Conolly (DD 979) - Naval Cruise Book

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COMMANDING OFFICER CDR ROBERT E. MASKELL (24 MARCH - 21 JULY)

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Upon arrival Bahrain, CONOLLY commenced a two week RAV and TAV with Surface Repair Unit. Bahrain and USS ACADIA (AD 42) respectively. On 1 5 July following RAV TAV, CONOLLY set sail for arrival Abu Dhabi for an exciting six day port visit. During this visit CONOLLY conducted its change of command. Commander Robert E. Maskell, USN was relieved by Commander Robert L. Holt, USN on 21 July COM- DESRON ONE FIVE. Commodore Robbins was guest speaker for this event. Following Change of Command. CONOLLY embarked COM- DESRON THREE FIVE and began Gulfex XIII from 24 July until 27 July. This exercise included training in Di vision Tactics (DIVTACS), underway replenishments (UNREPS). anchoring evolutions, boarding operations and over the horizon targeting. Units included USS BUNKER HILL, USS FIFE, HMS EDINBOROUGH and FS JEAN DE VIENNE. Next CONOLLY visited Jabail, Saudi Arabia in preparation for the Nautical Swimmer Exercise with the Royal Saudi Naval Force. In addition to CONOLLY. this exercise included USS GRIDLEY and four ships of the Royal Saudi Naval Force. After a two day port visit to Bahrain, CONOLLY outchopped the Arabian Gulf on 1 6 August enroute to Hurghada. Egypt for a two day port visit that commenced on 24 August. CONOLLY conducted her northbound Suez Canal transit on 27 August. For the next month. CONOLLY transited the Mediterranean Sea enroute CONUS. CONOLLY enjoyed a well deserved port visit in Rhodes Greece from 28 August until 03 September, followed by Benidorm Spain from 07 September until 1 1 September. After a brief stop for fuel in Rota Spain on 12 September, CONOLLY commenced the Atlantic crossing, stopping only for a brief stop for fuel in Ponta Delgado. The Return and Reunion Team embarked CONOLLY on 22 September to provide some counselling prior to returning to the CONUS. CONOLLY returned to Norfolk 1000 on 24 September to greet many anxious dependents and friends waiting to welcome her home. CONOLLY commenced a well deserved leave and standdown period until 26 October.

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COMMANDING OFFICER CDR ROBERT L. HOLT (2 1 JULY - 24 SEPTEMBER)