Benner (DD 807) - Naval Cruise Book

Text from Pages 1 - 88 of the 1968 volume:

i1 8J0 7 ; i qoh j i f PlL v ( t.- NZ ejPZMJ JS MSSSA( S As we complete another WestPac Cruise all hands can look back with pride on a job well done. BENNER has once more made a significant contribution to the interests of our nation, participating in direct combat and combat support roles as well as the less drarhatic but fully as important, function of training, showing the flag, and being forever ready to counter any additional threats to the U.S. and her allies. This cruise has provided the opportunity to visit a number of interesting and exotic ports, and to participate in a wide variety of different naval evolutions. I hope you have all found the stimulation of new experiences an adequate compensation for the long hours of hard work required to make our operations both possible and successful. BENNER has proven over and over again that she is Number One. It ' s your spirit, enthusiasm and professional performance that keep her that way. I ' m proud to serve with you. L. A. HAMILTON Commander, United States Navy Commanding Officer The USS BENNER (DD-807) was built by Bath Iron Works of Bath, Maine, launched on 20 November 1944 and commissioned on 13 February 1945. She was named after Second Lieutenant Stanley G. Benner, United States IVIarine Corps Reserve, who won the Silver Star Medal posthumously for displaying courageous determination in leading his platoon against greatly superior enemy forces at Point Lunga, Guadalcanal, and Solomon Islands. Upon commissioning, the ship was converted from a Destroyer to a Radar Picket Destroyer whose primary job is to steam ahead of a task force and warn the main body of the approaching enemy. BENNER spent the next few months getting fitted out and on 8 June 1945 she started her trip to the West Coast and the U.S. Pacific Fleet via the Panama Canal. On 26 July 1945, BENNER joined Task Group 38.3 operating in the home waters of the Japanese empire. BENNER performed as a Radar Picket, and on strike days BENNER took position with other Destroyers controlling friendly aircraft and preventing success- ful enemy air attacks. On one of these strike days, 9 August 1945, she got her Baptism by Kamikaze . The task force fought off numerous attacks. Although nearby ships were hit, BENNER escaped damage. BENNER continued to operate in the Pacific until the end of World War II and remained part of the Pacific Fleet until 1949. On 1 May 1949, BENNER, along with DesDiv 102, was trans- ferred to the Atlantic Fleet to be homeported at Newport, Rhode Island. Durmg the next seven years she made three Mediteranean Cruises, one to South America and one to the Arctic. In 1956, BENNER in company with DesDiv 102, returned to the U.S. Pacific Fleet and her homeport of Long Beach, California. With the change of homeports BENNER changed division. She became part of Destroyer Division 91 and Squadron Nine. Since 1956 BENNER has made six Far East Cruises. During these cruises BENNER served with the powerful Seventh Fleet and visited such ports as Hawaii, Hong Kong, Philippines, Japan, Okinawa, and others. Following a year of intensive fleet operations in the Eastern Pacific, which included a cold weather trip to Alaska, BENNER entered Long Beach Naval Shipyard in June of 1962 for a Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization Overhaul (FRAM MKII). Upon completion of the overhaul, BENNER was transferred to Destroyer Squadron 23, the famed Little Beaver Squadron, formerly commanded by Arleigh A. Burke. After completion of her yard period BENNER joined Carrier Division Nineteen and Destroyer Division 232 and commenced extensive Anti-Submarine Warfare operations, which now in- cluded the use of her DASH (Drone Anti-Submarin€ Helicopter) in preparation for her forthcoming Western Pacific Cruise. Early in August, BENNER sailed with Carrier Division Nineteen for an Alaskan Visit. Enroute BENNER stopped in Seattle, Washington to join in the annual Seafair festivities. While In Alaska BENNER visited Juneau and Kodiak Island before returning to her homeport. In April 1965 BENNER and Destroyer Division 232, along with USS HORNET (CVS-12) became part of Anti-Submarine War- f i fare Group One. She then began a series of local ASW Operations leading up to the ship ' s sixth Western Pacific deployment since rejoining the Pacific Fleet. In May on one of these exercises, BENNER was the first ship to conduct an In-Flight Refueling of a Helicopter. On 12 August 1965, BENNER and the rest of Anti-Submarine Warfare Group One departed Long Beach for a six month deployment to the Western Pacific. BENNER joined Task Force 77 operating off the coasts of North and South Vietnam. During this period BENNER joined a Sea-Air Rescue Team in the Gulf of Tonkin, during which BENNER conducted the first opera- tional in-flight refueling of helicopters and assisted in the rescue of downed pilots. On the 18th of January 1966, BENNER began her transit