Leonard Mason (DD 852) - Naval Cruise Book

Text from Pages 1 - 60 of the 1958 volume:

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R. Ahlers, S02 E. I. Roehrl, PNSN I I SHIP ' S HISTORY Orisnt- he .,— £ ' ;sthumously awarded the Congressional Me::-! :: Honor. I. ' ASON v,ras built at Quincy, Massachusetts by 3e:r. .6hem Steel: she was launched 15 December 194: ur.ie: ' r.- sponsorship of PFC Mason ' s mother, -• ' :; r...-:- l ' .:-zzn. of Lafayette, Ohio, and was com- --r;.:r.n :E ::e 1946. ; ' . ' .S_;! ;..::•; down in the Caribbean, and tran- s:e:: .e ? :::;:- Canal to joLn DESDIV 152 in early 154 5:.e ■;•; :-.-r;.::uled at Hunter ' s Point, and in Jur- .r4 ;r:.e:: ::: ten month tour on the China S: ::: ' r:: :e: r-urr. she participated in local zz ::r iz ::: e. ::r.: — ::::r.s underwent overhaul at Bre-e::: ' z :r. l.lrrrr. 1949 joLned DESDIV 32, soiling for eight months on the China Station the fcllowing month. ' r return, MASON operated locally until hen she carried NROTC midshipmen to r :;;. .._. ;r on their annual summer cruise. This duty compieted, MASON was refitted and regimned at Mare Island. In December 1950 MASON again sailed for the For East, operating with TG 96-7 as an ASW ship for four months. The next two months were spent with TF 7 in support of carriers; late in May 1951 MASON was transferred to TF 95 and with this unit participated in the siege of Wonsan. In June MASON was assigned to TG 95.1 as a blockade ship and screen unit for the British carrier element assigned. A v ell-eamed rest was now due, and cises w::- . - r: I Ir. M ' : MAS _ 1 ' : :r.e :; -r.i r ::■ mosa De:e. ' se r :::l ' ::::- jr..- MASZll -:::-.:: ■.•.-::h TF 77 off Korer -e :-r::-.::-- r. : u::.; Se:::emcer at which time sr.e ;-:.-?:: ::: ner ne,.- r.zrr.e c:r: — Long Beach, California. A winter in the Long Beach Naval Shipyard and a rugged spr:n =cer. ' ;:: relresh-: ' r :r.:r.r readied MASON for ne: :z :c : ,: _:: ll;:e ' ■■.-;:£ As: before her derzrture, sr.e ;;:e:c::ea :z: :v.-: ■.■.■eel-:s with NOTS INYOKERN, testing new ASW v-e-rrrs then in May, with DESDIV 32 and DESDF, ' ? A MA- SON sailed west once more, spending Jure srreer- ing NEW JERSEY on and beyond the =z-z ' -:rj-_ The summer passed with HUK exercise; -r. ; .: 77 in that unit ' s last Korean operations. As :r.e 11 ; re rr. War ended, MASON joined TF 95 for pel: re -r:: s and then in September returned to TF 5 :r. : ' e:r new area of operations, the South China Ser: A :: rir on the Formosa Patrol, and another —zr r. .■•.:- TF 77 finished this deployment; in late lArerrrber MA- SON returned home for a winter of Meal cperaucns. In July, 1954, MASON remmed to the Far East, operating with TG 70.2 and TF 95, and finally TU 36.7.2, a typhoon evasion group. This was the first of thirteen typhoons, certainly par for the course, which invaded MASON ' s vicinity during :h:s rrjlse. Upon her return in February 1955, MASCll ; :r.e:::- otely entered the yard at Long Beach for r: regrr. r overhead. Following her return to opercrticn -e 5h:p went through refresher training. She also ;e;:e:: ne.-.- ASW weapons for NOTS INYOKERN and prepared for her next cruise. In September, MASON headed westward on her seventh WESTPAC cruise, in company with DESDIV 32. During October, she operated with Submarine Hunter Killer Task Group 70.4, and then with TF 77 in November. In December MASON participated in an amphibious training operation at Okinawa, ad then she rejoined TF 77. January 1956 found the MASON on the Formosa Straits Patrol, and then in February she headed homeward arriving in Long Beach in Early March. The month of March was devoted to a period of much deserved leave and liberty. MASON spent April and May conducting training exercises in local operating areas and providing services for various fleet training schools and the Naval Reserve. In June she participated with TF 11 in the annual Pacific Training Exercise, during which a very memorable visit to San Francisco was made. During July and August MASON was occupied with a rigorous De- stroyer Qualification Underway Training Program. Then in September and October MASON settled down to a reduced schedule of local operations. As a direct result of the Middle East Crisis, MASON deployed unexpectedly on 1 1 November 1956 from Long Beach with Fast Carrier Task Force 11. The Task Force arrived in Hawaiian waters 19 November after a week of extensive underway train- ing. MASON used Pearl Harbor as a base of opera- tions for nearly two weeks, while the remainder of Task Force 1 1 redeployed to the United States. This period was high lighted by Carrier