Bryce Canyon (AD 36) - Naval Cruise Book

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CANYON ECHOES Take sharp sailors, competent leaders, skilled technicians ... add hard work and can-do determination... mix thoroughly in a 12,000-ton steel vessel and bake in 100-degree heat for six months. That ' s the recipe for a good naval destroyer tender ... the recipe by which the USS Bryce Canyon (AD-36) has maintained her outstanding six-year record with the US Pacific fleet. In fulfilling her primary mission id furnishing repair and logistic support to Uncle Sam ' s destroyers, the Bryce Canyon has handled over 35,000 jot orders in accomplishing repairs on over 2,000 ships of 55 different hull types including ships from seven of the United Nations. For the past two fiscal years, 1955 and 1956, she has taken first place in small tender battle efficiency competition. During her first far eastern tour in 195] and her second in K 5 2-53 she took part in the Korean conflict nd received engagement star K-8 on the Korean ribbon lor providing logistic support to the forces afloat in the combat area. She also holds the I ' nited Nations service ribbon, the Nalnmal Defense ribbon and the Korean Presidental Knit Citation badge. The Korean war was responsible for the birth of the HC. Although initial construction began 16 April 1945, when World War Two ended construction was suspended. Only minor work was done from L946 until 1950 when hostilities in Korea caused cancellation of plans to put the lender in the reserve Heel. Captain M. R. Cerin took command and sel the first watch after commissioning ceremonies on 15 September L950 in Charleston (S.C.) naval shipyard. The Shenandoah Class D tender is named after Bryce Canyon national park, a scenic tract of land located in the towering plateau country of southern I ' tab. The pari- is noted for its coloring and fantastically eroded terraces and pinnacles rising 800 feet above the pine G9ri 7 ' w s z y ' v : J-Ji ahfc

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UNITED STATES SHIP v M l P F A R i; A S T E R N R I I S E

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incident and a first i val history. ,.L„ Ml 1 .nth. after issioning, the ski - S l transferred from the Atlantic to Pacific fleet. So 5u lden was tke change of order, thai the officers 0J F M and ere, haJ no chance to provide their families W I with finances t r transportation for them to A I the Pacific coast. For the first time in re led Ai 7 = tOO followed b) lihert) at 0100 onlj a l,« hours Throughout her career her operating schedule has been a six-month western Pacific tour followed L an eight to ten-month stateside period. But whether the Bryce Canyon is tied up in Long Beach or moored in a far clem harhor, the heart of the ship is the Rep,,,- department. The I 1 repair shops ahoard are so diversified that the) can handle almost an) joh whether it be the minute adjustment of a stop watch or a iplete main engine overhaul. 11 iV er, services provided by this tender go Ear beyond repair. The Engineering department contribute -lean, and electrical power. Over 1.5,000,000 kilowatt-hours were supplied to ships alongside during the past .is .ear,. That ' s enough electrical power to supply the need, of an average stateside home for 5,000 years. The Supply department is ready to oiler .pare pari- to the ships and gedunhs to the men. The radio- men and quartermasters provide radio and visual guard duties to ease the load for the sea-weary destroyer communication personnel. The dech force supplies liherty boats when needed and in wartime can issue ammunition. The attach sonar teacher is available for antisubmarine training. And complete medical and dental clinics are maintained to help heep the crews in top shape. The BC also handle- emergency repair- to ships other than destroyers. And she is ready to .end aid on a moment ' s notice to a tanker with a had gyro or an ammunition ship that need, a new bearing. Under six different shippers the Bryce Canyon has steamed over 90,000 miles while visiting 21 port, in seven countries during her first 1N years. ,» as the ship head- eastward, her fifth far eastern tour completed, it is hoped that this, the Bryce Canyon ' s first cruise booh, will help all hand, remember the joys and frustrations of the past six months. ..and might help the folks bach home -hare some of our man) It ' - been a long time since that foggy morning 10 April L956 when the AD-36 slipped ont of Long Beach harhor. ..a long time since the cry rang out . . .