back to Long Beach, which was completed on the 3rd of March. While in the states BENNER continued her upkeep and had a shipyard availability which increased her ECM capabilities. BENNER took part in HUKASWEX 66 and upon completion made final preparations for her 66-67 WestPac Cruise. On this cruise BENNER spent much time on Yankee Station in the Gulf of Tonkin. On the morning of 6 January 1967, BENNER drew first blood when she fired upon three small logistic craft which were visible only when they rode the crest of a swell. On the next afternoon the ship fired on an aircraft battery that had fired at friendly aircraft; after a 20 round fire for effect, air craft reported that the battery was effectively destroyed. When BENNER detached she showed the enemy the true temper of the sword upon her crest. During this period the ship fired 1281 rounds of 5 inch ammunition while conducting 36 fire missions and 8 counter battery fire missions. BENNER then headed for Kaohsiung, Taiwan where she took part in Taiwan Patrol. Upon completion of this patrol BENNER started her long trip back to Long Beach. The ship arrived in Long Beach on the 12th of May and took a well deserved rest until 12 June when 39 NROTC Midshipmen embarked for their summer cruise. During this time BENNER went to Pearl Harbor, San Francisco, and San Diego. During the period 7-12 November, BENNER served as rescue planeguard for USS TICONDEROGA (CVA-61) and took part in an actual SAR mission in which a Skyhawk A-4 and F-4 Phantom collided in mid-air. As a result one pilot and several pieces of wreckage were recovered. During the period 6 to 8 February BENNER successfully under- went her annual Administrative and Pre-deployment Inspection. It was also during this period the BENNER along with the other ships of DesDiv 29 were transferred to Destroyer Squadron 29. DesRon 29 was assigned as a unit of Cruiser- Destroyer Flotilla Seven and Anti-Submarine Group Three. BENNER then began her final preparations for her forthcoming Western Pacific Cruise. CAPTAIN RICHARD C. MAURER JR., USN Captain Richard C. Maurer, Jr., USN, was born in Douglas, Wyoming on January 29, 1926. In June of 1943 he enlisted in the Navy as an Apprentice Seaman. In 1944, he won an appoint- ment to the United States Military Academy, Annapolis, Maryland where he received a Bachelor of Science degree and was commissioned as Ensign in the United States Navy. During his climb through the ranks Mr. Maurer served aboard USS TOLEDO (DA-133), USS DIPHDA (ADA-59), USS RODGERS (DDR-876), a tour of duty with Commander Western Sea Frontier, and USS ENDURANCE (MSO-435). As a Lieutenant, Mr. Maurer served as a staff officer for Commander Allied Naval Forces Central Europe. Returning to sea, Lieutenant Commander Maurer served on board USS McCAFFERY (DD-860). After studying at the Armed Forces Staff College and a tour of duty at the Naval Academy, Commander Maurer relieved Commander R. J. TRIBBLE as Commanding Officer of USS BENNER (DD-807). He was the 15th CO. for BENNER. During the 1968 WestPac cruise Mr. Maurer received the rank of Captain. On 16 August, 1968 Captain Maurer was relieved as Commanding Officer by Commander LeRoy A. Hamilton. Captain Maurer is presently attached to the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. oidt Comir in OS! ■•■w COMMANDER LEROY A. HAMILTON FEBY Maurer Officer edtiie elieved nilton. ' itagon, Commander LeRoy A. Hamilton assumed command of USS BENNER (DD-807) on 16 August 1968, following a tour of duty as Operations Officer in USS TOPEKA (CLG-8). Commander Hamilton was commissioned in 1952 after gradua- tion from tfie Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps at Northwestern University. Following his first sea duty assignment in USS MATHEWS (APA-96), he has served in USS VAMMEN (DD-644), Chief of Staff Officer for Commander Destroyer Squadron NINETEEN, USS TOPEKA (CLG-8) and USSWALKE (DD-723) where he was the Executive Officer. Tours ashore included duty at Headquarters, NINTH Naval District, Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE, Fleet Training Group, San Diego, and U.S. Naval Station, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Commander Hamilton has been awarded the China Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. Commander and Mrs. Hamilton and their three children, Susan, Steven and Scott, reside in Westminster, California. l ' WkuMl i LIEUTENANT COMMANDER ROBERT K. LOCKWOOD, JR. Robert K. Lockwood, Jr. was born on the second of June 1929 in Detroit, IVIichigan. He entered the Navy in July of 1946 at San Diego, California and was from the start very interested in the field of aviation. Upon completion of Boot Camp, Seaman 2 c Lockwood went to a series of aviation schools including Airman Preparatory School, Aerial Gunnery School, Aviation Radioman School and Aviation Electronics School. He com- pleted these schools in July of 1948. THIRTEEN. In the fall of 1961 Lieutenant Lockwood took command of USS KALMIA (ATA-184) which was nicknamed The World ' s Smallest Aircraft Carrier . In December of 1965 Lieutenant Commander Lockwood went to Monterey where he completed a two year course for a Bachelor of Science Degree and on 10 January 1968 he came aboard BENNER as Executive Officer. Moving up through the rates. Petty Officer Lockwood became Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Lockwood in 1955. Chief Lockwood entered Officer Candidate School in 1957. Upon completion of OCS Mr. Lockwood served as Communications Officer onboard USS COLLETT (DD 730). From COLLETT he was transferred to the Staff of Commander Destroyer Squadron Lieutenant Commander Lockwood is married to the former Betty L. Ring of Cave City, Arkansas. The Lockwoods are now living in Lakewood, California and have four children. The older of their children is attending college at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois to obtain a Chemical Engineering Degree. u- ' ; O LT CURTIS WEAPONS ' Department WEAPONS Meads ' ■•i. ENGINEERING 1 OPERATIONS SUPPLY L LTJG MILAM LTJG MAIXNER J emer Officers LTJG ANDERSEN ENS ROSNER P i LTJG REESE i J ENS NIEHUS ENS UNTERMEYER J i. i ' ii J LTJG KELLEY LTJG BLAIR ENS BOULAIS s i LTJG WINKELMANN LTJG BERGMAN LTJG JOHNSTON ENS HAWKINS LTJG POWER t i i- l :-ii RMC LYBARGER YNC VIACRUCIS i RDC KRATZBERG |y| Chief Petty Officers GMGC VESSELS J .-.r Q i« STC MAIMONE -Hii SKC BOURNE J MMC HALL SFC HATCHER H Jk MMCS SHREVE BTCS HEFFRON EMCS OWEN BTC FAR MER EMC WELLS Ik d i WSAPOM 9irst T)ivis ' m From Left to Right; LTJG MILAM (Front Row) SA KONE, SN COLEMAN, SN STANTON, SN WOLFE, SA WHITMAN, BM3 BEYER, SN HORNER, SN KENNARO, SN WILBANKS, SN RATLIFF, (Second Row) SA BROWN. SN CONDRON, SN SYLVESTER, SN VOLSTAD. SN CELLA, SN SCHARBACH, SA AUSTIN, BM3 STOAKS, SN MAZZURCO, SN WILLIAMS, SN MCELWAIN, BM1 SCHAUB, (Back Row) SN POIST, SN CARTER, SN MEYER, SN WILHITE, BM3 HOOFNAGLE, SN GECKLE. SA MEEK, BM2 REYNOLDS, SA ROWSER. The Boatswains nriates are some of the hardest working indivi- duals on board the ship. They are responsible for the outward appearance of BENNER. This includes work on the main decks, the hull, and also the mid-ships passageway. When the Boat- swains Mates are not busy cleaning up the ship, you can find them on watch in the Bridge area. Here they are assigned such tasks as Helmsman, Lookouts, and Phone Talkers for the Captain and the other officers on watch. During replenishment at sea these men are in charge of the forward and after stations. Their skill and efficiency makes these evolutions come off very smoothly. The men that comprise First Division are usually SAs and SNs fresh out of Boot Camp. It gives the new Boots the chance to learn the interworkings of the ship. -- ' ■ WHAT COUNTER BATTERY? EXTERIOR DECORATORS. MAKING A BUOY - SASEBO. ' LOOK, OUR ANEMOMETER IS BACK. GROOVY, PLAY IT AGAIN. t i WANIMA DRAG? IWO JIMA 1968. NOW JUST WHERE DID I PUT MY HAT? Second T)Msm From Left to Right: (Front Row) SN OROZCO, GMG3 WILLIAMS, GMG1 HUGHES. SN WHITTON, FTG3 MURPHY, SN PICKERAL, (Second Row! LTJG ANDERSEN, GMGC VESSELS, SN HARSTAD, GMG3 TYNER, FTG2 MADDOX, FTG3 RILEY, FTG3 KOON, SN LOEHRER, (Back Row) GMG2 RAYMOND, FTG2 STEVENS, FTG2 WOLFE, FTG3 ROSEL, GMG2 GORGAS, GIVIG2 FORD, LTJG MAIXNER, LT FARBER. The jobs of the Gunnersmates Guns and Fire Control Technicians is a never ending one. The Gunnersmates are charged with the upkeep and maintenance of the six, five inch guns. Recently these guns fired over 5,000 rounds in a two week period. The Fire Controlmen have the responsibility of main- taining the highly intricate workings of the Fire Control Radar and it ' s many components. Together, the two ratings maintain the high average of BENNER ' s gunnery efficiency. During BENNER ' s Tonkin Gulf operations she was called upon to make many fire missions. At all times both equipment and men were fully prepared. Along with the already mentioned responsibilities the men of Second Division are also in charge of the ship ' s armory. During the all-hands ammunition unreps at sea, the Gunnersmates and Fire Control Technicians are in charge of making sure all ammunition is stowed properly and that safety precautions are observed. DID WE WIN? 12 TO THE LEFT, 5 TO THE RIGHT ' 7r Zkird Dimm J i ' i : v I ' t -gr- ' « ■i From Left to Right MADISON, STG2 B HANES, STC MAI (Front Rowl LTJG REESE, STG2 MADAN, STG2 RIGGS, STG3 MINNICH, STG2 HAREMSKI, STG2 MONE, (Back Rowl STG3 NOTEMAN, TM2 DALRYMPLE, TM3 MAJOCHA, STG3 BIBBY, STG2 SWART, STG3 REED. Third Division is comprised of the rates of Sonarman and Torpedomen. The men of third division are responsible for maintaining a constant underwater vigil as well as maintaining the ships Anti Submarine Warfare weapons. Since the BENNER is a member of an A. S. W. squadron, it is particularly important that the ships anti-submarine capabilities be kept at a constant state of readiness. Upon arrival at Yankee Station, many of the men of Third Division assumed new responsibilities. Many