Bronstein (DE 1037) - Naval Cruise Book

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WESTPAC 196 On the 27th of March, following a slight delay in departure due to a last minute change in orders U.S .S . BRONSTEIN KDE-10375 departed San Diego on her seconddeployment to the Western Pacific. Only a handful of loyal dependents and a Navy band 'remained to see her depart. Nevertheless she was a proud and well prepared ship, the flagship of Commander Robert E . McCabe, USN, Commander Escort Squadron Three, whose flag she carried throughout the cruise. Soon afterward the units of CORT RON Ill rendezvoused with the U.S .S . HORNET QCVS-125 and joined Anti-Submarine Warfare Group Three under the leadership of Radm. H. L. Harty jr. In transit the rigors of the cruise began immediately, as the task group began putting the finishing touches on their ASW skills, stressing the coordination and team work necessary for deployment. We put into Pearl Harbor, Hawaii only long enough to fuel and be joined by four ships of Destroyer Squadron Eleven before returning to sea and more training. When we finally put into Pearl Harbor on the 12th of April for upkeep, rest and relax- ation we were a well trained task group and ready for the demands of deployment. Here we put the last minute touches on the ship's equipment and played beneath the warm Hawaiian sun. Occasionally, a torrential downpour interrupted activity as it did during the officers -chiefs softball game, which saw the officers hold off a determined come-from-behind bid by the chiefs until the game was called on account of rain. All too soon we had to bid Aloha to the island paradise and head west for japan and the business at hand. ln the early morning hours of 28 April we steamed up Tokyo Bay and moored at the U.S . Naval Base in Yokosuka, japan. Our first port-of- call in the Par East was everything we expected and liberty the next week was spent shopping, sightseeing and visiting Tokyo, Kamakura and Yokohama. Early May saw us departing Yokosuka enroute to Sasebo via the Sea of japan. During this period we conducted operations with the japanese Maritime and Air Self Defense Forces and the Republic of Korean Navy. Shortly after our arrival in the Sea of japan, units of the Soviet Navy and Air Force were encountered and remained with us through- out the remainder of the transit. One in particular was almost omnipresent and we shall never forget the belching of Smokey the Bear. It was also during this transit that volleyball and boxing enjoyed its greatest popularity. 43

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Bidding our japanese and Korean comrades farewell we entered the port. of Sasebo for a short visit prior to our departure for the Tonkin Gulf and Yankee Station. This regular naval port-of-call provided outstanding liberty for all hands . On the 20th of May we departed for Yankee Station via the Formosa Straits . Upon arriving in the Tonkin Gulf we commenced operations with the U.S .S . HORNET, pro- viding an ASW screen and plane guard services . june lst saw the arrival of the first of several submarines we were to operate with in the ASW training area. What fol- lowed were many days of assisting COMCORTRON Ill in his capacity of coordinator of ASW training. T orpedoes were transferred to visiting ships, assistance was provided for dual ship operations, and the same torpedoes were then recovered. Numerous helos were inflight refueled and mail was transferred to the submarine via small boat This was not a glamorous or exciting war for us, but nevertheless we were perform- ing a necessary task in helping other units maintain their ASW readiness . When we arrived Subic Bay in late june we had been at sea thirty-nine consecutive days, BRONSTEINS longest underway period. Both men and ship were tired and needed upkeep and both received it in generous quantities. While the tender assisted in repairing the ship the crew enjoyed the ship's parties on Grande Island and the liberty in Olangapo . Rested and repaired we made the short trip to Manila in early july to commence preparations for Excerise Sea Dog sponsored by the nations belong- ing to SEATO, South East Asia Treaty Organization. Represented, were ships from Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand and the United States . Daily we en- deavored to get acquainted with new operating procedures and nightly we visited the city of Manila and furthered our acquaintances with our allied friends, weather per- mitting. On 10 july we commenced the exercise in earnest getting underway for five days of training exercises enroute to an opposed entry into the Lingayen Gulf. Condi- tions there were so perfect upon our arrival that the never-to-be-forgotten word swim call was passed. An extraordinary exhibition of physiques, sun tans, and div- ing prowess followed and a good time was had by all. Soon we were underway again escorting an exercise convoy through surface, subsur- face and air opposition enroute to Thailand. lt was a hectic transit but we arrived in tact and with the feeling of satisfaction that comes with a job well done . The evening of the 26th of july was spent at anchor at Bang Saen in anticipation of our trip upriver to Bangkok the following day. This was one of the highlights of the cruise. Rural Thailand unfolded in all its majestic beauty before our eyes . Bangkok, with its sights magnificant shopping and warm-hearted people left us with many fond memories . 7 44