Dixon (AS 37) - Naval Cruise Book

Text from Pages 1 - 152 of the 1981 volume:

=-; ;j$ ■ :. ' ' 7 ■ • ih? : :; ' o -Wake Mand Christmas (Lauatc Fhocnii Itlandsa SOUTH PACIFIC 1. Pearl Harbor: 25-30 JAN 81 04-08 JUN 81 2. Subic Bay, Philippines: 13-19 FEB 81 3. Diego Garcia B. I. 0. T.: 27 FEB 81 - 04 MAY 81 4. Sydney, Australia: 18-23 MAY 81 5. Home Sweet Home : 15 JUNE 81 USS DIXON AS-37 Indian Ocean Deployment 1981 Indian Ocean Deployment 1981 Table of Contents USS DIXON History 4 Life at Sea 17 Mission of the Navy 5 Diego Garcia . . . Fantasy Island 33 Commanding Officer 6 Liberty Call 49 Executive Officer 7 Ship ' s Company 65 Chaplain Command Master Chief 8 Memorium 138 Home Port San Diego 9 Home Sweet Home 139 The Journey Begins 13 Editorial Photo Credits 144 Cruisebook Staff Cruisebook Adviser LTJG Godofredo M. Reyes Photographers Editor Copy Editor Layout Asst. Layout Sales Coordinator Asst. Sales Artists PH3 Stephen E. Zurilgen DTC David F. Hallet SKSN Bill Phillips TM2 Michael J. Gentry MM2 Andrew B. Hellman DPI Tyrone Wilkins DM3 Scott M. Kirmer FTG2 Gregg A. Raber MM3 Roberto Alers PH3 James C. Barnette ICC John J. Borio PH3 John J. Brantley TMl Michael B. Breyfogle DPI Tyrone Wilkins PH2 Ron Johanningsmeier CDR George R. Myers HT2 Rick J. Neimann PHI Robert Ortiz HM2 (DV) Andrew J. Poplawski EMC Tony L. Hernandez PH3 Stephen E. Zurilgen Bartel Photography; Sydney, Australia Dixo USS DIXON (AS-37) , a nuclear submar- ine support ship is the first ship of the fleet to be named DIXON, and the second ship in her class. She honors Confederate Army Lieutenant George E. Dixon, who helped construct and command the Confederate submarine HUNLEY during the Civil War. He is credited with the first sinking of an enemy ship in combat by a submarine. The keel of the DIXON was laid September 8, 1967 and the ship was launched June 20, 1970. Comissioning took place in Norfolk, Virginia on August 7, 1971, after which she transited to San Diego, California and began support duties in November 1971. DIXON her crew of 1160 provide logistic and technical support for as many as 12 submarines, including simultaneous support of four submarines alongside. As a combination supermarket and service station for submar- ines, DIXON is equipped with a wide variety of facilities throughout her 12 decks. With some 30 shops on board, her services range from a metal foundry to a watch making shop; with all kinds of machine tools, and test equipment. DIXON is designed for the specific mission of intermediate level support to attack submarines. In accomplishing this mission, DIXON performs the maintenance which is beyond the technical capacity of the submarine crew. In addition, she also supplies food, parts, pay, medical and dental assistance, and weapons support. This constant support keeps our submarines and our Navy READY FOR SERVICE. The principal resources available for accomplishment of the DIXON mission are a crew of dedicated, trained personnel and modern, well maintained equipment and facilities. The USS DIXON is our Navy ' s Finest Submarine Support Ship. Navy Mission On paper, the mission of the Navy is easily defined. It involves keeping our vital sealanes open so the trade on which our country and our allies depend will flourish. In time of war we have the added responsibility of denying that freedom to our enemies. As a world power, the United States Navy maintains a presence in all the major oceans, and keeping the Navy at peak efficiency many thousands of miles away from home requires a tremendous amount of team work and coordination. This teamwork concept involves the individual seaman, as well as the largest ships, for in order to get the job done, all hands must turn to. The maintenance of a strong Navy can be equated to a football team in that many people have different jobs to attain a common goal. We have elements in the Navy to run interference much like an offensive lineman, the pilots and airplanes aboard our carriers might be considered the fast wide receivers or defensive safeties. The quarterback, of course, would be the various commands involved. As a submarine tender, DIXON might be viewed as the bench. A place for the athlete to go to rest, get his equipment repaired, or from which a replacement can be drawn. More appropriately, the DIXON motto Ready For Service sums up her immediate mission. Support the tended units, provide the stores they need, the upkeep on their equipment and assistance to their personnel with medical and dental care, ships store and mail services. Without benches , such as DIXON, the forward units in our fleet would be hard pressed to maintain their offense and defense. 24-25 Commanding Officer CAPT R. L. Wolfe Captain Roderic L. Wolfe was born in Newark, Ohio, the son of Mr. and Mrs. L. Eugene Wolfe. He graduated from high school in Arlington, Virginia in 1953. Following graduation, he entered Harvard College, graduated in June 1957, and was commissioned with the rank of Ensign. Upon commissioning he was assigned to the H. J. Ellison (DD 864) where he served in various billets including Gunnery Officer. In 1960, he went to Submarine School and Nuclear Power School in New London, Connecticut. Following Nuclear Prototype training in Windsor, Connecticut, Captain Wolfe served in various billets in USS SKATE (SSN 578). He was then assigned as Engineer Officer of the USS Robert E. Lee (SSBN 601) . After graduating from the Armed Forces Staff College in 1968, he was assigned to USS DACE (SSN 607) as Executive Officer. Captain Wolfe ' s next assignment was to the Staff of the Commander in Chief, Pacific with the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board. He was then assigned as Prospective Commanding Officer of USS L. MENDEL RIVERS (SSN 686) , during construction and later. Commanding Officer. Prior to being ordered to USS DIXON (AS 37), Captain Wolfe was the Senior Naval Instructor of the Chief of Naval Operation ' s Prospective Engineer Officer Course and an instructor on the Staff of the Chief of Naval Operation ' s Senior Officer Ship Material Readiness Course in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Executive Officer CAPT. R. G. Hubbard Captain Hubbard, a native of Birmingham, Michigan, received his commission via the Regular NROTC Program at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. Graduating in 1961, he served in the destroyer USS EPPERSON (DDE 719) before commencing submarine training. Following submarine school, he served in USS CUBERA (SS 347) , USS Robert E. Lee (SSBN 601) (GOLD) and (BLUE) crews before serving on the Staff, Commander Submarine Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet. Following these tours, he was assigned to the USS GRAYBACK (LPSS 574) as the Navigator and Project Diving Officer followed by a tour in the USS PICUDA (SS 382) on the Joint Strategic Staff followed by a tour of duty as Commanding Officer, USS COUCAL (ASR 8) in Hawaii. Before reporting to USS DIXON (AS 37) in June 1979 as Executive Officer, he served as the Diving Systems Officer on the Staff of Commander Submarine Development Group One. Captain Hubbard is a qualified Mixed Gas (Helium Oxygen) Diving and Salvage Officer. Captain Hubbard has been awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal. CHAPLAIN Seen from a distance, the DIXON is just one more large gray ship in the water, indistinguishable from many other submarine or destroyer tenders. However, aboard the DIXON live and work over 1100 human beings. Each with his or her own cares, feelings, needs, and desires. The frustations and irritations aboard such a large vessel can be enormous. Add to them the agony of worry about the welfare of loved ones back home and you can have a very upset person. Dr. Hettish, the Chaplain aboard the DIXON, is a haven for those of us oppressed with worry and problems. One of the most trusted persons on the ship, the crew knows they can go to his stateroom, close the door, and let it all hang out. In addition to the counseling offered the crew, the Chaplain also schedules and arranges spiritual services for all faiths found on the ship. Chaplain Hettish knows better than most, the value of communication with God and, while we were gone, a very dynamic network of lay leaders for the various faiths worked with him to help us maintain that link with God. A skilled listener, the Chaplain has a way of guiding us to our solutions in a manner that makes us feel as though we discovered them ourselves. Thank you Chaplain Hettish, you were there when we needed you. Command Master Chief The USS DIXON, as a United States ship, follows a very strict and rigid chain of command. In order for the ship and her crew to accomplish their assigned tasks in both war and peace, this chain of command seems to work in only one direction, down. At the top, the Commanding Officer makes a decision that affects the ship and, after awhile, the seaman on deck finds himself turning to on some task as a cog in this machine of humanity and material we call DIXON. In reality, however, the chain of command works upward too. This function can be the most frustrating and difficult of evolutions though because sometimes problems involving people seem to get pushed aside and higher priorities are placed on production and mission. This situation is where the Command Master Chief comes in. HTCM John Davis