Fifty years ago today, Biddle arrived in Yokosuka, Japan, for 12 days of R and R.
I’ll post some things from that experience in the days ahead, but want now to look back at some events.
On Labor Day, 1 September, Biddle was running south, away from Tropical Storm Doris. The Chief of Naval Operations had been scheduled to visit us that day, but it was canceled because of the weather. I expect CAPT Olsen was more disappointed about that than I was.
Doris had developed into a typhoon on 2 September and, my journal notes, “Some CTs and Marines are seasick.” I also reported that “I didn’t feel absolutely great yesterday after dinner.”
Back on station on 3 September and we learned that the ship that was to relieve us — USS Jouett (DLG-29) — had been diverted to chase “some trawler.”
On 5 September, we went up to PIRAZ again. First me, then Biddle. Flew to USS Sterett (DLG-31) at about 0800 and came back at 0945. First time in a helo while it was raining. USS Long Beach (CGN-9) relieved us late that afternoon and we returned to SSAR. I think the combination of the weather and the diversion of Jouett had led to this game of musical chairs.
On 8 September, we learned Jouett was coming. They had apparently lost the trawler in the Paracel Islands. That same afternoon, we were told we would be getting a special fly-by. Two F-8s would fly alongside the ship and fire a couple of cannon bursts. Picture/movie time! Everybody was out on deck with cameras.
Here’s what happened, according to my journal: “SWC announced they would come on the port beam in about 8 minutes. About seven minutes later, SWC announced the jets were seven miles away. Thing was, it was difficult to hear him, because of the jets overflying us, from our stern. Just about nobody got pix.”
Jouett finally arrived at 2230 on 9 September. We were relieved about 0100 on 10 September and began a high-speed transit to Subic. Just after we were relieved, my journal reports, someone came up on the guard net and said, “Goodbye Vietnam! You suck!” Nobody knew who it was.
On 11 September, LTJG Meyers, LTJG Rogers, and LTJG Marsters learned they were on the list of junior officers to get early release from active duty, at the end of September. ENS Roberts was to take over as Communications Officer, ENS Curran was to become Missile Ordnance Officer, and ENS Graham was to become RPS Officer and Assistant CIC Officer. Here are cruise book photos of the officers involved.
The reduction in force was due to the drawdown in Vietnam. In the middle of 1971, I was on that list, too. But that’s another story. 🙂