Operations and by the MASON ' s first Search and Rescue Mission of the Cruise. For one day MASON searched intensive- ly in the reported area of a recent Marine air crash. Her only success was the recovery of the downed pilot ' s headgear. On 1 December the ship left Hawaii in company with DESDIV 32 bound for Japan. Enroute, a short stop was made at Midway Island on 4 December to refuel and deliver mail. The Division reached Yoko- suka, Japan on 1 1 December. During the following two weeks, MASON men maintained the ship, cele- brated the Christmas holidays and held a Christmas party for fifty under-privileged children from the local area. Upon completion of voyage repairs MASON departed Yokosuka 28 December to participate in Hunter-Killer operations. MASON arrived at Sasebo, Japan on 3 January 1957 for recreation, upkeep and logistics, and de- parted on the 7th in company with DESDIV 32 to conduct more anti-submarine training. After another weekend in Sasebo 11-13 January and a one day visit to Yokosuka on the 17th, MASON headed for Buckner Bay, Okinawa and a rendezvous with Fast Carrier Task Force 77. Operating with TF77 until 26 January, MASON then proceeded to Subic Bay, Philippine Islands for a destroyer tender availability through 10 February. Underway from Subic Bay 1 1 February, MASON set her course to the North towards Kaohsiung, Tai- wan, with DESDIV 32. Upon arrival in Kaohsiung on the 13th, the ship assumed the duties of a unit of the Taiwan Defense Patrol Force. During the early hours of the morning one day on patrol. Mason was called out on her second Search and Rescue Mission of the cruise. Racing at high speed through the grey dawn light towards the reported position of a grounded British freighter. The Hydralock, MASON ' s crew readied for any eventuality. On arrival at the scene, no vessel was in sight. When an error in the report of the Hydralock ' s position had been established, MASON was released to resume her patrol. It was later determined that Hydralock had grounded on Communist held territory about 60 miles from her re- ported position. After being relieved on 8 March of her Patrol duties, MASON proceeded to Hong Kong, B.C.C., where she moored in a Man-of-War anchor- age on 19 March. The following five days were de- voted to liberty, recreation and upkeep. 16 March found MASON underway for Yokosuka, Japan, where she arrived on the 21st for a final repair and logistics period in preparation for her Eastward Trans-Pacific Crossing. On 25 March MASON assist- ed in a very intensive air and sea search for a downed USAF transport. On the 26th she was re- leased along with DESDIV 32 to head Eastward on schedule. Having made brief stops at Midway and Pearl Harbor, MASON moored to the Net Pier, Naval Base, Long Beach, on 10 April 1957. CHANGE OF COMMAND After a successful tour of duty as Com- manding Officer of the MASON, Com- mander lOHN S. WEILER was relieved by Commander LESTER E. G. SETSER. The change of command ceremony was held on January 13, 1958, at Subic Bay, Philippine Islands. FROM THE CAPTAIN At the end of August, 1957, the USS LEONARD F. MASON completed her shipyard overhaul immediately followed by a refresher training period under the Fleet Training Group, Son Diego. Living up to her reputation, the MASON came through that rigorous period with a record well above the overage de- stroyer, and was then ready for any duties assigned. Commander Destroyer Flotilla Three gave the GO signal in November, and the ship then deployed to join the SEVENTH FLEET in the Western Pacific. The first few months of the cruise saw the MASON in as tight an operating schedule as one could imagine. There were few weekend rest periods — Thanks- giving, Christmas, and New Year ' s were spent underway — most Sundays found us in the middle of Task Force operations. We experimented with new tactics and performed all the old ones. A cheerful, CAN DO attitude allowed us to meet each and every operational commitment within the span of human endeavor, and were praised by our Flotilla Commander, our operating carrier Task Force commander and our ship- mates in the Service Force for an outstanding performance. Now the cruise is over. You may well congratulate yourselves and I con- gratulate you on a job WELL DONE. We now look ahead to the future — Smooth sailing with a following sea. LESTER E. G. SETSER COMMANDER, US NAVY COMMANDING THE CAPTAIN Commander Lester E. G. Setser United States Navy Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Leonard F, Mason (DD 852) Commander LESTER E. G. SETSER was born in Gra- vett, Arkansas. He attended Northeastern State