is the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Command. Master Chief Davis, a veteran of over twenty years of service is the only enlisted person on the DIXON who has an open door to the Captain. As a liason between the crew and the command structure, the Master Chief can many times iron out seemingly impossible problems. Master Chief Davis can be found anywhere on the ship working on some problem. He is always ready to listen to the crew but will always ask first, Have you tried your chain of command? If you have and seem to have reached a road block, the Command Master Chief is the man to see. £ vfi- ' ' - ' t ■ SS- m-f ' ' Home Port San Diego 5 DIEGO Homeport San Diego, a city of many faces and opportunities. The USS DIXON (AS 37) has been stationed here since 1971 and her crew has always found the city to be a fine place to live, work, and play. For many sailors, their first exposure to America ' s Finest City is a trip down Broadway and the downtown area. At one time this area was a sailors haven with theaters, tatoo parlors and night clubs on both sides of the street. In recent years, however. Navy men and women have left the confines of Broadway for the other attractions San Diego has to offer. One of the major attractions for sailors and visitors is the world famous San Diego Zoo. One of the largest zoos in the world, this facility is located in Balboa Park. An enjoyable day of liberty can be spent touring the zoo and observing the delightful antics and habits of the animals. Another major attraction for animal lovers is Sea World in Mission Bay. When not at Balboa Park or Sea World, time spent at the San Diego County beaches is looked forward to by many. With the cool Pacific temperatures and rolling surf the beaches and surrounding communi- ties are almost always crowded with sun bathers. The San Diego area is unique in the wide variety of leisure time activities available. From beaches to mountains to deserts, San Diego has it all. What was once a sleepy southern California coastal town known only to sailors lucky enough to be stationed there, San Diego has grown into a major metropolitan center with all the sophistication and opportunity of any large American city. San Diego is truly America ' s Finest City. ' ' I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and the sky. On-Load Before any ship can deploy on a long cruise, a million things have to be done. The trip has to be planned to the closest degree. Distances have to be calculated to ensure enough fuel and stores are brought abroad for the ship to make each leg of the trip. Variables have to be considered so that some unusual circumstances will not find the ship in a position where it cannot complete the mission because of lack of supplies. Liason has to be established in the home port, as well as any overseas ports the ship will enter. The preparation before leaving San Diego will determine whether the cruise is a successful one or one plagued with problems. To this end, the last few weeks before the DIXON moved into unknown waters were especially hectic. Night and day supplies and stores were moved into shipboard storage spaces. The location and weight of all supplies is watched closely in order that the stability of the ship would not be compromised. Everything from toilet paper to sheet metal was stowed. The last couple of days saw the pier stacked with soft drinks, over 60 pallets of them. After all, this large gray ship would be home for 1,100 men and women for 5 long months and every effort was made to make it as pleasant as possible. Underway ;_ •. - The last carton of milk is tucked away, the seabag is folded and stored after its contents are transferred to a locker. It is 15 January 1981. All preparations are complete. If it isn ' t done now, it ' s not going to be. Now is the time to get underway for the Indian Ocean. This is a time of considerable emotion for the crew and all of our loved ones. For those of us with families in San Diego, the last hours before the brow is removed are spent on the pier hugging and playing with children and exchanging longing and tearful glances with our wives or husbands. Many friends are on the pier to see us off. The air is charged with anticipation and excitement. For many of us, the opportunity to see the world is finally here. For others, the only wish is to see the world from San Diego. Finally, the crane removes the brow, the last lines are taken in and the IMC echoes Underway. The ship begins to ease from the pier. Hundreds of men and women strain for final glimpses of each other as the watery distance increases. Eventually, no one can pick out a particular face or gesture. Sliding by the familiar form of the USS SPERRY, we head into the P acific. We begin our voyage, confident that we are ready and all will be well at home. •s - f Hh! iH 1 ••m Heavy Seas Of all of natures wonders, probably none has the power and awesome dimensions of the sea. As we sail aboard a giant ship, built to exacting standards with the best technology available, we are some- times lulled into thinking we have mastered the sea and made her our servant. Suddenly, the winds blow, the storm rages and our docile servant roars up into a fury. The mighty vessel is but a cork on the tremendous waves. mi0mfimmm0 A ship on the high seas is an isolated community. Not only must she be able to feed and house her crew, she must protect herself in the event of battle or catastrophe. One of the greatest hazards at sea is fire and flooding. The crew must be thoroughly trained in the methods to prevent and fight them if they should occur. On DIXON, we have a group of intensively trained people whose primary job is to be the first to react and respond to a fire or flood. This group is known as the Flying Squad. Flying Squad KDIX Shortly before the deployment, a Ship ' s Information Training and Enter- tainment, closed circuit television system wew installed on the ship. Along with the existing facilities of the KDIX shipboard radio station, the crew was able to partake of Armed Forces Radio and Television news, sports, and music broadcasts. On the local level, a regular program of television shows and movies were presented daily. One of the most popular was the evening news broadcast on KDIX television. This feature consisted of two rotating teams of newscasters. LT. Stoeckel, PNl Adams, TMSN Pribbenow, and SN Hayes, made up the teams. Behind the scene, IC3 Mahr, J03 Terry, LTJG DuUum, PH3 Brantley and OS2 Holland compiled, wrote, and edited the news features. When not being used for movie marathons and news, the airways were utilized extensively for general training and features, such as Captain ' s Call and presentations about liberty ports, such as the Philippines and Australia. Church Services The spiritual needs of a ship the size of the DIXON are as varied as the members of the crew aboard. With the assistance of the Chaplain, every Sunday saw a steady flow of worshipers going in and out of the 02 level conference room. Lay leaders for the Protestant, Latter Day Saints, and Catholics helped their members worship God as they felt best. In addition to the Christian services on Sundays, there were Hebrew services, and Bible study classes were conducted throughout the week at various places on the ship by the different faiths. Just one more way the crew came together and found peace while away from home. Swim Call The day before the ship pulled into Hawaii, we anchored off Barbers Point and enjoyed a swim call and the Super Bowl on Honolulu television. While some of us watched the Oakland Raiders defeat the Philadel- phia Eagles for the NFL champion- ship, others participated in swim call or sunbathed under the warm Hawaiian sun. Ship ' s Picnic The end to a perfect day came with a picnic on the helo deck. The Supply Department pulled all the stops on this one with bar-b-qued steaks, chicken, corn and soft drinks. Everyone relaxed and rewarded themselves for all the hard work that preceded the event. ' . ' j p ■p HRSSBB BsB PV3IV ' 3K 8P F ' W w ' aj I m Kj iJ K Tl |P 01 WATCH STANDING The job of propelling a ship through the water in a straight line and at a constant speed requires cooperation from hundreds of people around the clock, seven days a week. An example of this cooperation can be found in the relationship of the watch standers in CIC, Main Control, the Fire Room, and the Pilot House. While underway, the Officer of the Deck in the pilot house has control of the ship. He or she makes the decisions as to course changes, speed, and other functions on the ship. Advising the OOD are the people manning the radars and manuevering boards in CIC where they keep track of other ships in the same area. Down in the hole the engineers in Main Control and the Fire Room ensure that the propulsion plant and boilers are operating at peak efficiency to provide the needed thrust and RPM ' s to drive the ship. All of these people are charged with the safe operation and passage of the ship. Strict adherence to policy and procedures, as well as accepted communications methods are a must. On the way to the Indian Ocean an opportunity was presented to the crew to determine which division was the best. Tugs of war were organized and many people came out to participate and cheer on the crew. When the dust cleared, it was obvious that the hulking monsters