Belle Grove (LSD 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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NGINEERING After a major overhaul of the boilers, main propulsion and auxiliary machinery at the U.S. Naval Shipyard, San Francisco, we commenced a four week training period in San Diego. The Fleet Training Group put the engineering personnel through numerous engineering and casualty control drills. This training, a necessary refresher for experienced personnel, was invaluable for indoctrinating new personnel that had reported aboard for duty during the overhaul period. Mid-February we departed CONUS for the WestPac Cruise. During this cruise our ancient Skinner Jniflo ' s recorded approximately 29,000 engine miles steamed. For the engineering department personnel the ;ruise was an enjovable one with no major machinery casualties. Only the routine maintenance of the main and auxiliary machinery has been the necessary work for he MM ' s, BT ' s and EM ' s to assist the USS BELLE GROVE in meeting her assigned commitments. The A md R Divisions are perfectionists when it comes to flooding and deballasting the well deck, and this cruise jave them added experience and many opportunities to display their abilites. The MR ' s kept the lathes and nilling machine squealing and whinning and the EN ' s kept the small boats running during operations and iberty hours. Standing watces in the main and auxiliary machinery spaces, in temperatures above 100°F has been he greatest and most disagreeable task required of engineering personnel. However, the SNIPES are ready o answer all bells when the Captain ' s orders are UNDERWAY.

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The Belle Grove pulled into Yokosuka upon the completion of operation Seahawk in order to make preparations lor tlie lon : haul back to Long Beach. Stores came aboard and last minute minor repairs were ac- complished while we enjoyed our last Japanese liberty. Ensign Surr met vith the Jajianese W orld Federalists for the last time alter having shared in some ol llieii- meetings and activities. Our disbursing officer is an active member of this world wide organizatioi world law. organization whose goal is enforceable HOMEWARD BOUND The six thousand mile trip home began on the fifth of July. The bingo and movies helped the tin to pass more quickly as we all iegan to feel the excitement of the anticipated reunion with our friem and loved ones. Another successful Western Pacific cruise by the U.S.S. Belle Grove, the oldest dog in the Navy w completed as Long Beach light and the breakwater broke into view.

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PRODUCTION IN THE SHIPFITTER SHOP BY COLE SFl, FANNING FN, KIEL SFM2, YCOY FN, AND HUFFMAN FN. MURPHY MRFN AND YCOY FN ON THE MILLING MACHINE AND GRINDER RESPECTIVELY.