Col- lege, Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Following this he enlisted in the Navy serving at the U. S. Naval Training Center, San Diego, California, and on the USS Nevada (BB 36). In December 1942, he enrolled in the USNR Midshipman ' s School, New York, N.Y., and was com- missioned Ensign on 31 March, 1943. His first duty sta- tion was the USS CONY (DD 508) as assistant Gunnery Officer, Gunnery Officer and finally Executive Officer. In August 1946 he was assigned to the University of Oklahoma as a student of the Holloway Plan, followed by another period of instruction commencing in July 1947 in the General Line School, Newport, R.I. After termination of this duty in June 1948 he was attached as Executive Officer on the USS MALOY (EDE 791), thence in January 1950 to COMDESLANT Staff as Assistant Personnel Officer. He next served as Executive Officer on board the USS NICHOLAS (DDE 449). From there he was assigned as Enlisted Shore Detail Officer at BU- PERS, and then as Commanding Officer of the USS J. C. BUTLER (DE 339). In January 1958 Commander Setser assumed command of the USS LEONARD F. MASON (DD 852). THE EXEC Lieutenant Commander James E. Alsover, USN, was commissioned Ensign in April, 1945. His first duty was with the Atlantic Fleet Destroyer Force, then in the Pa- cific aboard the USS BENNER (DD 807) at the end of Worid War II. He remained aboard the BENNER until 1948, when he joined the USS RABY (DE 698) at Pearl Harbor and remained aboard until after the RABY was converted to the Navy ' s first DEC in 1950. The Korean conflict saw him aboard the USS WHITEHURST (DE 634) on the line during 1950-51. A year of instruction at General Line School followed, then he was assigned to Commander Operational Development Force for project work in CIC Systems during 1953-54. From 1955 to 1957, Commander Alsover was assigned to Staff, Commander in Chief, Far East and Commander Naval Forces Far East as ECM Warfare Officer, then reported aboard the MASON in June, 1957. Lieutenant Commander James E. Alsover HUYETTE, CARL W. JR. Operations Long Beach, California MAGGAY, ISIDORO (N) JR. Engineering Long Beach, Caliiornia KNEPPER, DONALD E. Gunnery Arlington, Virginia COMPAU, lAY P. A.S.W. Spokane, Washington ATHEA. ' N, FOLGER (N) JR. Supply San Francisco. Caliiornia WALKER, NEAL T. Damage Control Ruunene, Maui, T.H. LEW, JOHN P. Communications Manhasset, New York NACE, LARRY D. 1st Lieutenant Seven Valleys Road, Pennsylvania McIVOR, BRUCE H. Electrical Seattle, Washington PERESLUHA, EDMUND J. II 1st Division Manchester. Connecticut WARDEN, KENNETH CIC Oliicer Los Angeles, Caliiornia HEDGES, JAMES C. Electronics Minneapolis, Minnesota THE CREW ADAMS, R. W,, 5N Bessemer City, N.C. AHLERS, W R , S02 Mrllstadt, III ALLEN, M. G-, GM3 Castro Valley, Cal.f ALLEN, R. M-, SN Jay, Fla. ALVIDREZ, R , FT3 Los Angeles, Calif. ANDREFSKY, A , PNCA Shenandoah, Pa- ' ( . rs   f 4M dM m ik a iM ARONSON, A, I. JR., IC3 BABCOCK, J. K., MM2 BAILEY, G C JR , FN BaRABE, J J , RDl BEACH M L RDSN BIRD, D T. SN San Gabriel, Calif, Rego Park, NY. Gibbon, Nebr. Albuquerque, N.M. Highland, Calif. Bnstow, Okla. BISHOP, J. H JR , FTl BRIGHT, C L., BMl BROCKERT, R. C., RM3 BROSNAHAN, V H., SM2 BURNETT, J. A , FN BYRNE, L. J , SN Columbus, Ohio Greenup, III Globe, Ariz. Oregon City, Ore. Newberg, Ore. Woodside, NY. CHAMBERLIN, L. M , RDl CHRISTMAS, R. T , YNT3 CLAPP, R J , SM2 Delta, Ohio Pasadena, Calif Bellingham, Wash CREO, E. M., SN CREO, R. R., SN CZAPIEWSKI, J. L., TM2 DAVIS, E. D., ME1 DAVIS. W. R., SK2 DEHONEY, V. W., FPG3 Pittsburgh, Pa. Pittsburgh, Pa. Milwaukee, Wise. Westbrook, Texas Mt. Calm, Texas Garden City, Mo. n r DELAFOSSE, R. J., BTFN DEVILLE, F. K., SN DEYO, D. B., GMC DICKMAN, C A , FA DRUMMOND, C. A., ENFA DULL, W. P., SN Bunkie, La. Algonac, Mich. Binghamton, NY. Cheyenne, Wyo Decatur, Ga. Platteville, Wise. aMMM EDEN, L. D., SN EVERTS, W. H. JR., R03 FIDELDY, R. L., MRFN FISCHER, W. C, DK3 Estancia, N.M. Lansing, Mich. Stockton, Calif. Long Beach, Calif. FORD, A R, MMC FOSTER, T. D., YNSN FREDSON, F. E., EN1 GALBRAITH, L. D, GM3 GARBER, C, SN Goodlett, Texas Kennett, Mo. Tacoma, Wash. Portland, Ore. Staten Island, NY. GARDNER, E. M., SN GENTRY, J. C , FN GETTMAN, B D., SN GILLESPIE, L R. A., EM2 GILLMAN, V A., RMSN GIRON, R. S., SA Toncy, Ala Alpharetta, Ga. Pueblo, Colo Salt Lake City, Utah Carthage, Mo. Trinidad, Colo. GOOD, M. E., FN GOODCHILD, L G., SN GOODMAN, A. A., SN GOSNELL, R. L. JR , BT2 GRAFE, M. F., CS3 GUMM, L., SN San Diego, Calif. Iron Mountain, Mich. Reedlcy, Calif. Casper, Wyo. New Orleans, La. Spanaway, Wash. GUNTHER, R K., EM2 