of E Division had the most pull on DIXON. While some of the boxers were more skillful than others, each fought their hearts out and provided us a welcome break from the routine. Training One of the continuing functions on DIXON is training. Everyone aboard must be trained and proficient not only in the specific areas of their rating, but also in ship-wide areas, such as General Damage Control and 3M. From the moment a new member of the crew steps aboard, training starts with Indoctrination Division or I Division. This one week course provides the new hand with an idea of how the ship operates, its mission, what is expected of him or her and the chance to meet and talk to many of the influential people on the ship, such as the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, and others. When a sailor leaves I Division, the ship is no longer as mysterious and frightening as it was when he or she first reported aboard. Another facet of training provided while we were deployed was the chance to crack the books on PACE college courses or a high school completion program. Several PACE classes were held during the cruise with instructors from Chapman College and Central Texas College participating. Many of us gained some more formal education in both our jobs and our personal goals while we were gone. bb6A6 S One of the time-honored traditions of sea-going ships is the unique initiation that sailors endure when they enter the realm of King Neptune and Davy Jones upon crossing the equator. Before crossing the line at 00 degrees latitude, all sailors, no matter how seasoned they may think they are, are merely Slimy Polywogs. Only after they are judged as worthy by King Neptune and his court and suffer prescribed trials and humiliations, are they deemed worthy to assume the mantle of Crusty Shellback. The crew of the DIXON had two opportunities on this cruise to prove themselves big enough to walk with Davy Jones and his crew. As the ship made her way south in the Indian Ocean, preparations wer e made by the few members of the crew who had been initiated in the past. A loyal but small group of shellbacks conjured up a series of agonies and tortures that did indeed make Old Neptune proud and happy. 25 February, 1981, began very early for the lowly Polywogs, mustered from bed before the break of day the wogs ate specially prepared wog food on the mess decks then began their trek around the ship to prostrate themselves before Neptune and seek his approval. It was a difficult day for the Shellbacks as they were few and the wogs were in multitudes. On their knees the wogs crawled. Each in turn kissed the belly of Neptune ' s baby. Many special cases wore a layer of eggs on their slimy bodies as they made the journey. Several hard core wogs had to go through the trails more than once in order to become cleansed before Neptune would receive them. Through garbage and filth, the line of crawling wogs went. Under the blasts of water from fire hoses they went. Little respect was shown by these wogs. Two of their members even stole the Jolly Roger from the mast shortly after Neptune and his Court took command of the ship from the Head Wog. They were dealt with severely to be sure. At the end of the long crawl down the deck to the helo deck, Neptune cast his terrible gaze upon them. He was pleased and the wogs then completed their voyages with a dive into the purifying waters of the sea bath. In they went as Polywogfs only to emerge as proud and wonderful Shellbacks. The newly cast Shellback, as he or she began to clean the grimy residue of wogdom from their bodies, looked forward to the time when they too would have the chance to deal with Slimy Polywogs. The opportunity came not many months later for on 30 May, 1981, the ship again crossed the equator, but at a very special place, at the International Dateline. Polywogs initiated at this point in the world become the much respected and revered Golden Shellbacks. This initiation was different from the one previous in that there were now many Shellbacks and very few Polywogs. This was as it should be for the honor of Golden Shellback is accorded few. Again the initiation was conducted properly and Neptune was pleased. After the crew was finally rid of the last horrible wog, they, as before, cleaned up and commenced to feast on a Royal Picnic on the helo deck. King Neptune and his Court left the ship full of confidence that another ship of trusty Shellbacks would sail the Raging Main. 2 ' 1 v li v 9 H Shellbacks Athletics If one is not careful, the sedentary life aboard a ship can lead to only one thing, a fat and ugly body. With the good food, a person will soon put on the pounds if a program of exercise is not maintained. While underway, most of the crew participat- ed in some sort of physical activity or another in their off-duty hours. While the joggers on the main deck and the 01 level were the most obvious, there was also a lot of interest in karate, jump rope, and boxing. Many of us just took a few minutes each day to do some sit-ups and stretching exercises. A unique chance for the runners to participate in an organized run was presentee the morning of 30 May, as the ship crossed th international Dateline at the Equator. The First Annual Golden Shellback Half Marathon and 10-kilometer Water Top Run were held. Over 50 runners participated in the two races which consisted of 41 laps around the main deck for the 10-k run and 89 laps for the half marathon. EMFA Roberts and Capt. Hubbard tied for the win in the half marathon while HM2 Burge streaked across as the winner of the 10-k run. All things considered, the crew kept themselves in top shape while deployed. DIEGO GARCIA The Executive Officer announces over the IMC that the island of Diego Garcia can be seen off the port bow. Some of us come topside for a look. Is that it? That little break in the horizon? All this way for that? As the ship slips through the mouth of the lagoon we soon see it is a bigger place than we thought. Thirty-eight miles from tip to tip and trees everywhere. On the island we found a bustling community of sailors, SeaBees and airmen all engaged in supporting the people who support the fleet. Construction is in progress all over the island, new barracks going up, a new radio and TV station almost completed. Everywhere one looks work is being done and giant construction vehicles thunder from one place to another. The DIXON crew shared a fine island ship ' s store and three after hours clubs, the Turner Club and the CPO and Officers Club ' s. A continuous game of basketball is played in the gym and the whack of racquet balls can be heard. Many of us took time to pump iron in the weight room. The Air Force also had a contingent on the island and we were happy to have them for the sight of a giant C5A or C141 coming in meant supplies, passengers and, not least, mail. Almost everyday some airmen would ride a boat out to the ship to see how the other half lived. They were always impressed by the size of the operation and a little bit in awe that we actually lived aboard too. We would smile inwardly when we encountered these tourists. We know it ' s a tough job but it has to be done and we can do it better than anyone else. : :S ' ' i- ' - R R On The Island While some of the crew spent their off duty time relaxing at the various clubs on the island, others channeled their energies into some serious fishing. The fishing barge located in the mouth of the lagoon provided us many an afternoon of catching the many fishes that inhabit the waters around Diego Garcia. A barbeque was provided to cook the catch and, with some liquid refreshment, a very good time could be had. More than one fisherman dreamt of hooking up with Hector the famous 26 foot hammerhead shark that lived in the lagoon. But, even though some very large fish, including several lesser sharks, were caught, the noble Hector still roams the area untouched. Mail Call MARS The words Mail Call were some of the most welcome and refreshing heard aboard the DIXON during our deployment. Even though all the mail each person received was probably read within fifteen minutes, the effect on moral those few minutes had, would last for hours and days. Another method of communication with the home front was through the Military Affiliated Radio Station run by several volunteers with amateur radio experience. The MARS Station usually ran every night and would make connections with an operator in the United States who would patch a phone call through to the house of whoever we wished to call. It wasn ' t very private, the whole world could listen in, but there was something very nice to be able to say I love you, over. Plantation Although the existence of Diego Garcia was unknown to many of the DIXON crew until we prepared to deploy, for a great many people the island was an important link in world coconut production. Originally settled by the French, the island became a British possession in 1810 and several coconut plantations were established and flourished over the years. By the end of World War II however, only the East Plantation was in business. This plantation ceased operations in the early 1970 ' s when the United States and Great Britain agreed to use the island for defensive purposes. The buildings of the East Planta- tion are still standing and are being converted into an