WHS - Familygram, 3 April 1971



USS William H. Standley (DLG/CG-32)
WHS Familygram
3 APRIL 1971

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY USS WILLIAM H. STANDLEY (DLG-32) FPO SAN FRANCISCO 96601

3 April 1971

Dear Family and Friends of STANDLEY:

The first quarter of calendar year 1971 is at its end but it doesn't seem too long ago that it was the 5th of January and we cast off all lines and left to take our place in the Western Pacific. Time passes quickly when you're busy and the men of STANDLEY have been very busy. I would like to take this time to add my comments to those you've already heard from your "Man in STANDLEY."

STANDLEY arrived at the Panama Canal very early (about 0430) on the morning of 9 January and much to our surprise and happiness received priority treatment over all of the many merchant vessels waiting in the Colon Harbor to transit to the Pacific side. We were in the first locks (Gatun Locks) by 0530 and on our way. We tied the ship up at Rodman Naval Station on the Pacific side about 1130. Many of you have by now seen some of the many hundreds of pictures snapped by Standleymen on the way through. It is a fantastic experience to transit the canal whether you're a first termer or an old hand.

Briefly, the series of locks and waterways connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Our trip to the Pacific took us from Limon Bay at Colon into Gatun Locks, a series of three locks which raises the ship from the Atlantic water level about 85 feet to the level of Gatun Lake. Then, under our own power, we travelled across Gatun Lake through Gaillard Cut and into Pedro Miguel locks which lowered us a little over 50 feet to the level of Miraflores Lake. About a mile and a half more and we came to the Miraflores Locks which lowered us the remaining distance to the Pacific Ocean level. One day at Rodman Naval Station provided some relaxation in the sun and a visit to Panama City for many of the crew.

Early on the morning of 11 January, the Steamers were again underway on a 12 day voyage enroute to the Hawaiian Islands. This time was utilized in an intensive training program preparing ourselves for assuming our duties in the Gulf of Tonkin, which with familiarity becomes "GOT."

Operational training was directed by RDCS BALLEW and RD1 Arthur RUSSELL, both seasoned veterans of GOT operations and well-versed in the intricacies of STANDLEY. These two professionals had their hands full but were ably assisted by RD1 Allen CRICK, RD2 Stephen HELLER, RD2 Chester ALLEN, and RD3 Michael MORRIS.

Naturally, STEAMERS couldn't steam if it wasn't for the engineers and all the operational training would be useless except for the boilermen and machinist's mates keep the boilers boiling and the propellers turning to take us where we need to go and get us there when we need to be there. Training in the main propulsion spaces was carried out under the watchful eyes of BTC Cleophus JOHNSON and MMC Andrew JOHNSON (They have no stock in JOHNSON and JOHNSON Band-Aid Company). Assisting these two able CPO's we have BT1 Horace HAGER, BT1 Donald JUDD, MM1 William DECAMP and MM1 Denny TOLER. MMC Rufus HOPE, a STANDLEY plank owner, and BTC James BLACK have left us. Chief HOPE to retirement and Chief BLACK to a new construction DE in Norfolk.

About half way to Hawaii, STANDLEY expected to rendezvous with a fictitious "mail" bouy. Usually the younger, newer STEAMERS are eager to volunteer their spare time to assist in locating the bouy. The mail bouy watch is stationed on the bow of the ship to keep alert watch and guide the ship to the mail pickup. Seaman O.C. MERIDETH stood a very alert watch but unfortunately went unrewarded as the mail bouy was not located before he was forced to give up his vigil due to darkness.

For the unknowing, the mail buoy watch is one of the many ways young sailors are initiated into the mysteries of the sea. Seaman MERIDETH became a celebrity and even interviewed on our local radio station WHS. He is to be congratulated for his sense of humor and spirit of participation.

WHS radio is #3 on your dial but "we try harder". The STANDLEY radio station is a big hit. Volunteer disc jockeys provide music and commentary from noon to 2330. Ensign John PEETZ's Dee-Jay gang is staffed by CSSN Dick ANDERSON, STG2 Jerry RANDALL, SK1 J.B. BUTLER, CS2 Ron DANIELS (recently transferred), STG3 Danny SMITH, IC2 Bob BURNS, SF3 John WEBB, ETR3 John WUNDERLY, YN3 Woods HUFF and others who generously donate their time, talent and energies to a fun project. A special effort was madeby GMMSN's BENNER and KEIFER and FTM3 MASON in converting half of the ship's small library space into a smaller but cozy record studio. The efforts of all who have participated are thoroughly appreciated by the crew and have been a great assist to the morale of all hands.