HARPER, H W, SN HARRINGTON. J M., FN HARRIS, R , MM3 HARRISON, R. D , RMl HARSH, R B., MM2 ■■ ■ Louisville, Ky. HAWE, C. B., TMl HEALY, M. J., SK3 HESS, L. C, RD2 HINSON, G. C, Gm2 HOPKINS, R. L., SN HORAN, A M , fT2 Sheyboygan, Wise San Francisco, Calif. Keego Harbor, Mich. Thomasville, Ala. Detroit, Mich. Huntington, W Va. HOUSEMAN, J R , SN HOUSTON, J S , SN HOWLAND, R. J., FTASN HUNT, J C , SN HYNES, H JR , ETR3 IVERSON, L R MMl Forsyth, Mo Winton, Calif. Culver City, Calif, Lincoln Park, Mich. Rutherford, N J. Carpenter, S D JONES, J L , SN JONES, P J , SOI KARLE, D, E , Rm2 KINCHELOE, L. D , SN KLINGAMAN, H. Q , BTFN LA BOUNTY, R F FN Seattle, Wash Compton, Calif Lincoln, Calif. Ulysses, Kan. Hooperton, III. LAUNDRA, J. D, FN LE BLANC, W, L., BT3 LEDGER, D. L., SN LEWIS, R. L., SN LEWIS J C JR RM3 Saginaw, Mich Port Barre, La. Redwood City, Calif. Hamilton, Ohio Dodgeville, w ' isc. -«% 10 LINK, R. C, QMC LOCKREM, A. R , FN LOVINS, J D., SA MAHAN, J. J., SN MALONE, L. D., SN MANCE, M. J., ETR3 San Mateo, Calif. Klamath Falls, Ore. Blomington, III Russellville, Ark. Chatfeyville, Kan. Pittsburgh, Pa. MARK, D., GM3 Wayland, Mich. MARTIN, G. M., BT3 MASON, A., MMl McComb, Miss. Beatrice, Nebr. MASON, P. C, S03 Seattle, Wash. MC ATEE, J. C, ETSSN Leguna Beach, Calif. MC CANN, D A., CS3 Milford, III. o Br ' H V n. ■r a i jIiIB dM iM. m McCANTS, J., SD3 MC CLINTOCK, G. M , SM2 MC DADE, D, R., SN MC ENTIRE, P. C, SN MC NEAL, D. F , EN3 MC PEEK, D P. FN Bremton, Ala. Iron Dale, Mo. Urbana, III. Decatur, Ala. Eugene, Ore. Clintwood, Va. MC REDMO.MD, W. J , SA MERCER, G. R., FT2 METCALF, R. D., YN3 MIKKLESON, J. A., GM3 MILLER, J. W., SN MILLER, R. P., FT3 Erianger, Ky Delano, Calif. Alexander, N.C. Ferryville, Wise. Baldwin Park, Calif. Franklin, Ohio MORGAN, R L , SKI MORIARTY, J. M , RM3 MORRIS, W C. JR., BTl MOSS, W H., SN Lansing, Mich Worchester, Mass. Memphis, Tenn. Springfield, Tenn. MURPHY, O , SN MURRAY, L. P., RDl NELL, W. J., SN NEVILL, C. J. JR., EMS Spruce Pine, N C. Missoula, Mont. Decatur, III. Houston, Texas NOGELMEIER, L. R., S03 OAKES, C. E., FP2 O ' BRIEN, P. A., FT2 OLIVER, W. J., CSC OLNEY, M. E. JR., SN OLSEN R W FT2 Clark, S.D. Andersonville, Tenn. Nashville, Tenn. Boise, Idaho Santa Monica, Calif. Palo Alto, Calif. M iM PEREZ, R. A., SN QUIGLEY, M. P., BM2 QUINTANILLA, V. W., RASMUSSEN, B. A., PNA3 REED, H., MEFN REINERT, G. D., ETNSN Hialeah, Fla. Granite Falls, N.C. SHSN — Guam, M.I. Detroit, Mich. Alhambra, Calif. Manatawny, Pa REKSTAD, G. M., ETN3 REYNOLDS, J. C, SN RHODES, W. C, ME3 RICHARDSON, V. J., BT3 RICHIE, W. J., FA Helena, Mont. El Monte, Calif. Barbarsville, Fla. Mt. Vernon, Ala. Jolret, III. ROEHRL, E. J., SN ROSENBALM, T. R., PNA2 RUBY, H. D. JR., SN Melrose, Minn. Rickreall, Ore. Minneapolis, Minn. SALIBA, D. M., IC2 Cambridge, Ohio SMtTH, C. E., SN SMrTH, J. F. D., SHI SMITH, R. J., MM2 SOWARD, J. T. JR., EM3 STOKES, W. T., BM2 San Francisco, Calif. Long Beach. Calif. Plymouth, III. Houston, Texas Birmingham, Ala. cx n) TREVINO, R. G., CS3 TROXEL, F A , FP3 TUBES, C, FP2 Long Beach, Calif. Hocpeston, III. Lenox, Tenn. i jii WALTER, C. L., TM2 WATSON, C. A. JR., MMFN WENDLAND, E. D., SN Monroe, La. Dallas, Texas Mystic, Iowa NOT PICTURED: ADAMS, R. 0,, BT1, Lancaster, Pa. BARTON, C. D., FN, Los Angeles, Calif. BECK, K. D., FN, Columbia, S.C. BROUGH, J M , FTC, Long Beach, Calif. BUCHER, T F., FN, Bucyrus, Ohio CUNNINGHAM, B., BT2, Beaumont, Texas DOTY, P D , SN, Waynoka, Okla. FISHER, H. J., MM2, Ashley, Mich. FORSHEE, D. J., SMI, Long Beach, Calif. HARDEN, M. M., EMC, Los Vegas, Nev. HARDIGREE, R. L., BM1, Long Beach, Calif. HUNTER, 0. W., BTl, La Puente, Calif. KOLLER, M , FN, New York, NY. LANDRUM, R W., SA, Odessa, Texas LANE, G L , FN, St. Clair Shores, Mich. LYON, E. E., MMC, Long Beach, Calif. MARKCLOUD, A , FN, Wayland, Mich. MASON, M. J., FT3, Mukwonago, Wise. OYER, R. A., CS3, Long Beach, Calif. ROWLAND, W. J , MM3, Port Angeles, Wash RYALS, L. R., MMl, Columbus, Ga. SORIANO, R G , FN, Riial, PI. VIGIL, M. A., SH3, Sopris, Colo. WARD, P. J., FTSA, Long Beach, Calif. WEISS, E. A., BTC, Mesa, Arii. WEST, H. B., BM2, Manchester, Tenn. . 14 . • I ' • t I. FRONT ROW: Penney, HMC; Deyo. GMC; Williams. BMC; Weiss, BTC; Andrei- sky, PNCA. SECOND ROW: Oliver, CSC; Brough, FTC: Link, QMC; Ford. MMC; Lyon, MMC; Harden, EMC. CHIEFS Alter a long day, a deserved rest. Link, QMC, one of the oldest navi- gational aids known to man, with sextant. TYPICAL PLAN OF THE DAY FOR CPO ' S 0700 First chief awakens 0730 Breakfast 0740 Quarters for muster and inspection 0800 Turn to — Commence card games. 