R and R area for the sailors on the island and in the fleet. Turn-To After the long transit across the Pacific and Indian Ocean ' s, the USS DIXON was finally ready to do her job, provide support for the fleet unit ' s operating in the Indian Ocean. The task began even before the ship dropped anchor as radio traffic increased with requests and data from the various ships we were to work on during the overhaul periods. The Repair Department quickly moved into shift work and began around the clock operations. Deck Department worked continuously providing boat and crane services. Engineering continued as if the ship were underway as they provided steam and electricity not only for us but the tended units as well. As the only intermediate mainten- ance activity in the Indian Ocean, the DIXON was called on to improvise and utilize good old Yankee Ingenuity to get the job done. The USS BLUEFISH (SSN-675) was our first submarine customer and she received the routine exacting service for which DIXON is famous. During our stay the DIXON became the first submarine tender to undertake and accomplish a major screw change on a large ship, specifically USS YARNELL (CG-17). One of the more interesting tasks thrust upon us was the quick repair of the boilers aboard USNS RI6EL (T-AO-58) after she blew one up just as she entered the lagoon. The dramatic and the routine from evaporators to boilers to typewriters, the DIXON did it all with her crew of proud professionals. r- ii - _ .JSktf ■ u ft 1 ♦ Xj ■■ ■ B 1 ■1 JSJ7 11 I Flight Operations While at Diego Garcia, supplies were loaded in a variety of ways. For giant quantities of material, there is only one way to bring it aboard quickly, the helicopter or vertical replenishment. This was a new evolution for DIXON but certainly not for the pilots of the CH-46 helicopters. For replenishment days it was a non-stop move for the crew and Supply Department. When you are half way around the world, apart from all vestiges of civilization where your entertainment consists of television situation comedy reruns, what could be more welcome than a genuine, live musical group? The DIXON was treated to the talented group HAPPINESS for an afternoon show on the mess decks during our stay at Diego Garcia. The group consisted of four guys and a gal and their music ran from Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Linda Ronstadt to the comedy of the Blues Brothers. Sports Several weeks after we arrived in Diego Garcia friendly competition began to spring up between ourselves and the people on the island. The Chiefs of the DIXON challenged the Chiefs on the island to a softball game and took the Islanders to the limit before losing 14-11. In more serious competition, the official DIXON softball team came in third place for the island softball tournament. A round robin tennis arrange- ment that was sometimes interrupted by rain finally saw EMS Bella the Champion and CAPT. Wolfe the runner up. The biggest win, however, came from the DIXON basketball team. On the last day in port, the team had to win all of the games in order to become champions of the Diego Garcia Basketball Tournament. After three grueling games, we were declared the winners, and a hand- some trophy was presented to the ship. Liberty Call Turn-Over % How did we spell relief? G-0-M-P-E-R-S. After sixty days in the lagoon at Diego Garcia the beautiful sight of the USS SAMUEL G. GOMPERS (AD-37) greeted our eyes as we looked toward the mouth of the lagoon early in the morning of 1 May. The Fat Sam had arrived and it was time for the DIXON to stand down and prepare to go home. After a day at the pier taking on fuel the GOMPERS came alongside us for a two day turn-over of jobs and material. As she pulled up, members of the crews of each ship lined the rails watching their counterparts with curiosity. On the one ship wondering what Diego Garcia would be like and on the other, happiness that our turn was over. As soon as the IMC on GOMPERS announced Moored the spectators on DIXON let out a cheer that could be heard inside the GOMPERS. GOOD LUCK FAT SAM , IT ' S YOUR TURN NOW. Hawaii Hawaii, the Aloha State. After two long weeks of bad weather, rough seas, and training, the crew of the DIXON spent a few days at SUB BASE, Pearl Harbor, loading stores, tuning the engineering plant, and relaxing in preparation for the next leg of the journey. After the ship tied up at the pier, a day was spent with the OPPE team working on our engineering systems. When liberty was finally called away, the crew streamed ashore to sample the delights of Honolulu and the island of Oahu. Time was spent swimming in the famous Hawaii surf, shopping for souvenirs and sight seeing. Amid the calm waters and warm sunshine of Pearl Harbor lies a constant reminder to the Navy of what can happen when our guard is down. The USS ARIZONA and 1,100 of her crew rest on the bottom of harbor as a result of the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. For those of us who visited the elegant memorial that straddles the wreck found ourselves contemplating the last moments of the once mighty ship. Each of us walked away more aware of our responsibilities and the proud traditions we follow. f}M y ' ji ' E S£ Tr ■ ' ' SIH hM w ' v  fll . ' i,T?i V f Jft Hawaii « - ' ■:.y  j ' ! S B Philippines One of the most favored ports of call for American sailors is Subic Bay, Republic in the Philippines. A good many members of the United States Navy are citizens of the Philippines and a stop at Subic is a welcome opportunity for our Filipino shipmates to take leave and see family and loved ones, sometimes for the first time in many years. For those of us who have never been to this exotic country, we availed ourselves of the chance to buy furniture, clothing, and sample the sights on famous Magsaysay St. in Olongopo City. 1 i ] Ml S ' ™ 1 '  • - J - ' :A. - ii y T-AaL ■- ■ 4 J ' ' MT ' IMBiill mi, ' rM y-. ' ' ! g ' ,- Australia The liberty port that was looked forward to with the most curiousity during the cruise was Sydney, Aus- tralia. It is a rare occurance for an American ship to stop on the east coast of Australia and we were anxious to find out if the stories we had heard about the hospitality of the people down under were true. Australia is a country of contrasts and no area illustrates this better than Sydney. The sophistication of the city was readily apparent to all hands above decks on the ship as we entered the Sydney harbor. The most prominent object in sight is the world famous Sydney Opera House as approached from the sea. Many of the crew took tours of the Opera House and some were able to attend perfor- mances of dance and opera during our short stay. Everyone who saw the magnificent struc- ture walked away thoroughly impressed. One of the contrasting elements in the Sydney area is the Katoomba Park in the Blue Mountains. Just a few minutes from Sydney, this area offered breath taking views from the Skyway tram and a reminder that Australia is still, in many parts, a very wild and unspoiled land. St ®urn ®o, Commence l]tp ' 6 piork ' Administration Department LTJG Reyes, Department Head, X Division ENS Yetzke, Division Officer CDR Hettish, Chaplain HTCM Davis NCC Cornish YNC Grigg YNC Perry HTC Person YNl Adams yt RPl Bock PCI Correa MRl Dinkins YNl Hodges YNl Holder PNl McCready PCI Raymundo YNl Van Antwerp The Yeomen of the Captain ' s Office provide administrative support to the ship in the processing of all official correspondence. The job of preparing and typing letters and instructions kept the Captain ' s Office quite busy during deployment. Besides maintaining officer service records, they also maintain the command ' s files and distribute official incoming mail. Two Yeomen are assigned to the Legal Office where they process reports of mast proceedings and helped personnel prepare legal forms, letter, and requests. YN2 Bozeman PN2 Elsey PN2 Hall PN2 Lewis PN2 Stadler PN3 Alcorn PN3 Camacho YN3 Lamkins PN3 Stephens J03 Terry YN3 Ventura PNSN Baker SA Banuelos SA Elizondo SA Elliott The Personnel Office maintains enlisted service records, provides information on rights and benefits, and process requests for schools, duty assignments, ID and liberty cards, etc. Two personnelmen are assigned to the Educational Services Office where they coordinate PACE and other education opportunities. The Command Career Counselor coordinates the Command ' s career counseling efforts. Working with Divisional Career Counselors, he counsels individuals on career opportunities, determines eligibility and assists in the submission of assignment requests. PNSA Felarca SA Lenoir SA McAdory SA Poniente YNSA Wallace SN Warlick QMC Sherard, Chief Master-at- Arms BMl Acosta HTl Hamm EMI Kane MRl Palmares MRl Scye TM2 Banks DPS Bradshaw HT2 Kerr . il a The Master-at-Arms are responsible for the enforcement of regulations. Despite the preception that it is the MAA ' s that get people in trouble, they try to prevent serious problems from developing. Additionally, the MAA ' s find berthing and issue linen to personnel reporting on board for duty. The Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor provides assistance in the area of drug and alcohol abuse and the implementation of prevention programs. He serves as a coordinator concerning drug and alcohol education, rehabilitation, indentification, and