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Captain
The Captain is Commander Mark M. Gantar, USN, who relieved Commander James B. Hildreth
on 6 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 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.
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Executive Officer
The Executive Officer is Lieutenant Commander Harvey E. Toponce, USN, He was graduated from University of California,
Berkley, 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.
This was followed by a tour as Executive Officer on the USS BULL, And the
second Estero (AG-134) She was
employed in logistics support of the administration of the United Nations
Trust Territories, calling throughout the Marshalls, Carolines, and
Marianas to supply and feed the indigenous native populations. 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. |
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| 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, boarding at the end of 1953 cruise in Yokosuka.
Then
in
relieved in
November 1955, for the USS
Leader
(AM-490) was reclassified MSO-490 7 February 1955, and commissioned, Lt.
Comdr. Harvey E. Toponce in command. After shakedown, Leader joined
Mine Squadron 9 at Long Beach 21 December. During 1956, she performed mine
evaluation exercises and tactical training until 1 October when she departed
on her first WestPac cruise. Next assignment was to the carrier Midway as
gunnery officer. Then finally XO for Naval Station Treasure Island, back in
his home in the bay area. Upon the illness of the commanding officer,
Toponce advanced to CO of Treasure Island until his retirement. |