Third Class Petty Officers were assigned stations in the ships gun mounts and handling rooms. While the junior men were assigned to the gun crews, the senior petty officers carried on repairs and maintenance of the equipment in Sonar and U. B. Plot. Shortly after leaving the line for the first time, the BENNER was engaged in an Anti Submarine Warfare exercise during which time the BENNER skillfully avoided attacks by the submarines while herself launched several attacks. The men of Third Division are constantly ready to provide our ship with protection against any underwater threat. PRE-EMPLOYMENT INSPECTION. HOPE IT WORKS! i THEY SANK THE RAMSEY! IT FAVORS HER SIDE OF THE FAMILY. FLEAS I (DAMN DOG M RELAX AND ENJOY THE VIEW. SAME TO YOU FELLA T)ask ' Division i 1« 4 J iBP_ i Ml j_| From Left to Right: ENSIGN ROSNER, ADR2 STOHS, ATN2 HALVERSON, SN BOTKIN, EN2 LORE, SN LEAHY. The men of DASH Division are few, but when called upon have a large task to perform. Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter, which is what DASH stands for, in one of the most versatile weapons carried aboard a Destroyer. The Bird is capable of long range torpedo, and depth charge drops and can also be used with a camera for reconnaissance missions. The day to day work usually consists of maintenance around the Hangar and Flight Deck area. The men must also be sure the drones can be ready for takeoff at a very short notice. The men of DASH Division work as a team and adhere to the motto, Keep emflying . s i DASH TURN-UP. AT THE CONTROLS. - 1 1 kPi- -- LAST MINUTE CHECK. SAFE LANDING. NOT NOW YOU FOOL ! HOW MANY TIMES MUST I TELL YOU? REST IS THE ANSWER. OS D mm ' A i I From Left to Right: ENS BOULAIS. ET1 STEFLIK, ETN2 COWART, SALES, ETR3HOLYOKE, SN COTTON, ENS UNTERMEYER. ETR3 HAKE, ETN3 VOLK, ETR2 RITTER, ETN3 FANDRICK, SN The electronics technicians of OE Division are responsible for the repair and maintenance of equipment ranging from Radar and ECM to navigational devices. Aboard the BENNER an ET ' s work is never done as there are always daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly checks to be performed on equipment. An ET ' s work takes him to all parts of the ship including combat, the bridge and even the masts. ET ' s must display an efficiency at reading schematics, checking pubs and checking federal stock numbers whenever parts must be ordered. ET ' s live in an atmosphere of tubes, resistors, relays and transformers which they must know a great deal about in order to keep things running smoothly aboard the BENNER. The men of OE Division spend much of their spare time at sea studying the changes and advancements in the field of elec- tronics so that they may better serve their ship. With men such as these it is no surprise that the BENNER holds the operations E for efficiency. ' ' ° °«-H.« ,: :: - ' .V l-fCH ' WHAT TIME SHALL WE SET IT TO GO OFF? OJ DMsioH From Left to Right; (Front Row) LTJG KELLEY, RD1 WASSON, RD2 GOODIN, RD2 JANSSEN, RD1 EZELL, RD3 SWANTKOWSKI, RD3 SCHER, RD3 HAYMAN, (Back Row) RD3 PHILLIPS, RD3 KELLEY, RDSN ROCHON, RD3 BRYANT, RD3 NORWOOD, RD2 MONROE, RD3 PAIGE, ROC KRATZBERG, LT CURTIS. 01 Division is made up of Radarmen. A Radarman is important in maintaining combat readiness in our ship since an enemy can be engaged only after he has been detected. The Radarmen are charged with the responsibility of operating our ship ' s air and surface radars and electromagnetic detection equipment. A large portion of a Radarman ' s time is spent in Combat Information Center or CIC as it is called. It is in CIC that radar information is collected and evaluated. All air and surface contacts are reported and tracked as soon as detected. Besides tracking contacts, a Radarman must become adept at processing and displaying information concerning his contacts. For this reason our radarman must have a complete knowledge of plots, status boards, logs, data boards and charts. With ships, missiles and aircraft moving at such high speeds there is no room for mistakes. A Radarman must face the responsibilities of his job each day knowing the security and combat readiness of our ship depends upon the alert performance of his job. SHE ' S RIGHT ON TRACK. i NO, NOTHING WILL HELP. WAIT A MINUTE, THIS ISN ' T COMBAT ! LOOK DEEP INTO MY EYES. C T) ' msm % -.. i ' ti C ' ?. ' ' tf From Left to Right: (Front Row) LTJG BLAIR, SMI MILLAGE, SM2 McMULLEN, RIV12 BRUMMETT, SMSN JORDAN, RMSN BUTTS, SN RHODES, SMSN COCCHI, RMC LYBARGER, (Back Row) RM3 LIVIN GSTON, RMSN PHOENIX, RMSN WILLIAMSON, SMSN DONO- HUE, RMSN REINHARDT, RMSN PITTS, RMSN ROLLS. Good communications are essential in today ' s Navy. Without them no orders could be received or transmitted, no positions relayed ashore, no organization of any kind outside the ship. Radiomen handle the bulk of communications necessary between ships of the task force and ship to -ship communications. Many long hours were spent on watch by the Radiomen, banging away on their