Bronstein (DE 1037) - Naval Cruise Book

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A-' -ff--'G-2 WvYg,-...- ..- . --eff..-. -- f -W-.- BRONSTEIN moved on, returning to the Tonkin Gulf and the ASW training area. Life was much the same as before only the schedule more rigorous. However, the tasks were easily met because a visit to I-long Kong was close at hand. Following a short delay caused by a typhoon, we steamed into that British Crown Colony on 16 August and moored at the foot of Victoria Peak. The next five days were spent in a frenzy of activity. Fortunes were spent on tailored clothing, electronic gear, cameras and gifts . We explored and enjoyed every acces- sible part of Hong Kong and when forced to leave early by another typhoon, we were saddened. Kaohsiung was only a two day transit but a rough two days it was . Scheduled for a twenty day upkeep period we had hardly gotten settled when we were again forced to get underway briefly for typhoon evasion. Returning to port we began in earnest to prepare for our lnserv inspection. Numerous pieces of equipment were opened or dis- mantled. I-Iowever our effort was rewarded by a successful inspection and the outstand ing liberty ashore . They say, Sailors belong on ships and ships belong at sea so with that in mind we departed Kaohsiung for one last patrol in the ASW training area. By now this had be- come routine and we took it in stride . We were now experts in the business of pro- viding ASW assistance and had compiled a formidable record along the way. On 6 October the task group again formed as a complete group, the first time since the Sea of japan Transit, and departed Yankee Station for the last time enroute to Yokosuka, arriving there ll October after a very rough transit. Our last few days in the F ar East were spent in preparation for our return home . The ship was put in the best pos- sible condition, tons of gifts were purchased and carefully stowed aboard and we en- joyed the sights, sounds, and experiences of the Orient for the last time. On the afternoon of 15 October, with the sun setting over the japanese hills, we were underway at last. Thankful that Westpac 1967 was behind us, completed without serious accident or injury, we turned our thoughts to home. As dawn broke on the morning of 28 October, San Diego lay partially hidden by haze. Nevertheless in we went, flags flying. We had departed a proud ship seven months earlier and we returned an even prouder ship. Proud that in our small way we had helped in the war effort by accomplishing every task given us . That was Westpac 1967 45

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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

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