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Captian Our Captain is Commander Mark M. Gantar, USN, who relieved Commander James B. Hildreth on 4 August 1954, while the HOPEWELL was still in Long Beach Naval Shipyard. He was graduated from Northwestern University with the class of 1940, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. As a member of the NROTC he was commissioned upon graduation and was called to active duty soon thereafter. Throughout World War II, Commander Gantar served on the destroyers USS Brooks, USS Kalk, and USS Gyatt. This duty included tours of Alaskan waters, with North Atlantic convoys, and in the Southwest Pacific. After the war, the skipper attended the
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| U. S. Navy Postgraduate School in Ordnance Engineering, and he was awarded a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rensellaer Polytech. From school, he reported to the USS Toledo where he served as Gunnery Officer, being promoted to Commander while in this billet. Then followed a two year tour of shore duty with Ordnance Research and Development in Washington, D. C. Upon completion of this tour, he reported aboard the HOPEWELL to assume duties as Commanding Officer. | ||
Execuitive Officer The Executive Officer is Lieutenant Commander Harvey E. Toponce, USN, who reported aboard during the 1953-54 cruise. He was graduated from University of California in February 1944, receiving his commission through the NROTC Program. Upon graduation he reported aboard the YP-58, a 65' gaff-rigged yawl, for duty as Boat Officer. During the remainder of World War II, the Exec served aboard the USS COFFMAN (DE 191) as Gunnery Officer. In this billet he was promoted to Lieutenant (jg). While serving on these two ships he saw duty in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean. After the war, LCDR Toponce had command of the USS SHOUVLER (AM-382) and later was C.O. of the AMS 215. |
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| This was followed by a tour as Executive Officer on the USS BULL, and then another command, the USS ESTERO (AG-134). During a tour as Second Division Officer on the USS ROANOKE (CL-145) he was promoted to Lieutenant, and later served on the staff of COMFLTRAGRU, San Diego. In his first tour of shore duty, he was ordered to a billet as head of the Fire Control Section of the Officer Candidate School, Newport, R. I. Upon completion of this duty, it was back to sea, aboard the HOPEWELL. | ||