0930 Knock off card games. Commence ship ' s work. 0945 Knock off ship ' s work. Commence loafing. 1135 Dinner. 1200 Commence afternoon nap. 1445 Turn to — Commence ship ' s work 1500 Knock off ship ' s work. Commence R R period. 1715 Supper 1800 Movie call. 1930 Lay before the mast all eight o ' clock reports. 2330 Taps. Our guns can always shoot. UoP FRONT ROW: Stokes, BM2; Dunn, SN; Bright, BMl; Ens. Peresluha; Williams, BMC; Olney, SN: Galbraith, GM3. SECOND ROW: Ruby, SN; Creo, E. M., SN; Christmas, YNT3; Houston, SN; Garber, SN; Swenson, SN; Robinson, SN; Murphy, SN; Carlson, GM3. THIRD ROW: Smith, B, C, SN; Bird, SN; Miller, SN; James, SN; Mark, GM3: Creo, H.R., SN; Wendland, SN; Smith, C, £., SN; Allen, SN. X The First Division consists of deck force and gun- ners mates. It is their responsibihty to keep the for- ward part of the ship and the 5 battery in top notch condition. Their Ufe is one of never ending difficult and unpleasant tasks. No matter how often they were called upon to put in many long and hard extra hours, th ir job was done in A-1 fashion. From weighing anchor to firing exercises, these men up- held the highest traditions of Navy fighting men. Smith, B. C. Slack it oli. 16 Notice? Two hash marks! Look. Ski! I ' m sure it ' s Howdy Doody. I see you. If I have painted it one time. I ' ve painted it a thousand times. Okay, men. Let ' s tie it up quickly. FRONT ROW: DeVille. SN; Reynolds, SN; Perez, A. E., SN; Quigley, BM2; Ensign Nace; Hinson, GM2; Firon. SR; Palridge, SA; Slaten, SN: Gettman. SN. SECOND ROW: Johnson, SN; Lewis, R. L., SN; Talley, GM3; Moss, Sn; Malone, SN: Adams, R. W., SN: Doly, SN; Hopkins, SN; Sloan, SN. THIRD ROW: Allen. G. M.. GM3: Schofield, SA: Harper, SN: Swanson, D. G., SN; Mikkleson, GM3; Simcox. SN; Eden, SN: Dull, SR; McRedmond, SN; Cashman, SN; Forbes, SN. The men of the second division are responsible for the maintenance and repair of the ship aft of frame 110 and the 3 batteries, as well as the after fueling station and the after replenishment station. The G. M. ' s high standard of workmanship was quite apparent when the time came for firing their 3 battery exercises. The deck force put in many long hard working days to keep their section of the MASON in 4.0 shape. These days often were 14 or 16 working hours long. Quigley, BM2, and Moss, SN. I want that gig shipshape. 18 Let ' s paint the bulkhead pretty purple. Now for some shuteye. Where does the dirt come from at sea? Standing by for hi-line? Who said turn to? Sweepers, man your broo-- uh, foxtails. FRCNT ROW: Williams, SNr Mason. M. J., FI3, Brough, FTC; LTJG Compou; Bishop, FTl; Jones, SOI; O ' Brien, FT2. BACK ROW: OMalley, S02; Alvidiez, FT3; Olsen, FT2; Walter, TM2; Mercer, FT2; Nell, SN; Howland, FTSN; Ahlers, S02; Nogelmeie r,S03; Mason, P. C, S03. 20 The T.M. ' s or Torpedoemen maintain the small anti-submarine torpedoes and the large anti-surface fish . They also aid in arming the depth charges and hedgehogs during A. S. W. attacks or exercises. The Fire Control Technicians handle all the radars for the 3 and 5 guns, plus the directors, target designation system, and plotting rooms. On their shoulders lies the load of assuring the utmost in the performance, accuracy, and speed of our guns. The Sonarmen, or Ping Jockeys , operate and maintain all electronic and a large part of the ordnance equipment used in anti-submarine warfare. Their watches underway are in Sonar control, conducting a never ending search for sub-surface contacts, be they fish, whale, or submarine. 21 FIRST ROW: Davis, SK2; Gardner. TN; Trevino, CS3; Penney. HMC; LTJG Alhearn; Oliver, CSC; Nazerino, SD3; Quinlanilla. SHSN; Moyer, CS3. SECOND ROW: Ledger, SN; McDade. SN; Mc- Canls, SD3; Lampe, SA; Moton, SDl; Turner, TN; Fischer, DK3; Jackson. TN; Morgan, SKI. The supply division is a Can-do divi- sion aboard the ship, from drapes for the captain, to electronic repair parts. The sup- ply division • has many functions and the butt of many jokes. It maintains the allot- ment (never enough money), it orders items for all departments of the ship (Where is the requisition?), it feeds the crew (cold cuts again), it pays the crew (Where ' s my money?), operates the ship ' s store (closed for inventory), and a coke machine (out of nickels again), and always gets credit for a well done. C T A 22 r Appendicitis ? ? The cost of living is going up; Ship over. All that meat and no potatoes! -minus social security and income ta It was either get it cut or stay aboard, and I like my liberty. Gimme some acey - duecy chips, Egbert. Get that cockroach out of there! FIRST ROW: Munoz, RD3; Chamberlin. RDI; Wright, RD2; Ensign Warden; Wardrupe, RDl; Mance. ETR3; Reinert. ETNEN; Hess. RD2. SECOND ROW: Murray, RDl; Hynes, ETR3; Woodcock, ETR3; White. RD3; Everts, RD3; Beach, RDSN; Goodman, SN; Rekstad, ETN3. n Maintaining an up to date navigational picture; keep- ing an accurate plot on all contacts, enemy and friend- ly; course and speed recommendations to put the ship on station; guarding four radio circuits; keeping an up to date status board; these are just a few of the routine jobs of the men in the OI division at sea. When maneu- vers commence, the job increases manyfold. 