who had the pleasure of sailing aboard Harry E. will never forget that experience.  It is hard 
to articulate, but she was just better than most other ships. Although I got to her late in her ship life, thanks
to the remarkable crews that took care of her over many, years she remained operationally ready, front line and
relevant right up until the bitter end.  In fact, it was another 20 years before the US Navy regained the 
long-range shooting capability that USS Harry E. Yarnell first gained 1988. 

It was indeed the highlight of my career to serve with you in our great ship. You are what made her great and I am
extremely proud to have served with you all and to call you my shipmates. We sure look forward to seeing you at the
next reunion!


Keith Larson
CO, 1991-1993