Benjamin Stoddert (DDG 22) - Naval Cruise Book

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Self Defense Force USS Mahlon S. Tisdale (FFG-27) Mall from home

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USS Hepburn (FF-1055) Small boat operations iRAa • - ± The Great White Ghost USS LaSalle (AGF-3) SAUDI ARABIA Sunken tanker

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WESTPAC 10 There are times when a ship and her crew are called upon to maintain the U.S. naval presence in the oceans and seas of the world. On November 28, 1986 it was our turn to show the flag. This MID- EAST Force deployment marks the 10th time USS BENJAMIN STODDERT has answered the call since her commissioning in September 1964. Our deployment began the day after Thanksgiv- ing, the last holiday many of the crewmembers would spend with their families for the next five and a half months. The overcast and rainy morning matched the mood of crewmembers as they said their last goodbyes to loved ones. After two weeks of storms and rough seas, we pulled into our first port of call, Subic Bay, Repub- lic of the Philippines. The ship spent seven days loading supplies and making last minute prepara- tions for our upcoming tour in the Persian Gulf. The next port visit was the island of Singapore. Although it was a brief visit, some crewmembers were able to spend Christmas with American fam- ilies who worked in the country. Following a brief stop for fuel in Sri Lanka, we arrived at our final destination: the Persian Gulf. On January 6, 1987 we relieved USS GOLDSBOR- OUGH (DDG-20) and began our 90 day tour under the command of RADM Harold J. Bernsen, Com- mander, Middle East Force. In between the under- way time we visited the countries of Bahrain and United Arab Emirates. Finally it was our turn to depart and head for home. USS WADDELL (DDG-24) arrived April 4th and after a quick turnover, we headed once again to Sri Lanka for fuel. Great liberty was on everyone ' s mind as we pulled into Phuket, Thailand and Hong Kong during the trip home. There were plenty of things to do and buy and STODDERT sailors took advantage of the deals. On May 9th we finally arrived in Pearl Harbor, amid families, friends and hula girls. The long wait was over and we were back home.