24 The CIC Surface Plot Status Board, showing a scaled map of the coast of China, Ki and the southern sector of Japan. Wright RD2, is pointing out navigation recommenda tions during the Formosa Patrol. Mance, ET3, still at trying to get the gear back in operation, a job which often times seems hopeless. Rest assured, he ' ll fix it. Mr. Warden. 25 FIRST ROW: Karle. RM2: Roscnbalm, PNA2; Moriarly, RM3; Ensign Lew; Duran. RM3; Gillman, RMSN; Brockerl. RM3. SECOND ROW: Jones, QMSN; Foster, YNSN; Moore, RM3; Andrefsky, PNCA; Taylor, RMSA; Roehrl, SN. 26 Okay, Jones, standby to write. Now where should we send him? These mid ' s kill me. The OC Division, under the Operations Department, consists of the YNs and PNs, or pencil pushers, the Radiomen, or dit-dah boys, and the QMs and SMs, or ski Afie- wavers. The pencil pushers are in charge of the ship ' s correspondence, the dit-dahs hove the radio communications, and the skiwie-wavers have the visual communi- cations. V tAo « DP 93 • 27 ■O FIRST ROW: LeBlanc, BT3; Morris, BTl; LT. Maggay; Weiss, BTC; Cunningham, BT3; Richard- son, BT3; Adams, BTl. SECOND ROW: Cooksey, FN; Beck, FA; Good, F. N.; Gosnell BT3; Vorachek, FN; KoUer, FN. THIRD ROW: Cavegn, FA; Dickman, FN; Bailey, FN; Markcloud FN; Chaffers, BT2; Martin, BT3; Delaiosse. FN; Perales, FN. The M Division, a subdivision of the Engineering Department, is subdi- vided into two separate groups which are the boilermen and the machinists mates, collectively known as snipes . The boilermen operate the boilers and fireroom equipment; transfer, test, and take inventory of fuels and water; serve as members of damage control parties; maintain and repair pumps, boilers, and associated machinery. The Machinists mates have various jobs in the enginerooms which include the maintenance of the main propulsion engines and such related auxiliary equipment in the engineering spaces as pumps, compressors, generators, valves, lube oil coolers, and propeller shafts. , ' aJ. M mi- i H  - M . :«i H ' i H I ' ■ ' - ' • 4 tii ' m m ■1 m 28 FIRST ROW: Cooney, FN; Burnett, FN Richie, FN; Ford, MMC; Lt. Maggay Ryals, MMl; Soriano, FN; Swails, MM2 Shierts. FN. SECOND ROW: Coon, MM2 Harsh, MM2; Rowland, MM3; Lane. FN Harris, MM3; Watson, FN; Babcock MM2; Iverson, MMl; Lockrem, FN: Laundra, FN; Gentry, FN. 4S, • iv R ' v 5 Hf B - fy |y€ it f. 1 f M R ■ I J The butler did it! Clean skivvies at last! It should tly, but it doesn ' t Where ' s my cutting torch? Wake up. You ' re not on watch. rm 1 ■ K1 ol Jl K m v B B H 1 1 28 knots? Is he kidding? Not water hours again! Slowly her lips parted and- FRONT ROW: Aronson, IC3; NeviU, EM3; Jonnan. EMI; Harden, EMC: Ensign Mclvor: Lyon, MMC; Davis, MEI; Saliba, IC2; McNeal, EN2. SECOND ROW: Soward, EM3; Caskey, EMS; Harrington. FN; Rhodes, ME3; DeHoney, FPG3; Troxel. FPG3; Gunther, EM2; Gillespie. EM2; Johnson, EM2; Rasmussen, PNA3. IT Where ' s Reedie Reed? ffll 4 i 2r M We ' ll have a hot lime tonight. 30 I don ' t BELIEVE it. All I ' m going to do is take photos. The R Division is truly the Jack of all Trades for resting on the shoulders of these men is the responsi- bility of keeping the whole ship in performing condition. It is the job of the Pipefitters, the Metalsmiths, and the Damage Controlmen to keep the water tight integrity of the MASON, as well as repair the valves, pipes, and ventilating systems. The Enginemen and Machinery Repairmen are concerned with the comfort of the crew, supplying the steam for the galley, laundry, and heat. They also have control of the ship ' s auxiliary engines and the emergency firefighting equipment. Electricians Mates are responsible for the ship ' s service generators and all electrical lighting and power. The Intercom- munications Electrician is charged with the intra ship communication systems and the ship ' s gyro compass. Confounded machine anyho And me a 1st class, too! How about Hound-dog THE CRUISE 1 Twenty-seven November saw the MASON once again under- way for another WestPac cruise, this time her tenth. After a