Biddle (DLG 34) - Naval Cruise Book

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MESSAGES 15 April 1972 From: Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet . . . Thanks to the professionali great team, a remarkable achievement has taken place, What normal' take! several weeks was done in a few days . . . I extend my sincere ap reciatiy d a hearty wen done. Y n - p on an ou ave dramatically demonstrated the readiness of th Atlantic Fleet to carry out national policy expeditiously and effectively e Sm' dedication, and positive spirit of a trul -Admiral C. K. Duncan 15 April 1972 From: Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet . . . The professionalism displayed in preparation for sailing was magnificent. . . You have demonstrated the Navy's reason for being most effectiveIy. -Rear Admiral T. Fl. Weschler 15 April 1972 From: Chief of Naval Operations . . . The intensified aggression of the North Vietnamese has required ex- peditious augmentation of Yankee Station forces to protect U.S. lives in South Vietnam. The enemy has increased the level of hostilities and has embarked on a campaign designed to disrupt Vietnamization efforts and weaken our position at the peace table. It is our job to hold the line. The following weeks will demand the fullest of your professional competence. Many teammates are already in position and await your arrival. I am aware of the many difficulties attending an early deployment. I am most pleased with BIDDLE's positive and timely reaction to our nation's needs. When called you responded. . . . l am proud to be associated with you. -Admiral E. Fl. Zumwalt 17 April 1972 From: Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet . . . l have been most impressed with your superb response. . . be assured that your presence in WESTPAC will make an important contribution to the cause of freedom in Southeast Asia. -Admiral B. A. Clarey 18 April 1972 From: Commander Seventh Fleet . . . In anticipation of your joining the Seventh Fleet Cruiser-Destroyer Force, I would like to extend a grateful welcome. Your appearanCe In the Tonkin Gulf will be a welcome sight to the totally committed cruisers and destroyers who have been engaged in intensive combat operations since 30 March . . . You wi be a Welcome relief. you will be expected to shoot frequently and steam effec- t' I t' ' basis . . - We y on a Con mumg -Vice Admiral W. P. Mack

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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

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'f f fliotifoias Biddlo was both Sepfoknoeroi Rhoiliigioeiphigi. At 13 he joined theoMerchan t Services, Qndo ati 32 he became oa Midshipmano ion kthe British Shortly before the Revolution, Biddte fQQiQLhQd 'f Uisobonamission, returned to America and goltirgteoenod oo,,oo o his sor yioces.'f 0n August 11 1 ,1775, he oo fff1l6FICiif'lQffOfffC9f of Pen rfsgarmeicig in December wow-5, mood of the 14 Qunbrigy o , 301096 oo ' C ommoglofe o Seth Qisafnsf NeW oP'Q6Yid9m?6F o o o o, owe1iosvoedvo 9QUfemQ6ff4l 2oo ooo: WW' o N - x f f ,, ,. Q 'W x .1 ff! 1 'ff' 61 1,774 iff 55 ,f ff N ' os f ' f va Q- X ff A . f an Q5 SSN Sew 3.95955 ev