John Rodgers (DD 983) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 93 text:

While here the JOHN RODGERS participated in many heUcopter evolutions. Pictured here are some of the many members of the Crash and Rescue Team. The helicopter is a Cobra, used in a close in support role with the U. S. MARINES. They landed often on our ship to refuel before returning to assist in spotting gunfire and escorting other helos and fixed wing aircraft.

Page 92 text:

BEIRUT, LEBANON The USS JOHN RODGERS spent a]most three months steaming up and down off the coast of Lebanon, in close proximity to Beirut. We operated along with a wide variety of ships from many different countries to provide Naval Gunfire Support and to show the flag. To the right is shown the USS IWO IMA (LPH 2) and below is the USS NEW JERSEY IBB 62). The French, Italians, and British also had ships operating in the area. One of the routines was the twice daily arrival of the Beirut Bus. This small landing craft made a giant circle stopping at each ship of the force to pick up dental patients, cargo, outgoing mail, and pas- sengers. Later in the day it would return loaded (we hoped] with mail, sodas, and returning patients. The USS JOHN RODGERS and crew, along with the other ships in the force, were awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal for our services in this hot spot. it If fr

Page 94 text:

On a couple of occasions the USS JOHN RODGERS would join the Amphibious Task Force at anchor. This allowed us to do tests and maintenance on equipment that was running while we were underway. It also provided the various watchstanders a chance to change the monoton ' . The Amphibs. referred to as Gators. remained at anchor during the day. but got underway at night. The picture at the bottom left shows part of the Beirut skyline. The stripped tower is Beirut Light. The airport is south of this point, while the American Embass ' was off to the north. The city was often covered with a haze caused by shelling and fires. The sounds of artiller - were common and at night the beach was laced by the glare of flares, tracer rounds, rockets, and explosions.