Biddle (DLG 34) - Naval Cruise Book

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THE CRUISE On Saturday evening, the 8th of April 1972, USS BIDDLE was notified that it would emergency depl0Y to the Southeast Asia Combat Zone on 12 April 1972. BIDDLE had not been scheduled to deploy until July 1972. Initial surprise on board was replaced with ap- prehension at the monumental task ahead and sub- sequently by determination. The ship sailed on time with al' hands aboard. BIDDLE joined with USS MULLINNIXKDD-9441, USS GLENNON QDD-840l, and USS SARSFIELD IDD-8375 for the month long transit with brief stops at Rodman, Canal Zoneg Pearl Harbor, Hawaiig and Apra, Guam. Preparation and training were the watchwords of the voyage. Upon the ship's May 11th arrival in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, key personnel received operational briefings, HSL30 Det 4 moved aboard and massive onload of equipment and supplies began. The ship sailed on the 14th to relieve USS STERRET IDLG-311 at the Northern Search and Rescue Sta- ti o n l N S A R I. BIDDLE remain- ed at NSAR until 26 June operating helos for SAR missions, conduc- ting electronic surveillance, and controlling air strikes against North Viet Nam. During a five day upkeep period in Subic Bay, Captain McDANIEL was relieved by Captain CARTER in ceremonies on 3 July amid bustling preparations to return to sea. On 4 July BIDDLE returned to NSAR relieving USS ENGLAND QDLG-22l until 13 July when she was transferred to the Positive Identification and Radar Advisory Zone iPlRAZi station. From 14 July until 9 August, BIDDLE coordinated all aircraft movement over the Gulf of Tonkin and controlled both Navy and Air Force strikes into North Viet Nam. On the night of 19 July, five MIG aircraft, in two raids, attacked BIDDLE and were met by BIDDLE's guns and missiles. One MIG was destroyed and the remainder were driven off while the ship received ng damage. On 29 July, BIDDLE assumed the additional duties as SAR coordinator for the entire Gulf of Tonkin. From 9 to 20 August the ship relaxed with a five. day stay in Hong Kong and three days of upkeep in Subic Bay. BIDDLE returned to NSAR from 20-29 August before relieving the USS LONGBEACH ICGN-91 as PIRAZ ship. BIDDLE remained as PIRAZ until 18 September when she departed the Gulf. During her 107 days in the combat zone BIDDLE controlled 102 U.S. Navy and 56 U.S. Air Force strikes against North Viet Nam accounting for 13 MIG downings by air con- trolled intercept and 1 downing by ship's missiles. As SAR Coordinator and helo controller, BIDDLEwas responsible for the rescue of 5 Navy, 8 Air Force, and 4 Marine pilots downed in combat missions. On 25 September, BIDDLE departed Subic Bay and set a course for home refueling in Apra, Guamg stopping for two days in Pearl Harbor for fuel and suppliesg visiting San Diego for week end liberty, and refueling at Rodman, Canal Zone before transit of the Panama Canal. On 26 October, the Officers and Crew return- ed to Norfolk to reunite with their families and friends. ...J