enforcement. Communications Department h ■ 1 ENS Mills Vm RMC Adkins L RMC Miller y RMl Rorie r.; RMS Dunn m ET2 Dunlap --9 ET2 Holmes L ET2 Imes IK- RM2 Johnson f H RM2 Laurent What is Communications? Ships at sea must have a means of sending and receiving messages to shore-based commands and other ships for things such as repair parts, food and supplies, weather, news, and even personal telegrams. All this is done by the DIXON ' s Communications Team. The radiomen know little of bankers hours as the radio shack is open for business 24 hours a day in port and at sea. The primary method of sending and receiving messages aboard the DIXON is done by Communications Satellite. Communications Department RM2 Lynch ET2 Muniz RMS Rizzo ET3 Church RM3 Croft RMS Felenczak RM3 Judd RMS Keele ETS Nelson RMS Scozzafava RMS Tilley RMSA Aubin RMSA Elder RMSN Fredenburgh Operations Navigation LTJG McCormick, Department Head LTJG DuUum QMC Minor SMI Bass SM3 Bartulio QM3 Swiney SMSN Kinney QMSA Mayer SMSA Pearson QMSN Strawder Since the open ocean has no signs to point direction, a means has to be available to ensure the ship arrives at the intended destination on time and in good shape. The Operations and Navigation Department is charged with that responsibility. OPS NAV is comprised of the Navigator, Quarter- masters, Operation Specialists and Signalmen. The QMs maintain continuous watches while underway to plot the proper course and position of the ship using sophisticated electronic gear, radar, and the age-old methods of navigating with the sun and stars. The OS personnel ensure that Combat Information Center, or CIC, is manned so the location and direction of travel of other vessels in our area is recorded. They assist in radar navigation and make course recommenda- tions in order to avoid other ships. The Signalmen, or SMs, provide a valuable means of communicating with ships of other communications unavailable or inappropriate. The semaphores, lamps, and flags are internationally recognized and understood. I Dental Department CDR Myers, Department Head LCDR Zillner LT Shepard DTC Hallet DTC Kurtz DTI Harrison DT2 Reno DT3 Denison DT3 Sahagun DT3 Todd The Dental Department, the smallest department and division on the ship, consists of three Dental Officers and nine Dental Technicians and strikers. Dental has the responsibility of maintaining the oral health of the DIXON personnel as well as the personnel on the tended units and related shore activities. The Dental spaces were manned twenty-four hours a day to deal with the routine, as well as emergencies. Some of the services offered are Oral Surgery, Prosthetics, Endodontics, and General Dentistry and Preventative Dentistry. SN Dias DN Genovese I ;ft r Medical Department LT Curry, Department Head LT Adkisson, Diving Officer LT Stoeckel, Division Officer HMCS Averette HMC Angel HMl HMl HMl HMl HMl Coquia Lebo Morello Post Sorensen id ' HM2 Burge HM2 Hadacek HM2 Hiatt HM2 (DV) Poplawski HM2 Romo HM3 Clemmons HM3 Negrete HM3 Valdez HM3 Woodall SN Hawkins The USS DIXON Medical Department provided round-the-clock emergency medical care, as well as routine daily sick call throughout the deployment. While on station in Diego Garcia recorded outpatient visits were 2,936. Sixty-six days of in-patient medical ward care was provided also. More than 750 X-ray procedures and a comparable number of laboraratory procedures were performed in support of patient care and of the 172 complete physical examinations performed in this period of about two months. The medical department served as the primary source for medical officer consultation to tended units, and provided assistance in the area of preventive medicine and in the performance of medical inspections. Shortly after leaving Diego Garcia, LT Adkisson successfully completed the first recorded appendectomy aboard the USS DIXON. The medical department is proud of its can do record of providing flexible and complete service to ships in availability, as well as to the DIXON crew. Deck Department CW02 Fenwick, First Lieutenant CW02 Sonnenburg, Ship ' s Boatswain BMC Hagner, LCPO BMC Vaughn, ALCPO D-1 Division BMl King, Division Officer BM2 Blakely BM3 Flockhart BM3 Gamez BM3 Morales SA Coleman SA Dore SN Greer, J. SA Guerra SN Hughes SN Lee SA Luna SA Morris SA Ollie SN Preciado SN Robinson SA Simpson SA Ward SA Weeks I D-1 Division D-2 Division D-l is assigned the job of maintaining the ground tackle on the ship and participates in the anchoring and underway evolutions of the ship, as well as the tended units. When they are not engaged in these activities, the Boatswains Mates in D-l engage in the traditional and never-ending job of preserving the decks on DIXON ' S 01 level. While also assigned the traditional duties of the Boatswains Mate rating, such as shipboard preservation, the personnel in D-2 operate the ship ' s cranes to load weapons, stores, and other miscellaneous tasks. D-2 also has custody of the ship ' s paint locker and issues all the paint that is used on board. D-2 Division BMl Whitehead, Division Officer BM2 Arnel BM3 Garcia BM3 Peters SA Angelicola SN Brown SN Chase SA Covington SA Davis SA Ehrhardt SA Fausnaught SA Fletcher SA Hickman SA Horning SA Jarka SA Jones SN Molina SA Newson SA Olsen K SA Pratts D-3 Division The maintenance and proper operation and handling of the DIXON utility boats is the primary concern of D-3 Division. The twelve boats assigned to the ship, as well as the boat deck where they are stored, must be constantly tended in order to ensure that they do not deterior- ate from the salt water environment. The utility boats are used daily to transfer weapons, supplies, and personnel. BMl Satterfield, Division Officer BM2 Brown BM2 Fleck SA Alhadi SA Black SA Byrne SN Castillo SN CoUette SN Fleury SN Freeman SN Fremont SR Hays SA Kinard SN Miller SR Mosley SN Nix SA Rosario SN Ruiz SN Saunders SN Shaw SA Wagoner SA Wells SN Wilson 111 yi ii % fi i 1 ■! I ' S L. I lr Engineering Department A DIVISION LT. McPherson, Department Head B CW03 Godwin, Division Officer 1 MMl Brusven , ' MMl Dornan U MMl Pangilinan MM3 Allensworth EN3 Austin MM3 Carroll ENS Murphy M ENS Parkman MMS Reberry MMS Tucker ENFN Bailey FN Bellamy ENFN Bennett ENFN Bloxam FA Butler FN Cheek ENFN Culpepper ENFA Evans FA Gerard FN Henkel ENFA Kimmon ENFA McMiller FA Newsome ENFN Patterson FA Schaub FA Taylor The air conditioned comfort we enjoyed while deployed was due in large part to the people in A Division. Additionally, they are responsible for all of the ship ' s auxilliary equipment including the air conditioning units, elevators, conveyors, steering gear, anchor windlasses, refrigeration plants and many other items. While the ship was performing upkeep on the various ships, A Division also provided high and low pressure air, oxygen, nitrogen and low pressure steam to all of the units as well as DIXON. The upkeep and repair of the ship ' s small boat and emergency diesel engines was also performed by the A gang. LTJG Simmons, B M Division] Officer, MPA BTl Brown BTl Busby BT2 Belisle ■ BT2 Cayas ■ BT2 Harris ■ BTS Kuhn BT2 Millan ■i BT2 Morgan 1 BT2 Romero I BT2 Quinn BT2 Salinas BT2 Turecek I BT3 Bailey MM3 King BT3 Quinley BT3 Spurlin BTFA Alanis BTFA Davis FA Ford FN Henderson BRFN Holden BTFN Jarvis ' BTFN Lynch BTFN Milligan BTFN Orta BTFN Peper BTFN Raxter A BTFN Rorick BTFN Rose BTFN Scogin BTFN Smith BTFN Sulecki The DIXON is propelled by steam and that steam is made by the engineers in B Division, from the water made by the M Division. The steam runs the evaporators, main engine and the ship ' s generator which provides all of the ships electrical power. Average temperatures of 120 degrees were endured by these engineers in order to provide these services for the DIXON, as well as the tended units. B Division is sometimes called the backbone of engineering. If they don ' t work, we don ' t go. |fch ' -1 % ILjj 9 16 mpMM ' m. ' 7mu Si lL. 4 Wm V -M mt : s M . m £M yys - - . . ■ fl CW02 Mott, Division Officer, DCA HTC Raith HTC — • ' ' I Youngerman i MRl Valdez HT2 Fulford HT2 Gomez HT2 Soriano HT3 Allen HT3 Deyoung i I HT2 HoUey MRS Trinidad HTFN Barton FA Beutler FA Beyer HTFN Brown FA Buckner FA Dawson FA Edney HTFN Finklea HTFN Gregory HTFN Melvin FA Perrigo HTFN Schneider _ HTFN Tyler FA Voss FN Williams, D. HTFN I Williams, L. | HTFN Wychunas I The DC Division on the DIXON has the job of ensuring that, if ever needed in an emergency, the fire fighting and damage control equipment on the ship is functioning. In addition, they have the job of handyman and general repair throughout the ship. The three workcenters who share these tasks are the general workshop, the C02 shop, and ER09, the shipwide damage control preventative maintenance shop. ■ t : ENS Bennett, Asst. Dept. Head, Division Officer EMC Mendoza . EMC Vennebush L . EMI Datugan ICl McGary ICl McMurray EMI Paiste IC3 Bacon — EMS Cabaltera EMS Divina EMS Medina EMS Rossback EMS Yatco EM3 Bradley EM3 Briggs EM3 Christian IC3 Ezell EM3 Klohr EM3 Manalastas EM3 Nuanes EM3 Owens EM3 Walters • ICFN Anderson ICFA Campbell FA Carmen EMFN Fenex FA Hagood EMFN Klemisch EMFA Koger EMFA Miller EMFN Murrell FA Newman EMFN Quinsay EMFA Roberts EMFN Salas ICFN Saville ICFA Urban The Engineering Electrical Divi- sion is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the electrical