teletypes, sending and receiving vital information needed to keep the ship in the know. The Radiomen ' s most dreaded moments were spent on the gunline, for with every salvo fired, their sensitive equipment seemed to come apart. The Radiomen ' s only peaceful moments came during EMCON conditions, when all radio emissions from the ship were silent to keep from revealing its position. The Signalmen have responsibility for all forms of visual communciations including flashing light, semaphore and flag- hoist. With their proficiency in recognition, identification, honors and ceremonies they are an invaluable assistant to the Officer of the Deck. In foul weather, and fair, they brave the elements to ensure that visual, primarily tactical communica- tions meet the requirements of reliability, security and speed that enhances the reputation of BENNER. ( I t THE RADIO GANG y HIGHLY SKILLED TECHNICIANS. WHAT ELSE? ' — 11 1 --«1 THAT ' S BLACKMAIL. • o .. ; 1- 1 NO THIS ISN ' T WESTERN UNION. X DMsm From Left to Right: (Front Rowl LTJG WINKELMANN, QMSN TRAIL, YN3 ZIESKE, QM3 CHEEK, QM2 HEDRICK, SN RUSSELL, SN AGRIESTI, SN BUTLER, SA FONTAINE, FA WELLS, SA JANSSEN, QMSN HOWELL, YNC VIACRUCIS, (Back Row) SN SPEEGLE, QMS TEMOIN, PCS SCHNEIDER, FN DUENAS. SN PARK, SA ROSE, BTFA GRAY, PN1 HOFFMAN, SN SPILLMAN, SA BARNARD. X Division is comprised of 5 different rates, all having great significance as far as personnel matters are concerned. They are. Yeoman, Personnelman, Hospital Corpsman, Postal Clerk and Quartermasters. The Yeomen and Personnelmen operate from the Ship ' s Office. The Yeomen handle correspondence and Officer service records as well as any other general need that arises. The Personnelmen maintain personnel service records, handle transfers, discharges and separations and try to keep the men happy. Our Postal Clerk is thought by most to be the most important person on board. He is in charge of the collection and mailing of our letters home and also when mail comes aboard he is in charge of its distribution. He also sells stamps and money orders. The Quartermasters are in charge of the safe navigation of the ship. They maintain the navigational equipment and stand watch 24 hours a day to ensure that BENNER is in the correct position to carry out assigned tasks. Our Corpsmen are in charge of the Sick Bay. They keep a ready stock of all medicines and also administer these medicines with great care. Doc also spends great amounts of his time to prepare and deliver lectures on first aid and survival. Included in X Division are the messcooks. They are newly acquired SA and SN personnel who are required to put in a few weeks serving on our mess-deck. They serve, and help prepare the crew ' s meals as well as cleaning the messing area. MAIL CALL. ' -o ve. MY GOSH FONTAINE IS IN THERE. THEY WORK TOO ! REALLY THEY DO! 4 n . r, M ' £ n z Dies The P ' ovl aroui Gsl m Supply Dimiott From Left to Right: (Front Row) TN CUEVAS, TA MARCELO, TN VASQUEZ. SD2 BRUA, TN LOTA, SK2 AVILA, SD2 GACOSTA, CS2 POOLE. (Second Row) LTJG GORDON, CS1 CONWAY, SN PLATZ, SN BELIVEAU, CS2 (VIORA, SN WITEK, SH(B)3 CARLSON, SKI KNUTSEN, SK3 TATE, SN LEIBLE, SN EPPRIGHT, SKC BOURNE, (Back Row) SH2 McBURNEY, CS3 ZART, SKI HOBSON, CSS PEDRO, SN PETERSON, SN ALLEN, DK3 HICKS, SN HANNON. SH3 HARMON, SH3 ALLEN. Supply Department is composed of Commissarymen, Store- keepers, Ship ' s Servicemen, Disbursing Clerks, and Stewards. All these different rates have the same purpose in mind; to provide the ship with a service. The commissarymen, headed by CS1 CONWAY, continue to provide the crew with outstanding meals. The cooks are on duty around the clock, as witnessed by POOLE ' s night baking. The Galley Captains , CS1 BENIGNO and MORA along with ZART and PLATZ, show enough diversification in their preparation to keep the crew happy. All of this would not be possible if not for CS3 PEDRO, who is in charge of all breakouts. The storekeepers have an around the clock job of keeping BENNER ' s various departments supplied with spare parts. Headed by SKI HOBSON and SKI KNUTSEN, the spare parts men SK3 TATE and SN LEIBLE work a long day locating and organizing approximately 30,000 repair parts. AVILA and EPPRIGHT are in charge of OPTAR and Commissary records. The Ship ' s Servicemen are very versatile in that most are capable of changing jobs with one another. SH2 MCBURNEY is the leading Ship ' s Serviceman ind in charge of the ship ' s store and laundry. The store is run by SH3 ALLENwhostocks most things needed at sea by the crew. The laundry is operated by SN WITEK, SN BELIVEAU and SN PETERSON. These men are constantly washing and pressing to maintain the needs of the crew. Not to forget the Best Barber in the Fleet , SH(B)3 CARLSON. Mr. GORDON is most concerned with DK3 HICKS and SN ALLEN as they are the ship ' s Disbursing Clerks. During our deployment they paid out about $430,000 to the crew. The Stewards, headed by SD2 BRUA, who sometimes doubles as the barber, are directly responsible to the officers. GACOSTA and VASQUEZ are cooks, while CUEVAS, LOTA, and MARCELO are the servers. They also maintain the officers staterooms. Supply personnel are a hard working group which can be depended upon to get the job done. STEAK, NO DOUBT. THEY ' LL LOVE IT. THE IDEAL HOUSEWIFE? HARMON ' S MARKET. WHAT ABOUT THE LIP? I y SUPPLY OFFICE. 