one- day stop over at Pearl Harbor, on the 2nd of December, the ship proceeded to Pago Pago, arriving the 9th for a day ' s visit; thence to Brisbane, Australia entering port one day early on the 16th due to being released from the rest of the division to deliver a sus- pected appendicitis case. The 6-day stay in Brisbane was a hectic one, a round of welcoming parties and good times. The MASON reluctantly left Brisbane on 22 December enroute for Manus and another one-day stop there on the 27th; then enroute to Subic Bay, Philippine Islands for an availability from 2 to 13 January 1958. GuURon ONE was the title assigned the MASON during the next week ' s operations as the ship served as a tactical deception unit in a Strike Exercise. Following a one-day refueling stop in Buckner Bay, Okinawa on 23 January, MASON performed as plane guard for the USS Ticonderoga (OVA 14) and then headed for Yokosuka, Japan, remaining for 2 days, 29-30 January. An ASW Operation was next on the agenda for the first week in February after which a well earned 3-day respite at Yokosuka, 5-8 February. The first two days of the period 8 to 16 February were devoted to plane guard for the Ticonderoga, then detach- ment with the Tucker to observe a Missile Firing Exercise and finally in port on 16 February at Sasebo, Japan for a week ' s ten- der availability alongside the USS Hector (AR-7). On 23 February, the ship left Sasebo for Operation Strong- back. The 24th through the 28th were spent as plane guard for Ticonderoga, and March 1 to 4 as an SAR picket ship. On 5 March an emergency appendicitis case brought the ship to Buckner Bay, Okinawa while enroute to Yokosuka for a 20 day availa- bility. One April through 6 April were spent in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The MASON operated with Task Group 72 on the Taiwan Patrol from 1 April to 22 April. Hong Kong received another visit from MASON from 25 April until 1 May, this period was used for upkeep and recreation. From Hong Kong, the ship was underway for an availability prior to departure for home. MASON left Yoko- suka on 14 May and, after a brief stop over in Pearl Harbor, reached the United States on 30 May. 32 THE CRUISE IN COLOR Hong Kong Tiger Balm Gardens fagoaa Pennies, Joe Traffic Cop Thieves ' Alley Gateway Drying Clotheb — ixowioon jiyi Pagoda in Tigci iicii: n Guidcns Genuine fresh Formosa watermelon - — ' _- Drying silk brocade Babysan at home A wandering minstrel, I 33 The devil-less trumpei. POLLYWOGS TO I SHELLBACKS ( Relax, no sharks do ra there. The Royal Baby (?)! King Neptune and Court. 34 PAGO PAGO AND MANUS BRISBANE AUSTRALIA I say there, old chap, it ' s a jolly good day. The bloody sun is bright and the sky is clear. Let ' s trot down to the pub and ' ave a beer, eh what? Perhaps we ' ll meet some nice shiela and arrange a little sight-seeing tour of Brisbane. Brisbane, one of the principle cities of Australia, the Island Continent. A city of beauty and simplicity, a place where a visitor is made to feel right at home by the citizens, and yet is struck with the neverending wonders of a new land. The best liberty port of them all is the opinion of the Mason crew. And rightly so, for no matter how much was seen, or how many things were done, each new day brought forth something new and excitingly different. Among the innumerable activities and highlighting points were souveniers shopping, countless breath taking sights to please every sightseer and camera-bug, night clubs and restaurants or the dancers and connoisseurs of fine foods and delicate wines, and visits to the zoos and the outlying plains to see the kangaroos and Koala bears. Also a favorite spot was Surfer ' s Paradise for the sea loving souls. This is only a meager portion of the endless list. To sum it all up, there is only one thing to say — Thank you, Bris- bane. We had a jolly good time. Up a Lazy River A Royal welcome 36 37 Mount Fuji The Land of the Rising Sun. Whether it ' s the bustling city of Yokosuka, located on the southern end of Tokyo Boy, or Sasebo, sprawled near the flat lands of southern Honshu, Japan promises good liberty to the shutter-bug, big spender from the West, traveler, and fun lover. Sukiyaki and Habachi pots are considered by many men as being part of their Home Away From Home. No matter what yovir interest be, Japan was tops for rest and relaxation. j r ' 7 ' Market Street (Tokyo style!) Ginza The Pearl Of The Orient. A place where excitement, color, beauty, and entertainment were found. The crew of the Mason spent five glorious days in Hong Kong with shopping for clothing and jewelry topping the list of pas- times. The Peak Tram provided excellent scenery for the sight-seers and photo-fiends, as well as Tiger Balm Gar- dens, imposing an experience one will never forget. Only in Hong Kong could one find so many bargains and still have a wonderful time sightseeing and picture taking. iy Nc ii SUBIC BAY AND KAOHSIUNG Subic Bay, P.I., is not a spectacular liberty port. The only relaxation offered is the few downtown bars, the beach, and the E. M. Club on the base. Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is the base of operations for ships during their tour of duty as picket patrol vessels on the Taiwan Straits. Here is the place of refueling and upkeep between patrols. ■TtiifiiritiTi ' rinimnmTiTiiiiii i iii i iiiiimiiimriiiiiiiniiiiiiniM fc SHIPS ACTIVITIES Among the activities of the MASON ' s crew, beach parties were always enjoyable. Time was occupied by swimming, sun bathing, softball, beer, and food. Ship ' s parties have always been tops, is the opinion of crew. Besides beach par- ties, the ship ' s softball team, basketball team, and pistol team brought fame and fortune re- gardless of where they were or the type of weather that had forsaken them. It was nip and tuck all the way through competition and with good sportsmanship they usually came out victorious. With very little and much needed practice the basketball season in WestPac end- ed with two victories and one defeat. The vic- tories were recorded in Sasebo and Subic Bay, and the loss was also in Subic Bay. The softball team needed practice also, but after a few gomes, the kinks were removed and it was Play Ball from the time the game began until the lost out was recorded. The final summary for the season was five victories and two setbacks. The pistol team gained fame in Brisbane where they exchanged ideas for good marks- manship with the Australian Army. With heads held high, the squad has proved to be above all standards from last cruise. On December 6, 1957, the Pollywogs were initiated into the kingdom of Neptunis Rex. This traditional ceremony was one which will never be forgotten by those who participated. We ' re Shellbacks now. Last, but far from least is the monotonous hi-line detail for the purpose of exchanging mail and movies with other ships or refueling from tankers or carriers. SHIPS PARTIES The ship ' s pcrrties in WestPac were a Beach Party ir. Subic Bay and a Formal Party in Sasebo. The opinior. of this writer is: When the Mason has a party, stand by for G. Q. Great Advertising. G. Q. tomorrow. Captain? Knepper, you ' re washed out! A Subic Bay hostess. Let an ET iix it. 11 I III 11 I M III 11 — T7 3 ID ' 1 — _ — . • __ „ — ■ • IHH B Ahlers takes a whack. Now here ' s what we ' ll do. PISTOL TEAM The pistol team had only one chance for firing this year, and no competitive meets. While in Brisbane, the men were invited to shoot with some of the Aussie weapons, and in turn instructed their hosts in the firing of some U. S. weapons. Squeeze, don ' t jerk. BASEBALL The Mason softball team had a short but successful season this year, winning five games, and dropping two. With a good many returning men from lost year ' s team, the squad filled in with excellent rookies to form a tight defense and a strong batting punch. TASK FORCE OPS Hunter-Killer, ASW, and Plane Guard Detail were the Task Force Operations performed by the Mason while in West- Pac. Although the days seemed to drag on forever, all hands knew it was a very necessary part of training, for an untrained crew is useless in case an emergency should ever arise. m Here comes the go-iuice. The daring young man- Calm and Serene. Mail call today, men. Heave around, sailors! So there you are! Well, that ' s over! LIFE ON THE MASON Watches, watches, watches! Hamburgers again. Corporal Rov Mason pastime, Acey-Duecy. You say it is a Western? Knock off ship ' s work plus one minute. Now liberty commences- Nothing can compare to our ship ' s Beach Parties. Shucks, its just water! Tiger? ' m. 9 K. g, - %i r« E M 1 Bii L H 1 Kl ft 1 n r X. 1 Ih I --— ' And the band played on. No Bogies yet. Hot dog! The Pollywog Revolt. Now, This is how you do it. Ain ' t she Purty? It stands for Monroe. Now stand by for hi-line. Mount Fuji and friend. It ' s Marge and Gower, Time for a rest, folks. The three bloody limies. The Lineup, Trick photography. An Aussie tug. A good lime for all. Open house in Brisbane. I 1 of th? to All SAllORS m e. Y ifiu e H- QReetmqs: se o j i3th U.S.S. MA hARk dae ' f I ' eMe r ' feceii i fint CMew nave Ae ftff y a if i cu S nr Moee lue. 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