machinery and systems, as well as the interior communications system throughout the ship. The division consists of four individual work centers with responsibilities that ranged from cargo elevators, small boats, and conveyors to power supply for tended units. Some of the other areas under the cognizance of E Division also included the ship ' s ventilation system, laundry, and galley equipment, as well as lighting distribution and the repair of electrical appliances. MMC (SS) Goodwin MMl Frankfurth MMl Killoran MM2 Stewart MM3 Cass MM3 Dreggors MMFN Berba FA Coppick MMFN Doud MMFA Fader BTFA Faiella FA Lawhorn MMFA Lopez FA Mathurin FA Riggs FA Rogers FA Seaman MMFA Stovall FN Summers M Division has the responsibility of the maintenance of the ship ' s Propulsion Plant, the Main Engine and Ship ' s Service Generator, as well as associated equipment. The water used for cooking, laundry, and the boilers is made by the personnel in The Hole. The temperatures sometimes average 105 degrees while working in the M Division spaces, but the Snipes kept at it twenty-four hours a day to get the DIXON where she was going in order to fulfill her mission, to provide support anywhere at any time. nkZgm SH r 1 -WugJ g Et9 I PPPmI ' r! ■ m y i..; ' tU m m m Repair Department CDR Coyle, Department Head LCDR Crooks Assistant Department Head RA Division Lies Hooper, Division Officer EMC Hernandez HTC Mejia ETC Neilson LIl Matthews PH2 Johanningsmeier PH3 Barnette PH3 Brantley LI3 Caudill DM3 Kirmer PH3 Zurilgen SN Clayton SN Gooch SN Hayes The Repair Adrpinistrative Division shops provide printing, photographic and drafting services. The Printing Shop is equipped to provide photo-offset, letter press, and metal-photo engraving. The photo lab works with black and white, as well as color photography making prints, slides, and visual aids for site-TV. The Drafting Shop provides art or mechanical drawings in pencil, pen, or wash color for the various DIXON publications. In addition, the people of RA take care of all the administrative functions for the Repair Department. ENS Lathers, Division Officer EMI Henslee ICl Kellogg EMI Morrissey MMl Popowski ETl Rowlett MMl Rybold EMI Scalone MMl Stalter ET2 Coleman IC2 Dangerfield MM2 Eichenberger MM2 Holcomb HT2 Horn HT2 Johnson HT2 Little HT2 Schelb MM3 Barnett EN3 Bartz ET3 Brown EM3 Dattke EN3 Evans EM3 Knauf MM3 Lubich IM3 Threlkel HT3 Wheeler HT3 Williams ENFA Hayes MMFN Olson The Radiological Controls Division, shop 94A, primary responsibilities are the handling and transfer of all radioactive material on board the DIXON and tended units. The division consists of fourteen nuclear trained personnel with the rest of the personnel coming from throughout the Repair Department. All division members are required to complete intense training programs to prepare themselves for the highly technical aspects of their work. The division is also responsible for the repair, maintenance and calibration of all radiac instruments. This work is completed by the highly trained technicians of shop 67F. Through hard work, dedication, and skill, the DIXON RADCON Rangers have a record second to Division H il CW03 Range, Division Officer ICC Borio EMC Doyle MRC Dumpit ETC Jorgensen MMC (SS) Josten HTC Phillips HTC Mustar HTl Alvarino HTl Bueno HTl Day EMI Mundo IMl Robillard ■ ■fc 7. MMl Sarmiento HTl Vercammei HTl Willey MR2 Ocubillo MM2 Stone MR2 Torcedo HT2 Vanderver HT2 Warren STS2 (SS) Womac MM3 Hashage NSRO The Nuclear Systems Repair Office plans all nuclear related work for the DIXON ' s tended units. This planning includes necessary research, the writing of nuclear work procedures, the procurement of the needed materials, and the incorporation of the proper safety factors. NSRO personnel act as the direct supervisors for all nuclear work, from job commencement to job completion. During the DIXON ' s stay at Diego Garcia, more than 2,000 work requests were processed through the Repair Services Division. This division is primarily responsible for all incoming work requests, job planning for production shops, and maintaining an up-to-date status of all work in progress. The division is made up of technicians from the various specialties throughout the Repair Department. An integral part of RS is the Ship ' s Superintendent ' s Office. The Ship ' s Supe ' s serve as liason between the DIXON and the tended units and are directly responsible to the Production Officer to ensure that the DIXON customers receive prompt and efficient service. CW03 Powers, Division Officer HTC Campbell HTC Goodsell HTC Laberinto HTC Mitchell HTC Sorrentino HTl Dohve HTl Effan MRl Poulson rzi ■ HTl Queen kl ■ HTl Schultz w HTl Strong HTl Williams - , t HT2 Darby ft  t X; The repair of equipment aboard a submarine is unlike any other repair job on a naval vessel. There is a very little room for error when one considers the consequences of a part failure on a submarine several hundred feet under the sea. In order to ensure that all repairs are done properly, Repair Technical Division has the job of monitoring the work. Shop 93A, the Nondestructive Test Lab, uses radiography, magnetic partical, liquid penetrant and ultrasonic tests on metal parts and welds to certify their continuity and strength. When a weld job passes the inspection of the NDT lab, you know that the weld is stronger than the metal itself. While the NDT lab is conducting their inspections, the Quality Assurance Office, shop 93B, is busy ensuring that all maintenance on the tended units is performed to technical specifications and that only quality work is delivered. The DIXON ' s reputation for excellent repair work is maintained by the close scrutiny of RT Division. HT2 Neiman LTG Rohrssen, Division Officer HTC Bernal HTC Gonzales HTC Ostendorf HTC Rodgers HTl Auzenne HTl Besse HTl Chavez HTl Crim HTl Hollister HTl Jackson HTl Ralph HTl Smith, J. HTl Smith, M. HTl Wood Division The Sheet Metal Shop is responsible for construction, bending, shaping, cutting, and welding of sheet materials for lockers, vent ducting, shelving, etc. The Weld Shop is responsible for welding of high-pressure and temperature systems, nuclear and non-nuclear components and for any other welding service needed. The pipe shop is responsible for the fabrication of nuclear and non-nuclear piping systems of ferrious and non-ferrious materials. The shop also has Flex-hose capabilities. HT2 Bliss HT2 Byers HT2 Callender HT2 Floyd HT2 Gibson HT2 Heath HT2 Henning HT2 Hyslip HT2 Ingram HT2 Jeffers HT2 Lawson HT2 Mapes HT2 McManus HT2 Montablo HT2 Page HT2 Ritchey HT2 Settle HT2 Shepherd HT2 Sims HT2 Summers HT2 Vallerie HT2 Veigel HT2 West HT2 Whitaker HT2 Wilson ■ HT3 Barry ■ HT3 Dodge HT3 Donat HT3 Faeth H HT3 Mall l HT3 Guerra HT3 Hall HT3 Hambrick HT3 Howard HT3 McEuin HT3 Nelson HT3 Paradis HT3 Petrillo HT3 Slater HT3 Tankersley HT3 Uszakiewicz HT3 Vanzile HT3 Young HTFA Allard HTFR Avery HTFA Bailey HTFN Brosier FR Cambell HTFN Catlin HTFA Chenoweth HTFA Cimental HTFA Ferguson FR Flager HTFA Gingrich HTFR Haynie HTFN Heacock HTFA Horton HTFN Kaehn FR Keith HTFN Kelley HTFN King HTFA Kozma HTFN Kruer HTFN LaLonde HTFN Langendoerfer HTFN LeTourneau HTFN Little FR McLaughlin HTFA McWaters HTFR Ornelas HTFN Parker HTFA Ragusa HTFN Scolaro FR Wolf FA York r «f ' smH E ' - fwIbm H • ' ttSI iPI — |,| Bl ji B . M| HH R-2 Division ENS Parker, Division Officer MRCS Cox ENC Burmeister The Machinery Repair (R-2 Division) is responsible for work involving metal or plastics machining and engraving, precision machines, overhaul or repair of submarine auxiliary systems and equipment, the testing and repair of precision hydraulic components and the inspec- tion, overhaul, and repair of submar- ine masts. In addition, R-2 Division stands Engineering Watches under- way and Damage Control Central Watches. Shops within the Division are: Inside Machine Shop — which manufactures parts or assemblies of metal or rigid plastics from blue- prints, sketches, or samples. This shop is capable of machine turning, milling, boring, and grinding; man- ufacture of bevel, spur and spiral gears, racks and endless chain sprockets, and shafts; repair and test of valves; metal and plastics engrav- ing; and metal buildup by Electro- plating and or Flame Spraying Processes. Hydraulic Shop — this shop overhauls, cleans, tests and calibrates hydraulic control valves and fittings, and pneumatic compon- ents. Outside Machine Shop — which mechanically overhauls and repairs submarine hydraulics, auxiliary and propulsion systems and components, along with inspections, repairs, and overhauls all mechanical portions of submarine masts (except peri- scopes). The shop is also directly involved with repairs and overhauls of mechanical equipment in the DIXON ' s Engineering Spaces. Key and Lock Shop — manufactures keys and repairs various types of locks and safes — increasing the DIXON ' s security. r ' I HL I H MMC Wilson 1 1 KV H MRl Bolton 1 Wfy MRl De Young v 1 W ' T :k MRl Holler ENl Lucas MMl Miller MMl Peyton MRl Sarmiento MRl Sedivy MRl Taylor MM2 Benson MR2 Bye MM2 Cabalbag MM2 Cappabianca MM2 Castro ENS Delarosa MRS Delarosa, R. MM2 Evans MM2 Gabriel MM2 Gomez MM2 Hellman MR2 Horning MR2 Lennick MRS McMillan MRS Munz MRS Peacock ENS Tetzlaff MMS Vasquez MRS Wolk MM3 Alers MM3 Amrozowicz EN3 Colletta MMS Creager MR3 Fajardo MM3 Goldner MR3 Hall EN3 Henderson MM3 