1 FEEDING THE SQUIRRELS? IS HE A JUGGLER? HICKY AT WORK. CREWS GALLEY. MatE M ' DMsioH a f9 k From Left to Right: (Front Row) FA KOCH, MM3 WILLIAMS, MM3 WEST, FN PRITCHETT, MM2 REISINGER, FA McNAMARA, FA TORRES, (Second Row) LTJG BERGMAN, MM3 WELLENSTEIN, MM2 SCOTT, MM3 KINNON, MM3 CANFIELD, FN BROFSKY, MM3 MULCAHY, MM3 BURCHETT, M ;li f iFLD, MMC HALL, LT LEO, (Back Row) MM2 DORSCHEL, MM3 ENTRIKIN, MM3 GRISWOLD, MM3 BAKEWELL, FA GONZALES, MM1 HAYES, MM3 LYKINS. The men of M Division, better known as Machinist IVlates, are responsible for keeping the BEIMNER ' s two 12 foot screws turning night and day regardless of oceanographic conditions. M Division personnel are charged with the maintenance of the systems and pumps plus the two 35,000 horsepower engines which keep the BENNER moving. The MM ' s are also responsible for supplying the ship with electrical power from the two main generators which they maintain. A major function of the Machinist Mates is to supply the ship with fresh water. They operate two distilling plants which put out a maximum of 20,000 gallons per day. This water must meet the high standard required to supply the ships main steam propulsion plant as well as fresh water for the crew. Amid fancy titles such as Water King , the men of M Division maintain a 24 hour watch in the no mans land of the BENNER known as the hole . In their off duty time the Machinist Mates can usually be found playing guitar in after diesel or conducting boxing exhibitions on the flight deck. WHAT BIRDIE? DimioH From Left to Right: (Front Row) FA MARTIN, FN TRAUTNER, BT3 HAM, BT2 WOOTON, BT2 BEST, BTCS HEFFRON, LT LEO (Back LEE, BTFN KENNEDY, BT3 MOELLER, BT3 THOMPSON, BTFN Row) BT2 THOMAS, BTFN MITCHELL, FN LOWIN, BT3 HEINE, FN DUNKEL (Second Row) LTJG HAWKINS. BTC FARMER, BT2 ROHMEYER, BTFA FLEENOR, BT2 BOHAISINON. BROWN, BT3 HOPKINS, BT1 ROBERSON, FA SMALL. BTFN MARK- Boiler Tenders have been a part of the Navy as far back as 1814, when the Navy ' s first harbor defense vessel was built for New York Harbor. Since that day the responsibilities of the Boiler Tenders have increased in complexity and importance. The BENNER, weighing 3,470 tons has four boilers which will provide enough steam to the main engines to propel her at speeds in excess of 31 knots. The boilermen also known as Snipes , have the additional responsibility of manufacturing steam for the galley, laundry, scullery and all the heating needs of the crew. It takes constant maintenance to keep the BENNER ' s four boilers in commission along with all the associated equipment and pumps. This invol ves arduous tasks ranging from the cleaning of bilges to correcting for black smoke. The BT ' s job is never really completed but no matter how hot or humid it may get, the BT ' s don ' t let it dampen their spirits. The firerooms are manned 24 hours a day, while the men of B Division carry on their tasks with precision and pride in the service they are rendering their ship. DEAREST WIFE, OOPS DANCING COURSE. DIVE ! DIVE ! SHORT TIMERS ATTITUDE. ALL I WANT IS THE TIME. FASTER THAN A SPEEDING BULLET. WHAT HE DOESN ' T KNOW WON ' T HURT HIM. K Dmm From Left to Right; (Front Row) MMCS SHREVE. FN FRANKSON, SFIV13 TUCKER, MM3 AUGUSTINE, EM3 GAIDULA, ENS ORRELL, FN DUGGER, EMCS OWEN, (Second Row) LTJG JOHNSTON, SFC HATCHER. EM2 TURNER, FN SMITH, EIV12 STUART, FN CLEMENTS, SGM3 ERRICO, EM3 RAMSEY, IC3 McMULLIN, EMC WELLS, LTJG POWER, LT LEO (Back Row) SFM3 WILKERSON, FN POTTS, FA ANDERSON, FA GRAY, DC2 BELSHE, IC3 WEINCLAW, SFMFN INGRAM. A distinguishing factor about R Division that sets it apart from the other divisions is that it is a service group. The functions of R Division support other divisions so that they may perform more efficiently. R Division is composed of men of seven different ratings including Electricians Mates, Shipfitters, Machinist Mates, IC Men, Damage Controlmen, Enginemen and Machinery Repair- men. The combined skills of the men of R Division enable them to perform a great number of jobs which are essential to the smooth running of our ship. The Electricians keep the ship supplied with electricity from the generators as well as being respon sible for lighting systems and the upkeep of all forms of electrical machinery. The Machinist Mates and the Enginemen maintain and repair refrigeration systems, air conditioners, diesels, heating systems, air systems and the steering system. The Machinery Repairmen must be skilled in the use of the lathe, with which they spend many hours producing repair parts. The BENNER ' s interior communi- cations systems plus alarm systems and the gyro and its related components