Finally in Hawaii after a smooth transit voyage, STANDLEY and her STEAMERS spent four days of hectic activity which also provided a little time for rest and relaxation. The ship's supply department personnel really pour it on when the ship moors. In order to maintain the complex electronics and machinery systems many parts of pieces are needed. The storekeepers, lead by SKCS Bruno BRANDYS, SK1 BUTLER, SK1 WELLS, SK3 JANAK, SK3 O'GRADY and SKSN's FULMER, GOURLEY, GOOGE and DEROSIERS scoured the supply centers in search of required parts. They are almost always successful and they many not think so at times but their extraordinary efforts on behalf of the entire ship are appreciated beyond expression. Without their efforts and expertise a ship as complex as STANLEY would be an ineffective platform to the operators.

Continuing our westward voyage, 5 February found us entering Apra Harbor Guam for a brief stop to refuel then set sail for Subic Bay, Philippine Islands.

About one day out of Guam, we were assigned a Search and Rescue mission. From 6 February through 8 February STANDLEY steamed in heavy seas in search of Philippine freighter Santa Anna reported to be in danger of sinking. On the eighth after being satisfied that no more danger existed for Santa Anna we were ordered to continue our course for Subic Bay.

The Search and Rescue mission which was conducted in rough seas and heavy winds delayed our arrival in Subic by two full days. So, again, a herculean effort of supply, repair and provision was undertaken and accomplished in two and a half days.

Recreation at sea is a hard to find activity. During calm weather (and sometimes not so calm) the flight deck is transformed into a "deck tennis court". This may be a misnomer, the game is more like a ring toss volleyball game, but it has provided good recreational exercise and a sharp competition between two or three man teams. The captain and exec. "claim" to be champs - a claim which quickly receives strong argument from many sources.

Special Kudos go to our sonar gang as it was recognized by our type commander and extended a hearty "well done" for their performance in maintaining the sonar system in excellent condition. The commendatory message said in part, - without a doubt, the system was in the best condition of all other systems that his inspection team had seen. Ensign Marvin SCAMIHORN, STC Clarence PEIFER, ST1 BLAIN, ST1 RATZLAFF, ST1 HROBSKY, ST1 SCHNEIDER, STG2 RANDALL, STG2 EDMANDS, STG2 BREMER, STG2 BARMORE, STG3 FLETCHER, STG3 SMITH, STG3 BAKER, and STG3 STRAWN are to be commended for their diligence.

Band leader RMCS GAGNON, and his musicians have put together a contemporary band which is practicing often and improving steadily. Members include STG3 STRAWN, TM3 SMITH, TMSN MILDNER, and MMFN SHOOK. They are getting more equipment and will be playing at most STANDLEY functions icluding replenishments at sea along side other ships.

Future plans as you all know are merely educated guesses due to frequent changes of requirements. One possible change is a slightly earlier release of obligation to the Pacific Seventh Fleet and perhaps a return to Mayport two or three weeks earlier than the previously planned mid-September.

If an early release from Seventh Fleet operations becomes a reality, it is anticipated the ship will return to Mayport by completion of the circumnavigation of the world. Port visits are not know yet but could include cities such as Bangkok, Thailand; Singapore; Lourenco Marquez, Mozambique; Rio de Janiero, Brazil, Recife, Brazil or other areas of high interest to the United States while returning home on time. More about that later.

In addition to being a worthwhile - rarely experienced - opportunity to truly "see the world", it will provide the Navy the much needed opportunity to show the flag in seldom visited ports of the world. Such a good-will, diplomatic cruise will be very interesting to all of us.

Lots has happened in the past quarter as indicated by the size of this Familygram. In the future I hope to make them smaller but more frequent.

All hands on board are working hard and you can be proud of each individual's contribution as I am.

Sincerely,

s/A. L. BLANKS
Captain, U. S. Navy

Courtesy Mrs. Charles "Peg" Mitchell