Hightower MM3 Knovalin MM3 Marshall MR3 Nunes MR3 Olund MM3 Petera MR3 Price MR3 Riego MM3 Sepulveda MM3 Sotomayor MM3 Sully MR3 Wasson MM3 Watson MM3 White MR3 Williams MRFA Barkei FA Bazaldua FA Beevers FA Chan MRFN Cottongim FA CuUen MRFN Eck MMFA Fagone MMFA Garner FN Goettl FA Groetken FA Grove FA Hall MRFA Hamm FA Hart FN Hileman MMFN Hijus MRFA Jones FN Kay MRFN King FN Klais MRFN Kleinberg FR Laguer I FR Lingler MMFN Maine MMFN Marquardt MMFN Masiongale MMFN McCoy MMFN McEwen MMFN Mcintosh MMFN McNair FN Metz MMFN Moak FN Molinari MRFA Nixon MRFN Pancurak MMFN Parker MMFA Peace MMFN L r Sedberry H [•m FA Viverito H L MMFN Walters H r MMFN Zwicker ■f | R-3 Division EMCS Barry, Asst. Division Officer EMC Castro EMI Abagon R-3 Division, electrical repair, is responsible for all overhaul, repairs, alterations, testing, and adjustment of all types of shipboard electrical and interior communications equip- ments. The division is also tasked with sound and vibration analysis of noise critical machinery and the fabrication of rubber and plastic parts. The Electricians, Hull Tech- nicians and Patternmakers of the R-3 work centers have the primary mission of submarine support. EM2 Pribble EMS Scoggin EMS Williams EMS Bella HT3 Catlett EM3 Dufont IC3 Estvanik EM3 Harrison EMS Hohman EMS Holcombe EM3 Judkins IC3 Lea IC3 Marks EM3 Murrell EMS Rhodes EM3 Sanford EMFA Bishop EMFN Braaten EMFN Chormann FA Duncan FN Gilgeous ICFN Gransbury FA Henderson FA Holman FA Koester FA Koruschak ICFA Kriese EMFN Marsh EMFN Mesot EMFN Neveu FA Runkle ICFN Smith, C. FN Smith, D. EMFA Schultheis ' EMFN Sigl EMFA Solomon FN Titus FN Willoughby I ETCM Doom ETC Gentis T _A OMC Gosselin Division The typewriter that this bio- graphy is typed on is a product of R-4 Division work and maintenance. In addition to typewriters, the blend of Electronic, Mechanical and Optical ratings in R-4 will fix and maintain such diverse items as the sextant the navigator uses to the equipment in the shipboard MARS Station. Other repairs that the division will accom- plish are on office machines, optical instruments and periscopes, clocks, radar, communication transmitters, antenna and sonar systems. IMC McGowan ETC Stone STSl Allen STSl Emory IMl Hinckley ETl Horsma ETl Moore OMl Richardson 0M2 Baffa 0M2 Burns H h M ET2 Christensen H ttm ET2 Cotten Hp ! ET2 Flory Bf ET2 Foskey HjL ip ET2 Kornahrens 0M2 Lathrop ET2 Olson IM2 Osborn ET2 Sarmiento ET2 Thornton ET2 Torres ET3 Bischoff ET3 Clayton ET3 Edwards ET3 Lavelle ET3 Loyd ET3 Pritschet ET3 Rackley IM3 Roberson ET3 Sparks ETSN Anderson ETSN Dunn ETSN Flint FN Jones ETSA Keeler OMSA Koski OMSA Marsolek ETSN Sizemore IMSN Spidel R-5 Division R-5 Division is one of the most diversified divisions on the ship. When carpentry services are needed, an R-5 work-center is called upon. When underwater work is required on the hull of a submarine, the divers from the R-5 diving locker put on their gear and get the job done. There are eleven separate ratings and seven district work centers in this division. Besides the two men- tioned above, this division offers lagging, canvas sewing services, pattern construction, and casting in the metal foundry, as well as rigging service. Something for everyone can be found in R-5. MRCM (DV) Thoenes, Division Officer HTCS (MDV) Mathis MLC Hardeman PMC Powers BMC (DV) Rodgers HTC Stotts ENl (DV) Agahan PMl Domagsang GMGl (DV) Renwick BMl Robert son HT2 (DV) Apodaca PM2 Austin MLS (DV) Edson BM2 Gallegos MRS (DV) Leetch MBS Mahoney MLS Malixi BM2 (DV) Mason Division bm3 (dv) -i -i- Affeldt MLS Gomez HT3 (DV) McLaughlin HT3 (DV) O ' TooIe BM3 Petrie HT3 Redmond HT3 Shaffer RM3 (DV) Stark BM3 Stephens HT3 (DV) Weller SN Barnett FA Bartz SN Bjorn FN Blanchard FN Caygayat FN Cooper FN Evans SN Jones SA Kelley SN May SA Morris MLFN Niesczur FN Pierce FN Richards FN Roscoe HTFA Sokolich MMFN Tamlin SN Tiberio FN Vocke FA Williams PMFN Wirick Supply Department S-1 Division LT Sandy, Asst. Department Head Division Officer SKC Diggs SKC Norris SKI Currie ii J ; SKI Gude SK3 Cruz SK3 Edmondson SK3 Mortensen SK3 Phillips, J. SK3 Phillips, R. SKSN Caligayahan SKSN Coleman SKSA Dorling SKSA Doyle SKSN Holcomb SKSA Lloyd SKSN McNeill SKSA Miller SKSA Napier SKSA Root SKSN Sandlin SA Townsend SKSA Walton SKSA Weant The Stores Division has been loading its way half way around the world. Charged with the task of properly filling the ship with consumables, repair parts, and special materials. The Storekeepers have collected pallets from San Diego, Pearl Harbor, Subic Bay, and Diego Garcia. After making thousands of storeroom issues to the DIXON and alongside customers, the cycle was completed by off-loading excess material to the US8 SAMUEL GOMPERS in Diego Garcia and to NSC San Diego. S-1 Division has driven their forklifts over 24,000 nautical miles. ENS Hitchcock, S-2 S-5, Division Officer MSCS Durazo S-2 MSC . , , , Delatorre Division MSC Tulao MSI Casanada MSI Recaido MSI Turla MS2 Cabautan MS2 Caccam MS2 Mix MS2 Phillips MS3 Beam MS3 Berg MS3 Brown MS3 Cook MS3 Klemke MS3 Ruiz MSSN Bolyard MSSA Corpuz MSSN McDonald MSSN Miklasz MSSN Miles MSSN Penny MSSA Roberson S-2 Division Food and lots of it. Food Services Division is responsible for feeding the crew of the DIXON and serves up an average of 954 meals four times a day. Additionally, between the hours of 2200 and 0500 over 500 hotdogs are served and a case and a half of popcorn is popped during the nightly movie call. All of this adds up to a portly two and a half tons of food a day. S-2 has custody of 180 spaces on the ship with freezer space of 14,688 cubic feet and dry storerooms of 23,688 feet. The galley on the Enlisted Dining Facility has five jacketed steam kettles, three electric grills, and six convection ovens. Seventy pounds of lettuce are used in salads for each meal in the vegetable preparation area. The bake shop begins work at 0200 in the morning baking breakfast rolls and continues throughout the day making various breads and desserts. Mom ' s kitchen back home was never like this. ENS Lane, Division Officer S-3 SHCS Rhodes SHI Edralin Division Inventory is the word for the day for all the Ship ' s Servicemen. The SH ' s in the Ship ' s Store, Soda Fountain, as well as the laundry, barbershop, and vending machine supply worked constantly to provide the crew with the finest service possible. During the hot, muggy days south of the equator, the crew could go to a vending machine any time, day or night and buy a cold soft drink. The Ship ' s Store provided some of the best selection of items of any store in the fleet. Everything from stereo gear to toothpaste was available. This store was very popular among the tended units and generated over $750,000 worth of business while the ship was deployed. The ships service division laundered and dry cleaned over 63,000 pounds of clothing for the crew, as well as other ships. SHI Frost SHI Trillanes SH2 Bishop SHSN Montoya SHSN Weaver S-4 Division ENS Sto. Domingo DKC Reyes DKl Asuncion DKl Dagdayan DKSN Edwards DKSA Loanzon DKSA Pratt At least twice a month, the crew is vividly aware of the efforts of this Supply Division. The Disbursing Clerks in the Disbursing Office keep busy not only preparing regular paychecks, but registering allotments and researching eligibility for special types of pay, such as sea and submarine. Always aware of their impact upon morale, the DK ' s made special efforts to pay the ship ' s crew early before liberty in Pearl Harbor, Subic Bay, and even Diego Garcia. S-5 Division Whether called upon to serve a visiting Admiral or dignitary, or meeting the everyday requirements for meals for fifty officers, the S-5 Wardroom Division rises to the task. Two messes are involved, the Captain ' s Cabin Mess and the Wardroom. Commanders aboard the DIXON, as well as visiting dignitaries dine with the Commanding Officer in the Cap- tain ' s Mess while all other officers, led by the Executive Officer take their meals in the Wardroom. MSI Zales MS2 Hays MS2 Yolanco MSSN Chilton MSSN Jelencovich S-6 Division Over 50,000 different items are carried aboard the DIXON to support the ship and tended units. Stock Control has the job of ensuring that the toilet paper, pens, and plywood are aboard, as well as the hundreds of special items required for the various ships we tended. The S-6 financial experts keep mechan- ized control over the ship ' s money and help each department balance its OPTAR log. SK2 Blackman SK2 Favara SK2 Panlaqui SK2 Pineda SK8 Lawson SK3 Norris SKSN Bigelow SKSA Cowart LT Myers, S-6 S-8 Division Officer SKCS Ortiz SKC Alejo , R S-7 Division The Supply Support Center and the Repair of Other Vessels Divisions are the initial contact points for Supply Department customers. Every RPPO can find his way blindfolded to the S-7 desk where all supply requisitions are screened to ensure the RPPO gets the red lead paint he wants and not two reels of mooring line. The purchasing section main- tains liason with civilian outlets for the purchase of nonstandard items. In the ROVSS branch, the supply loop for repair parts for work on tended units, as well as the DIXON, is closed with the assistance of Repair Department personnel and Supply Department Storekeepers. LT. Gildea, Division Officer SKCM Babauta SKC Bautista SKI Fulcher SKI Sarno SK2 Mulinelli SK3 Bolden SK3 Clifton SK3 Fisher SN Clark