The Biddle spent most of its 1969 WESTPAC deployment during peak typhoon season, and the first instance of what that meant took place 10-12 July 1969.
Tropical Storm Tess was approaching the Gulf of Tonkin on 10 July and Biddle was heading south . . . quickly. We had been told to expect winds of 60 knots. Then we had an update: Tess was now a Typhoon and winds of 70 knots were projected.
My journal entry for 10 July included: “1800 — it’s now raining and windy. Whitecaps appearing.”
Below is a quartet of photos demonstrating Biddle‘s roll, perhaps during this transit south. Rolling, of course, was a common occurrence, though not commonly to the extent shown in the album. Photos were taken at midship and athwartship.
On 11 July, we had evaded the typhoon and were heading, more slowly this time, back into the Gulf. By 12 July, things were back to normal.
On 9 July, I reported in my journal that I “did beautiful on mail today. Got 7 letters, a postcard, the [Boston] Globe.” I also noted that we had conducted UNREP at 2330 that night and that “Captain suggested today I get a haircut.” Oh yeah . . . military.
Ahh I’ve done 35 degree rolls in her off the coast of hatteras. That was very interesting. The HT shop looked like a bomb hit! I was on sounding and security watch and what a blast!! I loved heavy seas!
Ed