The above picture was found in the USS SLC CA25 Memorabilia on a page from Our Navy, June 1st, 1933 Magazine. Lt. Comdr. Wright was the Gunnery and Athletic Officer of the USS SLC.

Sept. 27th, 2002

Source of Information: SLC Memorabilia Records

Letter written by son, William M. Wright Feb. 10, 1996

Dear Mr. Monteleone,

Recently in my mother's apartment in Washington I saw the SLC Newsletter addressed to my father, Jerauld Wright.

He served on the SLC in the early 1930's. My guess would be 1932-1934. He was Gunnery Officer and had the good fortune to have in his department a brand new Ensign from USNA Class of 33 who ended up a CNO and Chairman of JCS- Thomas H. Moores [Moorer]. Many years later, my father was on the selection board that promoted Capt. Moores [Moorer] to RADM.

You might be amused to hear that Dad was once "almost" AWOL from the SLC. The ship was anchored somewhere in Hampton Roads, I think. Dad was on his way back to the ship, driving from Washington when he got in an accident and wrecked his car. So he had to hitch-hike the rest of the way and almost didn't make it. He said he had to go see the "Officer of the Day" on one of the ships at the pier to beg a ride to the SLC on one of the other ship's liberty boats. He said he made it back just before they pulled up anchor...a very close call. He also said that the Captain gave him a rather "stern look"!

My dad loved the SLC. In recent years, he often told me that the navy back then was a lot better than is it now. I imagine that you and almost everyone who served on the SLC would agree with him.

If he were still alive, I know that he would send his best wishes to you and all of the SLC veterans and especially to those who served with him in the early 30's and helped make his tour so enjoyable and rewarding.

Sincerely,
Bill Wright