SKSA Hall SN Jones SA Rible SKSN Wilson ROVSS Division In the ROVSS or Repair of Other Vessels Division, the Technical Supply loop is closed. This Division consists of several ratings from the Repair Department who lend assis- tance in procuring special repair items for the tended units. The items dealt with by ROVSS are not usually repeat items, but rather some specific, technical item that must be researched before purchase is made. ENS Hoffman, Division Officer STSl Bilka R-4 MRl Crawford R-2 Kl Victa S-7 ■PH HT2 K H Burkheimer IPt ' R-1 p MM3 K ■— 3ampbell R-2 HT3 Fisher R-l HT3 Hulse R-1 ET3 Killeagle R-4 S-8 Division Have you ever wondered where that mountain of paper work and computer printouts come from? The Data Processing Technicians and Data Systems Technicians in ADP work 24 hours a day, seven days a week with UNI VAC 1500 and 1900 CADE systems producing everything from Alpha lists and watch bills to paychecks and medical urinalysis screenings. While trying to make your job easier and more efficient, the people in ADP remind you of the old saying, garbage in garbage out. DPC Torres DPI Wilkins DPI Williams DPS Johnson DP2 Martinez DP2 Skvarek DP3 Beachboard DS3 Brinkley DP3 Cunningham Jll ■ f. m I s h w9 } % i m f -a tmmm M H ' m i m m Fj DP3 Gittelson . H DP3 Martinez r DP3 McLaren 7 ■ l. DP3 Montano m DS3 DS3 DP3 Turner Webster White DPSN Marples DPSA Ripic DPSN Sistrunk S-8 Division Weapons Department W-1 Division LT Daugherty, Department Head ENS Rill, Division Officer TMC Monzon TMl Curlin TMl Rose TM2 Cooley TM2 Duckett TM3 Atkins TM3 Eaddy TM3 Irwin TM3 Kildahl TM3 Pollard TM3 Turrieta TM3 White W-l ' s responsibility and primary duties are centered around weapon ' s handling and weight testing of all ordinance handling equipment within the cognizance of Submarine Group Five. W-l is also charged with the maintenance and repair of the Weapons Dept. two 6,000-pound capacity elevators, pneumatic hoists, weapons eductor systems, and magazine sprinkler systems. SA Cornthwaite SA Drost TMSN Fahrney TMSN Lucero TMSN Manuel TMSN Nichols TMSA Parnell TMSN Piliero TMSN Walach TMSN Wooldridge W-2 Division GMG2 Cawthon FTG2 Curry GMG2 Goodfellow FTG2 Raber FTG2 Ramos GMG2 Ramsey FTG3 Daly FTG3 Hanson GMG3 Weiss GMG3 West LTJG Thompson, Division Officer FTCS McDonald FTGl Harmon GMG2 Avery . -. - , The Fire Control Gunnery Division is responsible for all trouble shooting and corrective maintenance on the fire control equipment of assigned units. While the fire control technicians are occupied with this function, the Gunners Mates in the division maintain accountability for all the small arms on the ship. The division also maintains the associated magazines and sprinkler systems within the weapons system. W-2 also maintains the Nuclear Weapons Security Program and provides all training for shipboard personnel in Weapons Security. W-3 Division LTJG Anthony, The Nuclear Weapons Repair Division Officer Division maintains the capability to TMrjC Manson perform the maintenance, testing, issue, and stowage of nuclear weapons. They also have the addi- tional function of the receipt, stowage, and issue of the Harpoon Cruise Missile. W-4 Division TM2 Bellamy TM2 Gentry TM2 Miller, J. TM2 Miller, L. TM2 Rogers TM2 Tucker TM3 Leblanc TM3 Lopez TM3 Miller, C. TM3 York TMSN Kipp TMSN Lavine TMSN Lusby TMSN Olson TMSA Watkins ENS Reberry, Division Officer TMl Graves TMl Tooker TM2 Beasley r, m!i- 1 III r Commonly known as the Torpedo Repair Division, W-4 has the job within the Weapons Department of maintenance and repair of Mark 37 Torpedos and all associated hardware and test equipment needed to support the submarines of SUBGRU-5 and DEVGRU-1. The Mark 48 Torpedo, while no longer repaired and maintained on submarine tenders, is stored aboard for issue. The maintenance facility for this torpedo is, however, kept in a state of readiness should the ship be called on to again work on them. CW02 Velez, Division Officer TMC VanLaningham TMl Qoodwin TMl Savicky W-5 Division TM2 Jensen FTG2 Thompson TMSA Harrell TMSN Pribbenow TMSA Taylor The basic mission of W-5 is two-fold. First, it is to provide all Quality Assurance inspections of weapons issued to tended units, to act as safety observers during all weapons and explosive ordinance transfers, and to inspect and certify all weapons handling equipment. Secondly, the personnel assigned to W-5 are responsible for the coordina- tion and scheduling of all weapons- related administrative functions and logistic movement within the depart- ment, as well as between the DIXON and tended units. Additionally, W-5 also maintains the Weapons Repair Department ' s library. .Vv ' U W-. mmm - ■ St J. In Memoriu P Eliu Zapata The dawn of 15 June, 1981, was a typical southern California day, overcast and hazy. As the sun broke through the clouds, the high rises on Coronado could be seen before us and Point Loma beaconed us from the left. With deep satisfaction and pride, we lined the rails as the ship slowly made its way into the channel, toward the Naval Submarine Support Facility. As we moved closer, small boats raced around us with signs and posters welcoming us back and messages for the crew. The ships moored at the base sounded their horns in unison and saluted our return to our accustomed place at the pier. As the ship swung around to the Med Moor with the assistance of the tug boats, the crew strained to see the faces of their friends and loved ones crowding the parking lot. It seemed as though the ship would never be moored, but the divers and crane operators worked relentlessly against the tide and wind to bring the DIXON to rest at home. Finally, liberty call and the long wait was over. All the frustrations and irritations of the previous five months were momentarily forgotten as wives, children, husbands, and friends raced up the pier frantically searching for and finding their sailors. The look on a new baby ' s face, the embrace and kiss from a wife. HOW SWEET IT IS; WELCOME HOME. Editorial When I began the cruise in January and work on the cruise book began in earnest, I was 22 years old, full of enthusiasm for the assignment as Editor, overflowing with many ideas and a camera bag full of film. Now seven months later feeling nearly 60 with sprouts of gray hair and nursing an ulcer, I have definitely felt at times that I had taken on a bit more than I could handle. Rightfully so if it were not for the special talents of other people who provided their support, time and efforts to the cruisebook and to me the book could not have even gotten off the ground. I would like to thank the following people: LT. Reyes, Cruise Book Advisor, thank you for your trust and patience you showed me. LTJG Gannon, OIC Fleet Air Photo Lab., Cubie Pt., Phillipines, thank you and your entire staff for saving us an enormous amount of time with the processing and proofing of over 50 rolls of color film. DTC Hallet, Copy Editor, What can I say, thank you just doesn ' t seem like enough. After two months into the cruise and no copy editor, well needless to say I was beginning to worry a bit. You came to the C.B. ' s rescue as the copy editor and did an outstanding job just like a real pro. It was truly a pleasure working with you. LIl Matthews, LPO RA. Div. Bob, you were my moral support through out the entire project. Always willing to give an ear when I would come to let out some of my frustrations and ask for advice. Thank you for being concerned. The Photo Lab Staff. PH2 Johanningsmeier, PH3 Barnette, and PH3 Brantley. Thank you all for your assistance in the dark room with the processing and printing of various parts of the book and your patience with people asking you, When will the cruise book be finished? PH8 Crump, Photographer, SUBDEV GROUP - 1. Micky, thank you for helping us to make a deadline by printing 20 photos at a crucial time. YNSN Kevin Wallace. Kevin, thank you for the long hours you spent on your own time behind the typewriter typing each and every name within the ships company section. I can ' t thank you enough. MM2 Andy Hellman and the sales staff, without your super efforts in the organizing of book sales there would have been only one book sold — to me. You ' ve all done an outstanding job. Thank you Andy and the rest of the EM3 Joe Bella IC2 Ralph Hughes ET3 Linda Dunn MMFN Ed Landafield PM3 David Durrow MM3 John Sully PMl Bill Gibson DPI Tyrone Wilkins EMS Dennise Harrsion HTl Chuck Williams SN Dona Hayes To the crew of the U.S.S. DIXON. Thank you for your patience. And last but certainly not least, Glenn Miller of Walsworth Publishing Co. Rep., thank you for seeing us through our first adventure with doing this cruise book. Without you we could not of pulled it off. Stephen E. Zurilgen, PH3 Cruise Book Editor PHOTO CREDITS MM3 ALERS; 62 PH3 BARNETTE: 10,11,17,50,93,139-143 ICC BORIO; 22,30,31,47 PH3 BRANTLEY; 15,16,18,30,31,139-143 TMl BREYFOGLE; 22,50-54,56,58,65,81 ,95, 1 3 1 -434, 1 36 EMC HERNANDEZ; 64 PH2 JOHANNINGSMEIER; 64 CDR MYERS; 58,59,61,64 HT2 NEIMANN; 55 PHI ORTIZ; 16,140 HM2 (DV) POPLAWSKI; 41,51,58 DPI WILKINS; 57,58,59 PH3 ZURILGEN; 1,6-11,13-65,67-135,137-143 BARTEL PHOTOGRAPHY; 60,62 SYDNEY AUSTRALIA -i Vi M i ' m - W .W ' ffi ' . x ■• i MARf K. X 1 . IK ! U ; Vv .? A L .-V- ' r h, ' cJr t v . A ' V U 1 ' : cu l ' Xv! ' .J (• v . ' wTi: ; r.:f i.--  . rsl .t.g.i fi ' M • fU v7