are the responsibility of the IC men. The IC men are also responsible for the motion picture equipment used on board our ship. The Shipfitters are constantly on the job repairing anything from a buckled hatch to a cracked bulk- head. The Shipfitters must display a special knowledge of welding since their work requires the use of acetylene and arc welding units. The Damage Controlmen are responsible for all damage control equipment. So varied are the ta sks assigned to R Division that it is no wonder that they are an integral part of every shipboard function. :i Crvise Story .V, . April 30, 1968 was a memorable day for the crew of BENNER. That was the day we said good-bye to our loved ones, unshackled from the pier, and steamed out of Long Beach Naval Station for a six month Western Pacific Cruise. As the United States faded in the distance we looked ahead to our deployment with mixed emotions. We wen. apprehensive but also enthusiastic in the job we would be performing for our country, our families, and our homes. With thoughts of Long Beach still in mind, the BENNER with her crew of 250 turned to the West and made her way for Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The time involved in transit to Pearl was utilized for our final tuneup for ORE (Operational Readiness Exercise) held by Commander, AntiSubmarine Warfare Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He is the senior ASW Commander in the Pacific. A one day Logistics and Meeting stop in Pearl Harbor was the kick off for our Operational Readiness Exercise which took place from May 7 to May 16 off the coast of Kauai, the northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain. During our exercises near Kauai we had aboard Mr. Harry Pillow, the Australian Naval Attache to Washington. The entire crew was greatly impressed with his typically Australian zest for life. Upon completion of the ORE, BENNER steamed proudly into Pearl Harbor for a one week rest and relaxation visit. Hawaii is indeed an island paradise with a climate made for sun bat hers. Upon our departure from Hawaii the crew of BENNER wore a darker complexion. I li.N Thei The transit from Hawaii to Yol osuka, Japan offered another ideal chance for sun worshipers to gain that healthy, Island Look . BENNER ' s flight deck took on Coney Island dimensions. Yokosuka was our first foreign port. We were in Yoko for a short logistics stop and three days later we were again underway, this time for an ASW Transit through the Sea of Japan. BENNER ' s Sea of Japan transit was a joint exercise, with seven Destroyers of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) accompanying our task group. Two Japanese Of ficers were aboard BENNER during the transit and Lieutenant Mallon rode the Japanese Destroyer OHI . The weather cooled off to a low of 42 degrees during the transit and was a welcome change after the warm weather encountered from Hawaii to Yokosuka. A logistics stop in Sasebo was next on our agenda. In Sasebo, BENNER made last minute repairs and additions in order to prepare for Naval Gunfire Support (NGFS) activities. Tension .began to mount on our first transit to Viet Nam. The crew looked forward to their first taste of battle con- ditions. Many were seasoned veterans but most were new at the confusion of war. Tension was finally relieved with our first mission as Gun-fire Support Duties south of Saigon, in the Southern DMZ and in the area between Hue and Da Nang Viet Nam. BENNER worked alone and with others. We worked together with as many as ten Destroyers and 3 Cruisers in support of our troops ashore. In this period, BENNER ' s 3 five inch gun mounts fired over 5500 rounds of 5 ammunition. Happy to be relieved from the gun line, BEIMNER began her transit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 17, with a feeling of personal pride at a job well done. BENNER fired 83 different missions against the enemy and received excellent reports on each and every mission. During transit to Kuala Lumpur, BENNER dipped down and crossed the Equator to observe a time-honored Navy Tradition. Upon our crossing of the equator, the members of the crew that had not crossed previously, commonly known as Pollywogs, were transformed through a gentle hazing process known as Shellback Initiation, into grand and glorious exalted Shellbacks. The crew members were encouraged to grow beards. These beards were judged as to worthiness and all Pollywogs failed. During beard judging, pandemonium broke loose and the judging ceremony became a saturating holocaust when fire hoses were brought into play. At the hands of Pollywogs, the Shellbacks were promptly wetted down. To compensate for their unruly behavior, the Pollywogs were all ordered to shave the right sides of their faces. This order, given by our Captain (a Shellback) was quickly carried out and our Pollywogs were soon looking like Mr. Clean on one side and the Smith Brothers on the other. After a riotous night of Pollywogs fun they finally faced the wrathful Shellbacks on initiation day. When it was all over, BENNER with a Shellback crew was ready to pull into Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for a five day rest and relaxation period. Shellback Jmtlatm . ? «.ix V.i The port of Port Swettenham, near Kuala Lumpur was BENNER ' s berthing place. The ship was open for general visiting during most of our stay and hundreds of school children marched aboard each day to see the sights. While school children came to see our ship, we marched ashore to see their country. Many tours were planned, the most impressive being to Fort Dixon where swimming and water skiing was available. The city of Kuala Lumpur was equally impressive with it ' s crowds of people, streets packed with cars, and it ' s tall skyscrapers dwarfing the smaller buildings beside them. It was indeed an enlightened crew that left Malaysia on 27 July. Our scope of the world had been broadened. ' , ' ■ ■■■• t r Next we made a transit to Sasebo, Japan for four days while achieving ASW exercises on the way. We reached Sasebo on August 8 with an upkeep period of 11 days foremost in our thoughts. We accomplished our upkeep in Sasebo, had a full Personnel Inspection of the crew and shortly before our inport period ended we had a Change of Command Ceremony. Captain Maurer was relieved by Commander Hamilton and again BENNER was fortunate to obtain a top-notch Commanding Officer. i I t ' W ' rM On August 19, with a new Commanding Officer and with a rested crew, BENNER set out for Vietnam for the second time during it ' s deployment. BENNER arrived on Yankee Station on August 23 and acted as plane guard for Task Force 77, Commander Fast Attack Carrier Strike Force Pacific. To plane guard, BENNER took up a position behind the carrier and stood ready in case of an emergency situation during flight operations. This is a highly important job and BENNER carried this burden equally as well as the others she had been assigned. Jr BENNER was relieved as plane guard ship on September 19 and transited to Hong Kong where we arrived on September 21. Our visit to Hong Kong was for most, a five day shopping spree. The entire crew took advantage of the many bargains to be had in Hong Kong. While in Hong Kong, Mary Soo Incorporated painted our sides and the Hong Kong Red Cross chapter came aboard to collect blood. It was a busy period to be sure and BENNER turned reluctantly to sea on 26 September for transit to Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines. I I OW Our Subic Bay stop was almost strictly a business stop. BENNER tied up outside the Destroyer Tender USS DIXIE for a logistics upkeep tiefore returning to Yankee Station. Our Steward Personnel, being of Philippine origin, took full advantage of this period by taking maximum liberty and leave. During our third trip to Yankee Station, time was beginning to slip rapidly by. From October 5 to 18 BENNER again acted as plane guard ship. On 18 October we encountered rough seas and they remained with us through our transit to Yokosuka. This rough weather period enabled the crew to witness the strength and might of the sea. This was typified by the enormous swells that left the entire ship dripping in salty brine. Another clue to rough weather was the discomfort of rolling from one side of our beds to the other and hopefully no further. The supreme test of our sea legs was when eating meals. With one hand holding our trays on the table and the other holding our forks, and our eyes watching for sloshing food, the prospect of eating was not always looked forward to. In Yokosuka we unloaded information gathered in WESTPAC, delivered it to our relieving ships and did last minute shopping BENNER was beginning to look like a department store. Eagerly, BENNER turned her bow toward home on October 28 hoping to arrive in Long Beach on November 9. The transit was a busy time with last minute drills to complete and lots of DASH operations. Busy as it was, the days seemed to creep by so that by November 9th, as Long Beach came in sight the long weeks of toil and little sleep seemed well worth the effort. We were all extremely proud of our ship, our Navy, and our Country. BENNER had traveled over 47,000 miles in 6 months, expending over 2.8 million gallons of fuel. Now a rest and we ' ll be ready again to put forth maximum effort to keep America free. It was a happy crew that pulled into Yokosuka on 25 October. Happy that the rough weather was over and happy that our cruise was finally taking us closer to our homes. ||A ' jm j 11. . K CRUISE BOOK STAFF Editor Layout Supervisor Photographic Supervisor Financial Manager Copy Writers YN3 Alan K. Cartwright YN3 Alan K. Cartwright HM1 William N. WoodJr. ETR3 David G. Sales Photographers Art Work YN3 Alan K. Cartwright YN3 William F. Zieske STG3 John H. Bibby HM1 William N. WoodJr. ETR3 David G. Sales RD3 Joel P. Rochon YN3 Alan K. Cartwright Officer in Charge Ensign Peter D. Boulais THIS AFFECT us? • ' - - 7 ' i r